Hunting And Outdoor SportsGun Culture And Society
Generosity powering Mitchell Gun Club land purchase
Generosity powering Mitchell Gun Club land purchase
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Mitchell, South Dakota
MITCHELL — When the Mitchell Gun Club faced potential closure in 1990, a group of dedicated shooting enthusiasts came together, forming a nonprofit to secure the club’s future. Fast forward 35 years, and a similar grassroots effort is underway to address a new threat to the club’s operations due to a change in land ownership.
Club manager Jerry Opbroek remarked on the overwhelming generosity displayed by club members, local organizations, and supporters in their quest to raise funds necessary to retain essential lands fostering the trap shooting community. “That’s a really significant aspect of it. To have our generous members come through like that,” Opbroek acknowledged.
Earlier this year, Opbroek learned that 9.7 acres of land – crucial for hosting two of the club's ten trap shooting stations – was purchased by Titan Machinery after being casually leased by the club for years. Following the acquisition, Titan informed the club they would need to vacate the area immediately. However, proactive discussions led to Titan agreeing to sell the land back to the club for $116,000, a deal seen as vital to the club's operational continuity.
The potential loss of these trap stations posed a serious threat, jeopardizing significant events including the South Dakota ATA State Trapshoot, a competitive event attracting approximately 250 participants, plus the South Dakota 4-H State Trap, Skeet and Sport Clays Tournament, which welcomes around 220 youths annually. The Junior Trapshooting Championships, involving 120 young competitors, would also face elimination, alongside the club’s regular league events that see upward of 100 participants from April to August.
In the face of these challenges, the club initiated a fundraising campaign. Generosity began pouring in, marked by the donation of a Perazzi MX2000/3-SC3 RS shotgun worth $39,587 to be used as a raffle prize, driving community interest and support. Organizations such as the South Dakota Shooting Sports Foundation and Pheasant Country, the local chapter of Pheasants Forever, soon joined in aiding the fund drive. Opbroek remarked, “Each day now I get a phone call from somebody saying that they want to buy a ticket or that they want to donate something.”
The spirit of camaraderie culminated with a surprising gesture from within the club, as one member stepped up to fund the land purchase completely, allowing the club to assure financial commitment toward repayment without the looming pressure of a tight timeline. This crucial backing afforded them more time to raise funds and pay back their benefactor more comfortably.
In addition, plans for a summer youth shooting clinic, hosted by local trap shooting stars Buddy Bartholow and his sons, will all but ensure that financial support continues to roll in for the club while fostering youth engagement. With no immediate deadline constraining them, the drawing date for the shotgun raffle ticket sales will be set only once all 350 tickets are sold, with ongoing contributions always welcome.
Club supporters are optimistic as they reflect on the powerful community backing, plainly evident from local donations that showcase not only financial support but also a broader commitment to preserving the tradition and future of trap shooting in the region. As Opbroek concluded, “We think we have one of the nicest gun clubs in South Dakota.”
All donations for the project and raffle tickets can be obtained through contacting Opbroek directly or engaging local community partners like Palace City Pawn or the club board members.
Ultimately, this story is emblematic of the role community plays in sustaining local traditions while simultaneously highlighting how deeply ingrained trap and clay shooting activities are within the local culture. The mounting support reflects a collective dedication to ensuring that the club's activities can continue, thus maintaining its status as a hub of shooting sports in the region. With such overwhelming support, the club assures its commitment to serving the community for years ahead, and all indications suggest that this story will resonate beyond its origins.
ShoQ’s Take: The proactive measures taken by the Mitchell Gun Club illustrate the strength of community involvement in preserving local shooting sports. With significant events on the line, the club's supporters exemplify the dedication of the 2A community to maintain access to essential outdoor activities. As new trends emerge in land ownership and usage, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential challenges that shooting ranges face, balanced against the growing interest in recreational shooting sports. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure essential to gatherings and competition for enthusiasts. The outcome here may well set a precedent for other clubs facing similar challenges in securing their places in local landscapes.