NRA donates $25K to gun range
Montgomery County’s proposed shooting range got a major boost on Monday, Aug 1.
During the Montgomery County Conservation Board meeting, Tim Bacon, who serves as the senior field representative for the National Rifle Association, presented the board with a $25,000 grant for the project.
Montgomery County Conservation Director Will Horsley said the project has been under discussion for roughly two years, and plans have picked up over the last 18 months.
“When it comes to a gun range, there are many hoops to jump through regarding environmental issues, and liability and safety concerns. This past year, we really moved forward with the really planning phases and working with Chris Van Gorp with the DNR. He’s been instrumental in the design and layout of the shooting range,” Horsley said.
The gun range will be located a half a mile west of the Anderson Conservation area. Horsley said ground breaking is soon to begin.
“Our next big step is to start the excavation process. We’ve been working through the Iowa DNR regarding permits. Our goal is to have the excavation done this fall, and begin construction of the shooting range by this upcoming spring.”
Some of the features included at the range are a 100-yard rifle range, a 50-yard pistol range, two trap fields, and an archery course.
“It’s kind of a five-component shooting complex we have in mind for that area,” Horsley said.
The main focus of the project is youth education, and to promote outdoor recreation and education to the local populace.
“We want to see kids out of the house, outside, and enjoying this complex.”
Horsley said admission to the gun range will be a combination of membership, and open periods for non-members.
“We definitely want to have it available to the public. We’re looking at membership options, but most certainly it will be available to the public of southwest Iowa to use. We definitely want everyone to know as long as they are a safe and legal individual who can safely handle firearms, you’re welcome to come out and enjoy this complex,” commented Horsley.
Plans for a separate gun range in neighboring Page County have seen public outcry both for and against the range. In Montgomery County, there has been little to no opposition. Horsley attributes this to their transparency.
“We’ve tried to promote this shooting range. At this point in the game, we’ve had a few questions about specific things, but no one has put their foot down and said they’ll do everything they can to stop this gun range. Looking at southwest Iowa, this is such a rich area of natural resources and outdoor recreation. I think this is something very well-received in Montgomery County simply because we’ve taken a very methodical and professional approach at constructing this. We’re insuring we’re building a complex that will be extremely professional, well-operated, and safe. That’s our priority. A safe, outdoor experience,” Horsley said.
Horsley said the NRA grant will go specifically to the purchase of two ATA-approved trap throwers, as well as construction materials for the first phase of the building process.
“Whether you support the NRA or not, they really stepped up and have definitely thrown some skin in the game with this $25,000 check. We really appreciate the support,” said Horsley.
He added the money is instrumental in helping advance the project forward.
“It would be complex to raise this amount of money ourselves. We’ve had a lot of support from the public for the project, and $25,000 is a lot of money. It wil definitely be well-utilized. I can’t thank the NRA enough for the grant to jump-start this first phase.”