South dakota GFP created the shooting range development grant program in 1971 to encourage the new developmentand improvement of shooting ranges by offering financial assistance to third party…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the State of South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division $240,345 under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This formula grant supports the maintenance of five existing shooting ranges and the renovation of one shooting range across South Dakota. The primary objective is to provide safe facilities for hunter education and public shooting skill development, thereby supporting recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts and addressing the declining trend in hunting participation.

The grant includes two sub-awards to implement specific facility improvements. The City of Presho will develop an additional trap/skeet field, expanding shooting range capacity for competitive and recreational use. The Sioux Council of Boy Scouts of America will conduct building renovations to establish an indoor archery range, diversifying hunter education and training opportunities for youth and the general public. These targeted infrastructure investments align with the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act's authorization to enhance wildlife management resources and hunter safety training capabilities at the state level.

South dakota GFP created the shooting range development grant program in 1971 to encourage the new developmentand improvement of shooting ranges by offering financial assistance to third party cooperators. The objective ofthis grant is to help maintain five shooting ranges and help renovate one shooting range. The expected resultsand benefits are to provide a safe place for hunter education and the public to develop and practice shootingskills. By providing funding for these programs IT provides the necessary support for R3 efforts in south dakotaand will help develop use partnerships to halt and reverse the declining trend in hunting participation.