Arkansas Game and Fish Commission holding special events during National Shooting Sports Month

MAYFLOWER, Ark. – Hunting season is right around the corner, and now is the best time to get armed and ready. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is holding events for the next 30 days as part of National Sports Shooting Month.

Bill Haynes, manager of the AGFC Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex, said this is a thank you to Arkansans, but also the hobby’s best shot at bringing people back into it.

Hunting participation peaked in 1982, according to the NC State College of Natural Resources. The percentage of the U.S. population that hunts has been declining since the 1960s. 

Buddy Blair, of Conway, comes to the gun range in Mayflower each week. With a lifetime license, he is less excited about AGFC allowing those 65 and older to shoot for free all of August, but he hopes kids 6-17 take advantage of having the same privilege.

“I hope so. It’s a good way to have a relationship with your kid. It teaches them discipline and teaches them patience, and it’s just good for them,” Blair said.

From August 6-10, the Fiocchi Mayflower Complex is hosting a Family Week. On those days, the whole family can freely use the pistol and rifle ranges, as long as they provide their firearm and ammunition.

On a ladies’ weekend, Aug. 16-17, women can shoot at any station free.

On Aug. 2 and Aug. 30, at the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center Shotgun Range in Columbus, anyone over the age of 6 can shoot two rounds of trap or skeet, entirely on the AGFC.

The price to shoot skeet and trap are half off are half off. $2 for 24 shotgun rounds, which is below cost.

“We don’t ever make money. We’re an educational facility, and our goal is to give the public an opportunity to come out and shoot in a safe environment,” Blair said.

Anyone who purchased a new rifle or pistol in the last 60 days can show a receipt at the desk and have a free day of shooting to get familiar with their new firearm, too.

“Show us your hunting or fishing license if you’ve renewed since July 1, and we’ll give you a free day on the rifle or pistol range as well,” Haynes said.

With every offering, they hope to bring in more first-timers to the range, like Eric Turner of Jacksonville.

“I think it’s a good thing to get people to come out here and have a good time…Pretty cool place, quiet. Nice environment, so I had a good time out here hanging out with my cousin,” Turner said.

Perhaps they can also keep people coming back for the start of hunting season in September and beyond.

“I think it does show that the state is interested, which I do think is a good thing. Because that’s one thing that Arkansas is known for is hunting and fishing, and the more visitors we get coming here, the more revenue we get into our state,” Blair said.

About a third of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission budget comes from federal taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery, boating, and fishing equipment. To find your local range, click here.