Target shooter Robert Haakenson was excited when he heard the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association had an indoor gun range and was holding an open house with guest shooting.
“I wasn’t aware Moose Jaw had a hand gun range,” he said. “I love shooting hand guns.”
Until now he has been shooting at a Regina range.
His six years of shooting skills showed when he retracted the target from his first round — one bullseye and the rest landed within the dark circles.
The retractable targets are relatively new, said Thomas Thornton, an SSWA director. “This year we put in a retractable target system which is a nice upgrade. It prevents people from walking down to change targets so it improves safety.”
Shooters can now choose distances from five to 20 yards where the stationary target was 20 yards.
“For a new shooter it’s more comfortable to be closer to start.”
The range can handle all hand guns and small bore .22 rifles.
Guests were free to try shooting hand guns and air pistol.
Upstairs at the Sportsman’s Centre, the SSWA open house outlined other aspects of its programs.
Youngsters could try their hand at casting for fish with a tin can target.
Fisheries chairman Tim Yates said they do outdoor education work with Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and the school divisions, teaching how to fish.
“Beginners can contact us for classes in the park. Or often we can hook them up with someone in our group.”
Jesse Olson was discussing the biathlon shooting program which has about a dozen youth participating with provincial and national and possibly international competitions.
“It’s a sport they can start young and they can carry on for their whole lives.”
Harry Horedja explained firearms safety and hunter certification programs for non-restricted and restricted firearms.
“A large number of people, males and females, are getting involved in the shooting sports,” said Horedja. “In Moose Jaw our adult courses definitely run every month” with some every second or third month.
“In April youth hunter and firearms safety runs again.”
Moose Jaw Trap and Skeet Club president Nolan Shaheen offered information on the 60-member club and the outdoor range east of Ninth Avenue Northeast and the Trans-Canada Highway.
“After the snow melts we shoot Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.”
The open house was the second annual, said Thornton.
“The purpose is to expose people who haven’t been exposed but may be interested in it.”
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
