Just in time for hunters preparing for the upcoming seasons, a new public shooting range in Grand Traverse County is now open.

Located in Union Township, just south of the intersection of Fife Lake and Supply roads, the range offers 12 lanes for target shooting, with three lanes each at 10, 25, 50 and 100 yards.

Accessible parking and pathways to the shooting stations, target retrievals and vault toilet are available at the site, too.

Range hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through the end of September, then 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning Oct. 1. Shooting outside of open hours is not allowed. The range will remain open through Nov. 30 or until snowfall, whichever comes first, and then will reopen in spring 2019 when snow is no longer a factor.

“We’re excited to offer a new range for residents and visitors in northern Michigan. The opening of this range is a result of years of work by DNR staff, community members and many other cooperators,” said DNR shooting range specialist Lori Burford. “I am very thankful to all our partners, including Ware Construction, Elmer’s, Dunn Rite Construction, National Rifle Association, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Union Township officials and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

“I trust that the users of this unique facility will use it safely and take the opportunity to introduce new folks to shooting sports at this beautiful location.”

Other target shooting opportunities offered by the DNR include seven staffed shooting ranges in southern Michigan that feature amenities like handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and restroom facilities.

Learn more about the DNR’s shooting ranges and other ranges around the state at michigan.gov/shootingranges.

For more information about the Grand Traverse range, contact Lori Burford at 989-600-9114.