Wyoming Invests in Massive Shooting Complex

by
posted on July 24, 2024
Cody, Wyoming Lede

Wyoming has long been thought of as a promised land for hunters and sportsmen, with the town of Cody as its Mecca. Situated in a quintessentially Western environment squarely between vast yellow planes and jagged green country, and home to such renowned gunmakers as Best of the West and Gunwerks, Cody is about to boast yet another reason for firearm enthusiasts to visit. About seven miles south of town, more than 2000 acres have been chosen as the site of a $10 million Wyoming state shooting complex, opening in 2026.

The complex came about thanks to a bill state Senator Larry Hicks (R.-Baggs) co-sponsored in 2023. The bill also created a task force to oversee selection of the site, which was ongoing until the Monday, July 22nd approval of the Cody site, beating out a competing bid from co-finalist Campbell County. The process originally involved nine Wyoming communities vying for the complex.

Of the $10 million for the shooting complex (fully set aside in a fund that cannot be touched until the Legislature gives the go-ahead), $5 million is from the state's general fund, $2.5 million is from the Wyoming Fish and Game Department and $2.5 million is from the Wyoming Office of Tourism. Senator Hicks expects the Legislature to release the money and greenlight the project during the 2025 session.

Should this occur, construction is hoped to begin by spring of 2025 on the 2,036 odd acres. If this timetable is followed, a ribbon cutting and the first shooting events.

While of direct benefit to shooters, the complex is actually part of a broader plan to boost Wyoming tourism and make the state a regional draw. Dissenting opinions abounded as to the specifics of the strategy, but Cody was partially chosen due to its already strong draw, thanks to its incredible history and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. For more on the story, check out the reporting over at the Cowboy State Daily

Latest

22 Golden Hunter Lede
22 Golden Hunter Lede

#SundayGunday: Remington 22 Golden Hunter

This week on #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at 22 Golden Hunter, from Remington.

How to Hunt the North Woods Without Snow

In the North Woods, when no snow covers the ground, you won't see deer by any hunting method unless you first find woods with sign. The most successful hunters here, regardless of the weather, are adaptable.

Recipe: Easy Grouse Shawarma

Brad Fenson takes some fresh spruce grouse from a recent hunt in Saskatchewan, and turns them into an easy, delicious shawarma.

Art Fueling Conservation in Arkansas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Historic Cane Hill have issued a nationwide call for art to be featured on the 2025 Arkansas Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp and Eastern Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp.

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.