Shooting Range Grants Program

The Shooting Range Grants program is administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, a state agency responsible for managing wildlife resources, supporting hunting and fishing activities, and promoting safe outdoor recreation across Wyoming. This program reflects the agency’s commitment to enhancing public access to safe and well-maintained shooting facilities while also supporting hunter education and the long-term sustainability of hunting and shooting sports. By investing in infrastructure improvements, the program aims to strengthen community engagement and ensure that participants have access to high-quality, safe environments for skill development. The primary purpose of the Shooting Range Grants program is to encourage the development and improvement of public shooting ranges throughout Wyoming. The program focuses on increasing safe and accessible opportunities for individuals participating in hunting and shooting sports. It also seeks to support hunter education programs by providing facilities where participants can complete live-fire training and improve proficiency with firearms and archery equipment. Additionally, the program emphasizes recruitment and retention by encouraging broader and more diverse participation in shooting sports. Funding through this program is intended for capital improvements that directly enhance the operation and safety of shooting ranges. Eligible uses include construction or installation of berms, sound baffles, shooting benches, protective covers, trap and skeet houses, walkways, signage, fencing, and other essential infrastructure. However, the program explicitly excludes funding for general operating expenses, advertising or promotional activities, ammunition, expendable supplies such as targets, and any improvements not directly tied to recreational shooting opportunities. This ensures that funds are used for long-term, tangible enhancements to facilities. Eligibility for the program is limited to projects that provide recreational public shooting opportunities and meet at least one of several criteria. Projects must be located in Wyoming, demonstrate meaningful public benefit, or support hunter education through safe training environments. Facilities must be open to the general public with clearly posted hours of operation. Applicants are also required to maintain any grant-funded improvements for their useful life, hold liability insurance, and provide documentation such as property ownership or lease agreements. The application process is conducted through an online system, allowing applicants to complete and edit submissions prior to the deadline. Required application components include a detailed description of project needs, objectives, expected outcomes, and benefits; project location and safety enhancements; funding request and cost estimates including any matching or in-kind contributions; evidence of community support; organizational documentation; and contact information for project leaders. Applicants receive confirmation via email and may revise their submissions until the application window closes. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process conducted by a committee composed of agency staff and partner organizations. Evaluation criteria include proximity to population centers and similar facilities, community benefits, accessibility to the public, number of operational days, fees charged, availability of public events, partnerships, secured matching resources, and overall impact on the hunting and shooting community. Applicants who have defaulted on previous grants are not eligible for consideration. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications accepted from July 1 through December 31 each year. Applications are reviewed in February, with funding approvals occurring in March following commission budget approval. Funds are made available after execution of grant agreements or by July 1, whichever occurs later. Organizations may only receive one grant per cycle, and all funding decisions require approval from the department’s director’s office. This recurring structure provides consistent opportunities for organizations to plan and apply for facility improvements.

Emphasize public access and community benefit; demonstrate strong partnerships and support; clearly show safety improvements and alignment with hunter education goals