Shooting Sports Task Force Seeks Public Input
The Montana Shooting Sports Task Force is seeking public input as it works on the development of future shooting sports facilities across Montana.
The task force was created through House Bill 899 in the 2025 Legislature, brought by state Rep. Kerri Seekins- Crowe. The legislation established a Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force, with a charge of evaluating existing facilities, identifying statewide needs, and developing recommendations for new or improved shooting sports infrastructure.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is coordinating the task force, which is cochaired by Seekins-Crowe and state Sen. John Fuller, a Kalispell Republican. The goal is for the task force to play a central role in shaping what future state shooting sports facilities could look like, including looking at potential locations, design features and partnerships with local governments and private entities.
“This is an opportunity to build something that supports Montana’s strong outdoor heritage while meeting the needs of sportsmen, families and communities across the state,” said Seekins- Crowe. “Public input will be critical to getting this right.”
The task force is currently working to develop a framework for selecting sites and reviewing facilities across the region, with final recommendations expected by October 2026 for consideration by the Legislature.
Montana has 87 shooting facilities across the state and FWP oers a grant program each year to develop and enhance shooting ranges.
Montanans are encouraged to share their feedback through an online survey available at: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ShootingAccess.
On Friday, the task force met at the Helena Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters. The group heard presentations from South Dakota and Colorado wildlife and parks agencies which oversee the states’ respective shooting facilities.
In South Dakota, the state opened a new $20 million state-owned shooting range last November.
The 400-acre shooting range complex is located about 10 miles north of Rapid City, and is one of the largest public shooting ranges in the nation, according to the South Dakota Searchlight. It includes rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery ranges, and will host recreational shooters, safety programs, marksmanship competitions and law enforcement training.
In his presentation to the Montana task force, John Kanta with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, discussed the fundraising process for a portion of the facility that was not covered by state funds appropriated by then-Gov. Kristi Noem. He also shared the expected economic impact of the new facility, which includes an estimated $2.7 million in spending at local sporting goods stores; 55 new jobs with $1.8 million in payroll and nearly $400,000 in tax payments.
