EDITORS NOTE: This is an update to the previous story. The Rapid City Post did not intent to mislead the public with any false information and we take publishing correct information very seriously. – Chris Hornick, Managing Editor.
PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GF&P) Commission is considering new access fees for the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex, a 400-acre facility nearing completion north of Rapid City in the Black Hills. While initially promoted with free public access, the GF&P is now proposing a tiered fee structure to offset maintenance and operational costs.
The complex, located approximately 15 miles north of Rapid City and 25 miles southeast of Sturgis, has seen its estimated cost escalate significantly, from $9.9 million in 2021 to $20 million in 2024. Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem allocated $13.5 million from the state’s Future Fund, with an additional $6.5 million sourced through donations.
A public hearing on the proposed fees is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 10 at the GF&P’s regular meeting in Yankton, S.D. The commission plans to make a decision on adopting the fees during the July 10-11 meeting.
Under the proposed fee structure, certain areas of the complex will remain free for public use. The 50-yard, 100-yard, and 300-yard bays, along with the archery range on the south end of the complex, will not incur any charges during normal range hours.
However, more limited access and associated fees are being recommended for the shotgun areas, long range, and the north end of the complex. This revenue, according to GF&P officials, will help cover expenses such as clay targets and allow the department to leverage federal funding for ongoing maintenance and operations.
The specific proposed fees are:
- Individual day pass: $20
- Individual annual pass: $100
- Family annual pass: $150 (two parents and children under 18; the department indicates flexibility in defining “family”)
- Annual club pass: $500 (allows equipment storage, but members still require a day or annual pass)
- Competitive event pass: $20 per competitor
- Non-competitive events: $500 per shooting bay for two days, and $200 for each additional day.
John Kanta, Section Chief and Project Lead for GF&P, stated that the estimated annual operating budget for the complex is “plus” $360,000. He noted that revenue generated from these fees could be matched 25-75 by federal funding, emphasizing, “We won’t turn a profit on this. That’s not really in the cards.” The complex is expected to employ three full-time staff, supplemented by volunteers, seasonal employees, and interns.
The GF&P plans to host a regional competition for the United States Practical Shooting Association from September 25-28, with over 300 competitors already registered. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for October 10, with the complex opening to the public on October 13.
The department’s commitment is to provide a shooting sports opportunity in western South Dakota while responsibly managing the facility and utilizing fees and licenses from hunters, trappers, anglers, and other recreational shooters.
.
.
