MDC opens new target shooting range in Johnson County

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News from the region
Kansas City
Published Date
10/10/2019
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Knob Noster, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Oct. 9 dedicated and opened a new target shooting range at the Ralph and Martha Perry Memorial Conservation Area in Johnson County. MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries said the project provides significant upgrades as it replaces an older range on the area. The range provides a free place for shooters to practice firearm skills or sight in scopes on hunting rifles. MDC provides 67 shooting ranges throughout the state, and assists 11 partners that host ranges.

“This will be one of our more popular ranges because it serves a region with Whiteman Air Force Base and cities such as Warrensburg, Sedalia, Knob Noster, and Concordia,” Jeffries said. “It’s going to provide a good, safe place for the public to come and use.”

The new range has four 25-yard lanes, three 50-yard lanes, and two 100-yard lanes. Safety features include a covered firing line, enhanced backstops and side berms. A 20-foot tall earthen berm will be behind the targets. The range is in an excavated area. A portion of the range is dedicated for target shooting with pistols or any .22 caliber firearm. Two other sections are dedicated to target practice with rifles.

After opening remarks at the dedication, ceremonial first shots were fired. An older range at the Perry Conservation Area will now be used for special use only. A recent MDC survey completed by Missouri 4-H clubs determined that the old range had about 8,000 visitors annually with an economic impact of $200,000 to local economies.

The new range is located north of Knob Noster. Visitors will have access to the range off Northeast 925 Road. From Hwy. 50, go north on Missouri 23 for 8.7 miles and turn right on Northeast 900 Road.  After a few sharp curves and about three-quarters of a mile, the road becomes Northeast 925 Road. The range is on the north side of the road and accessed by a gravel lane marked with signs. The parking lot and range will have ADA accessibility features.

This range will be open for use from noon until a half hour after sunset from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. From Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, the range will be open from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. The range will be closed every Wednesday for maintenance.

For more information about MDC shooting ranges, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZF.