South dakota GFP s enhanced hunter education program provides assistance to the national archery in the schools program (nasp) and shooting related sports programs

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $106,667 Formula Grant under the Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program (CFDA 15.626) to the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division. The grant will support the division's Enhanced Hunter Education Program, which provides assistance to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and other shooting sports initiatives across the state. The key objectives are to train 342 NASP instructors/mentors, enable 4,000 students to complete NASP training, and conduct 8 NASP training events. This funding will help develop and promote shooting skills, support student education and participation in archery, and contribute to recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts to address declining hunting participation in South Dakota. The grant has a performance period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

The objectives of this grant is to train 342 naspinstructors mentors, to have 4,000 students complete nasp training, and to conduct eight nasp training events. The expected results and benefits are to help the public develop and practice shooting skills. The nasp programwill promote student education and participation in the lifelong sport of archery. By providing the funding forthese programs, IT provides the necessary support for R3 efforts in south dakota and will help develop and usepartnerships to halt and reverse the declining trend in hunting participation.