Upland Game Bird Stamp Fund Research Grant

The Upland Game Bird Stamp Fund Research Grant, offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, invites research proposals focused on upland game bird conservation. With up to $600,000 available for the FY 26–27 biennium, this grant encourages collaborative projects addressing specific research priorities. Eligible applicants include universities and non-profit organizations, with a preference for proposals that leverage existing datasets. This initiative aims to enhance management practices and support sustainable habitats for upland game bird species in Texas.

Project Scope
The Wildlife Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is requesting proposals from universities and non-profit organizations/agencies interested in partnering with TPWD to investigate important conservation and/or management questions related to upland game birds through grant funded research opportunities. This grant opportunity is funded by the revenue from hunter license sales, specifically from Upland Game Bird (Stamp) Endorsements. Per Parks and Wildlife Code, the net proceeds from Upland Game Bird Stamp Funds may be used for research concerning upland game birds (PWC §43.658). During the FY 26–27 biennium (September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2027), TPWD plans to make up to $600,000 in funds available ($300,000 per fiscal year) to support cooperative research projects, specifically for the project topics listed below. Unsolicited proposals for topics other than those explicitly listed within this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be considered at a lower priority for funding.
Background
The Upland Game Bird Stamp Fund Research Grant is a state funded research opportunity that supports research which leads to proactive conservation and management activities benefiting upland game bird species and their habitat in Texas.
Matching funds on research proposals are not required but are encouraged. Providing match in a proposal will not increase its likelihood of funding. In-kind match may be included. Federal funds may not be included as match for this proposal. Grant funds will be provided to the grantee on a reimbursement basis; the grantee's institution or organization will receive reimbursement of their eligible invoiced expenses.
Statement of Work
This solicitation calls for proposals to address the specific research needs listed below which have been identified by TPWD Wildlife Division Small Game Program staff as research priorities for this funding cycle. TPWD reserves the right to not select a proposal due to funding limitations, insufficient proposal quality, or any other factors deemed appropriate.
Research topics of interest for this funding cycle include:

• Evaluating the Effects of Fenbendazole on Demographics of Wild Northern Bobwhite in the Rolling Plains of Texas
• Determine the Impacts of Land Conservation Actions on Wild Turkeys in Texas

Eligibility

Research proposals on these topics are encouraged from university personnel and other qualified researchers from public (governmental) and nonprofit organizations.Primary applicants may include U.S. city, county, state, or federal government agencies, public institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations. Primary applicants must be in good standing with the Texas Comptroller and TPWD Accounting, regarding business and contracting practices.Partners (secondary applicants, cooperators or collaborators) may include other universities, private individuals, corporations, organizations or foundations.  Partners are considered subcontractors of the primary applicant.

Ineligibility

Contracts will not be awarded to performing agencies (or principal investigators) who are delinquent or deficient in providing deliverables for current or past contracts or an approved final report from a previously awarded research contract to TPWD from all funding sources.