Ranges

The Montana Land Board approved Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' proposal to acquire an 86-acre easement from the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation for developing the Logan Public Shooting Range south of Logan. The project, funded by a Pittman-Robertson grant and state general license dollars, will provide safe recreational shooting facilities including rifle, pistol, and shotgun ranges in the Gallatin Valley.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on environmental assessments, including a proposal to expand the Glasgow Shooting Range through a lease agreement with the City of Glasgow to improve rifle and archery ranges for recreational shooting. Comments are due by October 23.

Montana's State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet October 19 in Helena and via Zoom to discuss potential bills and finalize recommendations for shooting facility improvements across the state.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has reopened newly renovated shooting ranges at Lexington and Canton Wildlife Management Areas. Both facilities feature pistol, rifle, trap, and archery ranges with covered benches and ADA access. This represents the latest completion in ODWC's ongoing campaign since 2015 to enhance public shooting opportunities across Oklahoma.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is offering free shooting at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City and the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range in Logan on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26, for those with valid hunting, fishing, or combination licenses. DWR Director Riley Peck emphasized hunters and anglers' crucial role in wildlife conservation funding.

Range USA, the nation's premier indoor gun range and firearm retailer, celebrated the grand opening of its 51st location in Monroeville, Pa. on August 28-30, 2026, featuring special promotions, giveaways from USCCA and Q, LLC, and a 12,000-square-foot facility with 14 shooting lanes and certified firearms instruction.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a State Parks and Recreation Board meeting on September 22 in Helena to consider the Logan Public Shooting Range Easement Acquisition. The board will vote on acquiring an 86-acre easement from the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation for a formalized public shooting range near Logan. Public comment is accepted through September 14.

The National Rifle Association of America will host its 2026 Range Development & Operations Conference on September 24-25 in Fairfax, Virginia. The conference educates range owners and operators on business planning, EPA lead standards, construction, sound abatement, insurance, ventilation, and funding. Registration is $525 with space limited to 70 attendees.

Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources is offering free and discounted shooting at Lee Kay Public Shooting Range and Cache Valley Public Shooting Range on select Saturdays in August to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month. Lee Kay Manager Blanche Smith and Cache Valley Manager Steven Bassett encourage visitors of all skill levels to visit these ranges for safe shooting opportunities.

Range USA President Tom Willingham discusses the brand's origin story and mission of safe, responsible gun ownership in a new interview. The nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, with 50 locations and 300 certified instructors, emphasizes its customer-first approach and commitment to firearm safety education.

The Wildcat Hills Shooting Complex will close July 18 for the Scotts Bluff County Fair Shooting Sports Competition. The facility at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering resumes regular operations July 19, open Thursday through Sunday until mid-November.

Michigan's DNR operates 15 shooting ranges across the state offering safe environments for firearm, bow, handgun, and clay target shooting. The ranges feature trained staff, modern amenities, and low-cost alternatives to private facilities. Contact Gary Jones, DNR shooting sports manager, for more information.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is constructing a new public shooting range on Roscommon State Forest lands in St. Helen, funded by Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration grants. The Ogemaw Hills Sportsmen Association will lease and operate the staffed facility, with completion expected in fall 2026.

Range USA has expanded to 300 certified instructors across its 50 locations in 2025. The company is hiring and training additional instructors to meet growing demand for firearm education, offering expanded class availability and private lessons tailored to students' skill levels.

The Montana Shooting Sports Task Force, established by House Bill 899 sponsored by Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, is seeking public input on developing future shooting sports facilities statewide. Coordinated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the task force will evaluate existing facilities and provide recommendations by October 2026. Montanans can share feedback via an online survey.

Montana's State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet April 10 via Zoom. The task force will hear from Colorado Parks & Wildlife and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks on shooting facility development, with recommendations due June 30, 2027.

The Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City will host an open house on April 18, 2026, featuring clinics in rifle marksmanship, archery, trap and skeet shooting, and hunting dog training demonstrations. Manager Blanche Smith emphasizes the facility's importance as the only outdoor shooting range in the Salt Lake Valley, offering free range access and one free shotgun round on a first-come, first-served basis.

The shooting range at Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area will temporarily close from May 11 through August 8 for facility improvements, including new shooting benches, accessible sidewalks, and enhanced dirt backstop enhancements.

Hammond Cove Shooting Range in Hartland, Vermont opens April 2 at 10:00 a.m. under Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department rules. Range users must sign in with a safety officer and have a valid hunting or fishing license. Dylan Smith, facility and lands coordinator, encourages turkey hunters to pattern their shotguns at the range.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued a decision notice to remove and rebuild the firing line shelter at Whittecar Rifle & Pistol Range. The project received 17 public comments in support during the comment period. FWP also approved an updated lease agreement with the Club to improve communication and management efficiency.