Location: Fort Gibson WMA Shooting Range
Existing Range Coordinates: 35°57'31.2"N 95°20'04.9"W
Proposed New Range Coordinates: 36°04'30.8"N 95°23'02.5"W
Purpose: To provide an opportunity for the public to comment, identify specific issues, and/or
environmental impacts that can be addressed in the Draft Environmental Assessment for the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).
Need: The proposed need is to complete an environmental assessment (EA) including
environmental studies and to arrive at either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or
complete an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) for the project described below:
Closure of the existing shooting range on Fort Gibson WMA, located at 35°57'31.2"N
95°20'04.9"W, and the construction of a new shooting range on Fort Gibson WMA, located at
36°04'30.8"N 95°23'02.5"W. The new shooting range location is approximately 8 miles north of
the city of Wagoner, OK and approximately 12 miles from the existing shooting range. ODWC
has explored other alternative sites and determined this to be the best location bordering flood
plain limits, best soil type, proximity of residences or public places, and the least amount of
timber removal.
The existing shooting range has been deemed problematic due to annual flooding, potentially
creating lead migration issues. There have also been reports of bullets landing in the water near
boats on the back side of the backstop. Per Oklahoma Title 29: Hunting or discharge of firearm
near public place - Shooting from or across highway or railroad right-of-way. A: No person may
hunt, pursue game, or discharge firearms within four hundred and forty (440) yards of any
church, schoolhouse, or other public place where people may assemble, so as to disturb such
assemblage. The existing shooting range is located approximately 200 yards southwest of the
soccer fields and ballfields, 300 yards south of the rodeo grounds, and 400 yards
south/southwest of the archery range and buildings. Therefore, ODWC wants to
update/relocate the range to an area that is much more favorable for topography, flood
control, and safety issues.
Once the EA process is complete, ODWC will proceed with engineering plans. Proposed plans
will include 50, 100, and 200-yard ranges with metal shooting stations including shooting
benches/tables for all 3 ranges, a shotgun/trap range, an archery range, fencing, gates,
restrooms, and associated parking lots. All range components will include ADA parking and
access.
Estimated timeline to complete the EA, engineering, and construction is 3-5 years.
The existing and new shooting range locations are on property owned by the U.S. Army of
Corps of Engineers (USACE), under license for operations and management by the ODWC, and
funded by the ODWC and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Comment Deadline:
Written comments to be provided or postmarked by November 30, 2023.
Submit comments via email to: Amanda.thomas@odwc.ok.gov
Submit comments via mail to:
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Attn: Shooting Range Coordinator
P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152
Notice of Public Opinion with images