According to the national shooting sports foundation an estimated 51 million adults participated in some type of target or sport shooting in 2014 which is an increase from 34 million in 2009

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI FWS) Region 2 awarded the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) a formula grant of $320,000 under the Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program (CFDA 15.626), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. This award supports TPWD's initiatives to promote safe, responsible, and knowledgeable participation in shooting sports and hunting pathways through introductory archery and firearms education programs. The funding addresses the documented growth in shooting sports participation, which increased from 34 million adults in 2009 to an estimated 51 million in 2014, by expanding educational opportunities and creating safe recreational shooting experiences for current and future generations of hunters and shooting enthusiasts in Texas.

The Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program provides resources for state fish and wildlife agencies to enhance hunter education curricula, develop shooting range infrastructure, and implement recruitment and retention strategies for hunting and archery sports. TPWD's award aligns with the program's core objectives of supporting comprehensive safety training and educational programming designed to introduce youth and new participants to hunting and shooting disciplines while maintaining the highest standards for responsible participation.

The texas parks and wildlife department is committed to meeting the demand for education in shooting sports and creating safe opportunities for present and future generations. The purpose of this grant is to promote safe responsible and knowledgeable participation in shooting sports and pathways to hunting through introductory programs in archery and firearms.