Hillsdale College Announces September Halter Center Events
Upcoming events include a USPSA Level 1 match and a defensive pistol and carbine course.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center will host several shooting sports events in September, including a USPSA Level 1 match and a defensive pistol and carbine course.
Most events require registration, and fees vary by membership status. Learn more about Halter Center programs. Learn more about memberships.
USPSA Practice Matches
5-7 p.m. Wednesdays | Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 | Ailes Range
Hone your dynamic pistol skills at the Ailes Range in a welcoming, low-pressure environment designed for both new and experienced shooters. This is a great opportunity to learn, build confidence, and improve your skills alongside others in the shooting community.
- Free for Halter Center members
- $10 per practice for non-members
Weekly Women’s Pistol Practice
4-7 p.m. Thursdays | Sept. 3, 10, 17, & 24 | Ailes Range
Join us for open range time for ladies of all skill levels. Come when you can, leave when you must, and enjoy a welcoming environment to practice and improve your skills. Please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.
- Free for Halter Center members. No registration needed, just show up!
- $25 per practice for non-members
Saturday, Sept. 5: USPSA Level 1 Match
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ailes Range
A classic USPSA Level 1 match, featuring six stages.
- $25 for Halter Center Members
- $30 for non-members
Liberty & Co. Defensive Pistol and Carbine Course
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday | Sept. 5-6 | Ailes Range
Built for experienced, vetted gun owners, this fast-paced two-day course helps students confidently integrate pistol and carbine skills, make efficient transitions, and apply practical defensive tactics under pressure. Receive detailed coaching on weapon handling, movement, cover, positional shooting, and problem-solving drills while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
- Price: $400
- Who it’s for: CPL or equivalent permit holders who are already comfortable with safe pistol and carbine handling; not a beginner course
- What to bring: defensive pistol, carbine with sling and optic, belt holster and magazine pouches, at least three magazines for each firearm, eye/ear protection, and weather-appropriate gear
- Ammunition: up to 500 rounds of pistol and 500 rounds of carbine ammunition
Register for Defensive Pistol and Carbine Course.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Halter Center Generations Cup
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Sporting Clays Course
SCTP athletes vs. coaches and parents in the ultimate clay-breaking showdown at Halter. Each participant will shoot 150 birds total, split into two 75-bird rotations. Compete for bragging rights between generations. Caesar Guerini will also be onsite with shotguns available to demo on the trap field and at Station 1 of the sporting clays course.
- $80 per participant
- Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 23
- Limited spots available
- Open to the public, but awards are limited to SCTP athletes, coaches, and parents
For questions, please contact David Held at 616-291-9198 or Heather Held at 616-723-2512.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Springfield Armory & Hillsdale College 2026 USPSA Collegiate Championship
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Ailes Range
The 2026 USPSA Collegiate Championship will be a 10-stage Level I USPSA match with five stages in the morning and five stages in the afternoon. Spectators are welcome.
Register for Collegiate Championship.
The Halter Center is open Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesday is reserved for members, and the public is welcome Wednesday through Saturday. The Center is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- More information about upcoming events at the Halter Center
- Photos from previous events at the Halter Center
- Photos of Hillsdale College
- High-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo
About the John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center
The Halter Center is a state-of-the-art shooting facility located five miles from the Hillsdale College campus. The Center boasts 125 range acres, four international skeet fields, a 25-station sporting clays course, eight American trap fields, five international bunkers, an action shooting range, an enclosed and climate-controlled five-stand range, an international archery range, and a 62,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor rifle and pistol building. The Center is also home to the AcuSport Lodge and Grille and six cottages to accommodate overnight lodging.
Opened in 2008, the Center aims to introduce individuals to shooting sports and encourage interest across all levels of experience. The home of the USA Shooting National Team since 2019, the Halter Center hosts USA Shooting skeet and trap nationals and Junior Olympic development camps and championships. The Center is also the home of Hillsdale’s national championship-winning shotgun and action shooting teams. The Center is open to the public, offering range memberships as well as classes, camps, and other programming focused on the shooting sports and the principles of the Constitution. For more information, visit shootingsports.hillsdale.edu.
DATE: Sept. 2, 2026