Home on the range...

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The newly renovated Whiteman Skeet and Trap Range, equipped with new solar-powered targets, is now open to Whiteman Airmen and their families.

Located next to the Royal Oaks Golf Course, the range provides a place for skeet and trap enthusiasts to practice their sport, and employs several different launchers to do so.
 
"There are three different target throwers which fire clay discs into the air for the participants to shoot," said Chris Nash, Outdoor Recreation maintenance and repair technician.

Because the new targets are solar-powered, shooters do not need to sign out a battery for the throwers and drag cords throughout the range.

"It is easier for patrons to participate at the range," Nash said. "No one needs to sign out a battery for the throwers and drag cords to the location where they will shoot."

Senior Master Sgt. Frederick Transburg, Air Force Reserve recruiter, has been skeet-shooting for 10 years, and had shot at Whiteman's old range for a few years.

"The facility is a peaceful and quiet place to take a break from everyday work," Transburg said. "It is clean and easy to access. The old equipment didn't always function properly and was down for maintenance a lot. The new range set-up is reliable and more convenient."

Transburg takes his wife and daughter to the shooting range for family time on weekends.

"I bring my 8-year-old daughter to the range," he said. "It is a great place to teach children how to shoot safely. My wife has fallen in love with the game, as well."

Customers wishing to use the newly renovated skeet range will be properly trained on the use of the throwers to ensure they know how to handle the equipment safely.

The skeet range is not manned, so patrons are asked to use the wingman concept and comply with all rules.

The range is designed exclusively for shotgun use and no other firearms are allowed.
The skeet range is open year-round to all military members. Registered range members are allowed to bring non-military guests.

The one-time membership fee is $30 and a box of 135 clay pigeons from Outdoor Recreation is $11.

Members are provided the keys to the gate. For more information, contact the Outdoor Recreation Office at (660) 687-5565.