Idaho Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) (HIP)

HIP is Idaho Fish and Game's cost-share program for private landowners and public land managers who want to improve habitat for upland game birds and waterfowl. It pays for things like nesting cover, windbreaks, food plots, fencing livestock out of woody cover, and creating or restoring wetlands. Landowners are generally reimbursed up to 75% of costs, up to $10,000 per project, under an agreement that usually runs at least 10 years.

• Private landowners and public land managers in Idaho

• Projects must enhance upland game bird or waterfowl habitat

• Fee hunting not allowed on lands under a HIP contract; not available for shooting preserves

Cooperative agreement and project plan; landowner usually maintains the project at least 10 years (food plots 1–2 years, up to 5 for perennial plots). Agreement can be terminated if the cooperator returns all cost-share funds. Multi-year maintenance funding depends on annual appropriations.

Published amounts: On approved projects, landowners are generally reimbursed up to 75% of out-of-pocket expenses with a general limit of $10,000 per project. Guidelines: 50% on wetland projects; 100% on quail condos and on all 30+ year agreements; 100% if project lands are enrolled in Access Yes for 5 years; food plots up to $250/acre first year and $120/acre maintenance; $20/acre to leave grain stubble ($2,000/operation max); delayed mowing up to $2,000.

Begin by making a request to the habitat biologist at the nearest Fish and Game office; the biologist assesses the land and plans the project.

Deadline text on the page: No deadline published; apply through the regional habitat biologist.