Safety and Responsibility

Req 1i — Range and Target Activities Near You

1i.

Identify places in your community where you can join or be a part of range and target activities.

Knowing where you can shoot legally and safely is the first step toward turning this merit badge into a continuing activity. This requirement asks you to actually go and find out what is available in your area—not just recite that gun clubs exist.

Types of Venues to Look For

Rod and Gun Clubs / Shooting Clubs Local shooting clubs are the most common venue for recreational rifle shooting. Many offer monthly membership at affordable rates, maintain multiple ranges (outdoor rifle, indoor pistol, trap fields), and run organized competitions and safety programs. Search for clubs affiliated with the NRA or USA Shooting in your area.

Public Shooting Ranges Some state and local parks departments operate public ranges. These typically charge a small daily range fee and are open to any licensed shooter. Hours, rules, and caliber restrictions vary.

Commercial Indoor Ranges Indoor ranges operated as businesses offer hourly lane rentals. They are generally more expensive than clubs but have no membership requirement. Some offer youth programs or supervised introductory sessions.

Scouting Shooting Sports Programs Many Scouting councils operate summer camp shooting sports programs. Some councils have year-round ranges or partner with local clubs. Ask your council’s advancement or activities staff what shooting sports programs they offer for Scouts.

4-H Shooting Sports 4-H Shooting Sports is a nationally recognized youth program with clubs in most counties. If you are also involved in 4-H, this is a natural overlap.

JROTC and School Programs Some middle and high schools have air rifle teams sanctioned through USA Shooting’s JROTC program. If your school participates, ask about team membership.

How to Find Places

Ask your merit badge counselor—they almost certainly know local ranges.
Search the NRA’s range locator.
Contact your council’s Scout executive or program director.
Check local hunting and fishing license dealers—they often know about nearby clubs.

For Your Counselor

Come prepared with at least two or three specific places you identified—names, locations, and a sentence about what each offers. Your counselor wants to see that you actually looked, not that you guessed.