Industry gives states $420,000 to expand hunting.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has awarded nearly a half-million dollars in grants to help state agencies expand hunting opportunities. The grants were made through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership program.

"Grant recipients in each of these states have designed unique and dynamic recruitment tools that will help carry-on America's hunting legacy and the conservation funding that relies on it. These are exactly the kind of creative program development concepts that agencies in other states can look to as models to help preserve our hunting and conservation traditions," said Doug Painter, NSSF president.

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In 2003 and 2004, the program issued almost $1,000,000 in grants to 25 states. This year, 15 state agencies received $422,868.50 in grant awards.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game received two grants for separate hunter recruitment efforts, one for $15,296 and one for $15,000.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection received $11,562.50 to help increase participation in the state's "Junior Pheasant Hunting Day" program.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received $15,000 to help fund a survey and planning efforts for the 2005 Summit on the Future of Hunting in Florida.

The Indiana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee received $18,110 to create an annual small-game hunting day for Indiana youths.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks received $55,000 for a project designed to enhance waterfowl hunter retention and recruitment.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission received $45,000 to develop a "Youth Mentored Hunt Access and Management Program."

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department received $32,000 for an advertising campaign aimed at increasing hunter education and hunting awareness.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission received $15,000 to conduct a two-day symposium aimed at increasing hunter participation and retaining existing hunters.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks received $35,000 to increase visibility of the state's school trust lands available for hunting.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency received $42,000 to help increase dove hunting opportunities and participation among youths and families.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department received $6,000 for hunter education recruitment efforts.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department received $15,000 to hold a 2 1/2-day symposium on the future of hunting in Vermont.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries received $36,400 to create an interactive, Internet-based mapping program to provide information about hunting opportunities in Virginia.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department received $35,000 to supplement its "Private Lands, Public Wildlife" program.