Shooting Sports Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, hunting, firearms, and shooting sports are part of the history, tradition, and culture of Virginia and have promoted responsible gun use and ownership; and,

WHEREAS, increasing education and access to shooting sports provides opportunities to safely and responsibly increase public participation in shooting sports and hunting; and,

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is responsible for the sound management and conservation of wildlife and, in addition, teaches principles of ethical hunting, firearms safety, and responsible firearm use; and,

WHEREAS, the firearm and ammunition industry contributed as much as $1.3 billion to Virginia’s economy in 2021 and supported 7,424 jobs; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia received more than $19 million in funding for wildlife and conservation efforts through the Pittman-Robertson excise tax levied on firearms and ammunition in 2021; and,

WHEREAS, in August 2022, organizations, businesses, and others will come together to recognize National Shooting Sports Month and spotlight shooting sports activities enjoyed by millions of Americans to promote a culture of safety and responsibility; and,

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged to enjoy time at the range to experience the excitement, education, and tradition of the shooting sports and celebrate the industry’s contributions to the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 2022 as SHOOTING SPORTS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations