High Desert council is committed to equipping adult leaders with the skills and certifications required to run successful range programs. We offer a series of upcoming trainings designed to give leaders hands-on experience with the equipment and procedures necessary for overseeing range and target activities. Whether you’re new to range and target activities or looking to renew your certification, our training sessions cover range safety, equipment handling, and instruction techniques, helping you feel confident as you guide Scouts on the range.

Basic Shotgun Course

Short Description: This course teaches the basic knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for the safe use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target.

More Details: This course is at least ten-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate. The Basic Shotgun Course is required to become an NRA Rifle Instructor.

Cost and Location: The course will be taught on 14 Nov from 6:00-9:00 pm location TBD and 15 Nov 2025 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the City of Albuquerque Shooting Range Park 16001 Shooting Range Access RD NW. The cost is $35.00 which includes the training material, range fees, and snacks. Students need to bring a 12/16/20 Guage shotgun and a minimum of 25 rounds of ammunition. The minimum class size is 4 and maximum is 8. Contact: Mike Cutter, Michael.cutter@msn.com, 435-730-2837.