Prickly Pear Sportsmen's Association

06/09/2026

PPSA Member Update from Board Chair Cory Olson

As we move into summer, we want to thank our members for helping make PPSA stronger than ever.

During the first half of 2026, we have completed several improvements at the range. The downrange light system is working smoothly, the cameras are up and running, new range markers are in place on the pistol range, new benches have been installed, and PPSA is on track to exceed 2,000 members for the first time.

We are also in the middle of our 2026 Postal Shoot competition, and Saturday, June 13, is our 3rd Annual Ladies Rimfire Shoot. Ladies, there is still time to sign up.

You may have also noticed that our website has been completely rebuilt. One of our board members has upgraded and improved the site, modernized the PPSA logo, and helped give the membership better and faster communication.

A few reminders for members:

Please remember that the main gate is not automatic. It needs to be secured open when entering or exiting, and physically shut once your vehicle is through.

Please review the updated rules regarding forced reset triggers, binary triggers, and bump stocks. Only handguns are allowed on the handgun range, and only rimfire fi****ms are allowed on the rimfire range.

Guest passes are required for guests. Each member may bring up to two guests per visit, and members are responsible for their guests’ behavior.

Beginning Monday, June 22, PPSA will begin extensive lead mitigation work on the long range. This work is expected to continue for roughly two weeks, and all ranges may be impacted on different days. Some ranges may be closed for a few hours, a full day, or possibly longer while this work is completed. Please plan ahead to potentially use a different range if you intend to go to the range during this time period, as your ideal one may be closed for the day while we fix mitigate the current problem.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue investing in the range, respecting the environment, and caring for the land we are fortunate to use.

Have a great summer, and we’ll see you at the range.

Cory Olson
PPSA Board Chairman

06/08/2026

Range Impact Update: Lead Mitigation Work

PPSA now has confirmation that lead mitigation work will begin early in the day on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

The contractor will be working from range to range, so certain ranges will be closed as needed throughout the day. Please expect range closures at different times during the day if you plan to visit.

There is a chance the work could continue into the next couple of days, although we hope it will be completed on June 10. No impact is expected before June 10.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this important work is completed.

05/29/2026

PPSA RANGE NOTICE: June 8–12

PPSA members,

Lead mitigation work is expected to take place at the range sometime during the week of June 8 through June 12, 2026.

This does not mean the entire range will be closed all week. At this time, we expect only certain ranges may be impacted on some day or days during that window. No full range closure is currently expected.

We know this is short notice. The vendor and Forest Service coordination have only provided us with the general weeklong window so far. We will share more specific details as soon as we know the exact day, time, and affected ranges.

Please check the website and Facebook before heading to the range that week.

Thank you for your patience.

PPSA Board of Directors

05/08/2026

🎓 PPSA Scholarship Final Deadline Coming Soon

The final deadline to apply for the Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association scholarship is almost here.

PPSA will award two $500 scholarships to successful candidates.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 1, 2026.

Applicants should carefully complete the full application packet, include all required attachments, and make sure the application is physically signed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Mail completed applications to:

Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association
Scholarship Committee
PO Box 5025
Helena, MT 59604

Download the application from the PPSA Education page -

Explore PPSA education opportunities—scholarships and fi****ms training. Download the scholarship application and get concealed carry class info.

05/07/2026

Final reminder: PPSA Ladies Shoot -- (signup is required).

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026, on the Rim Fire Range for a fun morning to meet, greet, and shoot.

This event is open to PPSA members and spouses of members. Space is limited to 20 ladies, so please reserve your spot now. We are nearly full.

Available time slots:

8:30–9:45 AM
10:00–11:15 AM

This is not a competition and not an instructional event. Just a fun shoot! Participants will shoot at paper and steel targets at different distances.

Please bring your favorite .22 pistol or .22 rifle, iron sights or optics, a bag or case for your firearm, 50–150 rounds of ammunition, and eye and hearing protection.

Each participant will receive a swag bag at the end of the event.

To reserve your preferred time slot, call Sue Little at 602-541-0123.

Space is limited, so don’t wait!

05/07/2026

--- Important PPSA Range Policy Updates ---

Effective immediately, forced reset triggers, binary triggers, bump stocks, and similar devices designed to increase the rate of fire are not approved for use on any PPSA range.

The PPSA Board of Directors strongly supports the shooting sports and the Second Amendment. However, recent incidents involving rounds leaving the intended backstop area, damage to range equipment, liability issues, distractions, and interference with other shooters have made this policy necessary.

The board had no choice but to implement this new prohibition due to these incidents. Safety comes first on all PPSA ranges. This policy applies to all members and guests, with no exceptions.

Pistol caliber carbines are also no longer allowed on the pistol range. PCCs may be used on the Sight-In Range or the 100-Yard Range only.

We have also had an uptick in inappropriate (unsafe) transfer of fi****ms between benches. Please remember to case and uncase all fi****ms at the bench or table provided. Do not walk between the back wall and the bench or table with uncased fi****ms.

Thank you for helping keep PPSA safe and enjoyable for everyone.

03/15/2026

Bring out your old war horse and join the PPSA Vintage Military Fun Match.

This free members-only postal match is open to as-issued vintage metallic-cartridge military rifles and faithful reproductions from any nation. Eligible rifles must be models first issued between 1863 and 1950. Rifles must be in military configuration with iron sights only. No scopes or sporterized rifles.

The match runs May 1 through June 15, 2026 and is limited to 50 PPSA members.

Course of fire:
40 rounds total at 300 yards on a 19-inch bullseye
5 prone, 5 sitting, 5 kneeling, and 5 standing on each of 2 targets

Prizes:
1st place: $100 gift card
2nd place: $75 gift card
3rd place: $50 gift card
Plus, all non-winners are entered in a drawing for two $50 gift cards

To register:
Email John Vore at [email protected]
with your full name, PPSA member number, mailing address, rifle make and caliber, and date of manufacture if known.

Spots are limited, so sign up early.

https://ppsamt.com/event/vintage-military-fun-match/

03/09/2026

PPSA Ladies Shoot
Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 on the Rim Fire Range for a fun morning to meet, greet, and shoot.

This event is open to PPSA members and spouses of members and is limited to 20 ladies, so please reserve early.

Time slots available:
8:30-9:45 AM
10:00-11:15 AM

This is not a competition and not an instructional event. Participants will shoot at paper and steel targets at different distances.

Please bring:

Your favorite .22 pistol or .22 rifle

Iron sights or optics

Fi****ms must be bagged

50-150 rounds of ammunition, depending on how much you’d like to shoot

Each participant will receive a swag bag at the end of the event.

To reserve your preferred time slot, call:
Sue Little
602-541-0123

Space is limited, so don’t wait.

02/10/2026

We’ve launched a new PPSA website!

Please bookmark PPSAMT.com for the latest range updates, rules, events, membership info, and announcements as we transition away from PPSAMT.org.

We hope it’s helpful and easier to use.

See you at the range! 🎯

PPSA’s member-only shooting range on McDonald Pass near Helena, MT. Find range rules, events, membership info, and scholarship updates here.

02/04/2026

📣 PPSA Board Update! 📣
Here’s the full Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association board for 2026. These folks volunteer their time to help keep our gun range running smoothly, safely, and ready for members.

Please join us in giving a big welcome to our newest board member, Travis (second on the right in the back) Thanks for stepping up and helping out, Travis — we’re glad to have you on the team!