The Civilian Marksmanship Program is interested in helping to provide competition and training, especially for youth, at the Wyoming State Shooting Complex. 

Members from the group met with a couple joint powers board members and other civic leaders last weekend, including County Commission Chair Scott Steward, who said Tuesday he was impressed by what it could mean for the complex. 

“They're really interested in getting involved,” he said.  

He said they had even discussed purchasing up to 60 electronic targets for the range south of Cody at $5,000 per target. 

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U. S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and airguns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions. The CMP is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) corporation that places its highest priority on serving youth through gun safety and marksmanship activities that encourage personal growth and build life skills. 

The group was one of many connections made by complex CEO Patrick Giles at the SHOT Show in January. 

“The CMP is one of many companies from the shooting sports industry that we are discussing potential sponsorships with and are inviting to visit Cody to experience first-hand what an incredible destination this is to host matches and events,” Giles said. 

The two CMP representatives took tours of the Wyoming State Shooting Complex site and other features of Cody such as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

“The CMP is a nationwide promoter of marksmanship, firearms safety, and youth programs which aligns with the mission of the Wyoming State Shooting Complex,” Giles said in an email. “They are also the governing body of several competitive shooting disciplines including high-power rifle, smallbore rifle, and indoor air rifle which could be hosted at the complex in the future.”

It’s a good time for the complex, with the House and Senate agreeing on a budget that includes $5 million in funding for the complex approved by both houses earlier in the session. 

The board has pledged to raise the remaining funds needed above the $15 million total state contribution, and Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, has said previously a large business in the firearms industry has discussed contributing up to $2 million. 

Of course, it’s not just about more funding; shooting complex board members and staff have talked with a number of organizations interested in holding events, such as CMP. Steward said the group would like to expand events westward and mentioned being able to use the planned building at the complex for air rifle competitions.