Aug. 1, 2023
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
MAYFLOWER — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex, formerly called the Dr. James E. Moore Jr. Camp Robinson Firing Range, is hosting a variety of events and promotions in celebration of August being National Shooting Sports Month.
Bill Haynes, range manager for the AGFC, said that the celebration’s timing is ideal not only for recreational shooters, but also hunters who are getting a little cabin fever and want to get a head start on sighting in and practicing for the upcoming hunting seasons.
“To start things off, any children 6 to 17 years old and any adults 65 or older will be able to shoot for free on the rifle and pistol ranges all month long,” Haynes said. “We’re also going to extend that free pistol or rifle range time for anyone who has a proof of purchase of a new firearm within the last 60 days. And anyone who buys their hunting or fishing license on or after July 1 of this year will also get a free admission to either the rifle or pistol range so they can start getting ready for their hunts.”
The celebration isn’t just for rifle and pistol shooters. All skeet and trap games at the complex are half price during the entire month of August. Every round of clays will be only $2.
“We also have a couple of really special days people are going to want to remember as well,” Haynes said. “The first is August 5, when we’ll have the Arkansas Bow Hunters show up for an introduction to bowhunting and 3D archery competition workshop.”
The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and will go over hunting tactics specific to archery and will include plenty of opportunities for participants to learn on Genesis compound bows or bring their own bows and shoot at dozens of 3D targets on site.
Family Week at the range runs Aug. 9-13, with all customers shooting free on the rifle and pistol ranges all week long.
“We’re even going to have Henson’s Island Snow here to give out shaved ice cups to the first 300 visitors on the 12th and 13th,” Haynes said.
The planned activities will conclude Aug. 26-27 with a ladies weekend, where women can shoot at any range — pistol, rifle and shotgun — free. A free ladies handgun fundamentals class will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 26 and a free ladies shotgun fundamentals class will be held at 8:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 27. Ladies can view details and sign up for these classes through the AGFC’s online event calendar here.
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CUTLINES:
Rifle and spotting scope at line
Recreational shooting contributes a substantial amount to conservation in the United States through excise taxes on firearms and equipment.
Handgun class
The AGFC will hold various classes during August to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month.
Hunting Rifle
Free range days are a great way to get a head start on sighting in your rifle for deer season.