Shooting Sports

Units attending/holding a non-council shooting sports activity need to have the activity approved by the Shooting Sports Committee. Shooting sports activities held on council property can have access to the range and firearms ONLY if a trained individual is attending the event. Trained individuals will receive a “trained” card identifying their training and approval by the Shooting Sports Committee.

Units that need help finding trained assistance or with questions please contact Mike McDougald.

BSA Cub Scout Archery Rangemaster Course (certifies you to run an archery range)

BSA requires all Cub Scout shooting sports (including Cub Scout archery, BB guns, wrist rockets/slingshots, catapults or rockets) to be supervised by a BSA certified range master. At the Cub Scout level, BB and archery is only allowed at district and council-operated events, and may not be conducted at the pack or den level. Archery range masters may also conduct archery events at the troop, team, crew, and post level. This training covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment, and instructing Scouts. This certification is valid for two years from the course completion date.

BSA Cub Scout BB Rangemaster Course (certifies you to run the BB range)

NRA Basic Rifle Training (learn how to use a rifle)

This course includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; rifle parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate. Students will utilize the instructor’s firearms and ammunition.

NRA Basic Shotgun Training (learning how to use a shotgun)

This course includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.

NRA Basic Pistol Training Instructor-Led (learning how to use a pistol)

The course includes classroom and range time learning to shoot pistols. The course is intended for all adults regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA affiliation. Students learn gun safety rules, proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, ammunition knowledge and selection, selecting and storing a pistol, the fundamentals of shooting, and pistol inspection and maintenance. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.

NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) (train the trainer course for any instructor level course)

During the 6-hour course, candidates will learn NRA policies and procedures, basic public speaking skills, training methodology, use of a training team and training aids, organizing a course, building a budget, and finally preparing to teach. In addition, candidates will be provided the appropriate lesson plans and basic course student packets. Final certification fee must be made through the NRA for two years at a cost of $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. NOTE: Instructors must take a BIT course every 24 months prior to taking another Instructor rated course. If an instructor cannot provide documentation showing successful completion of a BIT course in that time period, this course must be completed. This course can be integrated into an Instructor course or taught as a separate class.

NRA Range Safety Officer Training (1 of 2 required positions to open a firearm range)

This course is nine hours long and is conducted in a classroom and at a shooting facility. Range Safety Officer candidates will learn roles and responsibilities of an RSO; Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s); range inspection; range rules; range briefings; emergency procedures; and firearm stoppages and malfunctions. Each Range Safety Officer Candidate will receive an RSO Student Study Guide, a Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, an NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, and a Course Evaluation form. Final certification fee must be made through the NRA for two years at a cost of $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

NRA Rifle Instructor Training (this position along with a Range Safety Officer allows you to open a rifle range)

This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching NRA’s Basic Rifle Shooting course. Prerequisite: Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills is a prerequisite for certification as an NRA instructor. Prior to the instructor training, candidates complete a pre-course questionnaire and demonstrate their firearm background in pre-course assessment exercises. Final certification fee must be made through the NRA for two years at a cost of $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. NOTE: Instructors must have taken a BIT course within the past 24 months prior to taking an Instructor rated course.

NRA Shotgun Instructor Training (this position along with a Range Safety Officer allows you to open a shotgun range)

This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, promoting, and teaching NRA’s Basic Shotgun Course. Prerequisite: Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills is a prerequisite for certification as an NRA instructor. Prior to the instructor training, candidates complete a pre-course questionnaire and demonstrate their firearm background in pre-course assessment exercises. Final certification fee must be made through the NRA for two years at a cost of $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. NOTE: Instructors must have taken a BIT course within the past 24 months prior to taking an Instructor rated course.

NRA Pistol Instructor Training (this position along with a Range Safety Officer allows you to open a pistol range)

This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching NRA’s Basics of Pistol Shooting course. Prerequisite: Candidates must complete the Basics of Pistol Shooting Instructor Led, as well as the pre-course questionnaire and pre-course qualification. Final certification fee must be made through the NRA for two years at a cost of $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. NOTE: Instructors must have taken a BIT course within the past 24 months prior to taking an Instructor rated course.

USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification (this certification allows you to open an archery range)

The Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification Course provides graduates the necessary tools to maintain a high level of safety both on and off the archery range and ensures that minimum standards for archery instruction are consistently taught to provide for the safety and enjoyment of the participants, instructors, and spectators. Level 1 Instructors are well prepared to teach beginner archery programs to people of all ages and abilities in a variety of both indoor and outdoor settings in the disciplines of target, field or 3-D archery. The Level 1 Instructor will learn about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, equipment and repair, programs and lesson plans.

The Level 1 Instructor will learn about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, equipment and repair, programs and lesson plans.

USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification (this certification allows you to teach the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification Course)

The Level 2 Archery Instructor Certification Course includes the Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification Course and provides students with an introduction to the National Training System (NTS) Steps of Shooting for recurve and compound, equipment and accessory setup, athlete development and events as well as qualifies students to teach the Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification Course. Graduates of the Level 2 Archery Instructor Certification Course are well prepared to serve as the lead instructor for long-term archery programs such as Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD), Adult Archery Program and Collegiate Archery Program clubs, as well as the Explore Archery Program.