MARQUETTE – The application period for $50,000 in Upper Peninsula deer habitat improvement grant funding offered by the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division is now open, with a deadline of Friday, March 21.

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on non-state-owned land in the Upper Peninsula. Now in its fifth year, DHIPI is supported by the state’s Deer Range Improvement Program, which is funded by a portion of deer hunting license revenue.

Groups eligible for DHIPI grants include organizations with a formal mission to promote wildlife conservation and/or hunting, such as sportsmen’s clubs, conservation districts, land conservancies, industrial landowners with more than 10,000 acres, or private land affiliations where two or more unrelated persons jointly own 400 or more acres. Project proposals may range from $2,000 to $10,000 in scale.

“There are three primary goals applicants should strive to meet,” said Bill Scullon, DNR private land wildlife biologist and DHIPI administrator. “The projects should produce tangible deer habitat improvements, build long-term partnerships between the DNR and outside organizations, and identify ways to showcase the benefits to the public.”

Previous DHIPI-funded projects include planting of red oak, conifers and wildlife orchards; rehabilitation of historic wildlife openings; and native prairie restoration. Past grant recipients have also facilitated youth hunting opportunities on the improved land.

“These projects are prime examples of how partner organizations can work with the DNR to create quality deer habitat in their local area and provide special recreational opportunities for the public,” Scullon said.

Project applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 21, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday, March 28. The complete grant application package is available on the DNR website.

For more information or questions regarding eligibility, please contact Bill Scullon at 906-563-9247.