World Shooting and Recreational Complex Trap Shooting Fields and Campground Open to the Public Beginning Sept. 1

SPARTA, IL - The new World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta in Randolph County opens to the public for trap shooting and camping on Sept. 1, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Acting Director Sam Flood announced today.

"Illinois' new world-class World Shooting and Recreational Complex drew rave reviews from competitors and spectators alike during this summer's major trap shooting and single-action shooting sports events," Flood said.  "We are now pleased to be able to open to recreational shooters and campers those parts of the complex that are completed and ready for use  - just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend."

The state-of-the-art 1,600-acre complex features 120 trap fields extending along a 3 ½ mile shooting line.  Public shooting opportunities will be provided on trap fields nearest the WSRC Events Center and vendor mall for the convenience of recreational shooters.  Open trap shooting will be available from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily at a cost of $5 for each 25-target round.

The camping facilities at the WSRC include 746 RV campsites with electric and water hookups and sanitation services available, along with more than 260 additional campsites with electrical service.  Campsite fees are $20 per day, the same as at other IDNR Class AA/A Premium campsites.  Discounts are available for seniors, campers with disabilities, and qualifying veterans with disabilities and POWs, as they are at other IDNR campgrounds.

Construction of the WSRC sporting clays courses continues with completion scheduled for late September.  Skeet fields will be constructed beginning later this year with completion scheduled for early 2007.

The complex also includes 250 acres of water where fishing opportunities will be provided beginning in 2007.

Shooters and campers should enter the complex at Main Event Drive (the Events Center access drive) off of Randolph County Highway 18.  Fees for trap shooting and camping will be collected at the Events Center.

Also open daily in the Events Center building is the popular Heartland Range restaurant and Shooter's Saloon. 

The complex will be closed to the public during major shooting sports events.  The next scheduled event closing will be Oct. 6-16 for the Amateur Trapshooting Association's October Shoot. 

For more information, phone 1-866-850-2564 or e-mail dnr.worldshooting@Illinois.gov.