Are you ready to try the sport that some people say is “like golf with guns?” Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Cameo Shooting and Education Complex has two new sporting clays courses that are now open to the public.
These courses were crafted by legendary designer Neil Chadwick, who was inducted into the National Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Chadwick and equipment guru Corey Howell of Howell Shooting Supplies thoughtfully laid out the two courses to challenge all levels of shooters. The South Course has 15 shooting stations, while the North Course has eight stations. Each station features trap shooting launchers that are hidden by the rugged terrain at Cameo making for an exciting outing for shotgunners from around the world.
The sporting clays course cost is 40 cents per clay (plus tax) or 30 cents per clay for annual pass holders. For the rest of the facility, there is a day-use fee of $12 per person or an annual pass is available for $150. The day use and annual passes provide access to rifle sight-in bays, pistol bays, archery lanes, 3-D archery target loops, and a long-range rifle range that is available on specific days. Later this year, Cameo Shooting and Education Complex will be adding a mountain bike biathlon course.
“This is really a world-class shooting facility right here in the Grand Valley,” said Walt Proulx, CPW Range Coordinator. “Because COVID restrictions have limited international visitors and postponed some of the national events at the site, now is a great time for people in the area to check out what we’ve got to offer.”
Location, Fees and Hours of Operation
The Cameo Shooting and Education Complex is located off Interstate 70 at Exit 45 in Debeque Canyon, just three miles east of Palisade Colorado.
Sporting clays courses are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are not currently needed and courses are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Side-by-side OHVs which seat six people are available to rent for $25 plus $5 per additional adult. Shooters will need to bring their own shotguns and ammunition (7 1/2 or smaller shot, 2 3/4 inch shells – no magnums).
The Cameo Shooting and Education Complex is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through mid-October with shorter daylight hours in the winter.
General Sporting Clays Rules
- All shooters must check-in at CSEC Range Office before going to any shotgun course.
- All shooters must check-out when finished.
- There is no charge for non-shooting spectators.
- Hunting is prohibited on CSEC Property, all wildlife laws will be enforced.
- NO DOGS/PETS allowed on CSEC Property except by CSEC special use permit.
- All UTV-ATV and foot travel must stay on roads and cart paths. Be sure to leave room for others passing through.
- After shooting each station, you are required to pick up your shotshell hulls and trash and place them into the correct marked containers.
- Smoking in designated areas ONLY. (Located near shipping containers)
- Speed limit on cart paths 15 MPH.
Full range rules are available on the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex website.
Randy Hampton is the public information officer for CPW’s Northwest Region. Randy based in Grand Junction, Colorado.
