Frequently Asked Questions


Full Membership


Q: Do I need to possess a PAL/RPAL to become a Full member?
A: No, you do not require a PAL/RPAL for membership (unless you are an ET sponsorship).

Q: Do I need a sponsor to become a full member of the KGAC?
A: Yes, you require a sponsor who is an existing member in good standing of at least (2) years.

Q: I don't know anyone who is a club member, but I still want to become a Full member. What do I do?
A: You can either purchase an Associate membership to get to know club members, or email us to inquire about our ET sponsorship option (Contact Us).

Q: What is ET sponsorship?
A: An alternative to being sponsored by a member, the Executive Team would sponsor you. This requires a questionnaire, interview, references, and a Lease walkthrough. You must also possess a PAL/RPAL. Email us for further information (Contact Us).

Q: Do you have a wait list for membership?
A: No we do not have a wait list for new members, but we only induct new members four times a year (MAR, JUN, OCT, DEC).

Q: Do I need to be voted in to the club?
A: Yes, you will need to be voted in by the membership, at one of the induction meetings. Both you and your sponsor must be in attendance at the induction meeting.

Q: Do I get my member badge as soon as I'm voted in at the meeting?
A: No, you are required to complete a Lease Range Safety Orientation before you will receive your member badge. These take place four times a year (MAR, JUN, OCT, DEC), on the Sunday following the induction meeting. If you cannot attend the Orientation following the meeting, you must wait until the next Orientation to receive your badge. You will only be able to attend the Lease as a Guest (with visitor fee) until you receive your member badge.

Q: Do I get a key to the Lease as soon as I become a Full member?
A: No, only KGAC certified RSOs are given a key to the Lease, allowing them to access the Lease anytime during operating hours.

Q: How do I become an RSO?
A: Check out our Courses page for details on the RSO course. The requirements for becoming an RSO are: possess an RPAL, possess a Holster qualification, pass the RSO course.

Q: I don't have a handgun. How can I get a Holster qualification?
A: For members who have (or will get) an RPAL but do not possess a handgun, we will help get you in contact with a member who is willing to allow you to use their firearm for the duration of the course. We have members who are willing to allow others to use their firearms to take our Holster & RSO courses.

Q: What do I do if I'm not an RSO, but want to shoot?
A: The KGAC runs a Duty RSO program from APR-SEP, where an RSO volunteers to be present from 0900L-1500L on SAT & SUN, permitting non-RSO and Associate members to shoot on MPR 1 & 2. Alternatively you may also arrange to come when an RSO will be present, and can supervise your range. Outside of the DRSO weekends, you can either arrange with an RSO to supervise, or just head down to the Lease to see if there is one present. There are no guarantees however, that there will be an RSO present, or that an RSO who is present will agree to supervise.

Associate Membership


Q: Do I need to possess a PAL/RPAL to become an Associate member?
A: No, you do not require a PAL/RPAL for membership.

Q: Do I need a sponsor for an Associate membership?
A: No, you do not require a sponsor to become an Associate Member.

Q: Do I get my member badge as soon as I purchase my Associate membership?
A: No, you are still required to complete a Lease Range Safety Orientation before you will receive your member badge. These take place four times a year (MAR, JUN, OCT, DEC), on the Sunday following the induction meeting.

Q: As an Associate member, can I get a Holster qualification?
A: Yes, if you have an accepted Holster credential (IPSC Black Badge, law enforcement, military combat arms) you will be grandfathered and receive a Holster qual on your member badge. You may also attend the KGAC Holster Course, and become qualified that way.

Q: As an Associate member, can I become an RSO?
A: No, unfortunately only Full members can be granted RSO certification. An Associate can, however, take the KGAC RSO Course, and upon upgrading to a Full membership, will receive the RSO qual on their member badge, and a key to the Lease.

Q: As an Associate member, can I only attend the Lease during months where a DRSO is scheduled (APR-SEP)?
A: No, you may attend the Lease anytime, however there must be an RSO present that is willing to supervise your range while you are shooting. You can arrange this with an RSO beforehand, or just head down to the Lease to see if there is one present. There are no guarantees however, that there will be an RSO present, or that an RSO who is present will agree to supervise. The visitor fee still applies to each visit you make to the Lease.

Q: As an Associate member, can I attend club meetings?
A: No, club meetings are only open to Full members. Associate members cannot attend meetings or vote.

Facility Information


Q: How many Ranges do you have on the Lease?
A: We have a total of (9) distinct ranges on our Lease. They consist of: (3) Multi Purpose ranges, (4) Handgun ranges, (1) Trap range, and (1) Archery range.

Q: How long are your ranges?
A: Our Multi Purpose ranges are 100m, 65m, and 45m in length. Our Handgun ranges are from 35m to 50m in length. Our Archery range goes out to 75m.

Q: What is the biggest caliber I can shoot at the KGAC?
A: Our Multi Purpose ranges are templated for centerfire ammunition up to and including .338 Lapua Magnum. Our Handgun ranges are templated for any-and-all commercially available handgun calibers in Canada, including .500 S&W and .50 Action Express. The issued template by the Alberta CFO is .357 Magnum, since a .50 Cal template for Handguns doesn't exist in Alberta. Our Trap range is templated for bird shot up to and including # 7½ shot.

Q: Are you open all year?
A: Yes! The KGAC Lease is operational 365 days / year. We have warming huts with wood burning stoves on several ranges. Our road is plowed and ranges are cleared of snow, so you can shoot in the winter months as well. Our hours of operation change seasonally, so please check the info page to confirm operating hours.

Q: What kind of targets can I shoot at the Lease?

A: Per the Consolidated Range Safety & Operation Rules: "All targets are to be made out of: paper, cardboard, metal gongs, metal silhouettes, wood, self-sealing PVC, self-sealing rubber (Archery), metal flip-over-targets, clay birds; and incendiary targets are NOT allowed."

Q: Can I shoot Tannerite (or any other binary / reactive target)?
A: No, we do not allow binary / reactive / exploding targets on the Lease.

Q: Can I bring my own targets to shoot at the Lease?
A: Only targets approved by the CRSO can be shot at the Lease. If you want to shoot your own target (besides paper), please contact the CRSO for approval.

Q: Can I shoot my black powder firearms at the Lease? Can I shoot my .50 Cal black powder firearm?
A: Yes, we have no restrictions on black powder firearm usage at the KGAC. Yes, you can shoot your .50 Cal black powder firearm. Although we are not templated for .50 BMG, the .50 Cal black powder projectile falls under our handgun and rifle templates, and is permitted on our ranges.

Q: Are there garbage receptacles at the Lease?
A: NO! Because we are located in a wildlife corridor, we have strict rules on waste. Everything you bring onto the Lease you MUST pack out with you. Garbage and food waste cannot be left on the Lease. Fed animals are dead animals.

Q: Are there washrooms at the Lease?
A: Yes, we have porta potties at the Lease. We kindly ask all attendees to use the porta potties, and not "the forest"...

Q: Is there water available at the Lease?
A: No, we do not have any water supply at the Lease. Please bring any liquids you may need with you.

Q: Is there electricity at the Lease?
A: No, the Lease is not connected to the electrical grid. We do have several generators on site for specific purposes, but these are not accessible for member use. You may wish to bring car chargers and/or portable batteries with you if you require them.

Q: Is there cell service at the Lease?
A: Cell reception is spotty at best throughout the Lease. Some ranges have better coverage than others. There is a cell repeater located at the clubhouse; when the clubhouse generator is running, that is your best bet for reliable cell service.

Q: Can I bring my pets to the Lease?
A: Yes, pets are permitted at the Lease. You must, however, be in control of your pet at all times.

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The Kananaskis Gun Club is an Alberta registered non-profit society.

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