There Is More to Shooting Sports Than Just Unloading on a Target
Shooting sports, on the rise in Ohio, has never been safer

AKRON, OH - Over 17 million Americans enjoy the thrill, challenges, and high degree of responsibility related to recreational shooting sports. This popular activity can range from an infrequent, casual hobby to competitive training which can be used in world-renowned events such as the time honored Olympic Games. Both archery equipment and firearms are utilized in these highly acclaimed activities.

Whether northeast Ohioans are simply taking advantage of an affordable, local outdoor hobby or sportsmen and women are sighting their guns or bows in preparation for a safe and ethical fall hunt, the Division of Wildlife is seeing numbers on the rise. “The number of people visiting our public shooting ranges this year is outstanding, especially at our Grand River Target Range in Trumbull County,” said Jeff Herrick, district manager for Division of Wildlife in northeast Ohio. As of July 13, 2009 nearly 13,000 public shooting range permits have been sold so far this year compared to slightly over 10,000 in 2008. More specifically, over 3,100 people have visited Grand River Target Range as of June 30, 2009 compared to just over 7,200 the entire 2008 season (March through December). “Grand River range usage is up 40% already and we still have five months to go,” noted Herrick.

“Shooting sports offer exciting outdoor opportunities for a wide variety of people and during virtually anytime of year,” Herrick continued. An extremely safe record proves that sport shooting teaches respect and responsibility in consideration to both people and shooting equipment. According to a reputable leader in firearm safety education, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), golf and tennis both exceed shooting sports in the number of activity-related injuries. In fact, firearm-related injuries are at an all-time low- down 60 percent in the last 20 years. Recreational shooting has never been safer. 

For more information on sport shooting opportunities near you, visit the NSSF web site as www.nsff.org. In partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation and U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, NSSF also created an education and outreach initiative called “Families Afield.” The initiative is helping states create hunting opportunities for youth and adults, so that more families may enjoy America's greatest outdoor tradition together. Ohio is one of first states to embrace this opportunity to get Ohioans outdoors.

Click here to find a public shooting range near you or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).