PeteLien& SonsShooting Sports Complex
Facility Overview
Nestled on 400 acres, the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is set to become one of the most comprehensive and innovative shooting destinations in the region when it opens to the public in October 2025. Designed with both recreational shooters and competitive athletes in mind, this state-of-the-art facility offers a wide variety of shooting opportunities across two distinct ranges— North and South—each thoughtfully developed to meet the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and functionality.
The North Range features 17 versatile, 30-yard-wide multiple-use bays ranging from 25 to 100 yards in depth, ideal for training and shooting disciplines. Additionally, a 300-yard by 75-yard training bay with a 360-degree berm. Offering unique opportunities for dynamic training scenarios. Each bay is equipped with a 10x20 enclosed shooter shelter with electricity, and the entire range offers Wi-Fi access for convenience and connectivity. Four strategically placed vault toilets provide added comfort and accessibility for users.
The South Range elevates the complex’s capabilities even further with 160 dedicated rifle and pistol lanes, three professional skeet fields, two Olympic/Bunker Trap houses, and an impressive 1200-yard Long Range, perfect for precision marksmanship and long-distance shooting. At the core of the South Range lies the Education and Training Building—an essential hub for community events, safety courses, and advanced instruction. This modern facility includes classroom space, secure firearm storage, a commercial kitchen, and capacity for up to 250 people, making it ideal for workshops, competitions, and large-scale gatherings.
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex represents a new standard for shooting sports facilities—built to inspire, educate, and bring together a community of outdoor enthusiasts through excellence, safety, and opportunity.
“South Dakota respects the 2 Amendment. Shooting sports are a huge part of our way of life. South Dakotans and visitors should have access to a world-class shooting range to learn safe and respondsible firearm use. This South Dakota Shooting Sports Complex will accomplish that and more so that our kids and grandkids can grow up to love shooting sports.”
Governor Kristi Noem
Range Map
Shooting Complex Map
A: South Entry with Turnaround
G: 100 Yard Bay
B: Hunting/Shooting Education Building
C: Entry Patio
D: 1,200 Yard Bay
E: 1,000 Yard Bay
F: 300 Yard Bay
H: 50 Yard Bay
I: 50 Yard Action Bay
J: 100 Yard Action Bay
K: Versatile Training Bay
L: Bunker Trap and Skeet Area
M: Parking
N: Outdoor Classroom/Shelter
O: Storage Shed
P: North Secured Entry
Q: Swale
R: 75 Yard Action Bay
S: Multi-use Lawn
T: Turnaround
U: 20 Lane Archery Range
Layout South Range
The complex’s South End Range is intended to be open to the general public. A visible entrance feature will welcome guests to the complex and provide navigation for visitors on the different areas to be accessed. Adequate wayfinding will be incorporated into the design for ease of navigation. The complex provides a wide variety of areas to cater to the varied interest of hunters and recreational shooters.
SPECIFICATIONS
50-yard Bays
Five (5) bays with five (5) lanes each
100-yard Bays
Five (5) bays with ten (10) lanes each
300-yard Shooting Area
Forty (40) shooting positions
Bunker Trap and Skeet Area
Various shooting positions to accommodate several shotgun shooting disciplines
LOGISTICS
Parking lot with approximately 100 stalls
Parking area convenient from each bay
Storage space
Vault toilets located throughout
SHOOTING BAY AMENITIES
Gravel surfacing
Shade shelter outside action line
Long Range
The Long Range will operate concurrent from other areas. This area provides the maximum shooting lengths that the site allows. The range is rotated 5° from the road in order to avoid visual distractions along the road. This area is accessible to experienced shooters.
SPECIFICATIONS
Long Range
One (1) bay with twenty (20) lanes
Two (2) shooting positions each lane
SHOOTING BAY AMENITIES
Gravel surfacing
Shade shelter outside action line
DIMENSIONS
Lane: 10’ wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
First Target Line: 300 yards, then at each 100-yard line after Back Berm: 1,200 yards
TARGETS
Steel and acoustical targets
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
Layout
50 - Yard Range
LOCATION
South End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Five (5) bays with five (5) lanes each
Two (2) of the lanes with benches
Storage shelf/table at shooting lanes
DIMENSIONS
Lane: 10’ wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
First Target Line: 25 yards
Second Target Line: 50 yards
Back Berm: 52 yards
TARGETS
Paper Targets on Target Backer
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
100 - Yard Range
LOCATION
South End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Five (5) bays with ten (10) lanes each
All lanes with benches – ambidextrous
DIMENSIONS
Lane: 10’ wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
First Target Line: 50 yards
Second Target Line: 75 yards
Third Target Line: 100 yards
Back Berm: 106 yards
TARGETS
Paper Targets on Target Backer
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
300 - Yard Range Bunker Trap and Skeet Area
LOCATION
South End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Forty (40) shooting positions
All lanes with benches – ambidextrous
DIMENSIONS
Lane: 10’ wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
First Target Line: 100 yards, then at each 25-yard line after
Back Berm: 306 yards
TARGETS
Steel Targets
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
LOCATION
South End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Various shooting positions to accommodate several shotgun shooting disciplines
DIMENSIONS
900’ fall-out area
TARGETS
Clay birds
Layout
Archery Range
LOCATION
South End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Twenty (20) shooting lanes
Distances from twenty to eighty yards
TARGETS
Foam or multi-directional woven ballistic core hung on wooden target frames
North End Range
The complex’s North End Range is located in the highest point of the site, the area with the most challenging topography, lending itself nicely to the Sporting Clays area. The North End Range will have controlled access and the entrance will not be prominently noticeable from the road.
Adequate wayfinding is incorporated into the design for ease of navigation. The range provides a variety of areas to cater to the varied interest of the experienced shooters, shooting clubs, and law enforcement groups.
SPECIFICATIONS
Action Bays
Eleven (11) 50-yard bays
Three (3) 75-yard bays
Three (3) 100-yard bays
Versatile Training Bay
Sporting Clays (Shotguns)
Twelve (12) shooting positions with mounted clay bird throwers
LOGISTICS
Parking area convenient from each bay
Area for placement of storage sheds
Vault toilets located throughout
Versatile Training Bay
LOCATION
North End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
One (1) bay: 50 yards by 300 yards
DIMENSIONS
Bay: 300 yards wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
Back Berm: 56 yards
TARGETS
By user group
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
Action Bay
LOCATION
North End Range
SPECIFICATIONS
Eleven (11) bays: 50-yard length
Three (3) bays: 75-yard length
Three (3) bays: 100-yard length
DIMENSIONS
Bay: 30 yards wide
Side Boundary: 8’ wide
Targets: By user group
Back Berm: 56 yards, 81 yards, 106 yards depending on bay length
TARGETS
By user group
BERM HEIGHT
Sides: 12’ minimum design height
End: 20’ minimum design height
Staffing and Volunteers
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is proud to be supported by a strong and growing network of dedicated volunteers and staff committed to the success of USPSA events. Currently, there are over 20 volunteers involved in local USPSA activities, including five certified Range Officers (ROs) and one Chief Range Officer (CRO). This core team brings a high level of professionalism, safety, and operational excellence to each event held at the facility. In preparation for national-level competitions, the complex plans to increase its support structure to include three full-time staff members, an additional three to six seasonal employees, and a robust volunteer team of 12 to 24 individuals.
This well-rounded team is further enhanced by the presence of experienced USPSA members and certified Range Officers from surrounding communities, who are ready and able to assist with the operations of large-scale matches. Their collective knowledge and experience ensure that events at the complex meet the highest standards for competitive shooting and participant satisfaction.
The complex’s connection to USPSA extends beyond staffing. Its volunteers have contributed to the success of several major events throughout the region, including the prestigious Great Plains Sectional and the Wyoming Governor’s Match. These experiences have helped to refine the operational protocols and logistical capabilities of the team, positioning the complex as a proven and reliable host for high-caliber competitions.
Looking ahead, the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex will proudly host the USPSA Area III Championship in September 2025. This event will bring top-tier shooters from across the country to the Black Hills and further establish the complex as a premier venue for national shooting sports competitions. With a highly trained staff, a well-designed facility, and a passionate shooting community, the complex is well-equipped to support the needs of USPSA at every level.
Technology & Infrastructure
To support the seamless execution of competitive shooting events, the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is investing in modern technology infrastructure. Wi-Fi is being installed across the North Range, with bandwidth specifically designed to accommodate multiple scoring tablets operating simultaneously. This connectivity ensures real-time scoring, efficient match management, and enhanced communication throughout the range—critical components for hosting high-level competitions.
The local USPSA-affiliated club, Prairie Thunder, currently contributes to this technological edge with 11 Bluetooth-capable timers and 12 scoring tablets. This equipment is already in active use for sectional and state matches and is expected to expand in quantity and capability in advance of hosting a National Match. These tools, combined with the facility’s upgraded network and experienced personnel, will provide a streamlined and professional environment for both participants and match officials.
Props & Stage Equipment
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex, in partnership with the local USPSA club, Prairie Thunder, is committed to maintaining a high-quality and everexpanding inventory of props and stage equipment to support dynamic, challenging, and regulation-compliant competition stages. In preparation for hosting the USPSA Area III Championship in September 2025, the facility and its club partners continue to build and acquire new equipment to enhance match versatility and meet national-level standards.
As of now, the available inventory includes:
14 – 8’ Walls
2 – 6’ Walls
4 – 4’ Walls
4 – 2’ Walls
70 – Barrels
110 – Target Stands
10 – Poppers
8 – Mini Poppers
3 – Swingers
2 – Drop Turners
2 – Bobbers
3 – Max Traps
2 – Tilt-Out Targets
Hosting Experience
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex, in collaboration with the Prairie Thunder USPSA Club, is honored to host the USPSA Area III Championship, scheduled for September 23–25, 2025. This premier event is expected to draw top-level competitors from across the country, with a current registration count of 310 shooters and growing. As preparations continue, the facility and club remain focused on delivering a world-class competition experience that meets the highest standards of the USPSA community.
Proposed Budget and Costs
For sanctioned events, range fees are set at $25 per registered competitor, providing affordable access to a high-quality competition venue. Rental costs and staffing requirements will be managed collaboratively between Prairie Thunder USPSA Club and the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex, ensuring efficient use of resources and smooth event execution.
While USPSA national support may be requested as needed, both the facility and the local club are committed to developing strong independent operational capabilities. A clearer picture of long-term support needs will be determined following the successful hosting of the USPSA Area III Championship in September 2025, which will serve as a benchmark for future national-level events.
Range Facility Requirements
The North Range of the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is purposebuilt for high-level competition and dynamic stage design. It features 17 dedicated shooting bays, each measuring 30 yards wide with depths ranging from 25 to 100 yards, providing flexibility for a variety of stage layouts. In addition, a 300-yard by 75-yard bay is available, ideal for specialty stages or training scenarios.
The facility can comfortably accommodate a minimum of 18 competition stages, offering ample capacity for major USPSA events. All steel targets used on-site are IPSC legal, ensuring full compliance with match standards.
To support stage development, Prairie Thunder USPSA Club is actively building new props specifically for the 2025 Area III Championship and has the capacity to expand its inventory as needed to meet the demands of future events. Furthermore, the complex is currently installing a dedicated Wi-Fi network across the North Range, allowing for real-time scoring and digital match management, and providing a seamless experience for both staff and competitors.
Match Format & Scheduling
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is designed to accommodate events of all sizes and formats, offering the flexibility to run both fully staffed and pre-match events. The North Range operates as a stand-alone competition venue, entirely separate from the public-oriented South Range, allowing for uninterrupted use during large-scale tournaments.
With the ability to support extended events of up to two weeks, the North Range provides ideal conditions for national-level matches, multi-day championships, and high-volume participation. Notably, the range has no maximum shooter capacity, as the dedicated layout and operational independence of the North Range enable full utilization of bays for the duration of any major competition. This makes the facility an exceptional choice for USPSA and other high-capacity shooting sports events.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex offers not only world-class facilities but also the convenience of easy access and a wide array of accommodations for visiting competitors, officials, and families. Located just 19.6 miles from Rapid City Regional Airport, the complex is approximately a 28-minute drive from touchdown to the range— making travel simple and stress-free for out-of-town guests.
Transportation Options
Rapid City is well-equipped to meet all your transportation needs. The area offers numerous rental car agencies at the airport, ensuring flexibility for those traveling with gear or staying outside the city center. Additionally, ride-share services including Lyft and Uber are available throughout the city, providing convenient options for those who prefer not to drive.
Dining for All Tastes
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between matches or a sit-down meal after a long day on the range, Rapid City offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. From steakhouses, family-friendly diners, and food trucks to local breweries and upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone—adults and families alike. Explore all the delicious options by visiting:
Visit Rapid City Dining Guide
Tourism & Local Attractions
For those extending their stay or bringing along family members, Rapid City is the gateway to some of the most iconic attractions in the region. From the majesty of Mount Rushmore and the stunning views of Badlands National Park to the wildlife encounters at Bear Country USA and the cultural experiences of Downtown Rapid City, the area offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Outdoor adventurers can explore hiking, biking, and scenic drives, while history buffs and art lovers will appreciate the City of Presidents walking tour, The Journey Museum, and the vibrant local art scene. For full details and to plan your experience, visit:
Visit Rapid City Attractions
Whether you’re coming for competition, support, or leisure, Rapid City provides the perfect blend of accessibility, hospitality, and adventure.
Parking and Onsite Facilities
The Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex is designed to not only host elite-level competitions but to ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for all attendees—from competitors and match staff to spectators and vendors. Every detail of the facility has been carefully planned to support large events with ease and professionalism.
Parking & Event Flow
With on-site parking for up to 300 vehicles, the complex provides ample space for competitors, staff, and support teams to arrive and set up without hassle. An additional overflow lot accommodates 100 more vehicles, and the South Range offers space for up to 200 more, ensuring scalability for even the largest events. During major competitions, a shuttle service will operate between the North and South Ranges, allowing spectators and participants to move efficiently and comfortably throughout the grounds.
Vendor Access & Spectator Viewing
The range layout also prioritizes visibility and convenience for vendors and sponsors. The 300yard by 75-yard bay on the North Range serves as a central hub for vendor booths and on-site parking, offering excellent exposure and foot traffic. In addition, each of the 17 dedicated bays includes designated vendor and parking areas, giving event organizers the flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of partner needs. For spectators, viewing areas are thoughtfully placed at the back of each bay and along elevated hillside vantage points, providing safe, comfortable, and engaging views of the competition action.
Comfort & On-Site Services
To ensure a comfortable environment for all attendees, the facility includes four double-sided vault toilets strategically placed around the North Range, with space allocated for additional portable restrooms as needed. Competitor well-being is further supported with covered shooter shelters at every bay, as well as planted trees throughout the range that will grow to offer natural shade over time. Ice and portable water coolers are stationed at every bay to help shooters and staff stay hydrated during long days on the range.
Dining & Hospitality
While most event activity is centered on the North Range, the South Range is home to a modern education and training building, which features a large dining area and commercial kitchen. This space is ideal for hospitality functions, catered meals, and post-event gatherings. During competition weekends, local food trucks from the Rapid City area will also be available, offering convenient, delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner right on-site.
From parking to dining and everything in between, the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex offers an experience that’s as functional as it is enjoyable. With a layout built to support both the competitors on the line and the community cheering them on, the complex is equipped to host events of any scale with confidence and comfort.
