Finland’s largest shooting range granted operating license but event organiser still needed

Finland’s largest shooting range, the 93-hectare Ruutikangas Shooting Centre near Oulu, has been granted an operating license by the National Police Board, though an organiser to manage shooting activities at the site has yet to be secured, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The license was issued to Ruutikunnat Oy, a company jointly owned by the cities of Oulu and Raahe and the municipalities of Liminka and Lumijoki. The facility, located on the border of Liminka and Lumijoki, has been without a valid license since March, when the previous operator, the Oulu Region Shooting Sports Centre Association, terminated its activities.

A safety inspection by police will take place at the site during the week of the May Day holiday, according to Ruutikunnat Oy CEO Jarkko Koskela. The company is now in discussions with local shooting clubs—either individually or in groups—to arrange regular operations. Permanent opening hours will be determined once agreements with the clubs are finalised.

The long-term goal is to host major international competitions at Ruutikangas, including the 2030 World Championships in shotgun practical shooting and the European Championships in pistol practical shooting. Koskela estimates that such events could attract thousands of competitors and generate up to €10 million in tourism revenue, as participants typically extend their stays beyond the competitions.