- Davis County Shooting Range reopened in Kaysville, attracting 300-450 visitors on the first day.
- The range, managed by the Davis County Sheriff's Office, emphasizes safety and community spirit.
- IBISWorld predicts shooting ranges will earn $5.8 billion in 2025.
KAYSVILLE — If anyone questioned whether Davis County residents would be excited to see the Kaysville outdoor shooting range reopen, the crowd on reopening day was their answer.
Prior to August 2024, a company managed the shooting range, welcoming between five and 20 residents each day to use the shooting bays. The management group opted not to continue its relationship with Davis County, however, allowing the county to take the reins. The Davis County Sheriff's Office oversees the range.
The range temporarily closed in August 2024 to prepare for the transition and opened on June 28 after 10 months of work.
Staff estimate between 300 and 450 people strolled in on reopening day, ready to shoot, see people they haven't seen in a while and speak with various representatives from shooting training groups in the area.
"When people leave, they'll say, 'Thank you for keeping me safe.' There's a lot of gratitude from people who come to the range," said Paul Hubenthal, range master. "We want people to be aware of risks, but also know the staff is paying attention in order to keep everyone safe."
Keeping guests safe means everyone knows how to handle firearms properly. Staff and volunteers watch each guest to ensure no one gets hurt, including themselves. They have not had any problems in the past, but visitor safety is key.
There are thousands of shooting ranges across the United States, 8,439 to be exact, according to IBISWorld, an industry research firm. Each state has a range, whether it is publicly or privately owned, with indoor and/or outdoor facilities.
Some ranges have been closed since before the pandemic, but IBISWorld predicts that ranges will earn $5.8 billion throughout 2025. The firm also expects that, since the pandemic, more people will return to shooting and spending time at the ranges, increasing the need for more locations.
The number of visitors to the Davis County Shooting Range has slowed since its reopening, but there are still plenty of people coming, according to Hubenthal. There are 30 shooting bays at the range and Hubenthal estimates 20-30 people are coming each day, with more coming when there are other activities at the site.
Visitors must bring their gun when they come to the range and they also must complete a waiver. But Hupenthal has seen a true community spirit between shooters, with guests loaning firearms to each other.
Davis County Shooting Range
- Location: 1649 E. 650 North in Kaysville
- Cost: $15 per person for a day pass; $87.50 for an adult annual pass and $75 for senior citizens
- Schedule: Open Fridays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but hours will change in September.
Patrons must complete a waiver on the range's website at https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/sheriff/shooting-range/home
This sense of community is what Hubenthal thinks guests really missed when the range closed. Shooting may be an individual experience for some, but there are also several who enjoy being with others with similar interests, or who are learning.
Hubenthal was not always interested in shooting or shooting sports, but little by little, he learned more and became not only a fan but also an advocate. He has worked at the range for nearly 10 years, starting as a volunteer and now managing the site. He believes guns shouldn't be seen as violent.
"There's a skill with shooting. Skeet-shooting, plates ... there's a skill, and it should be seen that way," he said. "High schools have shooting clubs, people hunt. This is not about hurting anyone.
"In fact, if we didn't exist — a place that is watching everyone and is keeping people safe — we know people would go shoot somewhere else. So, it's a good thing that we're here."
