Ppsa
The Prickly Pear Sportsmen's Association operates a fully functional shooting range on public lands in the Helena National Forest, authorized by special use permit from the Helena Ranger District. Located about 10 miles west of Helena on Highway 12 at MacDonald Pass (near mile marker 31), PPSA gives...
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The Prickly Pear Sportsmen's Association operates a fully functional shooting range on public lands in the Helena National Forest, authorized by special use permit from the Helena Ranger District. Located about 10 miles west of Helena on Highway 12 at MacDonald Pass (near mile marker 31), PPSA gives central Montana shooters a year-round facility with no restricted hours—just shoot from sunrise to sunset.
PPSA maintains multiple shooting distances:
- •Rifle ranges: 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards
- •Pistol range: 1 to 35 yards with retractable targets and steel plates at 35, 40, and 45 yards
- •.22 rimfire area: Dedicated reactive target zone for younger shooters using .17 or .22 caliber rifles and pistols
The range sits nestled in pine forest, creating a scenic shooting environment while maintaining serious distances for long-range precision work.
- •Cost: $50/year (January 1 through December 31)
- •Buy membership at:
- •Capital Sports (Helena)
- •Murdoch's (Helena)
- •Sportsman's Warehouse (Helena)
Members receive: - Full year access from purchase date through December 31 - Access for spouse and children under 18 (no separate membership needed) - Gate code and membership card - Ability to bring up to 2 paid guests
- •Guest Passes: $10 per person, 18+, good for one day. Available for purchase at the range (cash or check). Guests must be accompanied by a member at all times.
Allowed: - Centerfire rifles at appropriate ranges - Rimfire rifles (.17 and .22 only in the rimfire area) - Pistols (centerfire and rimfire at pistol range; rimfire only in .22 area) - Paper targets on provided backstops - Reactive/gong targets provided by association - Muzzleloaders
Prohibited: - Shotguns of any kind (this is absolute—violation results in permanent membership ban) - Slugs - Armor-piercing, steel-tipped, tracer, or flare ammunition - 50 BMG - Automatic weapons - Exploding targets - Rocks, trees, shrubs, bottles, cans, clay birds as targets - Hunting or camping
Shotgun Rule: PPSA permanently bans members who use shotguns. The association explains this is because slugs damage target backers faster than bullets, cause frame damage when shooters miss, require downrange trips to retrieve wads (interrupting shooting), and create lead mitigation issues on Forest Service land.
Eye and hearing protection is required at all times. Members must:
- •Keep membership card on person and show it upon request
- •Follow firing line rules—fire only from the immovable table line, not forward or behind it
- •Unload firearms completely (no rounds in chamber or magazine) when changing targets
- •Notify other shooters and get "cease fire" agreement before going downrange
- •Post orange safety flags while changing targets
- •Bury all bullets in dirt backstop behind target supports
- •Carry out all trash and spent brass
- •Park in designated areas only
No alcohol or illegal drugs allowed. Violations can result in suspension or termination.
| Cost | $50/year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) |
|---|---|
| Spouse included | Yes |
| Children under 18 | Yes |
| Adults 18+ (additional) | Separate membership or $10 guest pass per visit (max 2 guests) |
| Card replacement | $10 |
| Gate code replacement | $10 |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round |
PPSA hosts competitive shooting events that vary yearly—check the News & Events section for current details. Past events include the Ladies Rimfire Shoot.
Training classes covering concealed carry and basic firearms safety are currently being developed for members and the general public.
The association awards two $500 scholarships annually to successful candidates. PPSA also maintains information on public lands water access and the Montana Hunter-Landowner Stewardship Project.
Volunteers are welcome. Contact board leadership through the club officers page.
Prickly Pear Sportsmen's Association P.O. Box 5025 Helena, MT 59604 [email protected]
- •Location: Highway 12 West, MacDonald Pass (about 10 miles west of Helena). Watch for Helena National Forest sign, mile marker 31, and "1898" marker. Use your gate code to unlock entry.
- •Weather check: Use the MacDonald Pass MDT webcam on their website to check conditions before heading out.