The total cost for the new building is estimated to cost $200,000, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded the City of New Ulm a $100,000 matching grant for the project. Since the shooting range was created, Sioux Valley Gun Club (SVGC) has exclusively managed and operated the site and is now leading the charge to raise the matching $100,000.

The club is halfway towards meeting the matching grant thanks to a $50,000 commitment from an anonymous donor; however, the stipulation for this $50,000 donation is that the remaining $50,000 be raised before Dec. 1.

“The most important thing we have to do this month is to match that grant,” SVGC President Jim Arndt said.

Arndt said the current trap range clubhouse needs to be replaced. The facility was built over 50 years ago and no longer serves the needs of the trap range. The facility is falling into disrepair, especially the foundation. In addition, SVGC wants to update the facility to meet the needs of the next generation. In recent years, the trap range has seen an increase in usage among youth. All three New Ulm High Schools have trapshooting teams. There are other youth groups who utilize the range outside of the school year.

New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel (left) and Sioux Valley Gun Club (SVGC) president Jim Arndt (right) tour New Ulm’s trap shooting range, discussing where the new clubhouse building will be located. In August, the City of New Ulm was awarded a $100,000 matching grant from the Minnesota DNR to construct a new clubhouse building for the trap range. SVGC has a $50,000 commitment from an anonymous donor that is contingent on raising the remaining $50,000 before Dec. 1.

Arndt said there are 140 youth members from the three high schools and 70 members from the SVGC youth program. The local 4-H club used the range during the summer with 10 to 20 members using the shooting range every day.

“I think it is important to get this building up to secure the range in the city for the next 30 years,” Arndt said.

New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel confirmed youth shooting sports were rising in popularity. He said the reason the Minnesota DNR is offering the grant is that trap and skeet shooting is growing statewide and is projected to continue growing.

Schugel said this grant is an opportunity to improve New Ulm’s facility and accommodate the growth of area shooting programs.

One of the reasons for the popularity of trap and skeet shooting among youth is that it appeals to a wide range of users.

Sioux Valley Gun Club (SVGC) president Jim Arndt (front) and Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel meet at the New Ulm trap shooting range to discuss fundraising efforts for new club house building. SVGC has until the end of November to raise $50,000 to meet the matching grants requirements necessary to start construction on the need building.

“It’s unbelievable the different personalities that are attracted to trap and skeet shooting and skeet,” Arndt said.

Schugel said the Minnesota State High School League and SVGC have done a great job of making the sport inclusive. Youth of all abilities are able to participate, including traditional athletes and non-traditional athletes. The sport is also open to boys and girls, making it a big draw.

In addition, trap and skeet shooting does not interfere with other youth sports. Arndt said there are a lot of baseball and softball players participating in shooting.

“For the first 30 years of the shooting range, it has been focused on adults; now that is reversing and focusing on the youth,” Arndt said. “The good part of that is this is something youth can do the rest of their lives.”

However, in order to meet the needs of youth, the clubhouse will need to be improved. The new clubhouse will be larger in size and offer additional storage place. It will also be wired to allow SVGC to show training videos.

Sioux Valley Gun Club (SVGC) president Jim Arndt holds up a digram of the proposed new clubhouse at New Ulm’s trap range. The new clubhouse will be larger in size and offer additional storage space. The clubhouse will also feature an extended overhang. This will provide shelter for spectators.

The clubhouse will also feature an extended overhang. This will provide shelter for spectators.

“We have a lot of parents and grandparents who come to watch their kids shoot,” Arndt said. “We will be able to sit them under there to protect them from rain and snow.”

There is currently no overhang structure on the clubhouse. In addition, the clubhouse will be moved to a place near the center of the shooting range for better viewing.

Four years ago, the shooting range had its skeet range revamped. Arndt said this improvement was also done with a matching grant from the DNR.

“We thank the City of New Ulm for helping us receive these grants,” Arndt said. “It has been a good partnership between the city and SVGC.”

Assuming SVGC is able to raise the remaining $50,000 by the end of the month, the city could begin the bid processes for the new clubhouse before the end of the year.

Schugel said a condition of the DNR grant is the project needs to be finished by the end of June 2026. Schugel said the shooting range clubhouse would likely be the first city project out of the gate in June.

Arndt emphasized that in order for the new clubhouse to move forward, they will need another $50,000 by the end of the month.

“Those willing to contribute, please donate before Dec. 1,” Arndt said.

Donations can be submitted to Sioux Valley Gun Club, PO Box 774, New Ulm, MN 56073.

Sioux Valley Gun Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Any questions on the project can be directed to SVGC president Jim Arndt at (507) 766-2676.