Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a measure into law last month that creates a Montana Shooting Center Task Force. That group will analyze and recommend locations and design parameters for establishing a world-class shooting facility in the state.
Although the ink is barely dry on the Governor’s signature, there are indications the task force is already at hard at work. Last week, for example, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) announced the temporary closure of a parcel near Logan, MT.
The 86-acre parcel of Montana state trust land will be closed July 7 and 8. On those days, a routine site assessment will take place there as part of a proposal to develop it into a formal shooting range. The site, which is near Interstate 90, already includes an existing informal shooting area popular with local target shooters.
The closure is a normal part of the process to develop a more comprehensive proposal for a shooting range. It will be closed to all target shooting and access on both days.
MFWP will be doing cultural and hazmat surveys as preliminary steps in a proposal to acquire an easement for the property from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. If the easement is approved and other hurdles cleared, FWP would construct a formal shooting range.
There are several steps that must be completed in the process. They include developing a concept for the shooting range, applying for the easement, soliciting public opinion, onsite surveying, environmental review, securing federal funding and, finally, construction. South Dakota and Wyoming are also working to establish ranges with features that will make them destination worthy.
“Montana is now home to over 150 firearm and ammunition manufacturers,” Gov. Gianforte said during Governor’s Symposium during this year’s Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. “We have more per capita than any other state in the country. We’re here at SHOT Show to thank the vendors who are investing in Montana—and to recruit more. Because we love our Second Amendment and we love our outdoor lifestyle.”
