The Cold Lake Fish and Game (CLFG) club is seeing a major increase in numbers since receiving their restricted firearm certification.
“Five years ago when I took over as president of the club we had maybe in the mid-20's for membership year-long. This year, already by the end of January, we were already exceeding 75 members. I expect our membership this year to be 400 plus,” explained Rick Jackson, president of CLFG.
CLFG received their restricted firearm certification on Dec. 23, 2016 for the 25-metre, 100-metre and 600-metre ranges. The 600-metre range is also certified for a 50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG).
It wasn't a quick process for the organization, as they struggled to secure the funding in order receive this certification. Since then, everything has been going great.
“After Dec. 23 when we received the restricted certification it's been a huge weight off the organization's shoulders. Now, with the restricted certification we have the next three years where we can concentrate on refining and building the new facilities,” explained Jackson.
Some of those new projects include getting to work on building more shooting bays, such as a 75-metre shooting bay, which is currently in progress. That bay will be used for action shooting sports.
“The next big thing after the 75 is to upgrade the access road to make it a year-round and all-weather accessible road,” said Jackson.
They are also working on widening and lengthening the 600-m range.
The increase in membership is great for the CLFG club, as it provides them with the necessary funds to upgrade their facilities as needed.
“There is a tipping point of membership. When you get to that point everything just expands and grows and explodes with excitement and participation. Whereas before that, it's a struggle to get the facility you need and want,” explained Jackson. “We're at that tipping point.”
There are currently no new projects planned after the 75-m upgrade is completed, but they are working on getting certification for that range as well.
“We are going to be steam rolling ahead and lots of great things are going to be happening in the way of bringing up the quality of the club. It's not a gravel pit anymore. It's going to be a well groomed facility.”
The City of Cold Lake pitched in some of the funds required for the club to get the restricted certification. Jackson, along with other CLFG members will be at city council Feb. 14 to show they've received the certification.
