When Governor Tim Walz’s opening of golf courses in Minnesota on April 18, the governor gave the go ahead for area gun ranges to open for the season. The Perham Sportsman’s Club announced its gun range is now open for the 2020 season.
While the range is open, however, the clubhouse is closed for events at this time. Perham Sportsman’s Club Nick Theroux said they have asked members to follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s orders to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“The custodians are not available at this time,” Theroux said. “Members have electronic key access to the clubhouse and the ranges; we have asked them to use social distancing and the proper hygiene.”
The clubhouse is usually used for several events, but it is closed during this time. Theroux said they had a lot of events in May and June. He said they did not cancel the events, the participants themselves chose to cancel the events.
“The clubhouse has been basically unoccupied except for people who have had to use the restroom when they are at the shooting range,” Theroux said.
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Theroux said the shooting ranges, benches and targets are all separated enough for social distancing.
“It is a great opportunity for people to get outdoors,” Theroux said. “We have the pistol range, archery range, 50, 75, 100 and 200-yard ranges and we have never had a crowd situation. There are some that shoot in the morning all the time, some that come in the afternoons. With it warming up this weekend and this being an outdoor activity that is not related to golf or walking and hiking, this is a great opportunity for people to get out there.”
Theroux said people can shoot during daylight hours at the club and it is another opportunity for people to get outside and take advantage of the nice weather.
“I just came out to the woods today myself and I picked the perfect day,” Theroux said. “I really encourage people to get out. There is a trail that goes all the way around the ponds, which may be drying up for people to go on a walk.”
The range will be closed briefly on April 25 before 10 a.m., while they plant trees around the property as part of Reinvest in Minnesota, which is a conservation act that protects, restores and manages critical resources. Theroux said they put it back into wildlife and different habitat as part of their contract.
The shooting range is located at 42825 Harvest Avenue. For more information on the range and information on becoming a member can be found at www.perhamsportsman.com.
