I'm not trying to be rude here, but if anyone was keeping up to date on our work with the G&P, you would all know that actual "sight-in areas" are in the works at the moment. As well as more facilities like the Platte River Outdoor Heritage Park and community-bases ranges such as the one in the works at Boosalis Park in Lincoln. The G&P IS NOT out to rape everyone of their hard earned dollar. There are many things to consider. One being VOLUNTEERS to run/ manage the places. Paid staff brings up the operating costs, thus the higher fees! And as we have found out in our own little organization, VOLUNTEERS are hard to find and retain.
Has any of the naysayers being to the Heritage Park? I for one have. My daughter, along with 10+ other ladies, took a hunter safety course there. It is one awesome place. It is better set-up, cleaner, more organized than any private range I have ever been to. (they have also recently allowed visitors to bring their own equipment- see my post on that elsewhere in this forum) Yes it is geared toward the newcomers, but newcomers become shooters, hunters, self defenders, voters, members of grassroots gun rights organizations!! Example: They are having Beyond BOW courses all summer, geared toward women who want to learn shotgunning, pistol, rifle, blackpowder, and archery. Show me your local "range" that is active in all that for a minimal fee. Unfortunately, most private ranges cater to the good ol boys club (albiet, many are starting to change that). Not everyone is looking for that.
I had talked to some of the G&P folks about listing the events here, but with all the flaming, it may be best I not, so as to keep the good partnership standing we have with them at the moment. Ghost and I have spent many hours at the Game and Parks headquarters in meetings with some of the most active shooters and hunters in the state. They want want we all want, a place to shoot that is safe for everyone, and most importantly, recruit new and retain shooters/hunters. But this all takes time, money, and volunteers to donate both!
Yes it is unfortunate they had to shut down targeting at another WMA, but they have their reasons. Ghost is in communications currently to learn of those reasons, how we can help, and where we are at on projects. The idea of 'sponsoring' target areas at WMAs really isn't feasible because there are not any real 'target areas' at WMAs. Now one sight'in ranges begin being built, we will be their first call for help in maintaining these areas. We will update in the member's area when we hear back.
I guess what I'm sayin' is let's stop complaining about every step back and ask what can we do to help to keep moving foward!
