Dakota Benchrest Shooters

Dakota Benchrest Shooters started in 1972 when three individuals—Tim Gassman, Daryl Jensen, and Jack Backer—built what's now one of South Dakota's most established shooting clubs. They hosted registered I.B.S. (International Benchrest Shooters) tournaments from 1975 to 1985, then transitioned to Hunter Bench Rest competition through the T.C.L. (Trans Continental League). Since 2008, they've run C.B.A. (Cast Bullet Association) tournaments, and added the non-registered Dakota Shooting League in 2019. The club counts National Champions in both I.B.S. and N.B.R.S.A. (National Bench Rest Shooters Association) among its members.

Located west of Sioux Falls at 46433 269th Street, Tea, SD 57064, the range operates daily from 7:30 A.M. until sunset. This is a private, members-only facility with capped membership currently at 260 paid members.

50-Yard Range – 3 shooting benches, place your own targets, rubber targets for small calibers

100-Yard Range – 12 shooting benches with 12 target spots, covered shooting to keep dry

200-Yard Range – 12 shooting benches with 12 target spots, plus steel targets (8 to 1 inch) set at 220 yards accessible from benches 1 and 2 only

Covered Bench Shooting – Shoot in any weather with 12 benches and provided stools

5 shooting stations at varying distances up to 25 yards. Scoped pistols can be fired at the 50-yard line after being zeroed at 20-25 yards. Shotgun patterning is allowed at the 25-yard line with your own backer.

New applicants must have a club member sponsor who knows you, has witnessed your safe shooting, explained the rules, and understands they'll be removed if you break them. All new members required to attend orientation before membership activation.

The club's primary goal is safety. All shooters must:

• •Wear mandatory eye and ear protection
• •Keep rifles unloaded with bolts removed and visible when not shooting
• •Place semi-auto firearms with magazines removed and action locked open
• •Use secure target placement on backer material only
• •Clean up all brass, targets, and trash before leaving
• •Follow strict lane discipline on the pistol range

Prohibited items: 50 BMG, full-auto weapons, tracer ammo, clay target shooting, object shooting, or wildlife shooting.

Safety disqualifiers – Unsafe acts, sharing gate codes with non-members, allowing unregistered guests, alcohol consumption, or intentional range damage result in immediate membership termination.

Adult supervision required for shooters ages 12-18 at the pistol range. No children under 12 allowed.

A 6-member Board of Directors oversees operations:

• •President: Al Nyhus
• •Vice President: Michael Mourer
• •Secretary: Nick Trease
• •Treasurer: Gene Crismen
• •Directors: Timm Gassman, Kevin Mielke

The club hosts regular Cast Bullet Rifle Matches (March through October) and holds an annual meeting in February. Members can compete in score matches and work days throughout the year.

"I've been a member for 15+ years. I love having a private range close to town. The board keeps everything maintained and makes improvements. I can sight in at the 50-yard range, then dial in hunting rifles at 100/200. The handgun range is huge for keeping pistol skills sharp. Can't imagine my shooting hobby without Dakota Benchrest." – Jeff P.

"Well maintained, very reasonable, and a beautiful place to sharpen your shooting skills in the company of friendly people." – Otto G.

"Close to home, always kept nice, and members clean up after themselves. I plan to keep my membership a long time." – Michael W.

• •Address: 46433 269th Street, Tea, SD 57064
• •Mailing: P.O. Box 1441, Sioux Falls, SD 57101
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Phone: 555-555-5555
• •Hours: 7:30 A.M. – Sunset, 7 days a week

Storage shed with cardboard and trash cans available. Port-a-potty restroom on premises.