Important Notice:
Please be aware that range rentals do not include or guarantee the availability of Scouting volunteer staff members. Any volunteers from within the Range and Target Activities group who assist with your event are doing so on their own time and accord. Therefore, as much advance notice as possible prior to your range rental is greatly appreciated to ensure your unit’s Shooting Sports program event is adequately supported. In the event that your shooting event cannot be staffed, the council will refund your money. Please note that the money collected by the council is used to cover consumables associated with the Shooting discipline program.
Range Activity SAFEty Training:
All Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships that conduct unit-level sponsored/planned range and target activities must have at least one registered unit leader, 21 years or older, who has completed the Range Activity SAFEty online training available on www.my.scouting.org. This individual must be present at the range during the activity. Participating in this training will help ensure the unit understands Scouting America’s range and target activities policies.
*Program Note (as of 9/9/24):* The Range Activity SAFEty Training is currently in the final stages of production and is expected to be posted to my.scouting.org within the coming week. Until this training is live, it will not be required. However, all other policy changes as outlined in NCAP Circular 21 and the new Range & Target Activities Manual are fully in effect.
Rifle Range Guidelines:
All rifle shooting activities must be supervised by a currently NRA-certified Rifle Instructor and a currently NRA-certified Range Safety Officer (RSO) while on the range. Additionally, the ratio of instructors to scouts/shooters must be maintained at **1 NRA-certified Rifle Instructor for every 8 scouts/shooters**. Any person reserving the rifle range must provide the name and phone number of the NRA-certified Rifle Instructor and RSO responsible for running the range.
Rifle Range Reservations:
- Location: Camp Bullowa
- Availability: Saturdays (weather permitting).
- Timeslots: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Cost: The 4-hour timeslot includes 400 rounds of ammunition. $190/in-council unit, $225/out-of-council unit
- Eligibility*: Reservations are available exclusively for Troops, Crews, and Ships.
*NYS Law mandates ages 12 and older may shoot rifles. There are no exceptions to this.
Please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for age restrictions and other safety guidelines for all shooting sports.
Need a Certified NRA Rifle Instructor or NRA Range Safety Officer?
If your unit does not have an NRA certified RSO and or Rifle Instructor, arrangements can be made to provide one at no extra cost. Please contact Joe Murphy at JosephBernardMurphy@gmail.com at least one month prior to your reservation date. Email both email addresses listed above. When emailing Joe, please title your email "Range Rental [Your Desired Date]." You can also reach him via his mobile number at 845-476-4959.
How to reserve a Rifle Range time for your unit (at least 1 month prior!):
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- Visit the Reservations Page
- Select your preferred Saturday date (Note: No reservations are available from November through April due to difficulties in accessing the range and roads while snow is on the ground).
- Select Camp Bullowa and then select "Training / Program Center".
- If the range is available, it will appear as an option. Click on "Details" to complete your online reservation.
- Once your reservation is confirmed, forward your receipt to Joe Murphy. If you are providing your own certified Instructor and RSO, include copies of their certifications. If not, request Joe to arrange certified personnel for you.
Important Documents:
Before your reservation, please review the following documents. They will be provided at the range, so printing is not necessary:
Archery Range:
The Archery range must be supervised by one USA Archery-certified instructor, along with an appropriate assistant. The ratio of instructors to scouts/archers must be maintained at 1 USA Archery-certified instructor for every 8 scouts/archers shooting on the line. Archery range reservations are available for Packs** (see Cub Scout Pack Purchases from Council** below), Troops, Crews, and Ships at both Durland Scout Reservation and Camp Bullowa.
Archery Range Reservations:
- Availability: Saturdays only
- Cost: Includes all bows and arrows for a 4-hour timeslot. $60/in-council unit, $75/out-of-council unit
- Eligibility: Reservations are open to Packs**, Troops, Crews, and Ships
- Reservation Window: No reservations from November through April. (Note: No reservations are available from November through April due to difficulties in accessing the range and roads while snow is on the ground).
To reserve the archery range, please follow the same instructions as the Rifle Range reservation process. If your unit lacks a certified instructor or appropriate assistant, you may request one by contacting Joe Murphy at least one month in advance of your desired date.
The Guide to Safe Scouting has details regarding age restrictions for all Range and Target Activities, which you can review here.
Looking to help out at our Range & Target Activities? There's more than just those listed below! Email Joe today!!
Join our Team ~ sign up for a training course here:
Have you signed your Scout up for one of these great events?
BB Gun Range:
BB Gun Range reservations are available for Packs**(see Cub Scout Pack Purchases from Council** below), Troops, Crews, and Ships at Durland Scout Reservation. The reservation includes all equipment needed for a 2-hour timeslot.
- Availability: Saturdays only
- Cost: Includes all necessary equipment for the 2-hour reservation. $75/in-council unit, $85/out-of-council unit
- Eligibility: Reservations are open to Packs**, Troops, Crews, and Ships
- Reservation Window: No reservations from November through April. (Note: No reservations are available from November through April due to difficulties in accessing the range and roads while snow is on the ground).
The specific 2-hour time slot will be determined by the Shooting Sports team covering your reservation, and you will be notified of your time slot during the week of your reservation.
To reserve the BB Gun Range, follow the instructions outlined above. If you need a certified instructor, please contact Joe Murphy at least one month in advance.
For the latest rules and updates on Cub Scout Range & Target Activities, please visit the Guide to Safe Scouting here.
Cub Scout Pack Purchases from Council**
In accordance with current Scouting America policy, Cub Scout Packs are not allowed to run any shooting events independently. However, with direct permission from National, units are authorized to purchase a council-run range product. These range rentals are organized, operated, and covered by the Greater Hudson Valley Council. These events can only occur at Camp Bullowa and Durland Scout Reservation.
When reserving a range under this policy, all arrangements and supervision will be provided by certified instructors and RSOs through the council and its Shooting Sports Committee.
Get Involved!
Scouting only works because of trained volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to support the youth in our programs. As it pertains to Scouting America's Range And Target Activities, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join our efforts. If you are interested in getting more involved, please contact the Range and Target Activities Committee Chair, Joe Murphy at JosephBernardMurphy@gmail.com or 845-476-4959.
