By THE ALASKA STORY
Aug. 3, 2026 – For Alaskans, firearms are our tools used to put food on the table, protect families, and participate in traditions handed down through generations. They’re also for going to the range and firing off a few rounds on a day off.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month, recognizing everything from recreational target shooting and youth programs to hunting and competitive marksmanship.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of learning from trained instructors and practicing safe firearm handling. Organized shooting programs, Dunleavy said in his proclamation, help instill personal responsibility, respect for the law, and an understanding of the obligations that come with owning and using a firearm.
Alaska offers plenty of opportunities to sharpen those skills. Rabbit Creek Shooting Park in Anchorage hosts youth shotgun leagues, while clubs and ranges around the state offer instruction and competitions in pistol, shotgun, rimfire and long-range rifle shooting. The University of Alaska Fairbanks also has one of the nation’s most accomplished collegiate rifle programs.
Former University of Alaska President Pat Pitney won an Olympic gold medal in women’s air rifle at the 1984 Olympics. Others who have medaled at the Olympics include Matt Emmons (Fairbanks/UAF): Gold in men’s 50 m prone rifle (2004 Athens), silver in the same event (2008 Beijing), and bronze in men’s 50 m three-position rifle (2012 London); Jamie Beyerle (UAF): Gold in women’s 50 m three-position rifle (2012 London); and Sagen Maddalena (UAF alum, originally from California but trained/competed extensively in Alaska): Silver in women’s 50 m three-position rifle (2024 Paris).
Happy Shooting Sports Month in Alaska. This is from the way-back in my camera: in 2022, Gov. Mike Dunleavy telling Nick Begich something about this shot he just took at the Juneau indoor gun range. Naresh, the range master behind him, got quite the kick out of it. pic.twitter.com/NnQ3J0zQOH
— TheAlaskaStory.com (@Downing907) August 3, 2026
Dunleavy encouraged interested Alaskans young and old, novices and experienced marksmen alike, to visit a range, enroll in a safety course or try one of the state’s many organized shooting programs this month.
In Alaska, shooting straight is both a sport and a practical life skill.
The full proclamation is available from the Office of the Governor.
2 thoughts on “Straight shooters: August is Shooting Sports Month in Alaska”
Photos of Alaska Democrats make great targets. Buy lots of ammo.
Good for you, Nick. Now, get some hearing conservation legislation passed so we can purchase suppressors over the counter without a bunch of ATF nonsense.