Bonner County Sportsmen Association

The Bonner County Sportsmen's Association has been serving North Idaho hunters and shooters since 1934, when it was founded with the motto "Protector of the Woods and Wildlife." That mission remains unchanged nearly 90 years later. The organization operates the Leo Hadley Range on Lake Street in Sandpoint and has played a significant role in establishing hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the Idaho Panhandle.

The association's history includes major conservation accomplishments like cooperating with the Idaho Wildlife Federation to establish a Fish and Game Commission and reintroduce elk to the Panhandle in the 1930s. They worked with the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to establish the K&K Derby in the 1940s, and in the 1950s were central to stopping the Navy from testing weapons or explosives in Lake Pend Oreille. The group also worked with the City of Sandpoint to open the outdoor rifle range on Baldy Road in the 1960s.

The association maintains a strong commitment to hunter education, believing that safe and ethical hunters are essential for hunting's future. They offer both rifle and archery education classes with signup handled through Idaho State Fish and Game. The organization welcomes anyone interested in joining their cadre of volunteer instructors.

Special programs include "Women on Target" classes that emphasize handgun safety. These sessions combine classroom instruction with range time, creating a supportive environment for women to learn firearms fundamentals. The April 2018 graduating class photos show the program's success in building confidence and skills among participants.

Beyond education, the association actively participates in habitat conservation through multiple partnerships. They're part of the Adopt a Wetlands program, maintaining goose nesting boxes at Pack River Flats and conducting shoreline cleanup activities. As habitat partners with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, they bring WOW magazine to Bonner and Boundary County schools.

The group collaborates with the U.S. Forest Service on habitat improvement projects and works closely with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and The Idaho Wildlife Council on various conservation efforts. They helped construct and furnish the Wildlife Council Building at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, demonstrating their commitment to supporting wildlife management infrastructure.

The association enjoys relationships with several affiliated clubs that cater to specific shooting sports enthusiasts. These include the Sandpoint Archers for bowhunters, Sandpoint Pistol Club for handgun enthusiasts, Sandpoint Rifle Club for precision shooters, and the Panhandle Free Trappers Black Powder Club for traditional muzzleloader enthusiasts. This network provides specialized training and competition opportunities across multiple shooting disciplines.

New members bring fresh ideas to the organization, and leadership actively seeks new projects and programs. The association believes in multiple-use management of county, state, and federal lands, advocating for balanced approaches that serve both conservation and recreation needs.

The association hosts several regular events that bring the community together. Their annual Gun 'n Horn Show takes place the first weekend in March, featuring firearms, hunting gear, and outdoor equipment vendors. This event has become a regional gathering point for hunters and shooters throughout North Idaho.

Summer activities include a family BBQ and picnic where members catch up on activities, share hunting and fishing stories, play games, and enjoy good food together. The association also hosts an appreciation BBQ for Idaho Fish and Game officers, recognizing the important work these conservation professionals do throughout the region.

The year concludes with a holiday family potluck dinner in December, maintaining the organization's emphasis on family involvement and community building.

Membership operates on a calendar year basis with reasonable rates: $25 for families, $15 for individuals, and just $2 for juniors 12 and under. The Leo Hadley Range provides facilities for both training and recreational shooting, supporting the organization's educational mission.

Prospective members can send payment with a membership form to receive their membership card, or attend a monthly meeting to join in person. The association maintains its headquarters at 1114 Lake Street in Sandpoint, with a mailing address at PO Box 1011, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

The association holds monthly meetings where members can join and participate in planning activities. Contact information is available through their website, and they welcome inquiries from anyone interested in conservation, hunting education, or shooting sports. The organization's long history and diverse partnerships make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in responsible hunting and shooting in North Idaho.

"We invite you to join us in working to improve and enhance Fish and Wildlife habitat, protecting and enhancing fishing and hunting in the Idaho Panhandle, and in sustaining the quality of life that brought us to live in Bonner County."