Ada County officials are currently investigating a firearms training business that may be operating without proper permits in the Boise foothills. The business, Valiance Firearms Training, is run by Nate Castillo, who started it over a year ago while studying
entrepreneurship at Boise State University.
The company’s social media presence advertises courses on a “private, astro-turfed range in the Boise Foothills,” located at 15401 N. Cartwright Road. Their website offers various training options, including beginner pistol courses and group events.
Ada County Communications and Outreach Coordinator Brianna Bustos confirmed that the county’s code enforcement department is looking into the situation. According to Bustos, the county requires a conditional-use permit for shooting ranges, and the property in question currently lacks any permits.
Castillo, an Army Ranger veteran, explained that his military experience provided him with top-tier tactical and firearms training, which he now aims to share with civilians interested in protecting their families and communities. However, he declined to comment on land use issues, stating that he is not the property owner.
The property is registered to Seven Gates Investments, L.P., with connections to Michael Forsythe and Forsythe Law. When contacted, Forsythe refused to confirm his involvement with the property or the entity through which it is owned, citing privacy concerns.
The training facility’s location near the Hidden Springs neighborhood has drawn attention, with at least one resident reporting frequent gunfire sounds from the range. This situation recalls previous controversies surrounding shooting range proposals in foothill areas, which have often faced opposition due to concerns about noise and fire hazards.
In a related example, a proposed 80-acre shooting sports park in Eagle encountered resistance from nearby residents worried about noise and potential fire danger from ricocheting bullets. Despite these concerns, the city ultimately approved the project, which is currently in its second phase of construction.
The foothills have a history of fire incidents related to shooting activities. In August 1996, a significant fire that consumed 14,000 acres and a high-end home originated from a former City of Boise Police firing range in the area. The blaze was ignited when a tracer bullet missed its target and landed in nearby brush. Following this incident, the police firing range was relocated away from the foothills.
As the investigation into Valiance Firearms Training continues, the county’s next steps remain unclear. Bustos explained that in cases where code enforcement determines a property is operating without proper permits, they typically contact the owner to outline compliance requirements. If a conditional use permit is deemed necessary, the process would involve a public hearing.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing recreational shooting activities with safety concerns and land use regulations in the Boise area. As urban development continues to expand into foothill regions, conflicts between various land uses are likely to persist.
The case also underscores the importance of proper permitting and oversight for businesses operating in sensitive areas like the foothills. As Ada County officials proceed with their investigation, the outcome may have implications for future firearms training facilities and shooting ranges in the region.
Local residents and environmental advocates will likely be watching the situation closely, given the potential impacts on noise levels, fire safety, and overall quality of life in the surrounding
communities. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how similar businesses are regulated in Ada County moving forward.