New Shooting Range Opens at Copan Wildlife Management Area

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation expands public shooting opportunities across the state

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has opened a new shooting range at the Copan Wildlife Management Area, about 13 miles north of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The range offers modern 50-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges, an archery range, and ADA access and parking. This is the latest in a series of new range construction and renovation projects the department has undertaken since 2015 to enhance public shooting opportunities across the state.

Why it matters

The new Copan range is part of ODWC's broader effort to ensure hunters, firearms owners, and recreational shooters have safe and accessible places to practice and improve their skills. This aligns with the department's mission to manage the state's wildlife resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

The details

The Copan range features six covered shooting benches each for the pistol and rifle ranges, an archery range with an elevated shooting platform, and a built-in vault restroom and crossbow bench - the first of its kind at an ODWC range. Funding for the project came from the Wildlife Restoration Program, the NRA's Public Range Fund, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  • The Copan range officially opened to the public on February 21, 2026.
  • ODWC has completed 11 shooting range projects since 2017, with 15 additional sites to be newly built or upgraded through 2029 and beyond.

The players

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

The state agency responsible for managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

Lance Meek

Communication and Education Supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Judd Strom

State Representative who presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Copan shooting range.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to be able to open yet another new range for the enjoyment of firearms and archery shooters alike.”

— Lance Meek, Communication and Education Supervisor (tulsatoday.com)

What’s next

ODWC plans to continue its range expansion and renovation efforts, with 15 additional projects scheduled through 2029 and beyond.

The takeaway

The new Copan shooting range is the latest example of ODWC's commitment to providing safe, accessible, and modern facilities for hunters, firearms owners, and recreational shooters across Oklahoma. This aligns with the department's mission to manage the state's wildlife resources and offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.