SALEM, Ore.--A classroom with an 8-lane indoor range and ADA restroom in Clatskanie, an improved skeet range in Eugene and a covered pistol range in Phoenix are examples of some projects completed with the help of federal shooting range grants.

Each year, ODFW distributes nearly $80,000 in federal grants to non-profit shooting ranges in Oregon to improve the facilities that teach the state’s next generation of hunters. Individual range grants average about $10,000.

The intent of the grants is to fund projects that encourage significant improvements, prioritize safety and environmental concerns, increase hours and accessibility and implement “good neighbor” improvements at shooting ranges.

“The shooting range grant program provides an excellent opportunity for ranges to improve their facilities and helps us ensure that ranges are available for use by hunter education classes,” said Chris Willard, ODFW hunter education coordinator. “It’s a true win-win program for the ranges and ODFW.”

“Many Oregonians are introduced to hunting and firearms safety through non-profit shooting ranges,” said Tim Pitzer, Oregon State Shooting Association president. “It’s thanks to the ranges and volunteer hunter education instructors that Oregon’s hunters are considered to be among the safest and most ethical in the nation. These grants are a way to help them continue their work.”

Filling out the application is fairly simple. Applicants will need to describe the project’s purpose and history; design and techniques to be used; major project features and estimated construction dates. Facilities also need to estimate the type and amount of usage by various audiences (gun club members, hunter education classes, etc.).

Grant monies come from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) Act, a federal excise tax on ammunition and firearms used for sport-hunting that funds wildlife restoration and hunter education across the United States.

To find out more and to download an application, visit the Shooting Range Development Grant website or contact ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Chris Willard, (503) 947- 6017 or hunter.education@state.or.us

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