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Image Credits: S.D. Game, Fish, and Parks

MEADE COUNTY, S.D. - Construction of the new South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks' Shooting Sports Complex, situated just north of Rapid City, is making significant progress. Due to the mild winter, John Kanta, Section Chief for South Dakota's Game, Fish, and Park and Project Manager for the complex, reports that they are already ahead of schedule with this massive 400-acre project.

Kanta stated, "The final completion date is Fall of 2025. Now with the mild winter [we’ve] been able to move a lot of dirt and we are ahead of schedule. So, if things stay on course, we're hoping to open a bit earlier. But again, that final completion date will be October of 2025."

Project Goals (can also be found here):

  1. Provide a safe, designated facility for shooting sports enthusiasts of all types and ages
  2. Provide opportunities for competitive and recreational shooting all in one complex
  3. Have a well-organized layout that allows for multiple shooting disciplines to participate at the same time
  4. Support the R3 efforts: To recruit, retain, and reactivate outdoor enthusiasts
  5. Have community partnership projects involving many organizations and individuals
  6. Be convenient, safe, and easy to use - just a few minutes from surrounding communities
  7. Provide hunting, shooting, and gun safety classes and training

The facility will feature two large areas, a north and south end, comprising multiple action bays and yard ranges (see below). However, the complex is not solely dedicated to shooting; it will also host vendors, events, classes, and more.

"We're already talking to some folks working with Visit Rapid City in scheduling some large competitions that will be held here starting in 2026. So, anything that folks want to do out here in the way of shooting sports or hunting, we’ll be able to accommodate that," added Kanta.

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Image Credits: S.D. Game, Fish, and Parks

Once completed, the complex will be open to the public free of charge. Whether individuals are experienced shooters or just starting to learn, this large-scale shooting range will offer a wide variety of options for everyone to have a fun and safe time.

Kanta emphasized the significance of this project for the local community, stating, "So, this is a wonderful opportunity for the local community. It will serve not only the Black Hills but western South Dakota and beyond... [It's a] free opportunity for folks to come out and enjoy all of the different shooting sports in a safe and organized environment. There's really nothing around like this right now. And of this size."

For more information about the project, you can click on this link here. The Shooting Sports Complex relies on government and private donations, if you would like to donate head over to GF&P donation website. 

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Originally a Sioux Falls native, Sam came to Rapid City and fell in love with the Black Hills. She decided that she wanted to make western South Dakota her home. Recently, Sam graduated from the School of Mines with an M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences and is very excited to share her love of the weather at NewsCenter1.