Oregon Sportsmen’s Council Launches Statewide Survey on Shooting Range Access

In a move that echoes similar efforts in neighboring states, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), in partnership with local conservation groups, is launching a major initiative to assess and improve public shooting sports facilities across the Beaver State. The newly formed Oregon Recreational Shooting Sports Working Group is now actively seeking input from hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational firearm enthusiasts from the coast to the high desert.

The statewide survey aims to gather critical data on the current state of public ranges, identifying gaps in access, needed safety upgrades, and opportunities for new development. “From the dense forests of the Coast Range to the wide-open spaces of Eastern Oregon, our communities have diverse needs,” said a spokesperson for the Oregon Hunters Association, a key partner in the effort. “We need to hear directly from Oregonians about where improvements are most urgent.”

This push comes as participation in shooting sports and hunter education programs in Oregon remains robust, putting pressure on existing, often aging, public infrastructure. The task force hopes the collected data will guide future funding requests to the state legislature and help prioritize projects that serve the most Oregonians.

Officials encourage all residents with an interest, from longtime trap shooters to new firearm owners seeking a safe place to practice, to participate in the online survey. The goal is to craft a sustainable, long-term vision that ensures safe, accessible, and environmentally sound facilities for future generations of Oregon sportsmen and women.