Connecting with the Shooting Sports Community

Recent research from Southwick & Associates and the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies highlights the increase of conservation dollars contributed through the shooting sports. These conservation funds come from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a tax on firearms and ammunition that provides funding for wildlife conservation. Not only does this research indicate the important role of shooting sports in our conservation model, but it also highlights that 86% of firearm owners and sport shooters who do not hunt still support the excise tax and the role it plays in funding conservation.

Many may ask, why is this so important? The research reveals that even those not directly involved with conservation and hunting can still support the future stewardship of our landscapes. Uniquely, as NWTF members, we aren’t surprised. As an organization, our members and volunteers understand the connection between the shooting sports and hunting/conservation, and it plays a pivotal role in our outreach endeavors annually. Just to provide a scope of impact, our states and chapters have allocated the contribution and investment of over $2.6 million toward support for youth shooting sports teams and other events with shooting sports at the forefront.

From a recruitment and retention standpoint, we often see shooting sports play a huge role in participants gaining confidence and learning healthy safety practices when they have access to range time before hunting. Most NWTF events and outreach programs incorporate shooting sports into their scheduling. Through these programs, NWTF chapters have created stories that are deeply impactful and one of a kind!

The Minnesota State Chapter helped provide funding and volunteers to aid in the startup of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League. As the first conservation group to join and provide dynamic support in youth shooting sports in the state, the NWTF has helped this program become one of the largest shooting sports events in the nation - lasting 10 days annually to host more than 8,000 shotgunners. The overlap and involvement of our Minnesota chapters with the youth participants has organically led to mentorship opportunities. Tom Glines, Minnesota native and longtime NWTF employee, shared the impact of the organization’s involvement on the youth and on Federation volunteers. When asked why this event and NWTF’s involvement is important, he said, “The influence … it goes far, wide and deep for all involved.” He also explained the resulting partnerships have bolstered the ranks of many chapters to support ongoing and new events – a win-win for all involved.

In Tennessee, we see how a dream and some perseverance mixed together can turn into an incredible opportunity. James Wattenbarger, longtime Tennessee member, alongside a dedicated group of volunteers, identified the need for a shooting range near Crossville, Tennessee, and set out to build one.

Starting from a simple drawing on a napkin, to a $3.5 million project, 15 years later it stands as the Crossville Shooting Sports Park. Developed from funding sources provided through the state agency and other grant sources, this shooting park is a non-membership, public range.

“We get to guide the next generations toward the next opportunities,” he said. “We are now able to adapt to the needs of the community that we are providing service for.”

The volunteers saw the shooting park as a unique outreach avenue for events, including hunter education, shooting classes for all firearm types, hosting women’s events, and creating a space for youth and collegiate teams to come to participate and develop their skill sets. The range setup is designed to reflect the corresponding hunting season through new target offerings and clay shooting presentations that help improve marksmanship as hunters prepare to go afield.

It’s clear NWTF volunteers are just beginning to tap into the opportunities and value that shooting sports can contribute to our mission. And from the looks of recent research findings, the shooting sports community is ready with open arms to work hand in hand.