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Over a decade ago, a small group of local citizens drafted Articles of Incorporation for the Flintlock Range Association. This group had a dream of creating a gun range in Cook County, as this is the only one of the 87 counties in Minnesota that doesn’t have a range! In order to improve safety and protect the environment, these individuals had the vision to build a gun range. This group of dedicated people drafted bylaws, looked for land, developed range rules, got an EIN number from the IRS, and even filed with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. There was hope for a land transfer between governmental agencies which would allow a 360-acre parcel of land to eventually become Flintlock Range. During the pandemic, the land exchange finally occurred, with Cook County receiving this parcel, PID: 53-224-2100. The property is located up the Gunflint Trail, east of Elbow Lake.
Now that the land exchange has occurred, a small group has met a few times to talk about the process of making their dream come true–developing a gun range. It could be used by our Sheriff ’s Department, Border Patrol, DNR, and others in law enforcement. Flintlock Range can provide a safe location for Firearms Safety students’ Field Day. Currently, their Field Day occurs on private property, and there is concern that particular location may not be available for use in the future. The site of Flintlock would be an excellent location for archery, as well. Flintlock will be the place where firearms instruction and practice can regularly occur for licensed instructors here in Cook County. Members of the public can go to Flintlock in order to sight in firearms before hunting season or to target shoot. The site could even be developed to provide a great place for ATV and snowmobile safety certification. Think of the possibility of a trap range! Trap shooting is the fastest growing high school sport.
In order to make this dream, Flintlock Range, a reality, the group wants to provide information– and get ideas–from YOU, community members. Therefore, an informational meeting will be held at the Community Center on Thursday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m. with Justin Rexrode, Orvis Lunke, and Claron Krogness (Flintlock officers who will be in attendance), along with other members of the group. There will be a presentation about the history, possible development of Flintlock and an opportunity for members of the public to get involved. As Cook County residents, what would you like to see at a range? Come to the meeting and share those ideas!
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