Ely's remote location on the eastern edge of Highway 50 makes it an unlikely hub for serious shooters and archers, but White Pine County hosts two legitimate public ranges worth the trip—and the only 1000-yard long-distance facility in Eastern Nevada. Located in McGill, NV (about 30 miles from Ely),...
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Ely's remote location on the eastern edge of Highway 50 makes it an unlikely hub for serious shooters and archers, but White Pine County hosts two legitimate public ranges worth the trip—and the only 1000-yard long-distance facility in Eastern Nevada.
Located in McGill, NV (about 30 miles from Ely), Bristlecone Bowmen manages both indoor and outdoor archery facilities. The club isn't just a place to sling arrows—they organize events throughout the year that draw competitors and enthusiasts from across the region.
What they host: - 3D Archery Shoots - Archery Golf Tournaments - Regular open range access
The club stays active on Facebook with current event information and updates. McGill sits in the Steptoe Valley, surrounded by high desert and mountain terrain that makes for scenic range days.
SVTST is a non-profit organization with a straightforward mission: provide a legal, safe facility for US citizens to learn and practice firearms use for home protection, hunting, competition, and recreation. Their main shooting range handles trap, skeet, and target shooting.
Primary objectives: - Safe firearm training and practice - Legal shooting for hunters and competitors - Recreational shooting access
SVST is the only organization managing both the main range AND the White Pine Long Distance Range—that's significant operational control over two distinct facilities in one of Nevada's most remote counties.
This is the standout: the only public 1000-yard shooting range in Eastern Nevada. Managed by SVTST, this is where precision rifle shooters and long-range competitors train. A 1000-yard range in rural Nevada means minimal development concerns, wide-open sightlines, and the kind of distance that separates casual shooters from serious competitors.
For context, most public ranges max out at 300-600 yards. Finding a 1000-yard facility anywhere is rare; finding one that's publicly accessible in the high desert is exceptional.
Ely, Nevada sits at the confluence of three major highways: - US Highway 50 ("The Loneliest Road in America") - US Highway 6 - US Highway 93
The town is remote—roughly 4-6 hours from major western cities—but that remoteness is exactly why the ranges exist here. Wide-open land, minimal light pollution, and vast distances make this geography ideal for long-distance shooting and outdoor archery.
Both organizations maintain active social media presence for schedules and event updates: - Bristlecone Bowmen: Facebook - SVTST: Facebook
Local contact for area information: 775-289-3720
| Facility | Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bristlecone Bowmen (McGill) | Archery | 3D shoots, archery golf tournaments |
| SVTST Main Range | Trap/Skeet/Target | Non-profit, competitive focus |
| White Pine Long Distance | Precision Rifle | Only public 1000-yard range in Eastern Nevada |
White Pine County isn't a typical shooting destination, which is exactly why it works. The area has: - Vast open space: 10,000 square miles of largely undeveloped terrain - High elevation: Mountain towns and ranges that sit well above 6,000 feet - Dark skies: Minimal light pollution makes it ideal for outdoor shooting - Outdoor recreation culture: White Pine County is built on hunting, fishing, and backcountry access—shooting fits naturally into that ecosystem
The clubs operate year-round, though Nevada winters at elevation mean winter conditions are possible. Spring through fall offers consistently good shooting weather.
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