AGFC offers free and discounted shooting opportunities in August for national shooting sports month

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is inviting Arkansans to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month this August with special deals and events at two of its shooting ranges: the Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower and the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center Shotgun Range near Columbus.
Throughout the month, youth ages 6 to 17 and adults 65 and older can shoot for free on the rifle and pistol ranges at the Fiocchi complex. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. In addition, individuals who have purchased a rifle or pistol in the past 60 days can receive a free day of shooting by showing their receipt. Hunters and anglers who have renewed their license since July 1 can also shoot free for a day by presenting proof of purchase.

To help hunters prepare for dove season, all rounds of trap and skeet at both the Fiocchi complex and Grandview Prairie range will be discounted to $2 throughout August.

“We’d honestly give those rounds for free, but we need to be able to pay for the cost of the targets,” said Bill Haynes, manager of the Fiocchi complex. “If you’ve ever bought clays at the store, you know that $2 still isn’t enough to cover the cost.”

Additional events include a Family Week at the Fiocchi complex from Aug. 6–10, with all visitors shooting free on rifle and pistol ranges. Free hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be served starting at 10 on Aug. 9 and 10.

A special ladies weekend is scheduled at the Fiocchi complex for Aug. 16–17, when women can shoot free at all stations, including shotgun ranges. Instructors will be on-site to assist new shooters.

At the Grandview Prairie range, visitors can shoot two rounds of trap or skeet for free – including ammunition and a loaner shotgun – on Aug. 2 and Aug. 30.

“We want visitors to come out and see our Grandview facility, enjoy a few games and celebrate National Shooting Sports Month with us,” said Nick Adams, range manager.

Recreational shooting supports conservation efforts in Arkansas through federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery gear. In Fiscal Year 2025, Arkansas received more than $15.7 million in wildlife and hunter education funding through the Federal Wildlife Restoration Program. Combined with funds from fishing-related taxes, these revenues account for nearly a third of the AGFC’s annual budget.

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