The Redmond Rod & Gun Club could buy the Halligan Ranch property by the end of this month after gaining permit approval in September for new shooting ranges at the site.

Billy Layton, the club’s president, said Monday the organization is getting a final appraisal of the 223-acre ranch and will look at purchasing the property in the coming weeks.

The club is located on 66 acres of Deschutes County-owned land near the Redmond Airport. For the past several years, the organization has been looking for a new facility location.

The new site and permit application received considerable support from the public. Many residents submitted written comments to the county and stated the importance of the club in promoting firearm safety and providing recreational opportunities.

A Deschutes County hearings officer approved a conditional-use permit and site plan for the facility last month. The club plans to have trap- and skeet-shooting stations, a rifle and pistol range, a cowboy action shooting range and an archery practice range.

The ranch was previously used as a private hunting preserve and for shooting sporting clays.

“Our first project is to get some of the roads (fixed), since a couple low spots become mud puddles during the winter,” Layton said.

The club plans to first move its target-launching machines and stations for trap and skeet shooting, Layton said. The cowboy action shooting range — where shooters fire at a series of props — would likely be set up next, he said. Moving the facility to the new location is expected to take months.

Deschutes County commissioners decided to extend the club’s lease at the current site until June 30. Layton said the county is willing to provide another short extension if the club needs more time.

— Reporter: 541-617-7820, tshorack@bendbulletin.com