South Dakota's New Shooting Range Exceeds First-Year Visitation in Just 5 Months

The state-owned Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex has already logged over 30,000 visits, far surpassing initial estimates.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:22pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring multiple overlapping images of a rifle or shooting target in a grid pattern, capturing the energy and popularity of South Dakota's new state-owned shooting range.The vibrant new Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex in South Dakota has quickly become a popular destination for outdoor recreation and firearms enthusiasts.Rapid City Today

South Dakota's new state-owned West River outdoor shooting range, the Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex, has seen over 30,000 total visits since opening in early November 2025 - more than officials had anticipated for the entire first year of operation. The 400-acre facility, located about 15 miles north of Rapid City, includes areas for long-range shooting, clay target shooting, and tactical training, and has already hosted numerous shooting competitions.

Why it matters

The strong early turnout at the new state-owned shooting range highlights the demand for such facilities in South Dakota, which has a robust outdoor recreation and firearms culture. The complex's success also comes after years of scrutiny over its funding and development, including concerns about the influence of gun industry donors.

The details

According to John Kanta of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, the shooting range has already sold 700 memberships and brought in nearly $100,000 in total sales. The facility's summer hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from May through August. Rising use will likely require more staffing, according to Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann.

  • The Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex opened in early November 2025.
  • In 2024, officials with Game, Fish and Parks guessed the site would see 30,000 visits annually.

The players

John Kanta

An official with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Tom Kirschenmann

The Wildlife Division Director for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Kristi Noem

The former governor of South Dakota who directed $13.5 million in Future Fund money to the shooting range project.

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What they’re saying

“We're there in 5 months of operation.”

— John Kanta, Official, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

What’s next

The Department of Game, Fish and Parks will likely need to allocate more resources to staffing the shooting range as its popularity continues to grow.

The takeaway

The rapid success of South Dakota's new state-owned shooting range underscores the strong demand for outdoor recreation and firearms facilities in the state, despite past controversies over the project's funding and development. The complex's ability to exceed first-year visitation estimates in just five months highlights the state's commitment to providing high-quality resources for its outdoor-oriented residents and visitors.