DNR Outdoor Recreation
SHOOTING RANGE PROGRAM (SR)
What is the Indiana Shooting Range grant program?
The Department of Natural Resources Shooting Range grant program is an assistance program for the development of rifle, handgun, shotgun, and archery facilities. The main objective of this program is to provide the citizens of Indiana with additional and safer places to fire their guns, and train hunter education students.
Where are funds from?
Funding for the Department of Natural Resources Shooting Range grant program comes from the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Program which is commonly called the Pittman Robertson (P-R) Program, and from a federal excise tax on rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammunition and archery equipment. Funds are apportioned to state fish and wildlife agencies based on the number of hunting license holders and each state's size in relation to the other states. Because of the need for local shooting opportunities in Indiana, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has made some of these funds available to local units of government and not-for-profit corporations for shooting range development.
How is funding received?
The project sponsor will not receive a cash grant at the time of project approval. Instead, the sponsor must pay the bills and be reimbursed for a maximum of 75% of the expenses incurred for the project according to the terms of the project agreement.
What are local sources of funding?
At the time of the application the project sponsor must have at least 25% of the total project cost available. The local share may include tax levies, bond issues, or force account contributions. The donated value of cash, labor, equipment and materials may also be used. Other sources of federal funding may not be used as a local match.
Grant funding amounts.
The Shooting Range program will provide 75% matching reimbursing assistance for eligible projects. Applicants may request a minimum of $10,000 with no maximum grant amount. Applications for this program are available from June 1 to September 1. The applications are available upon request and are due and/or post marked by September 1
Who is eligible?
All units of government and agencies incorporated as not-for-profit corporations open to the public at least 20 hours per month will be eligible to participate.
Who administers the program?
At the local level, the Division of Outdoor Recreation administers the program through the Division of Fish and Wildlife. At the federal level, it is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
What types of projects may be funded?
Land acquisition is not eligible for reimbursement, nor will it be permitted for use as the local match. Development on leased property is permitted if the lease endures for the expected life of the facilities to be built, and provides for adequate public access. The grant applicant must agree to keep the project site in use as a public shooting range for the life of the facility.
Projects will be eligible for funding if they develop rifle, handgun, shotgun firing, or archery opportunities for public use.
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
All facilities should be universally designed to accommodate all people. Facilities, programs and activities funded through this program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national, origin, age or handicap.
How do I apply?
The Shooting Range manual serves as the guidelines and application. Please use this document to complete your application. The appendix has all the forms needed to apply. If you want to know more about the Shooting Range grant or to receive the application/guidelines, contact…
Guidelines/applications are available here online for your convenience. If you have any difficulty with this file, contact us and CD or printed versions can be sent to you.
Go to the Shooting Range Manual online
*These files are in PDF format. To view a PDF file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free of charge at Adobe's Website.
Enjoy Indiana