U.P. Deer Habitat Program improved, open for applications

What’s happening: The annual application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership grant program is open, with major upgrades and increased funding possibilities in place for the 2026 cycle. Funding this year increased to a total of $200,000, raising the range of grant funding requests to $5,000-25,000 per project. Also new for this year is the combination of multiple projects. Previous applicants had to separate each project, making it more labor-intensive for groups with multiple or separated parcels to receive funding. 

What is the Deer Habitat initiative: The initiative is a competitive grant program that supports hands-on projects to improve deer habitat across the Upper Peninsula. Funded through the state’s Deer Range Improvement Program, the initiative helps conservation groups, sportsmen’s organizations and other partners carry out habitat work while building long-term partnerships with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In total, almost $1.3 million from deer hunting licenses revenue has been reinvested in deer habitat improvement projects over the 18 years of the initiative.    

What they’re saying: “Because of the past success of past partner projects, our budget doubled this year, enabling us to increase our influence to enhance deer habitat across the Upper Peninsula,” said Bill Scullon, DNR Wildlife Division field operations manager and administrator for the grant initiative. “The projects should produce tangible deer habitat improvements, build long-term partnerships between the DNR and outside organizations and showcase the benefits to the public.”

What’s next: With the grant application period open, those organizations and landowners can go to Michigan.gov/DNR grants to apply. Applications must be received electronically or postmarked by Friday, March 6 to be considered. Grant awardees will be notified by Friday, March 27.