IDFG Challenge grants fund statewide conservation efforts

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has awarded annual Challenge Grants to organizations across the state, supporting wildlife research, habitat improvement, outdoor education and youth recreation projects. Among the projects receiving funding are efforts in the Panhandle and Clearwater regions focused on fisher research and youth hunting opportunities. 

In the Panhandle Region, the Idaho Trappers Association received $6,000 for a fisher research project, and the Kootenai Valley Sportsmen Association received $4,000 for a youth pheasant hunt at Boundary Smith Creek Wildlife Management Area. 

In the Clearwater Region, the Idaho Trappers Association received $10,000 for a fisher research project. 

Additional grants awarded throughout Idaho include: 

Southwest Region 

Idaho Trails Association, $5,000, for a trail clearing project in the Indian Creek drainage of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. 

McCall Outdoor Science School, $5,000, to improve and advance conservation education of 5th and 6th graders. 

Magic Valley Region 

Mule Deer Foundation, $4,000, for habitat improvement. 

Idaho Conservation Officers Association, $6,000, to reduce registration fees for the Mark Hill Memorial Youth Conservation Camp. 

Southeast Region 

Fish and Wildlife Coalition, $5,000, for pheasant surrogate evaluation on Sterling Wildlife Management Area and habitat improvements. 

National Wild Turkey Federation, Idaho Chapter, $4,000, for habitat improvement. 

East Idaho Houndsmen Association, $1,000, for a youth hound hunting equipment giveaway for an annual youth event. 

Upper Snake Region 

Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance, $7,000, for riparian fence modification. 

South Fremont Archery Team, $2,000, for archery range improvement. 

Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, $1,000, for a hound hunting equipment giveaway for an annual youth event. 

Salmon Region 

Cast Hope, $10,000, for a fly-fishing clinic for underprivileged youth. 

Statewide Awards 

Truth in Media Foundation, $20,000, to support a multi-episode podcast series aimed at educating Idahoans on the depth and breadth of work the department does to achieve its mission while simultaneously demonstrating how sportsmen's dollars are being spent. 

Idaho Wildlife Federation, $5,000, to support the launch of Idaho Women Outdoors, a community-oriented educational platform to help women in Idaho learn to hunt ethically and responsibly. 

Idaho Conservation Officers Association, $5,000, to reduce registration fees for the Mark Hill Memorial Youth Conservation Camp. 

Commission Challenge Grants are awarded annually. Eligible groups include any officially recognized nonprofit, business having a state or federal tax identification number, corporation, or recognized regional, state or national sporting organization, such as Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Private individuals are not eligible for grant funding, and applicants must provide matching support through cash or in-kind contributions. 

Applications for the next round of Commission Challenge Grants will be accepted in March and April 2027, with annual grant awards announced during the July 2027 Fish and Game Commission meeting.