• Introduce Iowans to the target shooting sports
• Promote existing target shooting programs
• Provide new target shooting programs
• Provide more shooting facilities
• Improve existing facilities

By providing programs and facilities for the shooting sports, the DNR will help ensure the future of hunting, shooting and outdoor conservation for generations to come. Target shooting is a lifetime sport that families can enjoy together and is one of the safest activities available today. In addition, target shooting teaches the fundamental marksmanship skills required for hunting and provides multiple avenues for families to get involved in hunting and other outdoor pursuits.

Archery Program Receives Industry Grant

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources received a $25,000 contribution from the Archery Trade Association to help implement the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) in Des Moines and to develop community archery programs in conjunction with Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

Currently, Des Moines Lincoln and East high schools, Southeast Polk, Johnston and Des Moines Christian schools are participating. More than 70 schools are participating in the program statewide.

Through the NASP, archery lessons are lead as an in-school curriculum for two weeks as part of physical education. The DNR provides free teacher training and information on how to apply for archery equipment kits through the Iowa Archery in the Schools Foundation.

The DNR also received an additional $2,000 for the NASP from the Archery Trade Association when DNR Director Richard Leopold won first place in Bucks for Bulls-eyes archery competition, besting agency heads from 15 other states at the Midwestern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies directors meeting in Estes Park, Colo.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Berka, shooting sports coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-0140.



Banner Shooting Range to Host Three Days of Competition

The Banner Shooting Range at Summerset State Park is hosting two events on Sept. 5, 6 and 7 that are open to shooters of all skill levels.

The range will host a pistol shooting competition on Sept. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Sept. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. The competition consists of :45 second rounds and each round costs $2. Shooters may enter as many times as they wish. Shooters under age 21 must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older. The pistol competition is for centerfire, open iron sites only, and no .44 Mag., or 50 caliber pistols will be allowed.

The range will host a 5-stand sporting clay shootout from on Sept. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be no limit to the number of entries or targets shot per day provided time and space are available. Individuals must shoot their targets in 50 target increments; youths shoot in 25 target increments. The cost is $12 for adult or juniors for rounds of 50 and $6 for youths for rounds of $25.

Prizes will be awarded for both competitions. For more information, go to www.bannershootingrange.com or call 515-961-6408.

Preceding each competition, the Banner Shooting Range will offer a free introduction to shooting, sponsored by National Shooting Sports Foundation through their program called "FIRSTSHOTS."

This free, 3-hour class is geared for first time shooters interested in learning about shooting handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Participants will learn about firearm safety and will take their first shots with .22 handguns, .22 rifles, and shotguns.

Classes are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 5, 6 & 7, at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Just choose which day works best and call the range 515-961-6408 to register.

For more information, click here.