The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on May 1 that it is accepting applications for the Shooting Range Grant Program until Aug. 15, 2026.
The program provides financial assistance to support safe and accessible firearm or archery recreational shooting opportunities for the public. Managers of public or private shooting ranges and members of the public interested in building new ranges are encouraged to apply. Ranges located near populated areas and offering educational programming related to hunting and shooting sports are considered ideal candidates. For-profit businesses are not eligible for funding.
Previous grants have supported renovations or construction projects such as backstops, benches, restrooms, and indoor ranges. The program operates as a reimbursement grant for incurred expenses, with all new construction required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The current grant cycle will make $600,000 available for range improvement projects. In the previous year, ten projects received funding totaling $600,000, which leveraged $238,900 in matching contributions and resulted in total project costs of $838,900.
Before submitting an application, all applicants must contact Sarah Brenner or Brett Johanen from the DNR Shooting Range Grant Program to discuss their interest in applying. Funding comes from a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment under the Pittman-Robertson Act.
According to the official website, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports outdoor recreation by managing state parks, trails, forests and wildlife areas throughout Wisconsin. The agency focuses on conserving natural resources for present and future generations according to its official website. It also facilitates public input through advisory councils and comment periods on proposed rules according to its official website.
The department enforces environmental laws across Wisconsin according to its official website and offers services such as hunting licenses, fishing licenses and environmental permits according to its official website.
