Federal Funding Fuels Expansion of Public Shooting Ranges Nationwide

New ranges open, aging facilities modernize as states tap into Pittman-Robertson conservation program

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:22pm

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A photorealistic painting of a well-lit, modern public shooting range facility with a simple, clean design, conveying a sense of community and responsible outdoor recreation.Expanded federal funding is fueling the construction and renovation of public shooting ranges across the country, providing safe, accessible spaces for recreational marksmen and women.Grand River Today

A little-known federal funding stream is quietly reshaping America's public shooting landscape, fueling a wave of new range construction and facility upgrades across the country. The Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, supported by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers, is providing critical funding for public shooting range development and improvements, with policy reforms making the funds more accessible to states.

Why it matters

The expansion of public shooting ranges is increasing access to safe, structured environments for recreational marksmen and women, while also supporting wildlife conservation efforts funded by the Pittman-Robertson program. This progress reflects effective policy advocacy and industry-state collaboration to address growing demand for public shooting facilities, especially in areas with population growth.

The details

Recent projects include a new $20 million, 400-acre public shooting complex in South Dakota, an $11.3 million overhaul of an existing range in Ohio, and the reopening of facilities in Alaska and Maine after safety and environmental upgrades. States are using the Pittman-Robertson funds not just for new construction, but also to modernize aging infrastructure and improve public access, particularly in areas where population growth has increased demand.

  • The federal Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, an NSSF priority, was enacted to reform the Pittman-Robertson funding formula.
  • Since the law took effect, dozens of public shooting range projects have been completed or are underway across the country.

The players

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act

A longstanding conservation funding mechanism supported by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers, which provides critical funding for public shooting range development and improvements.

NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, which has worked to make Pittman-Robertson funds more accessible and impactful for states in developing and modernizing public shooting ranges.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The federal agency that oversees the distribution of Pittman-Robertson funds to the states.

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What’s next

As more public shooting range projects come online, stakeholders should watch for continued state-level announcements, additional modernization efforts, and ongoing federal guidance that further streamlines access to Pittman-Robertson funds.

The takeaway

The expansion of public shooting ranges across the country, fueled by federal Pittman-Robertson conservation funding and policy reforms, is increasing access to safe, structured environments for recreational shooters while also supporting broader wildlife conservation efforts. This progress reflects effective industry-state collaboration and demonstrates how targeted policy changes can translate into real-world infrastructure improvements.