Given up on crown land to shoot looking at joining a range near Edmonton. Opinions

[WhiskeyMike]

Hi there fellow outdoorsman this is my first post here was hoping to get some opinions from you. I have tried my luck at finding crown land near Edmonton to do some target shooting. I drove around Cynthia and west of Brazeau for a full day each but constantly run into radio controlled/private roads. I am also somewhat new to Edmonton/Alberta so I'm not sure what/where you can get away with target shooting so I am making sure I tick off all the boxes and do not break any rules/laws or **** anyone off. All that being said I don't know anyone with a large acreage so that leaves me with joining a range. So far Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association has caught my eye as it is $170 a year for a family membership and not too long of a drive. Was wondering if anyone has any opinions of this range good or not so good or if you recommend another range and if so why. I thank you in advance for your time and knowledge.

[KGB]

Don’t know much about this range but I’m sure lots of folks here will give you the info. As for crown land shooting- go east of the town past Toefild, there are lots of places there.

[WhiskeyMike]

Originally Posted by KGB

Don’t know much about this range but I’m sure lots of folks here will give you the info. As for crown land shooting- go east of the town past Toefild, there are lots of places there.

Appreciate the reply. I'm assuming you are talking about Beaverhill Lake Heritage Rangeland Natural Area. I see they have some of that area on a grazing lease with hunting restrictions is certain areas. There is a number to call for more information on Alberta Parks website I will give them a call and inquire. I'm sure it will take a some time to get a call back with someone who has knowledge about the area being the government and all. I will post any info I get from them for others.

[marky_mark]

Get a membership at chas

[WhiskeyMike]

Originally Posted by marky_mark

Get a membership at chas

I looked at Chas but it's a $200 membership for 1 person and $20 guest fee. I'm hoping to get the wife into shooting so that fee would add up fast. So with the little knowledge I have of the 2 ranges and just looking at the fees Sherwood Park looks the best so far unless some people have reasons to look at other ranges.

Side note, so far I only have a 22 LR scoped bolt action, iron sights SKS and a 12g shotgun so skeet would be a nice option and longer ranges aren't needed this season as I'm learning the basics. I wanted to add this information to the OP but figured it was too much to read as is lol.

[marky_mark]

Sherwood park used to have a long waiting list

[kujoseto]

Sherwood Park is open for membership.
New leadership is making great changes for the better.
It’s a wonderful range. And you’d be driving past it to get to Tofield.
PM me if you want more details than you find on the website.
I think it’s still closed to guests with all the “covid” protocol but otherwise I’d take you out

Edit: I should add, I really am not a fan of shooting on crown land (though I have done it) for practice as you never know who else is using the public space and supporting a range helps support the use of firearms

[WhiskeyMike]

Kujoseto, really appreciate you reaching out. I will most definitely get in touch with you after I get what info I can from giving the range a call and have any additional questions. I do really like the thought of shooting on crown land, being by yourself or with a small group, shooting at your leisure. But you are %100 correct about not knowing who or what is around especially in my case as I did not grow up here and do not know the ok areas and crown land shooting etiquette. I obviously understand if you are hiking deep in the back woods you would be ok. But so far with the lacking resources I have anything conveniently close to Edmonton, vehicle accessible and know %100 I have the right to be there and target shoot is hard to find.

[WhiskeyMike]

I just want to say thank you all for taking the time to reply to this post and the private messages and heck even reading me ramble on. Really great forum and group of people on here, tons of people willing to share their knowledge and experience. It's greatly appreciated.

[sns2]

Sherwood Park is one of the best facilities you could imagine. Rifles, Trap, Archery, Fishing, and Camping. No brainer.

[elkhunter11]

Sherwood Park used to had a membership cap, but after a study on who was actually using the range they de ided to open up for new members. The last that I heard, they were near the number of members they desire, and were considering capping the membership again. I am a me.ber of both Sherwood Park and Camrose, and both offer certain advantages, depending on what you are looking for. Sherwood Park has a longer range, and Camrose has skeet, and a very active action pistol group, and Camrose is usually not as busy.