Big Game Management Account (BGMA)
The BGMA grant funds research, conservation, and habitat projects supporting California's big game species, including deer, elk, pronghorn, wild pig, bear, and bighorn sheep.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Proposal Solicitation Notice / full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Award sizes vary by project; recent projects range from ~$16,000 to over $1.9 million, typically for 1–3 years.
Summary: Supports projects benefitting California big game species through conservation, research, habitat enhancement, and public hunting opportunities.
Key Information: For non-profit organizations; proposals solicited as needed based on CDFW priorities.
Description
The Big Game Management Account (BGMA) grant program, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), provides funding for projects and programs that benefit big game species in California. Eligible projects include land acquisition, research, population monitoring, habitat enhancement, program implementation, expanding public hunting opportunities, outreach, and technical or administrative support related to pronghorn, elk, mule deer, wild pig, black bear, and bighorn sheep. Funding priorities are determined by CDFW in consultation with a public advisory committee, and proposal solicitations are issued as needed to address identified needs and priorities.
