2026 IA/NE State Championship – Memorial Day Weekend

Fort Des Moines Rangers are excited to announce registration for the 2026 SASS Iowa/Nebraska State Championship Match scheduled over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, is now open. If you’re looking for a Memorial Day Weekend Cowboy Match, take a look at this one.

We now offer two convenient registration options:

Register Online: Click here to register using our new Online form
Paper Form: Click here to download the Paper form

It doesn’t get any easier than that! There’s no time like today to reserve your spot at Coyote Gulch, one of the finest cowboy towns in the upper Midwest (or should we say the mid-Plains Region?), for another epic Iowa/Nebraska State Cowboy Action Championship Match.

Free Shooters Clinic on Friday

For more information click “Continue Reading” below or go to fortdesmoinesrangers.com and click on the State Championship link along the top menu.

Continue reading “2026 IA/NE State Championship – Memorial Day Weekend” →

Join us for the 2026 SASS Iowa/Nebraska State Championship – May 22-24

Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls;

The Fort Des Moines Rangers are excited to host the 2026 SASS Iowa/Nebraska State Championship Match scheduled over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24 – three unforgettable days of cowboy action shooting at Coyote Gulch, one of the finest cowboy towns in the Midwest (or should we say new Plains Region?). 

If you’re looking for a Memorial Weekend Match, head this way – it’s a beautiful time of year here. 

Click here for more information, including links to our new Online Registration form, traditional Paper Registration form, and information about our range, including pictures. 

One more thing – FDMR is sweetening the deal – All entries postmarked or submitted by April 15 will be entered into a drawing with the lucky winner getting their registration fee fully refunded! 

Other tidbits about the match

  • Onsite dry camping is available.  Contact Fort Des Moines Rangers for more information. 
  • Midwest Hale Shooting Clinic:  Attend Mind and Motion – A Clinic For Anyone Who Loves Cowboy Action Shooting with Midwest Hale.  Friday Afternoon, May 22nd.  Free. 
  • Gatling Gun:  Johnny Too Slow will once again have his Gatlin Guns available to shoot during side match day.  All you have to do is pay for the ammo. 
  • Unfamiliar w/ the Des Moines Area?  Check out our Top 10 things to do in and around Indianola/Des Moines area as well as the Visitors Information Guide including hotel and restaurant information.

Whether you’re travelling from the East, West, North, or South, we’re very near the junction of Interstates 80 and 35, making it very easy to drive to central Iowa. 

Hope to see you there!

Cactus Clark and the FDMR BOD

1st Outdoor Shoot Saturday March 21st

Good evening, fellow FDMR enthusiasts.

The time has come to get back on the range! We will be shooting this Saturday. The stages wintered well, but we haven’t had a workday yet. We do have some cleanup days planned, but I know we all want to shoot—so shoot we will.

If the forecast holds, the weather should be great, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s.

If you haven’t completed your annual registration yet, you can do so online. If needed, registration forms will also be available at sign-in.

Membership prices remain unchanged again this year: $25 for a single membership and $35 for a family membership.

Monthly shoot fees are also unchanged:

Non-members: $20 single / $30 couple

Members: $15 single / $25 couple

See you on the range,

Cactus Clark and the FDMR BOD

Scheduling Update – April Monthly Match

Good Morning fellow shooters. Please note that in order to not conflict with Zen’s scheduled we moved our first April shoot to Sunday April 12. You all are fortunate and can enjoy 2 great opportunities to shoot that weekend. Our apologies for the oversight on the conflict, but it was an easy fix.

🔟 Top 10 Things To Do in the Des Moines Area

While You’re in Town for the 2026 SASS Iowa/Nebraska State Championship

Coming to Indianola for the SASS 2026 Iowa/Nebraska State Championship (May 22–24, 2026)? Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to explore Central Iowa while you’re here.

Whether you’re bringing family, staying a few extra days, or just looking for something to do after the shooting is done, here are ten great options nearby.

May will be here soon! If you’ve yet to register, CLICK HERE for more information about the match, including links to our online and paper registration forms.

1️⃣ Tour the Iowa State Capitol & Downtown Des Moines

The gold dome of the Iowa State Capitol is visible for miles. Take a free guided tour, walk the beautiful Capitol grounds, then explore the East Village shops, restaurants, and coffee houses just below the hill. Click here for more information.

2️⃣ Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Relax inside the stunning glass conservatory along the river. Tropical plants, seasonal exhibits, and outdoor gardens make this a peaceful break between match days. Click here for more information.

3️⃣ Walk the Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Located in downtown Des Moines, this 4.4-acre outdoor sculpture park is free and walkable. It’s perfect for photos and an easy evening stroll. Click here for more information.

4️⃣ Blank Park Zoo

Located on the south side of Des Moines (only about 30 minutes from the range), Blank Park Zoo is a fun option for families. It’s easy to navigate, has great exhibits, and makes for a relaxed half-day outing between match events. Click here for more information.

5️⃣ Spend Time at Lake Red Rock

About 30 minutes from Indianola, Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, or just take in a beautiful sunset over the water. Click here for more information.

6️⃣ Explore Living History Farms

This 500-acre open-air museum showcases Iowa farm life from the 1700s through the early 1900s. Cowboys will feel right at home. Click here for more information.

7️⃣ Experience Iowa Craft Breweries

Des Moines has a strong craft beer scene. Several local breweries offer taprooms, food, and great atmosphere for relaxing after a full day at the range.

8️⃣ Shop at Jordan Creek Town Center

If someone in your group prefers shopping to shooting, Jordan Creek in West Des Moines offers retail stores, restaurants, and a scenic lake boardwalk. Click here for more information.

9️⃣ Take the Family to Adventureland

Located in Altoona, Adventureland is Iowa’s largest amusement park, featuring rides, water attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. Click here for more information.

🔟 Enjoy Classic Iowa Dining

While you’re here, don’t leave without trying:

  • A giant Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich
  • A Midwest steakhouse
  • Mexican favorites in Indianola
  • Or one of Des Moines’ growing list of chef-driven restaurants

👉 Be sure to check our Visitor Information Guide for hotel recommendations, restaurant listings, and local travel details.

Make It a Long Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to:

  • Shoot a great State Match
  • Explore Central Iowa
  • Bring the family
  • Stay a few extra days (or head to central Iowa a little early)

We’ll see you at Coyote Gulch, May 22–24, 2026!

Gatling Guns at 2026 IA/NE State

We have heard from Johnny Too Slow and he is going to bring his Gatling Guns once again to our state shoot. They will be available for anyone to shoot during the side matches, all it takes is a little gold to cover the ammunition.

So get signed up for the state match and plan on coming out to shoot the Gatling Gun.

2026 Iowa / Nebraska State Championship

The Fort Des Moines Rangers are excited to host the 2026 SASS Iowa/Nebraska State Championship Match scheduled over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24 – three unforgettable days of cowboy action shooting at Coyote Gulch, one of the finest cowboy towns in the Midwest (or should we say Plains Region?). 

If you’re looking for a Memorial Weekend Match, head this way – it’s a beautiful time of year here.

Click here for more information, including links to our new Online Registration form.  It doesn’t get any easier!