August is National Shooting Sports Month, a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to celebrate, share and invite newcomers and grow participation in the shooting sports. State legislatures and governors are celebrating too, issuing proclamations of their own to mark the shooting sports in their states. Taking place during the lull between spring and autumn hunting seasons, National Shooting Sports Month comes with family fun ... not to mention contests, prizes and more. Here are some great ideas to celebrate in August ... which will you choose?
Let's start with some ideas that might net you some cash, prizes or both. The NSSF has a program they're calling the #RangeChallenge. Here's how it works: You can either request an official #RangeChallenge target from a partnering range, or download one from the website. You can find a participating range in your area by clicking here. Read the contest rules, shoot your target and enter to win one of 10 gift cards valued at $500.00 each!
Are you a social-media maven? The hashtag to use is #LetsGoShooting ... share the hashtag and your experiences on your favorite social media networks and remind others to head out to the range for a day of fun and socializing. Discover the skill-building and fun other target shooters are having at the range by following the #LetsGoShooting feeds.
August is also a great time to stock up on the guns and gear you'll want for all that range time. Retailers and ranges will be offering specials during National Shooting Sports Month at thousands of events nationwide. Find a participating business near you to take advantage of these offers at ShootingSportsmonth.org.
There's not much that's more rewarding than introducing a new shooter to the shooting sports. If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. So be the one. For all the thrills and excitement recreational shooting has given you, join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range today. Don't forget to share your experience with posts on social media under the #PlusOneMovement hashtag.
In fact, why not make it a date? Ask your spouse, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend to go target shooting with you. You’ll have a great time together. Women are the fastest growing group in target shooting, and more gear than ever has been designed for their fit and comfort. Don’t have someone to go with? Call the range and ask about their leagues and training classes.
Whether you enjoy hearing the clang of hitting steel plates with a handgun, shattering clay targets with a shotgun or hitting a target 100 yards away with a rifle, the shooting sports have something for you. Target shooting is fun, safe and welcoming to those who have never fired their first shots. More than 63 million adults and youth participate in target shooting sports ... and August is the perfect time to find out why.
