The Boy Scouts of America has a longstanding tradition of teaching its youth and adult members the safe and responsible use of firearms, archery, and hand-held throwing sports in carefully managed programs for all who choose to participate. Program standards are constantly reviewed by subject matter experts and are periodically revised to incorporate the latest best-practices. Effective September 1, 2024, the following changes will be made to the BSA Shooting Sports Program:
- The program will be titled “Range and Target Activities” to better identify the scope of activities involved.
- The Scouting Pistol Safety and Marksmanship program will be replaced with the NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation. Scouts BSA (13 and older) can only participate in the NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation at an accredited camp program (day camp, short-term camp, long-term camp) or a council-organized one day event.
- Unit-level sponsored/planned range and target activities will require at least one registered unit leader ( age 21+) who has completed the Range Activity Safety online training. This new course will be available in your My.Scouting training website after September 1.
- Only guns and ammunition owned and provided by the council may be used on council property. In the case of some training courses personal guns may be used for demonstration purposes only, but may not be fired. Also, personal guns may be used for select fundraising activities.
- Hunting is no longer allowed in the Venture Program
- Venture Crews and Sea Scout Ships rifle use is limited to the following types: .177 caliber air rifle, min 2.5 lbs. trigger pull (open, scope or dot sights); air, CO2, or pre-charged pneumatic rifle; .22 caliber rimfire long rifle or short rifle (breech-loading, single shot, bolt action or repeater bolt action with box magazine), min 3 lbs. trigger pull; Muzzle loading rifle no larger than .50 caliber; Lever action rifles as part of an approved Cowboy Action Program at an accredited camp program (day camp, short-term camp, long-term camp) or a council-organized one day event.
- Unit-level sponsored/planned Venturing and Sea Scouting pistol programs are prohibited. Venturing and Sea Scouting may no longer use muzzle loading pistols anywhere within Scouting.
A complete list of the newest rules and regulations will be published as soon as possible. Units with range and target activities planned for this fall should ensure that these changes are incorporated into the unit’s plan. If further assistance is needed in accomplishing this, please contact Range and Target Activities Chairman Rick Dunnuck at rick@rickstimeshop.com.
