Hunter R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) Grant Program

Hunter R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Last Updated: August 05, 2025

Summary

The Hunter R3 Grant Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance safe and ethical hunting through recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. This initiative seeks to engage new hunters, especially families and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, by providing educational resources and mentorship opportunities. By addressing common barriers such as access to land, understanding regulations, and fostering community support, the program promotes sustainable hunting practices and strengthens the hunting community across Wisconsin.

Overview

Program Introduction The purpose of the Hunter R3 grant program is to support safe and ethical hunting by funding projects that 1) develop new hunters and 2) offer continuing education for all hunters. In keeping with national recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts, the goals of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are to increase awareness and promote the relevance of hunting; provide opportunities to hunt; help experienced hunters share their knowledge and expertise with new hunters; and provide useful resources to people from all backgrounds who are interested in learning how to hunt. In particular, the DNR targets adults and families who have little prior hunting experience. Research on the topic of hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation has identified consistent motivations for hunting. These motivations include hunting to acquire food and share it with family and friends; a desire to learn skills contributing to self-sufficiency; the health benefits of spending time in nature; and quality time spent with family and friends. These motivations ring true both with current hunters and with people who did not grow up in hunting or fishing families, whose interest in hunting started later in life. Research has also identified a variety of barriers that prevent people from learning or continuing to hunt. These barriers include: Finding access to private land or high-quality experiences on public land (land that is not overcrowded, has good habitat and high numbers of game species, and easy accessibility to good hunting spots).Finding a trusted, experienced hunter willing to act in the role of a mentor for someone new to hunting.Finding and maintaining a core group of people to hunt with, who provide moral support and camaraderie.Learning and understanding hunting regulations. Finding time and motivation to hunt rather than prioritizing other activities. Safety concerns related to aspects of the public image of hunting.A desire to feel safe handling firearms.  Health concerns related to Chronic Wasting Disease in white-tailed deer. Successful Hunter R3 grant projects will address one or more of these barriers to provide high-quality, welcoming experiences for current and future hunters in Wisconsin. Applications that enhance public/private partnerships are strongly encouraged. Priorities for the Hunter R3 program include: Projects that are intended for people who do not come from traditional hunting backgrounds (have little prior hunting experience); and projects intended for families, women, and adults. Projects that demonstrate a likelihood of success and long-term sustainability; and a clear plan for evaluation.Projects that use best practices established by practitioners in the field of outdoor skills-based outreach and education. Please review the information in the R3 Practitioner’s Guide.Projects that address specific barriers to the recruitment, retention and/or reactivation of hunters.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants Wisconsin counties, towns, villages, and cities Wisconsin Universities, Colleges and Technical Schools Other Wisconsin governmental units, as defined in s. 66.299, Wis. Stats. Wisconsin Tribes Wisconsin School Districts Most if not all, conservation organizations (i.e., local rod and gun clubs, sporting organizations, local chapters, and national organizations) Individuals Eligible items Salaries, wages, and benefits for employees Consultation services Purchased services (i.e., printing, mailing, room rental) Other purchased services (i.e., Surveys) Supplies Equipment: If you are purchasing equipment for the project, using equipment you already own, or accepting donations of equipment, please consult with the Hunter Education and Shooting Sports grant manager for information on the equipment depreciation and hourly use policy. Hourly equipment rental charges Other: List costs that are needed to implement the project but are not captured in the items above