Written By
According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation, over 47 million Americans participate in firearms target shooting and over 19 million participate in archery target shooting. For decades, American firearm, ammunition, and archery equipment manufacturers have shared a partnership with state and federal fish and wildlife agencies to support conservation as well as access to outdoor pursuits including shooting sports. Through the Pittman-Robertson Act, these manufacturers excise taxes are welcoming new people into target shooting sports through education and outreach while also supporting the construction, operation, and maintenance of over 800 public target ranges across the United States.
Shooting Sports Education
When practiced correctly, target shooting is fun, safe, and offers activities for everyone at any age and ability level. Target shooting sports offer participants a variety of benefits including physical activity, improved focus, and a sense of accomplishment and belonging to a community. Excise tax funds, administered through the Office of Conservation Investment, provide a variety of ways to introduce newcomers to the shooting sports through youth and university programs and through programs hosted by state fish and wildlife agencies like hunter education. For some participants their first introduction to safe firearm handling comes from these hunter education courses. Hunter education participants learn safe firearm handling and basic shooting skills along with units on hunting ethics and understanding wildlife. Learn more about the hunter education opportunities offered by state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners:
In addition to hunter education which welcomes participants of all ages, excise tax funds also support a variety of ways for youth to participate in the shooting sports. Texas Parks and Wildlife partners with 4-H to teach thousands of youth participants shooting sports throughout the state. Through this partnership students learn proper maintenance of firearms, proper safety procedures in handling and shooting, hunting procedures, laws and ethics related to shooting, hunting, and firearms use and about careers related to firearms and shooting sports. Many current and past Team USA Olympians credit youth shooting sports with introducing them to target shooting basics and competitions.
- Seeds of Olympic Shooting Sports Start in Youth Programs
- Olympics Got You Motivated? Give Shooting Sports a Shot!
Supporting Range Access
The Office of Conservation Investment has distributed millions of dollars in grants, funded through excise tax paid by manufacturers, to support target ranges. This represents a significant investment in safe, structured environments where the public may participate in target shooting. Nationwide 413 firearm ranges, 217 archery ranges, and 181 combined ranges have utilized excise tax funds to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of their facilities. Explore the range map to find an excise tax supported range near you partnerwithapayer.org/ranges/.
These ranges offer a variety of options to engage new and seasoned target shooters like programs at the excise tax supported Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Arizona. The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is funded through excise taxes and user fees and offers programs like the Annie Oakley ladies shooting course and provides a space for youth programs to practice. Along with courses and workshops, these ranges also provide a facility to host top athletes and national competitions.
- Path to the Olympic Games Goes Through Service Supported Archery Range
- Pittman-Robertson Funds New Florida Range
Ranges can also use the funds to renovate and modify facilities to increase accessibility. Idaho Department of Fish and Game is welcoming participants of all abilities by creating ADA-compliant shooting ranges.
Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Efforts for Shooting Sports
Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation is a strategy to increase access and participation in outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. Recruitment attracts new participants through marketing, outreach, and educational efforts. Retention maintains the interest of current participants through ongoing support and community-building. Reactivation re-engages individuals who have previously participated in outdoor pursuits but have become inactive. This effort has been supported through many Multistate Conservation Grants that use excise taxes to increase access and interest in the shooting sports. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Office of Conservation Investment work cooperatively to manage $5 million in R3 grants annually. Recent R3 shooting sport efforts supported through these grants include a partnership with Marvel superheroes and Olympic archers to increase archery access.
Recreational Activities
Written By
