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Anyone can have an idea but taking that idea from concept to reality is often where people find themselves at an impasse. That wasn’t the case for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Through grit and determination, they made the dream of the Veteran’s Memorial Wildlife Management Area Shooting Range come true.
“Many times, we have ideas about outdoor recreational opportunities we would like to have, but executing those ideas can be a challenge,” said Paul Wilkes, Assistant Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment. “In this instance, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff made execution happen. They had the vision and the perseverance to gather partners, secure funding, design a facility, and then overcome the many regulatory hurdles to open a new shooting range that benefits hunters, recreational shooters, and the local community."
The Veteran’s Memorial Shooting Range was made possible in large part due to funds from the Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program. Authorized by the Pittman-Roberston Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, the program apportions money generated from taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to state wildlife agencies to support conservation projects. These projects can include habitat and species management, research, land acquisition, hunter education, and shooting range construction.
“Kentucky utilized Wildlife Restoration funding to its fullest and has provided recreational shooting opportunity in one of the most populated areas of the state,” said Dan Stoelb, grant manager for the Wildlife Restoration Program. “Projects like this are public-facing and showcase fish and game agency expertise, resilience, and drive to provide outdoor recreational opportunity.”
Supported by $4.5 million in federal funding, the shooting range provides opportunities for both rifle and pistol practice. There are 20 outdoor shooting lanes - 10 that accommodate distances up to 100 yards and 10 able that support distances up to 50 yards. The firing line for all lanes is ADA accessible and covered, allowing shooters to practice comfortably in varying weather conditions. The range also includes an education building where KDFWR staff plan to host hunter education courses and other public events.
The opening of Veteran’s Memorial Shooting Range is a testament to KDFWR’s vision, dedication, and strategic use of Wildlife Restoration Funds to provide additional recreational for its community. This facility is sure to serve the public for years to come.
