Grand Opening: Clovis Wing Shooting Range and Archery Complex
The City of Clovis, the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation and the Clovis Wing-Shooting Complex and Archery Range held a Grand Opening of the complex on October 25 at 11:30 a.m. The Curry County-Clovis Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the occasion.
During the celebration, attendees had the opportunity to test out the overlay fields, tour the facility, inquire about the complex’s services and enjoy a complimentary lunch. The partnership between the City of Clovis through and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has been vital to bringing the complex to life.
“This project started in 2014, in the last couple of years there were a lot of hurdles to overcome. We even had the groundbreaking for this facility on a Zoom meeting,” said Clovis Mayor Mike Morris. “There’s been hurdles that we have had to overcome. But just as we always do in Clovis, we overcome them. That’s in big part thanks to partnerships. In this instance, we partnered with New Mexico Game & Fish, who we thank very much. This is a wonderful recreational opportunity for the residents of Clovis and the area. I see it as a great opportunity to bring folks and events into this facility. I think it’s going to be a big draw in the region.”
The newly constructed multi-faceted facility includes four trap/skeet overlay fields, a 12-station sporting clays course, indoor and outdoor archery ranges, an indoor airgun range, and a multipurpose building for hunter education and other activities.
The Sporting Complex is constructed on city owned land and developed by the City of Clovis through partnership with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish utilizing funds from the Wildlife Restoration Fund administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The range is structured to provide a safe, supervised facility for the patrons of the High Plains region.
“Many of you may not know this, but the (Clovis Wing Shooting Range and Archery Complex) was funded with a 3:1 match. From the City of Clovis to the Department of Game & Fish, thank you so much. That investment into our community of 3:1 – you don’t ever hear of that. I have a huge appreciation for what you guys have done for the City of Clovis,” said City Manager Justin Howalt during the grand opening celebration.
The new shooting facility will also serve as a place for hunter education students to continue to develop firearm safety skills, archery students to practice what they learn in the classroom, and hunters to sight in their hunting equipment.
“Shooting sports is one of the fastest growing sports in America. I’m really excited that we were able to partner with the city on this project. I hope that you all enjoy it (the sportsman complex) and it’s a benefit to the community,” said New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Director Mike Sloane.
The range, which will be managed by the City of Clovis, will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be varying fees to use the range.
