Province
Red Deer, Alberta
Hours
- Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Description
All about Red Deer Fish and Game Association
Facilities and Ranges:
The RDFGA boasts a comprehensive set of facilities, including:
- Outdoor Range: This range, located west of Red Deer, is a popular spot for hunters and recreational target shooters. It's suitable for basic sighting and sidearm training, with a known distance of 200 yards. It's important to note that shotguns are typically not permitted on this range. Access requires membership with range privileges and completion of a mandatory range safety course.
- Indoor Range: Situated within the city of Red Deer, the Indoor Range provides a controlled environment for recreational shooting. It has scheduled times for members to use handguns and small-bore rifles (like .22 LR). Allowed ammunition types include .22LR, .38 Special, 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt, but military surplus ammunition with a steel core is generally prohibited. Like the outdoor range, access requires range privileges and a safety course.
- Archery Range: Located at the Habitat Land, the archery range is fully functional during warmer months. It offers targets at various yardages, typically from 20 to 80 yards. Access is foot-only, and members are expected to follow specific rules regarding target usage and maintenance.
- Habitat Land: The RDFGA owns 320 acres of Habitat Land southeast of Red Deer. This extensive property provides diverse outdoor opportunities for members, including:
- Campground: A small campground with electrical hookups and showers is available for members, with a self-registration booth at the entry.
- Trout Ponds: There are two stocked trout ponds, including West Lake, which has seen significant improvement in water clarity and fish populations due to aeration and bio-augmentation efforts. They also have a dedicated children's fishing pond.
- Hiking Trails: The Habitat Land offers trails for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
- Black Powder Range / Hawk & Knife Walk: This area hosts black powder rendezvous events and can be used for supervised youth shooting with BB or pellet guns when not in use by black powder groups.
Services and Programs:
The Red Deer Fish and Game Association provides numerous services and programs for its members and the broader community, focusing on conservation, education, and promoting outdoor activities:
- Membership Benefits: Membership offers access to the ranges, habitat land, various programs, and other benefits like personal liability insurance and opportunities to participate in conservation projects.
- Youth Programs: The RDFGA is actively involved in youth development through programs such as the Youth Pheasant Program, Junior Shooters program, and youth camps, aimed at introducing young people to safe and responsible outdoor activities.
- Educational Opportunities: They offer handgun clinics and regularly schedule range safety courses, which are mandatory for members seeking range privileges. They also provide online safety orientation instructions.
- Conservation Efforts: A core focus of the RDFGA is the conservation of habitat lands and wildlife management. Their work on West Lake exemplifies their dedication to improving angling opportunities and promoting sustainable practices.
- Community Events: The club hosts various events, including the annual Red Deer Gun Show, annual banquets, awards ceremonies, and National Range Day events, which are sometimes free and open to the public. They also conduct annual horn measuring events.
- Support for Anglers and Hunters: They provide resources and opportunities for fishing and hunting, including access to stocked ponds and information on regulations. They have even developed wheelchair-accessible pontoon boats for seniors' fishing events.
The Red Deer Fish and Game Association is a strong advocate for ethical hunting, angling, and outdoor recreation, contributing significantly to conservation efforts and fostering a responsible outdoor community in Alberta.