In iowa, public shooting and archery facilities play a vital role in fostering recreational and educational opportunities that enhance current hunters safety and skills while facilitating the…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI FWS) awarded the Iowa Department of Natural Resources $2.1 million in formula grant funding under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) effective April 1, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2026. This funding supports the design and construction of a registration building at the Cody Shooting Complex in Iowa, which will include a control room, office space, climate-controlled storage, and a classroom facility. The project scope also encompasses the installation of public water supply and septic system infrastructure with a leach field on the property.

The project directly advances the program's mission of wildlife conservation and hunter education by enhancing operational capabilities and public access to shooting and archery facilities throughout Iowa. By improving facility infrastructure and customer experience at the Cody Shooting Complex, the funding enables the state to better support hunter safety education, skill development, and recruitment and retention of hunters and recreational shooters. This investment in public shooting range facilities supports the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act's objectives of conserving wild birds and mammals while promoting responsible hunting practices and outdoor recreation across the state.

In iowa, public shooting and archery facilities play a vital role in fostering recreational and educational opportunities that enhance current hunters safety and skills while facilitating the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of new hunters and recreational shooters. Thousands of iowans engage in shooting sports through local ranges and clubs, and the growth of active youth shooting sports programs has significantly contributed to this participation. However, to maintain and expand these opportunities, IT is imperative for the department of natural resources to invest in the repair, renovation, and construction of public shooting and archery rangesthroughout the state. Such investments are essential to ensure these facilities are safe, modern, and accessible to all iowans. Without this support, participation and proficiency in hunting and recreational shooting may decline, jeopardizing not only the future of these activities but also the community and safety benefits they provide. This project will fund the design and build of a registration building at the cody shooting complex that includes a control room, office space, climate-controlled storage, and a classroom. In addition to those features, the department will construct a public water supply and septic system with a leach field on the property. The funding of this project will further enhance our operational capabilities, increase services, and improve the overall customer experience at the facility.