Why You Should Want to Attend:
The Armed Forces Initiative is the BHA program focused on creating conservationists within the military community. This shooting event is designed to teach members of the military community how to build confidence and proficiency with your shotgun prior to hunting on public lands in Arizona.
What is it:
This event is a prepare-to-hunt event. Attendees will get to prepare for upland game hunting by shooting moving objects with shotguns using Fort Huachuca's Skeet and Trap ranges. Skeet is a shooting sport that throws clay pigeons in a set direction from two "houses" while the shooter moves from shooting different shooting positions. Trap throws clay pigeons in a random direction away from the shooter. Both prepare the shooter to hunt for upland game birds such as pheasant, grouse, quail, chukar, and many more, as well as to hunt waterfowl like ducks and geese. Shotgun skills also transfer to shooting small game like rabbits, squirrels, and other ground critters. We'll talk hunting and shooting techniques and show participants how to become proficient in all aspects of upland game hunting.
The Range charges $7 per round of clays in either trap or skeet (each round has 25 clay pigeons, which is also one box of shells). Shooters will have to pay in the Sportsman Center for each round or buy multiple rounds.
All attendees are expected to obey the rules of the range and all directions from range safety officers.
Attendees can expect to learn:
- Shotgun shooting basics and positions
- Techniques for shooting skeet and trap
- Adjusting lead on target and movements
Attendees should bring:
-Water
- Shotgun (See below for special notes)
- Ammunition (25 shells per each round of shooting)
- Hearing Protection
- Eye Protection
- Comfortable clothes based on the weather
- Payment method for range fee
NOTE ON FIREARMS:
Fort Huachuca requires all firearms be registered on base. This can be done at the Military Police Station at the Van Deman Gate during regular business hours. If you CANNOT register a firearm or do not wish to do so, contact the event leaders and we can provide extra firearms. Bring ammunition at their direction. Several participants will bring extra firearms, but you will be requested to bring ammunition if you desire to shoot. Contact event leaders to ensure you buy the correct gauge and shot size.
When is it:
September 27th, 2025
8:50AM - 11:00AM
Where is it:
Fort Huachuca Sportsman Center
15423 Garden Canyon Road
Building 15423
Sierra Vista, AZ 85613
Who can attend:
- This event is on Fort Huachuca - all attendees are required to enter a military base. Access to Fort Huachuca (visitors' passes, etc.) can be granted at the Military Police station at the Van Deman Gate. Military servicemembers and their families can enter with their military IDs. Security concerns could limit access at the discretion of base security
- This event is open to all members of the military community
(Active duty, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans, and Gold Star families)
- You do not need to be a BHA member to attend
(but we sure would appreciate it if you were)
***This event is limited to 15 participants. Please fill out the participant application form linked in your RSVP confirmation email.***
For any questions, please contact Arizona AFI Liaison Leland Hart at
azafi@backcountryhunters.org
or
AFI_Skillsbridge@Backcountryhunters.org
Come see why BHA's Armed Forces Initiative is the fastest-growing outdoor program for the military community and help bring more folks outdoors in Arizona.