Upper Peninsula Deer Habitat Improvement Grants

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) is a competitive grant program administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division to support collaborative deer habitat improvement across the Upper Peninsula. All project proposals must address three primary initiative goals: (1) produce tangible, on-the-ground deer habitat improvements in summer and/or winter ranges that address resource needs; (2) establish and promote productive relationships between the DNR, sportspersons organizations, and other conservation partners; and (3) showcase cooperative projects through coordinated public outreach, educating the public on scientific principles and the value of habitat improvements.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a conservation organization, sportsperson group, non-governmental organization, or local conservation district with a formal mission promoting wildlife conservation and/or hunting recognized by the DNR. Organizations may be U.P.-based or local chapters of state, regional, or national entities. Private individuals, private hunting clubs, and local, state, or federal governmental entities cannot apply directly, but may participate as third-party cooperators.

Partnership projects must take place within Michigan's Upper Peninsula on privately owned lands, industrial forests, Commercial Forest Act-enrolled lands, or federal lands, with written permission from the landowner or administrator required. Project lands that allow legal public access (at least foot traffic) receive higher evaluation priority. State-owned lands are ineligible, and lands owned by municipalities or school forests are considered lower priority. Applicants may bundle multiple project proposals into a single grant application up to the maximum award limit and may request an extended two-year implementation window for complex projects.

Applicants are encouraged to consult their local DNR wildlife biologist when crafting proposals. Completed applications must be postmarked or received by March 6, 2026, and submitted by mail, parcel service, or fax to Bill Scullon, Field Operations Manager at the Norway DNR Field Office. Successful applicants are notified by March 27, 2026, and standard project deliverables must be completed by September 30, 2026.