Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center staff shoot off a few shots on the range. Shown are, left to right, Program Coordinator Ryan Hinson, Program Coordinator Alana Kelly, CMP Communications Manager Christine Elder and Seasonal Air Range Assistant Colleen Warner. (Photos by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Although many entertainment spots along the lake are closed for the season, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is open to the public all winter long. For the next three months, the center is hosting special events to make the winter even more fun.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a national organization dedicated to training and educating the public in the safe use of firearms and air guns through marksmanship training and competitions. At the CMP center range, everyone is welcome to learn to shoot air guns, regardless of shooting experience. Beginners are given one-on-one assistance as they learn about the gun and the range.

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is located at 1000 Lawrence Rd., Building 5042, inside Camp Perry in Port Clinton. It is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. On Mondays, shooters can make appointments to shoot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center can be reached at 419-635-2141, ext. 704.

Bob Osterling of Catawba Island has been shooting air rifle and air pistol at the center since 2016. Because air gun shooting is adaptable for people with physical disabilities, Osterling, who uses a wheelchair, has developed a passion for the sport.

“With what little I have left, this is something I can do. This is the most relaxing,” he said. “The people here help me to no end, especially Ryan Hinson and Alana Kelly.”

Hinson and Kelly are CMP Program Coordinators who are available for assistance to anyone on the range during public shooting times, including during the upcoming special events.

CMP Program Coordinator Ryan Hinson practices shooting on Jan. 24.

Couples are encouraged to shoot together during Date Night Fun. Throughout the whole month of February, couples can compete against other couples any time the range is open. Match fee is $10 per couple, and results are posted weekly. The winning team for the month will receive a gift card to Rosie’s Bar & Grill.

On Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m., shooters can compete in the March Madness Match. Individuals compete against each other, and the winners move on to the next bracket. Match fee is $5 per shooter, and the champion will win a gift card to McCarthy’s Irish Pub.

An Elimination Match will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. The lowest shots are eliminated until one shooter remains. Match fee is $5 per shooter, and the champion wins a gift card to either Wild Brew coffee shop or Kozy Corners Restaurant.

“We’re giving local gift cards to try to support local businesses,” said CMP Communications Manager Christine Elder.

Elder said CMP staff hope to plan more special events on the range for the rest of the year.

The events give regular shooters something different to look forward to and will hopefully attract people who have never shot before.

“It’s just to bring a fun event to the community,” Elder said. “Maybe they’ve never tried it. It’s a fun day.”