State considering shooting range proposals

Comments due Aug. 9 on grant proposals

The state of Montana is considering whether to add grant-funded shooting ranges.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on shooting range grant proposals. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 9, at 5 p.m.
Montana's Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by the state, provides funding to non-profit shooting clubs, organizations, local governments and school districts to build and improve public shooting ranges throughout Montana.

The program has received proposals from:

• Billings Rod and Gun Club
• Boone and Crockett
• Butte Trap Club
• Chinook Rod and Gun
• Crooked Falls Practical Shooters
• Custer Rod and Gun Club
• Fallon County
• Gallatin Sporting Clays
• Havre Rifle and Pistol
• Helena Trap Club
• Thompson Falls Trap Club
• Western Montana Fish and Game Association

FWP recently launched a Shooting Range Development Program, with the goal of developing new FWP-administered shooting sports facilities throughout the state. Facilities may include archery, pistol, rifle and other shooting-related sports. 

Since the launch of the program FWP has expanded the archery range at Lone Pine State Park, is completing construction of a new archery range at Big Arm State Park and will soon begin improvements to the archery range at Makoshika State Park.

A priority for FWP is to develop shooting range facilities close to major population areas around the state, including a flagship range that could be used for competitions, tournaments and education activities, such as hunter and bowhunter education.

An environmental assessment for each proposal is available. To see the assessment or to comment, send an email to fwp.shootingranges@mt.gov. Comments can also be mailed to: Montana FWP, Attn: Seth McArthur, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. Comments are due Aug. 9.