Wisconsin offers up to $75,000 in grants to recruit new hunters and reactivate former participants

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Wisconsin’s hunting population is declining, and the state is taking action to reverse the trend.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering grants through its Hunter R3 program — standing for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation — to help bring new hunters into the sport and encourage experienced hunters to return. The program provides up to $75,000 in total funding, with individual awards capped at $25,000.

The money supports organizations and individuals who provide hunting education and work to eliminate obstacles that prevent new hunters from participating in the sport.

“Hunting has traditionally played a big role in how we conserve wildlife and habitat natural areas and ecosystems overall,” said Emily Iehl, hunting program specialist for the Wisconsin DNR. “There is a lot of good benefits and research out there and getting outside and getting exposed to green spaces impacts your mental and emotional health.”

The grant program has already funded several projects designed to make hunting more accessible. Previous recipients have used the money to renovate archery ranges in urban schools and establish scholastic clay target programs.

Applicants interested in pursuing funding should visit the Hunter R3 section on the Wisconsin DNR website for more information and to submit their applications. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2026.

Organizations and individuals eligible for the grants include those developing new hunting education programs, creating mentorship opportunities for beginning hunters, and addressing barriers such as access to land, equipment costs, or lack of knowledge about hunting regulations and safety.

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