MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is proposing strengthening rules for the shooting range it owns at Hammond Cove in Hartland and any others it may open in the future. The proposed rules would not apply to any other shooting ranges.

Fish & Wildlife says the proposed rules are needed to address potential noise, safety and usage issues with a goal of developing more ranges for members of the public to safely hone their shooting skills.

The public is invited to review and comment on the proposed rules at a public hearing in the Pavilion Auditorium, 109 State Street, Montpelier, on Thursday, April 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and at a public informational meeting in the Hartland Recreational Center, Route 12, Hartland on Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Since the first department-owned shooting range opened in Hartland, Vermont in 2012, there has been a dramatic increase in its use.

Proposed rules for ranges operated by the Fish & Wildlife Department include:

• Require all users15 years of age and older to have a valid Vermont hunting, fishing or combination license unless attending an event or training sponsored by the department.
  
• Prohibit use of any fireworks, pyrotechnics, or any other explosive targets, including tannerite.
  
• Prohibit firing more than six rounds per magazine.

Media Contacts: Daneil Pieterse, Shooting Range Project Technician, 802-272-6923

Chris Saunders, Hunter Education coordinator, 802-343-5487