Pipestone Sports Mens Club

Pipestone Sportsmen's Club started in 2023 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and opened to the public in 2024. A group of volunteer sportsmen and sportswomen built this from the ground up with a clear mission: create a safe shooting environment where youth and adults can learn proper gun handling and develop their marksmanship skills.

The club operates three distinct shooting areas:

• •25-yard pistol range - Features a concrete shooting pad installed in September 2024, with benches and target stands. A canopy roof is in the works.
• •100-yard rifle/shotgun bay - Opened September 2024 with shooting benches and target stands already in place.
• •Trap shooting area - Voice-activated clay pigeon thrower installed in 2024, with shot-stop curtains and trap houses under construction.

All visitors must complete and submit a waiver of liability agreement before shooting. If you purchase online, the waiver form is included in the transaction. For on-site purchases, you can pay with cash or check and bring a completed waiver form.

The club made serious progress in just their first full year:

What They Built: - Installed 25-yard pistol bay with cement shooting pad and benches - Opened 100-yard rifle/shotgun bay with target stands and benches - Purchased voice-activated clay thrower for trap shooting - Started berm work for the rifle bay - Added storage container for equipment - Hosted fall open house for families and kids - Received $25,000 grants from both Pheasants Forever and the Bob Meinders Family

Coming in 2025: - Complete trap shot-stop curtains and trap houses - Install power throughout the range and shooting areas - Build canopy roof over the pistol bay shooting pad - Finish the 100-yard rifle bay - Youth hunter safety courses - Women's shooting days and beginner clinics - Permit to carry classes - Pistol, small caliber rifle, and trap shooting leagues for men and women - High school shooting sports competitions (partnering with three local high schools and 4-H)

Unlike commercial ranges, Pipestone Sportsmen's Club exists specifically to serve the community and educate the next generation. They emphasize:

Youth safety, gun handling, and shooting skills as core priorities. The club looks to encourage young sportsmen and women to build a passion for shooting sports.

The club already hosts youth events, including BB gun shoots during open houses. Multiple area high schools and 4-H programs use the range for competitive shooting sports.

The club's ultimate goal is to add rifle, archery, and long-range shooting facilities to complement what's already built. Leadership has concrete plans in place to continue expanding amenities and services as the organization grows.

Address: 1480 131st Street, Pipestone, MN 56164 Mailing: PO Box 444, Pipestone, MN 56164

Leadership: Troy Budden (President), Joe Schelhaas (Secretary), Brad Bolluyt (Treasurer), plus five additional board members.

Direct Contacts: Joe Schelhaas: 507-215-2401 (text) Brad Bolluyt: 507-820-6411 (text)

The club accepts Silver and Gold patron sponsorships at the annual banquet (held each April). Patrons receive memberships, meal tickets, and recognition as supporters of youth shooting sports education in the region.