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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...
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Full description and what we offer
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:
The range sits nestled in pine forest, creating a scenic shooting environment while maintaining serious distances for long-range precision work.
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
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:
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]
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