Old Fort Sharpshooters' range open to public

The Old Fort Sharpshooters rifle range, located at the Hollister Wildlife Area on 150th Street near Hackberry Road, has been open about 12 years. A trap-shooting range is located nearby. (Tribune photo/Scott Nuzum)

Early Sunday evening, the Old Fort Sharpshooters presented Stephen Buntain with a check for $150 as a way of honoring the second national championship he won in Grand Island, Neb., in June.

Buntain, a spring Fort Scott High School graduate who plans to attend Kansas State, won this year's title in air rifle. He also won the national championship in small bore rifle in 2007. Additionally, Buntain helped this year's Kansas team finish second in national competition to the team from Nebraska.

The presentation was made at the Old Fort Sharpshooter's range at the Hollister Wildlife Refuge on 150th Street just north of Hackberry Road.

Stephen Buntain, left, receives a check for $150 from Old Fort Sharpshooters president Dale Wiley after he won the national championship in June. Buntain, who graduated from Fort Scott High School this spring, also won the national championship in a different event last summer. (Tribune photo/Scott Nuzum)

Because the range is on state public lands, it is open to anyone who wishes to try their hand as long as a range safety officer is present. During this time of year, the range is open Saturday mornings, Sundays starting at 3 p.m. and Tuesdays starting at 3 p.m.

According to Dave Wiley, president of the Old Fort Sharpshooters, the range has been open about 12 years.

"They started work about 12 years ago," Wiley said. "This was built for the police, National Guard, the Boy Scouts if they want to use it."

Nancy Jackson shoots at a clay target on the Old Fort Sharpshooters trap-shooting range, which is just a few yards to the east of the rifle range. (Tribune photo/Scott Nuzum)

The emphasis is on safety. Goggles and ear muffs are required. Once a shooter is done, a plastic flag is put into place.

"Our primary concern is safety," Wiley said. "We have rules and regulations for everyone to follow. So far, we've never had any accidents. And nationwide, you'll find there is a low rate of accidents on ranges."