Hunter R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) Grant Program
Forecasted
Hunter R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) Grant Program supports current and prospective Wisconsin hunters through training, mentorship, and evaluation to build safe hunting skills and sustain participation.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; up to 75% of eligible project costs
Summary: Cost-sharing grants support projects that develop safe, ethical hunters and mentors through education, training, and evaluation.
Key Information: Awards are reimbursement-based: grantees must pay project costs before seeking payment from DNR.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) runs the Hunter R3 program to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters. It funds projects that develop new hunters and provide continuing education, with an emphasis on adults, women, families, and people without traditional hunting backgrounds. Projects can provide hands-on training and mentorship while testing approaches and evaluating their effectiveness.
DNR seeks work that reduces barriers to hunting, including access, mentorship, motivation, public image, and outdoor skills or gear. The program aims both to create welcoming experiences for current and prospective Wisconsin hunters and to generate results that inform future education priorities.
