The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is stepping up in a big way with two upcoming .22 caliber target shooting events in Vernal that deserve serious attention from the Second Amendment community. On June 5, the fourth annual Wild Bunch Shoot opens the range to men, followed by the 37th annual Josie Shoot on June 6 exclusively for women. Both competitions will be held at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex and feature multiple age categories, meaningful prizes courtesy of the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, and completely free registration through Eventbrite. In an era where range time and structured training opportunities can be hard to come by, especially in more rural parts of the state, these events represent exactly the kind of grassroots shooting culture that keeps marksmanship skills sharp and the firearms community vibrant.
What makes these matches particularly valuable is their focus on .22 caliber rifles and pistols. This isn’t just about accessibility and lower ammunition costs, though that certainly helps in today’s economy. It’s about building fundamentals. The .22 forces shooters to master sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through without the recoil that can mask poor technique in larger calibers. For newer shooters and seasoned competitors alike, these events offer a low-pressure environment to refine skills that directly translate to defensive proficiency and hunting accuracy. The fact that DWR is actively promoting them signals an understanding that strong shooting sports participation today creates safer, more responsible gun owners tomorrow. In a state like Utah, where public lands and wildlife management intersect heavily with Second Amendment rights, programs that blend conservation funding with practical firearms training create a virtuous cycle worth celebrating.
The longevity of the Josie Shoot, now in its 37th year, also tells an important story about tradition and inclusion within the shooting community. Events that carve out space for women while maintaining open competition for men demonstrate that the 2A culture can evolve without compromising its core principles of individual responsibility and excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned Wild Bunch veteran or a first-time Josie participant, these matches reinforce the idea that firearms are tools for empowerment, self-reliance, and community building. If you’re anywhere near the Uintah Basin in early June, clearing your calendar for these events should be a priority. Supporting local, agency-backed shooting competitions helps ensure the next generation inherits not just the right to keep and bear arms, but the competence to do so effectively.
