Indiana DNR Accepting Applications for Shooting Range Grants

The DNR Shooting Range Grant Program is accepting applications for the development of rifle, handgun, shotgun firing, and archery opportunities for public use.

While growing up in southern Indiana, I always looked forward to trips to the shooting range. I started out at just seven years old with a simple single shot .22 rifle, before making my way up to a 12-gauge shotgun around the age of 11. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to fire a few different handguns. The hobby has stuck with me through the years, and I've since become fascinated with old military surplus rifles. I still make regular trips to the shooting range today.

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Shooting Range Grants

One of the things I love most about Indiana is the state's commitment to increasing recreational shooting opportunities for the public. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently offers a Shooting Range Grant Program that provides financial assistance for the development of rifle, handgun, shotgun, and archery facilities. In addition, the program also seeks to train hunter education students. The grants are open to units of government and agencies incorporated as not-for-profit corporations.

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Funding

According to DNR, funding for the Shooting Range Grant Program comes from the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Program, commonly referred to as the Pittman Robertson (P-R) Program. Funding also comes from a federal excise tax on rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammunition, and archery equipment. The amount of money awarded varies each year and is also impacted by the needs of existing grant recipients.

Rather than receiving a cash grant at the time of project approval, the recipient will be required to pay the bills and be reimbursed for a maximum of 90% of the expenses incurred per the project agreement. DNR notes that at the time of the application, the recipient must also have at least 25% of the total project cost available. The deadline to submit project applications is October 1, 2024. Grant awardees will be notified on July 1, 2025.

Acceptable Projects

Several projects are available for grant consideration. The program is aimed at developing rifle, handgun, shotgun firing, or archery opportunities for public use. Funding opportunities include supporting existing facilities and helping create new ones. DNR reported that eligible types of development facilities include:

• backstops
• berms
• target holders
• baffles
• gun racks
• signage
• field courses
• benches
• trap and skeet houses
• platforms
• sanitary facilities
• classrooms
• protective fencing
• storage areas
• shelters
• parking lots
• accessible pathways
• support facilities

Accommodation

An important aspect of this endeavor is creating access to public resources for all walks of life. According to DNR, all facilities under grant consideration should be universally designed to accommodate all people. Facilities, programs, and activities funded through the program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability. To learn more about the Shooting Range Grant Program or the application process, click here.