Hunter's Hall at
the Joe Crafton Sportsman's Complex
the Joe Crafton Sportsman's Complex
The Joe Crafton Sportsman’s Complex was created by the Boy Scouts of America and is located at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. It is dedicated in memory of Joe R. Crafton, Sr. and is comprised of three elements: 1. Shotgun Range, 2. Hunter's Hall, 3. Skills Center.
Hunter's Hall Interpretive center teaching the legacy of the BSA Shooting Sports and the critical role hunters play in conservation.
Joe R. Crafton Jr.
Eagle Scout Joe Crafton Jr. is an avid Scouter, hunter, and conservationist. His service to Scouting includes President of the Circle Ten Council and leadership positions on the National Executive Board. Mr. Crafton founded two wildlife conservation organizations, seeking to create awareness of the relationship between wildlife conservation and hunting. The Boy Scouts of America is grateful for the generous gift from Mr. Crafton to perpetuate his passion for shooting sports, conservation, and Scouting to future generations through the Joe Crafton Sportsman's Complex, Joe Crafton Skills center, and Joe Crafton Hunter's Hall at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. The BSA commissioned this sculpture By Jamie Lester depicting Joe, Jr. as a young man returning from a hunt.
"The Boy Scouts of America has taught more youth to hunt and fish than any other organization in the world. By creating outdoor experiences and a passion for hunting and fishing, we get more kids outside who appreciate and understand nature."
- Joe Crafton
Joe Reeves Crafton Sr. Shotgun Range
The shotgun range is located on a ridge known as “The Barrels” it is comprised of 50 clay throwers making it one of the largest in the nation. Steel shot is used rather than lead shot in order to be sensitive to the New River watershed. A focal point at The Barrels is an inspirational statue of Joe Reeves Crafton, Sr as a Scout volunteer instructing and encouraging a young Scout. There is a copy of this statue at Camp Wisdom in Dallas, Texas where Joe Crafton, Jr. dedicated a shooting range
At the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, Shooting sports were the most popular activity. Scouts from 150 countries had over 97,000 experiences and shot almost 2 million rounds of ammunition with a perfect safety record. Over 500 Scout camps in the BSA offer shooting sports.
