Since the late 80s there have been two active gun clubs in the Virden area. The Virden Rifle & Pistol Club, which operated out of 250 Thomas Drive. The second club, located north of Virden, was the Fort La Bosse Classical Arms Gun Club which had an outdoor range. Both worked independent of each other.
Two years ago at one of the club’s Annual General Meetings, there were directors who sat on both boards who brought up the idea of joining both organizations together to be one united voice together, for everyone involved with shooting sports.
Since then, the concept slowly evolved and one of the largest questions was about insurance. This is where the Manitoba Wildlife Association (MWA) came into play.
The MWA is trying to unify the outdoor and shooting community throughout Manitoba, to have a unified, stronger voice to bring necessary change to policies concerning the outdoors.
“The MWA has a much larger voice that speaks on behalf of all of us as shooters and outdoors enthusiasts,” said new club President Matt Hipwell.
As of Jan. 11, the two clubs have officially come together under the umbrella of the MWA as the Fort La Bosse Wildlife Association.
The new club will be utilizing both the indoor range and the outdoor facility.
“One membership card covers the use of both ranges,” said Hipwell.
Getting a membership is still just as easy as stopping by Wolverine Supplies. On the board, Tyson Lebroe is the membership director.
“We see it [joining the two clubs] as one stronger voice on the provincial level, rather than being a smaller entity in Western Manitoba,” said Hipwell.
Rob Olson, the managing director of MWA stated, “We’re really excited that there is a club formed here. There is strength in numbers.”
“Our vision is to have a strong provincial entity that partners with local communities. Through that marriage you can do a lot of great things. We’re excited to have this community join,” said Olson. “The people are amazing and there’s a good chance this will be a super club right out of the gate. We’re thrilled.”
The newly formed club is working on getting both website and social media outlets created where updates and events will be announced.
One of the desires of the new group is to create more space for young people to learn about shooting and outdoor sports.
“One of our mandates is to promote the shooting and outdoor sports to our youth and next generations. This is where I came and shot as a youth, it’s important that we see this carry on,” said Hipwell.
The Scouts Canada Organization out of Virden will still be using the facility on 250 Thomas Dr. They have been the longest serving groups of the youth training centre.
Even adults are encouraged to get out and learn. “They are very welcoming, very open and very friendly. If you’ve ever had an interest in learning how to shoot, these people will show you how to do that,” said Olson.
“Even if you aren’t looking to shoot, join. At the end of the day, if you want to see healthy moose, deer, fish and other animal populations, and you want the ability to go out and shoot freely in this free world we have, you’ve got to be part of it. For a very small cost you can be part of the solution. It’s about giving back and paying it forward,” said Olson.
Hipwell went on to honor the two great clubs and leaders.
“I’d also like to mention three directors that were part of one or both organizations in the past, Paul Eilers, Rodney Stuart and John Hipwell. I’d like to thank them for being the driving force behind each of those organizations over the last number of years. We appreciate what you have done for these clubs and how you’ve positioned them to where they are today, so we can move forward as one united organization.”
