Wyoming Approves Lease for State Shooting Complex Near Cody

The Wyoming State Shooting Complex is one step closer to becoming a reality, Gillette News Record reports.

The State Board of Land Commissioners has unanimously approved a 75-year lease for over 2,000 acres of state land south of Cody. This move solidifies plans for a large-scale shooting sports facility aimed at hosting competitive events and promoting economic growth in the region.

The heart of the Wyoming State Shooting Complex will be a multi-purpose event center designed to accommodate competitive events with over 500 participants. The facility will feature nine distinct shooting venues, most of which will be concentrated within a 150-acre core area. These facilities will include:

• Pistol bays
• Trap and skeet ranges
• Indoor archery and air rifle range
• Modern technology range

The facility will also include essential infrastructure such as excavation work, roadways, and pavilions to provide protection from the sun and weather. Other shooting ranges will be spread throughout the 2,000-acre site, with each venue featuring a pavilion, shooting stations, and natural landscape targets.

The project is expected to serve both competitive shooting enthusiasts and recreational users. Its location in Park County provides access to scenic views and natural landscapes that organizers believe will set it apart from other facilities.

Oversight of the shooting complex will be managed by a joint powers board, a governing body formed specifically for this purpose. The 75-year lease ensures the long-term stability of the project, giving organizers a clear path to develop and maintain the complex.

James Klessens, CEO of Forward Cody and one of the key leaders behind the project, highlighted the potential impact of the facility on the local community and beyond.

“We put our best foot forward, because we recognize the power a state shooting complex can bring to Park County and the state,” Klessens said. “Nobody has the landscape that we have … We know when we have the improvements in place it’s going to be a winner.”

The Wyoming State Shooting Complex is expected to drive economic growth for Park County. Hosting large-scale competitive events could bring in visitors, boost tourism, and support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers. The facility’s potential to attract participants from across the state and the nation could position Cody as a hub for shooting sports in the region.

Additionally, the complex will provide recreational shooting opportunities for local residents. By offering a modern, well-maintained space for shooting sports, it could become a destination for beginners and experienced marksmen alike.