MDC releases updated statement on future of Pigeon Hill shooting range, community reacts
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Missouri Department of Conservation's announcement of the indefinite closure of the Pigeon Hill shooting range has sparked controversy among community members.
The Department announced the closure following an incident involving improper gun use at the range.
St. Joseph residents say that while safety is an important concern, the closure of the range creates a significant inconvenience for many gun users across the northwest region.
"I don't see why they shut it down completely," said resident Tony Casias. "Because a lot of people actually hunt and they like to go target practice, even our police."
The shooting range in St. Joseph is among numerous unstaffed facilities throughout Missouri, prompting some to believe that the lack of supervision may encourage illegal activities at the location.
Staff at Bull's Eye Trading Guns and Range in St. Joseph said that despite some backlash from the community over the closure, safety should remain the top priority.
"I can understand peoples' concern about it being shut down because it's one less place for serious shooters to shoot locally," said Bull's Eye Shop Manager James Wymore. "But at the same time, if the person standing next to you isn't serious about gun safety, it's probably a good idea to just shut it down completely."
Missouri Department of Conservation Media Specialist Erin Woodiel provided an updated statement to News-Press NOW about the future of the Pigeon Hill shooting range.
"As of right now, we are going to still have the Pigeon Hill range as an option for educational programming within MDC, but we do not have plans at this time to reopen it for public use. We will evaluate as time goes on, but currently, we don't have any concrete plans in place. We want to make sure everyone is following our rules to make it a safe place for everyone. When that doesn't happen, we have to make such calls."
Officials are reminding the community to use this situation as a reminder to always practice safety when operating a firearm.
"You have to always be aware of where you're pointing that firearm," Wymore said. "It's a lethal weapon. It is also a tool but it's only as safe as the person holding it."
