Medicine Bow Biathlon Event Permitted to Use Laser Rifles

Visitors to the Tie City Recreation Site on the Medicine Bow National Forest this weekend should be aware of the biathlon event being held. The biathlon combines Nordic skiing and rifle marksmanship and will run from Dec.10 -11.

The biathlon will use laser rifles, but no live ammunition. The Casper Mountain Biathlon Club (CMBC) is hosting the clinic and was issued a special-use permit by the U.S Forest Service for the one-time event, according to a U.S Forest Service news release.

U.S. Forest Service Public Affairs Special Affairs Specialist Aaron Voos said that the laser rifles are most likely a modification to the sport to allow it to be held in the area.

“It’s really the only time we have held this kind of event, because typically the sport needs to be held in an area where you can use live ammo,” Voos said. “In this case, they’re most likely using the laser rifles so it can be held in a place where live ammo can’t be used.”

The CMBC is offering an introductory clinic for cross country skiing and biathlon rifle marksmanship. The club plans to use infrared rifles to safely introduce participants to biathlon shooting basics.