Qualifying organizations include non-profit hunting organizations, sportsmen’s groups, wildlife conservation groups, and rod and gun clubs.

The grant has been provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting Heritage Partnership.

“Our Hunting Heritage Workgroup unveiled the critical need to preserve our hunting heritage to more than 20 concerned organizations, in a scenic meadow on the Mogollon Rim over Father’s Day weekend,” said Larry Voyles, director for Game and Fish. “The support and collaboration expressed is not like this state has seen in many years – it’s very exciting.”

Each successful applicant can receive up to $1,000 to host a mentored hunting camp. Successful applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered: promote or facilitate hunter recruitment and retention (examples include small game hunting camps for rabbit, dove, quail, squirrel, predator/furbearing, etc.); hunt using a firearm; be available to the public; hold family activities at camp; complete best practices training; complete project by Jan. 31, 2010; and submit a survey or evaluation of the event.

“By offering these funds to supporting organizations with experienced hunters, we can expand the department’s efforts to recruit new hunters, get our youth outdoors to reconnect with nature, and assure Arizona’s historic hunting heritage for future generations,” Voyles said.

Applications must be in department hands by Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. MST by mail only in triplicate to Arizona Game and Fish Department IEED, Attn: Hunter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

Applications can be found at www.azgfd.gov/hhwg under “Hunting Heritage Partnership: Mentored Hunting Camp Grant Program,” or by contacting Hunter Recruitment and Retention coordinator Denise Raum at draum@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7567.