August is National Shooting Sports Month® and Congress, as well as governors across the country, are putting their support for America’s shooting sports and firearm industry on the official record. Governors from 14 states (so far) have issued official state proclamations celebrating the rich heritage and importance that recreational shooting sports, hunting and the firearm industry bring to their respective states and the essential role firearm and ammunition manufacturers play in their state’s economy and funding wildlife conservation.
That recognition is significant. These proclamations acknowledge that shooting sports produce and support jobs, sustain local businesses, strengthen America’s conservation system and preserve a tradition rooted in safe and responsible firearm ownership. That’s what August’s National Shooting Sport Month, and millions of Americans, are honoring all month long.
Governors Put It in Writing
It’s an impressive showing so far just one week into the month. Governors issuing official proclamations so far include Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, Gov. Larry Rhoden of South Dakota, Gov. Mike Kehoe of Missouri, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Gov. Mike Braun of Indiana, Gov. Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota and Gov. Bill Kemp of Georgia. Also making their support for the special month known are Colorado’s Gov. Jared Polis, Louisiana’s Gov. Jeff Landry, Mississippi’s Gov. Tate Reeves, Oklahoma’s Gov. Kevin Stitt, South Carolina’s Gov. Henry McMaster, Texas’s Gov. Greg Abbott and West Virginia’s Gov. Patrick Morissey. That is a lot of official support for a special month and an activity that millions of Americans participate in each year.
The proclamations highlight the measurable benefits the firearm industry and shooting sports deliver in communities in each state. For example, Gov. Abbott recognized the firearm industry for supporting nearly 29,000 Texas jobs and generating an estimated $6.46 billion in total economic impact. Gov. Morrisey praised the $268 million the industry contributes to West Virginia’s economy annually. Gov. Landry referenced the more than $814.1 million the firearm industry contributes to Louisiana each year and Gov. Polis credited sportsmen and women for over $30 million in Wildlife Restoration funding each year that makes Colorado a premier hunting destination. Every governor pointed to similar contributions coming into their state each year as a direct result of the activities supported by the firearm and ammunition industry.
Those figures tell a story that firearm industry critics too often ignore. Manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges and other sportsmen- and women-supported businesses create jobs, generate economic activity and provide opportunities for Americans to safely exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Federal Recognition
The strong showing of support for National Shooting Sports Month from such a large number of governors this early in the month is outstanding. But the top executives in the states aren’t the only ones showing their support. In Washington, D.C., leaders are making their support for the firearm industry and the contributions of hunting and recreational shooting sports as well.
Leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are making sure the celebration is recognized in the halls of Congress, too. U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced S. Res. 826, “honoring the contributions of small manufacturers of firearms to the economy, culture, and recreational heritage of the United States and recognizing the month of August 2026 as ‘National Shooting Sports Month.’” The Senate resolution currently has eight cosponsors.
In the House, U.S. Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.) introduced H.Res. 1477, with the same companion language as the Senate version. “Wisconsin is home to many incredible small firearm manufacturers who help drive our economy and ensure access to safe, reliable firearms that allow us to exercise our Second Amendment rights,” Rep. Wied said in a press release. “This month, we recognize their contributions to our economy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”
Members of Congress from both chambers are now back home in their state and Congressional Districts and states and many have events planned to highlight the local benefits of hunting and recreational shooting sports.
Conservation Funded by the Industry
The proclamations also recognize the firearm industry’s longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation.
Firearm and ammunition manufacturers and importers pay federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment through the Pittman Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. The 10 and 11 percent excise tax, paid by those manufacturers and importers, are revenues that are apportioned to state and territorial wildlife agencies for wildlife management and research, habitat restoration, hunter education, public access, and the construction, operation and maintenance of public shooting ranges.
For fiscal year 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) apportioned over $1.3 billion through the Wildlife Restoration program. Over more than $842 million was sourced directly from those excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers and importers. The program now supports more than 860 public target ranges and helps maintain more than 36 million acres for public access and habitat management nationwide. In all, Pittman-Robertson funding has contributed more than $31 billion back to the states for wildlife conservation efforts since 1932, when adjusted for inflation.
The benefits extend to every American, including those who may never purchase a firearm, visit a shooting range or buy a hunting license.
Let Freedom Plink
The 2026 celebration marks the 10th Annual National Shooting Sports Month and coincides with America’s 250th anniversary. This year’s “Let Freedom Plink” campaign encourages experienced shooters and newcomers to visit a local range, participate in the #RangeChallenge and share America’s traditions of marksmanship, responsibility and freedom.
Ranges, firearm retailers and shooting clubs across the country are offering events, introductory and refresher classes, promotions and competitions throughout August. These opportunities give experienced gun owners a reason to return to the range and provide new participants with a welcoming introduction to safe and responsible recreational shooting.
The 14 gubernatorial proclamations send a clear message that elected officials understand the economic, conservation, and cultural contributions of the firearm industry and America’s shooting sports community. That official recognition is worth celebrating.
Visit a participating range, bring a friend and Let Freedom Plink!
– Jenn Jacques, Public Affairs Manager, National Shooting Sports Foundation