Hunter R3 (Recruitment, Retention And Reactivation) Grant Program

The Hunter Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through federal Wildlife Restoration funds. Its purpose is to support safe, ethical hunting in Wisconsin by funding initiatives that focus on recruiting new hunters, especially adults, women, and families, and by offering ongoing education and support to both new and experienced hunters. The program aligns with national R3 goals and addresses a range of identified barriers that hinder participation in hunting, such as limited access to quality land, lack of mentorship, and regulatory complexity. The R3 Grant Program is a reimbursement-based, cost-share initiative that provides financial support for projects carried out by individuals, public agencies, tribes, schools, and conservation organizations in Wisconsin. Grantees are reimbursed for up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a cap of $25,000 per award and a total annual program budget of approximately $75,000. Applicants are required to contribute the remaining 25% through match funding, which may include cash or the documented value of donated services, supplies, and labor. Funds can be used for salaries, supplies, rentals, background checks, printing, and other direct costs essential to project implementation. Ineligible expenses include firearms, hunting licenses, law enforcement activities, and capital projects. Eligible applicants include Wisconsin counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, universities, technical colleges, conservation groups, and individuals. All applicants must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) issued through SAM.gov. Applications must include a completed Form 8700-348, a signed Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), a W-9, and the UEI. Submissions are made electronically to DNRHunterR3Grants@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m. on the annual deadline of September 15. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that submitted materials are complete and accurate. Grant applications are reviewed for completeness, adherence to program priorities, and the potential for successful outcomes. Projects that show long-term sustainability, demonstrate the use of best practices, and directly address participation barriers are prioritized. Reviewers include internal and external experts in hunting and education. Selected applicants are notified in December. Following review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, final grant agreements are issued approximately one year after submission. Subrecipients are responsible for all project execution and must comply with federal grant management standards (2 CFR 200 and 50 CFR 80). This includes maintaining documentation, collecting participant DNR ID numbers, reporting program income, submitting financial and narrative reports, and ensuring that activities are completed within the approved period of performance. Final reimbursement is contingent upon submission of all required forms, deliverables, and verification documents, and project records must be retained for at least three years. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact Sarah Brenner, Hunter R3 Grant Program Manager, at sarah.brenner@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0928. The Hunting & Shooting Sports Specialist, Emily Iehl, is also available at emily.iehl@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-8168. Additional guidance, timesheets, templates, and program information can be found on the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/HunterRecruit.html.

Start planning early as grant agreements may not be issued for 1–1.5 years after submission. Engage target audiences through best practices. Ensure all matching documentation is clear and complete