Winchester and Partners Break Ground for New Public Range

by
posted on September 6, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
winragne1.jpg
Members of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) and the Foundation of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (FMWFP) have formally announced plans to build a new public shooting range facility in north Mississippi with support from Winchester Ammunition.

"Winchester is honored to be the major donor to what will be an extremely impressive shooting range facility," said Tom O'Keefe, president of Winchester Ammunition. "This is an opportunity to provide avid outdoorsmen, women and youth, a safe and friendly environment in a state that deeply respects shooting sports activities. Our contribution underscores Winchester Ammunition roots in Mississippi and strong commitment to the citizens of the State."

This will be the third range owned and operated by the MDWFP, located on the Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area just outside Sardis, MS. Funding for the range facility was secured through the MDWFP Wildlife Restoration Program Grant and a significant contribution from Winchester Ammunition.

"On behalf of the Foundation for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (FMWFP), I want to thank Winchester for helping fund a world class shooting facility," said John E. Taylor, Chairman of FMWFP. "This facility will allow Mississippians of all ages, as well as our-out-of-state guests, the opportunity to have use of a facility to practice an outdoor recreational activity. This is a perfect example of how the FMWFP can be a catalyst to work with industry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies to come together to develop an outstanding venue for the State of Mississippi."

The initial layout of the shooting facility includes:

  • 15-station sporting clay range
  • Two skeet ranges, with a trap range overlaid in each
  • 5-stand range
  • Pistol range
  • 100- and 300-yard rifle ranges
  • 3D archery range

"This is an excellent example of how public, private and corporate entities can work together on meaningful projects to serve the public's interest," said Dr. Sam Polles, executive director of MDWFP. "Not only will this facility provide tremendous recreational opportunities for Mississippi's sporting public, but it will also bring economic growth to this area of the state. It is a win, win for all concerned."

Construction is expected to begin this month.

Latest

Nrapistol Honoraryclub 1
Nrapistol Honoraryclub 1

NRA Honorary Club Recognition Has Returned

NRA announces Honorary Club recognition for Precision Pistol shooters who achieved elite scores from 2018 through 2025 after a six-year pause.

How Volunteers Are The Heartbeat of USPSA

Why volunteers are the backbone of practical shooting and how every contribution fuels the sport’s continued growth.

Turner Parcell Takes HOA at 2026 NSCA East Coast Championship

Team Remington’s Turner Parcell wins HOA with 187/200 at the 2026 NSCA East Coast Championship. Teammate Michael Luongo sweeps 12-Gauge and 20-Gauge events at Hunters Pointe.

Ole Miss Rifle’s Audrey Gogniat Secures Second Consecutive NCAA Air Rifle Title

Audrey Gogniat of Ole Miss defends NCAA air rifle title with a stunning come-from-behind win in the final at Ohio State on Saturday.

RCBS Adds To MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer Lineup

RCBS adds a .338-caliber pilot and a pilot-free 3-Way Cutter Head to the MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer, extending the line’s caliber range and speeding up bench workflow.

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser Surges to Win NCAA Smallbore Title

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser wins individual smallbore title at 2026 NCAA Rifle Championship with 466.0 final score at Ohio State’s Covelli Center.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.