Cody in line to land state shooting complex

POWELL — As the State of Wyoming moves forward with plans to build a world-class shooting facility, a panel is recommending that the complex be built in Cody.

Following months of proposals, pitches and site visits, a task force voted 8-4 to favor a chunk of state land south of Cody over a competing spot near the Campbell County Cam-plex in Gillette.

Campbell County put together an appealing proposal that included millions of dollars of funding and property that’s easily accessible and all but shovel ready. In contrast, Cody’s remote site impressed everyone on the panel, but it will take more work to turn the land into a top-notch facility.

“Campbell County is an easy answer: We can build another square range just like every other shooting complex built around the country,” said Task Force Member Cade Maestas of Maven Outdoor Company in Lander. “Or we can make the hard choice and we can try and differentiate ourselves by being the frontrunner for what we're seeing as the up-and-coming shooting sports in the country.”

Maestas sided with Cody.

However, Rep. Pepper Ottman (R-Riverton), was among those who took the opposite view, expressing concerns about the logistics in Cody. She cited potential issues about accessibility, wildlife conflicts and higher costs.

“I’m not willing to subject the people of Wyoming to another project that … isn’t almost 100% sure that it can be made to work,” Ottman said, favoring Gillette.

But Gunwerks CEO Aaron Davidson of Cody argued it’s important that the state create an outstanding experience and legacy.

“The views might not have anything to do with a shooting [competition], but they have everything to do with the psychology of the experience,” Davidson said during the lengthy discussion, adding, “There’s something about mountains that are very special — and Cody's got it and Gillette doesn’t.”

The task force’s recommendation is only that, as the full Wyoming Legislature is ultimately tasked with deciding which, if any, community should receive millions of dollars of state funding to help develop the shooting complex.