The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is once again inviting nonprofit organizations to help support wildlife, wildlife habitat and scientific research by auctioning big game hunting tags for the 2023-24 hunt season.
Proceeds from the sale of these tags are returned to CDFW to fund projects that benefit bighorn sheep, deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. Last year’s auctions raised more than $750,000 for the research and management of big game species. Past projects funded by the sale of these and other hunting tags have included crucial habitat conservation, post-wildfire forest restoration, wildlife population studies and the installation of artificial watering devices to support wildlife during drought conditions.
Up to 18 big game tags will be reserved for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to sell or auction. Nonprofit organizations compete through an application process for a chance to auction these special tags, which can only be purchased by members of the public through these auctions. The application process is designed to ensure maximum proceeds are received from the tags to benefit wildlife.
A call for applications and the required application form are available on the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/hunting/fundraising. Applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2022.
CDFW file photo of desert bighorn sheep.
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Media Contacts:
Regina Vu, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 516-2132
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858