Wyoming Invests in Massive Shooting Complex

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.