Winchester and Partners Break Ground for New Public Range

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posted on September 6, 2016
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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.

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