The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has launched a new recreational shooting event, the John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge, which kicks off August 9th at the Etowah Public Shooting Range.
The event, part of National Shooting Sports Month, offers handgun owners a chance to test their marksmanship in a competitive but low-pressure setting.
“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 (WFF) 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 Alabama’s first Conservation Commissioner, who served from 1907 to 1920, the challenge is designed for use with commonly owned pistols and emphasizes firearm safety, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly competition. No specialized equipment is required.
Each event in the series will include three timed rounds. Participants will fire 10 shots per round at a bullseye target 25 yards away, with 60 seconds per round. A perfect score is 300 points. The top shooter at each location will win an award, and the scores from all four events will be combined to determine an overall state champion. In case of a tie, the shooter with the fastest time will be declared the winner. A traveling trophy listing the names of the champions will be displayed at WFF Law Enforcement headquarters in Montgomery or at select public shooting ranges throughout the state.
The Etowah event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon. The range is located approximately five miles north of Gadsden on Owl’s Hollow Road. Following the event, the Etowah range will temporarily close for a $2.5 million renovation project.
The John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge comes as ADCNR responds to increased public interest in shooting sports and handgun ownership. The agency is also developing a state-of-the-art shooting facility in Shelby County and offers firearms training courses at its ranges statewide.
To participate, individuals must hold a valid state-issued Wildlife Management Area (WMA), hunting, fishing, or Wildlife Heritage license, all of which grant access to public shooting ranges and community archery parks. Licenses expire August 31 each year. Youth shooters must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should register in advance by emailing the WFF Hunter Education Office at [email protected] or calling (334) 242-3620. A valid photo ID and license must be presented at event check-in.
For event rules and the full schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/activities/shooting-ranges.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
