Target Shooting in the United States

Target shooting is fun, safe, and offers activities for everyone at any age and ability level. Every year, over 650,000 people receive hunter education supported by federal excise tax funds. Across the nation state agencies, supported by manufacturer-paid federal excise taxes, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff are expanding access to target shooting programs at various levels level.

Public Target Range Access and Opportunities

Target shooting offers participants a variety of benefits including physical activity, improved focus, a sense of accomplishment, and builds confidence and belonging to a community. Whether you are a beginner who wants to shoot a bow or rifle for the first time, or you’re a seasoned target shooter, target shooting ranges offer something for everyone. Target shooting ranges offer structured, supervised, and welcoming environments designed with safety in mind.

For some participants, their first introduction to safe firearm handling comes from hunter and trapper education courses. These participants learn safe firearm handling and basic shooting skills along with units on hunting ethics. In addition to these foundational experiences, many individuals are introduced to shooting sports through organized programs that promote skill development, safety, and personal growth. Programs such as the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), 4-H Shooting Sports, and the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) provide accessible opportunities for participants to engage in archery, rifle, and shotgun disciplines in a supportive and educational setting. These programs often foster a strong sense of community, encourage teamwork, and help individuals build confidence and discipline through structured training and competition.

Funding Public Target Shooting Ranges Through Partnership

For decades, 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 manufacturer federal excise taxes welcome new people into target shooting sports and support the construction, operation, and maintenance of over target shooting ranges across the United States. Currently over 850 ranges for firearms and archery are maintained and operated with grants funded by federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and select archery equipment.

Target Shooters Fuels Local Economies

According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, over 47 million Americans participate in firearms target shooting and more than 19 million take part in archery target shooting. In 2022 alone, target shooters spent over $60 billion in the U.S. through the purchase of shooting-related products and services, as well as travel associated with their participation. That equates to an average per-shooter expenditure of approximately $1,545 per year. These contributions supported more than 780,000 jobs and nearly $47 billion in wages. Target shooting stimulates local economies by supporting small businesses such as sporting goods stores, target shooting ranges, lodging, restaurants, and fuel stations.

Get Involved

Target shooting isn’t just a sport, it is an exercise in focus, discipline, and personal growth. Whether you are stepping up to the firing line for the first time or refining your skills at the range, target shooting offers a unique blend of concentration and excitement. Each shot challenges you to steady your breathing and sharpen your aim. From the quiet intensity before you pull the trigger to the instant feedback of hitting your mark, target shooting delivers a powerful sense of accomplishment.

Often the biggest challenge for new people with interest is getting started. Enrolling in hunter education courses can increase participant’s familiarity and comfort with target shooting and firearm and bow safety. Additionally, many ranges and clubs offer introductory lessons for novices and experience peoples in safe shooting practices. Find out more about lessons and ranges near you:

Additional Resources

Target Shooting in America (2024 Report)