I love shooting. Used to shoot competitively, sadly no longer. I don't shoot FT or HFT, but delighted it has such a following. Air Rifle shooting is on the up and long should it continue as its a great pastime.

It has to compete with all the other leisure activities.
Good facilities help, but its the fun of the targetry that counts. The targets need to be hittable, achievable, and not just my having £££££ of kit. The targetry can't be so impossible it comes down to luck either.
I think the measure of targetry is that with application then the better shots do end up at the top of the score board. Young eyes and fit may well be at the top as would deep experience. Good enough kit and loads of skill should compete to the very top.
Just like clay pigeon shooters will have the "Stars" that win prizes, but the fun of the shooting should be enough on its own to keep people shooting in the sport. Numbers participating does matter. Its got to be kept fun, entry level not too expensive, and plenty of the social side to support it all.
Not so easy to get the balance right.
Good luck.