Sheriff's office proposes archery access, outreach month and trail signage at county shooting range

The sheriff’s office presented proposals Wednesday to expand programming at the county shooting range, including designated archery access during open range days, a monthlong Shooting Sports Awareness campaign in August with a free day for clubs and public introductory classes, and improved signage for an unofficial trail section that runs behind the range.

Chief Butch Arnold Butcher (introduced by the chair) told commissioners there has been public interest in archery and proposed dedicating a couple of competition bays for archers on open Saturdays and Sundays. "Allowing archers to participate in the open range days," he said, would bring another sporting crowd to the venue while charging standard daily fees.

On outreach, he proposed an August program similar to last year’s grand opening: clubs would host instruction and booths on a free day and the range would run a buy‑one‑get‑one or guest pass promotion during the month. "We'd like to have a day where the clubs are, the public is free," he said, and staff emphasized a push for women‑focused introductory courses to broaden participation.

Chief Butcher also flagged safety concerns for trail users near the range where an unofficial alignment of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs behind the facility. He described efforts to improve signage and to provide upstream routing so trail users avoid dangerous fence lines behind the range. Commissioners discussed landowner constraints and potential improvements; staff noted some changes require cooperation with federal land managers.

Presenters said range revenue exceeded early expectations, volunteer staffing has managed public sites, and donations have funded facility improvements such as shade shelters. Commissioners thanked the chief and expressed support for piloting the proposals.