After hosting a successful grand opening on Saturday, the Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club is ready to welcome the public to its new indoor shooting range.
Director Kurt Peats says the new facility is one of the longest, climate-controlled and fully automated indoor ranges in western Canada.
“This range is state-of-the-art. We have eight lanes that are 50 metres long. We have climate control. We can shoot at 40 below, and it’s very comfortable,” he said.
The Sportsman’s Club welcomed government officials, regular members, but also newcomers with an interest in shooting sports to the grand opening.
The new gun range is the first indoor shooting facility to open in the Peace Region in the past 25 years.
Peats says introducing new people to the sport is one of the club’s goals. “Try out some handguns! Under close supervision, we’ll train you and show you how they work,” he added.
The range has trained safety officers who can teach newcomers and assist regular members. Peats says anyone who handles a gun must be fully trained on how to use it safely.
“Our number one priority is safety, and our second priority is training,” he said.
The indoor range is open from 6:30 to 9 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is also opened on Wednesday nights for .22 bench shooting.
The Sportsman’s Club is also planning a ladies’ night and archery sessions for youth. The range can also serve as a training facility.
“The range is suitable for RCMP and conservation officer training. Anybody who is a government employee who carries a sidearm for their duties is welcomed to come down here to practise,” Peats said.
Peats adds the community played a strong part in making the facility possible during fundraisers and through constant support.
He says the range will help keep shooting sports alive in the Peace Region. Half of the people it attracts are from Dawson Creek, while the other half come from across the region, including Grande Prairie, Tumbler Ridge and Fort St. John.
Peats believes anyone who gets into the sport will fall in love with it right away. “Just a note of caution: Once you start shooting handguns, it’s very addictive. You’ll be down here every week!” he said with a laugh.
The Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club is also in the process of securing funding for a shotgun range. The club is located on Riley Crossing Road just outside the city.