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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife invites the public to enjoy Free Range Day at public shooting ranges on Saturday, Aug. 16. Free Range Day is held in coordination with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and will feature special events at two of Ohio’s premier public shooting ranges.
You can visit one of the following Division of Wildlife public shooting ranges at no charge on Free Range Day to gain hands-on experience with firearms from certified instructors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
On-site staff will provide equipment, ammunition, ear protection, and eye protection at these two locations.
The shooting range permit requirement is waived on all Division of Wildlife Class A, B, and C shooting ranges on Saturday, Aug. 16 during each range’s open hours.
A complete list of range facilities, and the amenities offered at each, can be found at wildohio.gov.
Class A shooting ranges offer supervised rifle and pistol target shooting. Class B facilities offer unsupervised rifle and pistol target shooting, while Class C ranges host unsupervised clay target shotgun shooting.
Outside of Free Range Day, all persons 18 and older shooting on Division of Wildlife Class A, B, or C ranges are required to purchase a shooting range permit, available at all hunting and fishing license outlets, via wildohio.gov, or on the HuntFish OH mobile app. Daily permits are available for $5, or an annual permit can be purchased for $24.
Free Range Day is offered in conjunction with the National Shooting Sports Foundation Inc.’s National Shooting Sports Month. Division of Wildlife public shooting ranges provide comfortable, safe places to hone skills with rifles, shotguns, handguns, and archery equipment.
Recreational target shooting is a popular sport with a significant economic impact. In 2022, Ohio’s estimated 1.1 million target shooters spent $2.6 billion on their hobby, supporting more than 22,000 jobs. Around 20% of Ohioans participate in target shooting each year. Outdoor shooting ranges like the Division of Wildlife’s public ranges were used by 71% of target shooters.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. The visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.