ADCNR Launches John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge at Public Ranges
Recreational shooting events will begin this month at four ranges across the State
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is rolling out a new series of recreational pistol-shooting events across four public shooting ranges, beginning this August 2025.
The first match takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 9 at the Etowah Public Shooting Range, located about five miles north of Gadsden on Owl’s Hollow Road in Etowah County.
“The John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge is the perfect opportunity for handgun owners to test their shooting skills in a low‑pressure yet competitive environment,” said Matt Weathers, Law Enforcement Chief for ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. “We’ve developed this new pistol challenge in an effort to provide more opportunities for recreational shooters to improve their skills. We encourage anyone interested in shooting sports to participate or attend these events.”
Named in honor of John H. Wallace, Alabama’s first Conservation Commissioner (1907–1920), the series aims to introduce beginners and casual shooters to basic pistol competition using everyday handguns. The events highlight firearm safety, promote outdoor recreation, and encourage friendly, family‑oriented competition—no special gear needed.
Timed to coincide with National Shooting Sports Month, the challenge meets rising demand amid growing interest in handgun ownership and target shooting nationwide. To accommodate increased interest, ADCNR is building a new shooting sports complex in Shelby County and will temporarily close the Etowah range after August 9 for a $2.5 million renovation.
At each event, participants fire three rounds of 10 shots each—60 seconds per round—at a 25-yard bullseye target. With a top score of 300 points, winners at each location earn awards. Scores from all four events accumulate toward the title of State Champion. In the event of a tie, the shooter with the fastest combined time prevails. A traveling trophy listing each year’s state champions will be displayed at WFF Law Enforcement headquarters in Montgomery or at select public shooting ranges throughout the State.
Anyone with a valid, state-issued Wildlife Management Area (WMA), hunting, fishing, or Wildlife Heritage license may participate. These licenses grant access to all ADCNR public shooting ranges and community archery parks. Licenses expire annually on August 31. Youth shooters must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is encouraged via email (DCNR.HunterEd@dcnr.alabama.gov) or phone at (334) 242‑3620. Participants should bring photo ID and a valid license to check-in.
For full schedules, rules and registration details, visit ADCNR’s shooting sports section at OutdoorAlabama.com. ADCNR also offers a variety of firearms courses across its firearms education network state‑wide.
Through its four divisions—Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries—ADCNR seeks to promote stewardship and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources.
