Bighorn Basin Gun Club “lights the way” for youth shooting sports

BASIN, Wyo. – The Bighorn Basin Gun Club announced the organization has secured a $6,000 matching grant from the Wyoming Outdoorsmen and, with strong support from local businesses and community partners, has exceeded its $6,000 fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the “Lighting the Way” Youth Shooting Sports Lighting Project.

Founded in 1946, the Bighorn Basin Gun Club is a 509(a)(2) public charity and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting and facilitating Big Horn County 4-H Shooting Sports, high school trap leagues, and a positive culture of gun ownership, safety, and marksmanship for youth. The club also supports and defends the Second Amendment while actively fundraising for community benefit.

The project will replace aging, failing lights on the club’s first trap field off Highway 20 South between Greybull and Basin with modern, high output LED sports lighting. The upgrade will restore safe, reliable evening and nighttime shooting for Big Horn County 4-H Shooting Sports, high school trap leagues, and the broader community.

“We are extremely grateful to the Wyoming Outdoorsmen for the $6,000 matching grant that made this phase possible,” said Brad Campbell, Club Treasurer and Project Manager. “Just as important is the outpouring of support from local businesses and individuals who stepped up through our sponsorship program. Together we have surpassed the matching funds needed.”

Local sponsors included Pete’s Plumbing, Vast Manufacturing, Big Horn REA, Bad Pass Hospitality, Hunt Construction, A/C Motors, Craig Jones, Wheelers Market, The Copper Corner Cafe and Basin Pharmacy. 

The club also gratefully acknowledged an anonymous $10 contribution and the essential participation of Shane Kannard of Pryor Mountain Electric (Mountain Electric), whose firm labor quote and hands-on electrical work will ensure the new fixtures are properly installed, energized, and tested. REA additionally donated significant time and labor to help install the new light fixtures.

In addition, Road Ten T-Shirts, owned by Robin and Tim Allen, is generously donating the recognition plaques that will permanently honor all project supporters. All cash and in-kind sponsors will be recognized on the permanent “Lighting the Way” plaque displayed at the newly lit trap field, as well as on the club’s website, Facebook page, and at events.

LOOKING AHEAD – PHASE 2

Any funds raised this year beyond the Phase 1 match will be retained in the club’s dedicated savings account exclusively for the lighting project.

The Wyoming Outdoorsmen have already invited the club to apply for additional support after their big banquet early in 2027 to complete Phase 2 — lighting the second trap field.

In support of both phases, the club is in the feasibility stage of a gun raffle to boost participation and visibility within the community. Details on a Halloween-themed Monster Clay Shoot scheduled for October 30, 2026, at 7 p.m. will be announced soon.

“This lighting project is about more than brighter bulbs,” Campbell added. “It’s about giving our 4-H kids and high school athletes a safe place to shoot after dark and keeping the tradition of responsible marksmanship alive for the next generation.”

Sponsorship remains open for anyone wishing to join the effort. Checks may be made payable to BHB Gun Club Savings with the memo “Trap Field Lighting Project.” In-kind donations of materials or labor are also welcome.

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Brad Campbell, treasurer and project manager, at 307-765-2856 or clubtrsr@bighornbasingunclub.org; mailing address 451 US Hwy 20 S, Basin, WY 82410.