ID Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) Grant

The ID Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) Grant provides essential financial and technical assistance to landowners aiming to enhance upland game bird and waterfowl habitats in Idaho. Through cost-sharing agreements, landowners can receive up to 75% reimbursement for qualifying projects, with a cap of $10,000. The program emphasizes sustainable practices and partnerships with non-profits and federal agencies to foster habitat improvement, ensuring a supportive environment for wildlife while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

NOTE: Begin by making a request to the habitat biologist at the nearest Fish and Game office. They will assess the potential of lands, plan projects, and help landowners find sources for seeds and seedlings needed for projects.
Habitat holds the key to the future of upland game and waterfowl in Idaho. Creating and improving habitat is the goal of Idaho Fish and Game's Habitat Improvement Program (HIP).
The HIP objective is to provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners and public land managers who want to enhance upland game bird and waterfowl habitat. Landowner interest in creating or enhancing game bird habitat remains strong today and the HIP program can help make the difference.
Costsharing and Partnerships
On approved projects, landowners are generally reimbursed up to 75% of out-of-pocket expenses with a general limit of $10,000 per project. However, limits and percentages may vary for food plot and wetland projects. See the HIP Guidelines for more details.
Funds may also be available for costsharing on HIP habitat projects in partnership with non-profit organizations and federal agencies.
Agreement
All projects are documented in a cooperative agreement and project plan. The agreement usually requires the landowner to maintain the project for a minimum of 10 years. Food plot agreements run only one or two years. An agreement can be terminated at any time if the cooperator returns all cost-share funds.

Eligibility

Any private landowner is eligible to participate in some kind of private lands program.Projects That Are Eligible for HIP: Upland Game Habitat
establish areas of grasses and legumes for nesting cover;
fencing livestock from woody areas to provide critical winter cover;
planting farmstead and field windbreaks to provide cover;
planting winter food plots near existing nesting/winter cover.
creating new wetlands;
restoring drained wetlands.

Ineligibility

Fee hunting is not allowed on lands under a HIP contract.HIP cost share is not available for shooting preserves.