The Central Washington Sportsman Show gets underway today at the Sundome. Thousands of avid big game hunters will drool and dream at the prospect of one day bagging a giant bull elk the likes of which are on display at the show.  Hey, it could happen and maybe the feds can help.

The Department of the Interior announces another round of $3.2 million in grant funding for 11 western states, bringing the Department’s and other stakeholders’ support of big game species habitat conservation and scientific research for migration corridors and winter ranges to more than $22 million.

“Big game species such as elk, deer and pronghorn contribute to the West’s quality of life and provide hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “These grants will help states further their scientific research to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and improve ... efforts to conserve habitat for these animals for generations to come.”

The Department of the Interior  Press Release announcing the funding say the money  supports 19 priority research projects  with the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington .

And there you have it. If habitat is better and migration obstacles are removed, who knows, maybe it's your trophy bull elk on display at the next sportsman show!