Test Your Marksmanship. Honor Alabama’s Tradition.
The John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge: A competitive, family-friendly handgun event series open to shooters of all skill levels.
Why Participate?
Whether you are an experienced competitive shooter or looking to enter your very first match, the John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge offers a welcoming, fun, and safe environment to sharpen your skills.
- No Specialized Gear Needed: Built around commonly owned handguns—bring what you own!
- Statewide Competition: Compete at four ADCNR public shooting ranges across Alabama.
- Earn the Crown: Top shooters from each event win awards, and the overall highest scorer will be crowned the Alabama State Champion.
- Family-Friendly: A safe, supportive outdoor recreation environment suitable for adult and youth shooters alike.
Honoring a Legacy
John Henry Wallace Jr. (1874–1922) was an Alabama lawyer, state legislator, and conservation pioneer who founded the state's Department of Game and Fish (now the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) in 1907. Serving as Alabama's first Game and Fish Commissioner from 1907 to 1920, Wallace championed "conservation through education," emphasizing ethical sportsmanship, public awareness, and game limits alongside strict statutory enforcement. Under his leadership, Alabama appointed its first official state game wardens in late 1907, laying the groundwork for modern natural resource law enforcement. His enduring legacy in protecting Alabama's wildlife and heritage is commemorated today through state initiatives and competitive shooting events like the John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge.
[Photo of John Henry Wallace Jr. - From Portrait]
How the Challenge Works
The course of fire is designed to test speed and precision under simple, standardized conditions:
- Distance: 25 Yards
- Target: Bullseye Target
- Rounds: 3 Rounds of Shooting
- Shots: 10 shots per round (30 shots total)
- Time Limit: 60 seconds per round (Max)
- Score: 300 Points
- Tiebreaker: In the event of a score tie for State Champion, the shooter with the fastest overall time wins!
Next Upcoming Event
- Upper Delta WMA Range – Date: October 17, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Swan Creek WMA Range – Date: October 17, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Cahaba WMA Range – Date: October 24, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Barbour WMA Range – Date: November 7, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Who Can Participate & Entry Requirements
Participation is easy and accessible! To qualify, you will need:
- A Valid Alabama License: Any valid state-issued WMA License, Hunting License, Fishing License, or Wildlife Heritage License.
- Valid Photo ID: Required at event check-in.
- Age Requirements: Shooters of all ages are welcome (Youth shooters must be accompanied by an adult).
- Handgun & Ammo: Bring your standard pistol and factory ammunition.
How to Register
Pre-registration is highly recommended as spot availability at range bays is limited.
- Option 1: Register via Email – Send your name, contact information, and desired event date/location to: Carolyn.hale@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Option 2: Register via Phone Call the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement Office at: (334) 242-3467
Trophy & State Recognition
The overall State Champion's name will be engraved on a traveling perpetual trophy displayed at the WFF Law Enforcement Headquarters in Montgomery.
