MAYFLOWER, AR The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is observing National Shooting Sports Month throughout August by offering special rates and free shooting opportunities at its Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex and Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center Shotgun Range. These initiatives aim to encourage participation in recreational shooting and highlight its vital link to wildlife conservation efforts in the U.S. Recreational shooting contributes significantly to the Federal Wildlife Restoration Program, as excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment are channeled back to states for habitat conservation and hunter education. According to Bill Haynes, manager of the Fiocchi complex, individuals aged 6 to 17 and 65 years and older can shoot for free all month long at the rifle and pistol ranges, provided minors are accompanied by an adult. Additionally, anyone who has purchased a new rifle or pistol within the last 60 days can enjoy a complimentary day of shooting by presenting their receipt, allowing them to familiarize themselves with their new firearm. For shotgun enthusiasts, trap and skeet shooting rounds at both the Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex and Grandview Prairie Shooting Range will be available for just $2 throughout the entire month. Furthermore, on August 2 and August 30, the AGFC will provide two free rounds of trap or skeet for anyone over the age of six at the Grandview range, including shells and loaner shotguns. This outreach is designed to welcome new participants and showcase the facilities, emphasizing the ongoing contributions of shooting sports to conservation and outdoor recreation.