Gov. Lombardo declares August as Shooting Sports Month in Nevada

By Annie Black  

Nevada News and Views

Nevadans who love the outdoors and support the Second Amendment have something special to celebrate this August: National Shooting Sports Month is officially underway, and Governor Joe Lombardo has stepped up to mark the occasion.

In a proclamation signed on July 25, Gov. Lombardo declared August 2025 as Shooting Sports Month in Nevada, highlighting the economic, cultural, and conservation value that shooting sports bring to the Silver State.

Lombardo’s proclamation isn’t just lip service. It recognizes the millions of Nevadans, young and old, who safely participate in hunting and recreational shooting every year.

It also praises the role mentors and family members play in teaching responsibility, safety, and respect for the law through shooting sports.

But it’s not just about tradition. It’s about impact.

The governor pointed out that in 2024 alone, hunters and shooters helped contribute more than $21 million toward wildlife and conservation efforts through the Pittman-Robertson excise tax on firearms and ammo.

That’s a real and measurable investment in protecting Nevada’s natural resources.

Big Business for the Silver State

If you think shooting sports are just a hobby, think again.

According to the governor’s proclamation, the shooting sports industry brings in more than $800 million in economic activity every year in Nevada and supports over 1,800 jobs.

And let’s not forget the SHOT Show, hosted annually in Las Vegas by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

It’s the third-largest trade show in the state and pumped more than $90 million into the state’s economy last year.

That’s not just good news for gun owners. That’s good news for small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and workers across the state.

Trump Administration Fully On Board

National Shooting Sports Month isn’t just getting love at the state level.

President Donald Trump also issued a formal message recognizing August as a time to celebrate America’s long-standing traditions of hunting, marksmanship, and responsible gun ownership.

“From the earliest days of our great national story,” President Trump said, “hunters, fishers, sportsmen, and gun owners have carried forth a storied legacy of recreation and competition, proudly embodying our timeless principles of liberty, responsibility, and self-reliance.”

It’s a strong contrast to the Biden years, where the gun industry was often treated like a political punching bag.

Trump’s message reminds Americans that the right to bear arms is not just a constitutional protection. It’s part of our national identity.

A Nationwide Movement

Nevada isn’t the only state stepping up.

At least 16 governors, including leaders from Texas, Florida, and South Dakota, have also signed proclamations recognizing National Shooting Sports Month.

Even governors from across the aisle, like Colorado’s Jared Polis and Kansas’ Laura Kelly, joined in.

In Congress, lawmakers like Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced a resolution honoring the shooting sports community and the small businesses that support it.

The firearm industry currently supports over 380,000 jobs nationwide and adds more than $91 billion to the U.S. economy.

It’s Not Just Politics — It’s Fun

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just want to try out a local range for the first time, August is the perfect month to do it.

Across Nevada and the country, shooting clubs and retailers are offering events, classes, and special deals to encourage more people to get involved.

So grab your gear, call a friend, and head to the range or into the great Nevada outdoors.

It’s not just about shooting. It’s about freedom, responsibility, family, and tradition.

To learn more about how to participate in National Shooting Sports Month or find an event near you, visit www.letsgoshooting.org.

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Annie Black is a former Mesquite City Councilwoman and former Nevada State Assemblywoman