Gun Range Fundraiser Nov. 11

Local residents are working hard to provide to the public an all-inclusive shooting range in the Sidney area. The Roundup spoke with the president of the Richland County Sportman's Club, Larry Christensen, who explained the plans.

"Right now," Christensen said, "we're still in the process of looking for land. We have four different locations picked out, and we're trying to get into contact with the proper people and go from there."

Christensen explained the purpose of the range, saying, "It will be an all-inclusive range. It will include everything when completed from a thousand yard range to a one hundred yard range for rifles, also for handguns and a small caliber range for .22s and also a sporting range for shotguns. It will have everything a sportsman could possibly want in terms of a gun range."

Everyone, with a simple membership, will be able to enjoy the range, Christensen said.

"Everyone from Boy Scouts to 4-H and other groups will be able to use it. It is going to be a public range with membership. We want to control the experience that you have and make sure it's a fun time, and not a range that's cluttered with trash or garbage or that people haven't taken care of. One of our main goals is that we wanted to draw people to the range so that they're not out shooting on public land and making or leaving a mess."

In order to secure purchase of land, the club is having a fundraiser on November 11 from 5-8 p.m. at OK Lanes, with free bowling and free tacos for participants. Also included is a free drawing for veterans for food gift certificates, the raffling off of a Ruger 10-22 rifle, Benelli 20 gauge shotgun, and a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

Christensen said, "Along with a lot of door prizes, it will just be a good, family fun event."

Currently, the region has a pistol range in Plentywood, rifle ranges in Williston and Glendive, and a small caliber indoor range in Glendive. But this will be the first all-inclusive range for the region. With nearly sixty members on the rolls, the Richland County Sportsman's Club is growing.

"Hopefully, by next year at this time we've got something concrete that we can put together and say 'this is it.' The average time frame for this type of project has been about two or so years," Christensen explained.

When asked why shooting is a good or wholesome hobby, Christensen answered, "First and foremost, we have the Second Amendment. Guns are a very enjoyable, safe way of having a fun day with your family that – as long as they are handled properly – are safe. Where else can you go for a day with your family, spend very little money, and enjoy it? If you go to a movie you may spend forty dollars, but you can go to the range all afternoon from noon to sundown and not spend forty dollars. Guns are good for protection and essential for our freedom and liberty."