Places To Shoot: Blue Grass Sportsmen’s League

With an average of 2,400 active members, the Blue Grass Sportsmen’s League in central Kentucky is the state’s largest sporting league. Located on 1,500 acres, one of the largest tracts of contiguous forest in the region, the League’s property boasts numerous offerings for the outdoor enthusiast. Portions of the property are managed for wildlife and habitat improvement while members can enjoy camping, horseback riding, fishing and several miles of wooded hiking trails. They can also enjoy limited hunting opportunities for deer, small game and upland birds and can take part in semi-yearly casting opportunities on the property’s two ponds. However, with more than 15 firearm ranges and 2 archery ranges BGSL’s main dedication is to the shooting disciplines.

The League provides a wide variety of shooting opportunities including bullseye, cowboy action, black powder, air gun, high power rifle and archery. The recent completion of a second sporting clay course offers even more opportunities for one of the more popular disciplines.

The League hosts regular events in most disciplines as well as annual venues such as the Kentucky State Pistol Championships, the State 4-H Shooting Competition and the Kentucky State Sporting Clay Shoot. It also conducts basic firearm, personal protection and Kentucky Hunter Education Courses each year.

Committed to continuing the shooting sports for future generations, the League currently sponsors youth mentor hunts and monthly youth gatherings with activities such as trips to wildlife education centers, orienteering, survival lessons and shooting events. Activities are planned for junior shooters of all skill levels, and are designed to teach safety, marksmanship, conservation education and sportsmanship.

BGSL members also support the surrounding community. The League provided funding and all necessary equipment for the start-up of the National Archery in the Schools Program in five area middle schools, and hosts a number of shoots to benefit groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society and Ducks Unlimited. Members also help under-privileged children and families in the community through annual donations of clothes, food and gifts.

For more information visit www.bgslinc.com, or call (859) 858-4060.