Ready… Aim… Fire!

Range and target activities are always a blast!

To hold a shooting event, you need a range and qualified range staff. Camp Durant has fantastic shooting facilities that are maintained according to strict BSA standards. There are also commercial facilities all around that you can visit when Camp Durant is unavailable.

We understand that navigating the rules for this element of the BSA outdoor program can be a challenge. The terms can be confusing, so we offer the guide below to help with this effort. Our main priority is for you to be able to participate in a fun and safe activity!

Range staff What do they do?How many do I need?
BSA Rangemasteroversee operation of BB gun range, archery range, slingshots, tomahawk throwing, rocket launches- on a BB gun range, 1 per 8 shooters
- on remaining ranges, minimum of 1
NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO)oversee the operations of every firearm range, deliver safety briefingminimum of 1 per range while in operation
NRA Instructorfacilitate the operation of firearm ranges; discipline specific, i.e., pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader- on a rifle range, 1 per 8 shooters
- on a shotgun range, 1 per active shooter
- on a pistol range, 1 per shooter
Archery Instructoroversee safe operations of an archery range; teach the BSA Archery Rangemaster courseminimum of 1 per active archery range if a BSA Rangemaster is not present
BSA Shooting Sports Directorstaff the Council shooting sports committee; train Rangemasters; help ensure Council and district events are held according to BSA standardsideally, at least one in each district (4)

Note: if you plan to use a firearm range, you must have at minimum of two separate people to run the range, including one NRA RSO and at least one NRA Instructor of the discipline of the firearms that you are planning to use.

Archery ranges may be supervised by either a BSA Rangemaster or an Archery Instructor certified by USA Archery or National Field Archery Association.

Sample Situation

You plan to simultaneously open the rifle, shotgun and archery ranges at Camp Durant for an event. You need at minimum the following:

So, at a minimum, you would need five people, and it is recommended to have more to assist. For events with many participants, we recommend having more RSOs and Rangemasters (archery), so that safety briefings can be conducted for groups that are waiting while the range is in operation.

Your checklist to run an event should include making a reservation at an approved range and securing qualified range staff according to the number needed as referenced above.

Need Assistance?

The Occoneechee Council Shooting Sports Committee is here to help fulfill your range staff needs. Be sure to ask your range volunteers for a copy of their certification(s) and verify that they will not expire before your event occurs.

For more information, please contact Occoneechee Council Shooting Sports Committee Chair Michael Harrelson.