LET US DESIGN A COURSE JUST FOR YOU
We understand that each client’s training needs and schedule are unique. We can design a custom course to meet your needs, or those of your group, so that you can get the most out of your time at THE SITE.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Whether you are a potential first time firearm user, recreational shooter or seasoned professional, it’s our goal to make The Site your all-inclusive firearms training destination. Located in the picturesque rolling hills of Jo Daviess County, 3 hours West of Chicagoland, no other training facility in the Midwest provides the diversity in ranges, depth of instruction or deluxe, conveniently located lodging in a single location.
As a responsible gun owner, you have an obligation to become as safe, capable and confident with your firearm as possible. Indoor ranges are fine for maintaining basic marksmanship skills, but nothing matches the effectiveness of training in our two shoot houses or on our outdoor ranges for the development of essential technical and tactical skills. Learning at The Site is enhanced through the use of assorted paper, stationary/reactive steel and moving target systems. Firearms training is serious business, but it also needs to be safe, inspiring, innovative and enjoyable to be most effective.
The instructor staff is comprised of former Navy SEALs, active or retired law enforcement officers, and renowned civilians, who have been carefully selected based on years of operational experience, depth of subject matter knowledge and instructional effectiveness. Our instructors are as approachable in the classroom and range as they are in the relaxed social atmosphere of the affiliated Black Bear Lodge. They make themselves available to answer your questions and are dedicated to ensuring you enjoy your time at The Site.
We guarantee your experience will far exceed your expectations, leaving more accomplished and capable then you thought possible. So again, welcome to The Site and we look forward to seeing you on the range.
OUR TEAM
All of our elite instructors have been handpicked for their experience, knowledge, and teaching ability. At THE SITE you won’t find any bravado, just world class instruction.
Jim Kauber
President/Director of Training
The Site’s new President and Director of Training is former Navy SEAL Master Chief, Jim Kauber. After serving 20 years in the SEAL Teams, Jim continued post 9-11 employment in support of allied military and US Government national security related assignments worldwide.
In a training capacity, he held positions as the primary precision rifle instructor for the US Department of Energy’s Central Training Academy, Gunsite Academy, Blackwater North, O’Gara Group, Cheytac, Global Options, and The Site, in addition to training law enforcement snipers and European coalition Special Operations Forces’ snipers in support of OEF. Jim was recently the High-risk Training Safety Officer for Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado, CA overseeing all SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant – Crewman, SWCC hazardous training programs.
“I’ve taught law enforcement, military and civilian Precision Rifle here at The Site for over a decade now and to be asked by my good friend and owner Jeff B to assume a leadership role is quite a privilege to say the least. Being passionate about quality, safe and realistic training, it is my intent to ensure everyone who attends our courses leaves feeling capable, confident and enthusiastic about returning for the next block of training.”
Steven Stovall
Pistol, Shotgun, Carbine, and Tactics Instructor
Steven Stovall is currently a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, IL. Steve has over 20 years’ experience training police officer’s firearms and tactics, as well as over 15 years of experience training civilian’s firearms personal and home defense tactics. Steve is a current Emergency Response Team Member, acting in an operator role. Additionally, Steve has previously served as lead pistol, carbine, shotgun, and home defense instructor at THE SITE. Steve has recently spent several years working as Team Lead with the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program through the U.S. State Department.
World Class Facilities
600 YARD KNOWN AND UNKNOWN DISTANCE RANGE
Our perfectly manicured 600 yard range is the ideal training area for hunting, precision, and special purpose rifle courses. This range is configured with pea gravel firing points in 100 yard increments affording comfortable shooting in a variety of positions. Additionally, a combination of paper, stationary/reactive steel and moving targets are employed. It can also be setup as an unknown distance range.
MULTIPLE PISTOL, SHOTGUN, AND CARBINE RANGES
THE SITE offers multiple pistol, shotgun and carbine ranges with a variety of configurations and target options depending on the class. The ability to incorporate a variety of stationary and moving targets while adding barriers, obstacles and assorted vehicles into the training evolution adds a degree of realism not found at most training venues.
LIVE-FIRE SHOOT HOUSE
Our fully covered 2700 sq. ft. live-fire shoot house features ballistic walls, ballistic bullet traps, multiple rooms/hallways and a full length overhead catwalk for instructor observation.
TWO STORY SIMULATION HOUSE
THE SITE features a two story configurable simulation shoot house ideal for home defense and advanced tactical courses. This facility is used for non-lethal reality based training. The realism our two shoot houses provide make them invaluable tools in a well rounded tactical or home defense training program. The planned installation of cameras will allow after action review to further improve student skills.