Western Canada’s largest shooting complex grows community

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Just outside Taber, a sprawling shooting facility has become a gathering place for firearm and archery enthusiasts across southern Alberta. The M.D. of Taber Shooting Foundation is Western Canada’s largest shooting complex.

The site offers an impressive range of facilities, including 600m, 200m, 100m, and 50m ranges, along with dedicated pistol and shotgun areas, five action bays, a skeet range, and archery. That variety supports a wide roster of disciplines for members of every skill level.

Safety Comes First

Before anyone can access the complex through its electronic gate, they must complete the Range Safety Officer (RSO) course. The course earns members a key fob for gate access, satisfies insurance requirements, and, most importantly, ensures everyone follows the same rules.

“The RSO course means every member and guest is on the same page,” says Ben Elfring, president of the Foundation. “When everyone understands the rules, the range stays safe, and the sport stays enjoyable for all of us.”

Elfring is quick to point out that education sits at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. “Firearms have been given a bad rap over the years,” he says. “If we can educate people and demonstrate the safe, proper use of firearms, then we’ve done our job. Any item can harm people, not just firearms.”

Membership and Disciplines

Membership costs $150 per year and gives members access to the complex whenever they wish, provided they have completed the RSO course. Members can also pick up tips and guidance from fellow shooters.

The disciplines on offer are broad. A youth group teaches young participants the safe use and enjoyment of shooting sports. Members can also take part in trap and skeet, held Saturdays at 10 am, as well as long-range shooting, the 200m bench league, archery, and handgun shooting.

On June 30th, the Foundation hosted its inaugural “Shoots Like a Girl” event. Organized by women interested in the sport, the ladies’ event drew a strong turnout.

For Elfring, the people are what matter most. “My favourite part of the range is meeting and working with people who share an interest in the shooting sports,” he says. “That community is what keeps this place going.”

Raffle Underway

The Foundation is running a raffle with three prizes: an electric bike for first place, a rifle for second, and a custom-built fire pit for third. Tickets cost $10 each, and the draw will take place at the Taber Pheasant Festival this fall.

Anyone interested in learning more, joining, or trying a shooting discipline for the first time can visit taberrange-md.com for details.