Veterans Inspire Upgrades To ODFW’s EE Wilson Shotgun Range

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Jered Goodwin used to see a group of disabled Veterans regularly visiting the shotgun shooting range at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, a former military base turned wildlife area and popular outdoor destination in the Willamette Valley. Each time he saw them at the range, he thought, “I could make improvements to make their experience even better.”

The old range, built decades ago, could only accommodate two shooters at a time. While the old path provided some wheelchair access, it wasn’t wide enough and there were no pullouts. The site also lacked amenities—no covered area, not enough parking, and no covered area or picnic tables for when families and friends got together at the range.

Seeing this group of Veterans through the years inspired Goodwin to take action on range upgrades. With support from federal Wildlife Restoration Act funds, ODFW recently undertook a major renovation to make the range more accessible, spacious and welcoming.

The range recently reopened and visitors to the free public range will now find four times as many shooting lanes and more parking spots. A fully paved ADA-compliant walkway with pullouts will make it easier for disabled shooters. A covered pole barn with picnic tables makes for a better experience for those who visit the range. A solar-powered gate will close the area in the evening, addressing safety concerns by preventing access after hours when shooting is prohibited. (The range is open from dawn to dusk.) 

“I used to see a group of four Veterans often at E.E. Wilson when I would go out to maintain the shooting and archery range and I was inspired to find a way to improve it, so it would be more accessible,” said Goodwin. “I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out.”

Like most of Oregon’s wildlife areas, E.E. Wilson is maintained with funds generated from the Pittman Robertson Act, aka the Wildlife Restoration Act. The 1937 act placed an excise tax on hunting equipment (arms and ammunition) to address the loss of habitat and wildlife at the turn of the century. It has generated millions for wildlife access projects including wildlife areas, habitat and research projects for wildlife, hunter education, and shooting range improvements.

“Hunters are some of the country’s original conservationists through their funding for wildlife habitat,” said Goodwin. “This and other wildlife areas are popular not just with hunters but with wildlife viewers, hikers, and everyone who enjoys being in the outdoors.”

Grand opening set for Nov. 15

In honor of the Veterans that inspired the range improvements, ODFW is inviting Veterans to a special grand reopening event on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with ODFW Director Debbie Colbert and ODFW’s outdoor education team. The team are certified shooting instructors and will bring shotguns and ammunition to help any Veteran brush up on their shooting skills. Veterans are also invited to bring their own shotgun and clay throwers and practice at another open lane. (Reminder that only non-toxic shot is allowed at EE Wilson Wildlife Area.)

“At ODFW, we believe that everyone belongs outdoors,” said ODFW Director Debbie Colbert. “I’m thrilled that these improvements make the range safer, more accessible, and more welcoming to all, especially Veterans as we mark Veteran’s Day on November 11. This project is just one example of our efforts to remove barriers so everyone can get participate in the outdoors.”

For photos of the range improvements and more information on EE Wilson Wildlife Area, see the Visitor Guide. See a video about the improvements at ODFW’s YouTube channel.