Contact:

Dale Hajek, Public Information Officer

(623) 236-7215, dhajek@azgfd.gov

Ben Avery Shooting Facility expanding opportunities

AZGFD continues to refine operations to better serve customers

PHOENIX — Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers will notice some changes that should make for a more efficient, enjoyable shooting experience beginning Wednesday, July 1.

On the heels of reopening the more challenging 15-station “Rattlesnake” sporting clays course last month, the Ben Avery Clay Target Center (CTC) will make available its eight-station “Quail” sporting clays course, which is geared for beginners. Customers can reserve shooting times at CTC, the archery range, or any rifle and pistol range, at www.azgfd.gov/scheduleashoot.

As a reminder, CTC and the rest of the ranges are unable to accommodate walk-in customers. Any changes to this policy will be based on reopening guidelines for businesses and customers, as outlined by the Governor’s Office.

CTC also will schedule start times on both courses in 15-minute increments, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday (for example, 7 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m. . . . ). CTC’s objective is to provide more customers with shooting opportunities during the cooler morning hours.

“Quail” course customers also should note:

• Each shooter will receive a shooting card that is preloaded with a total of 50 targets ($20). The used cards can be placed in a drop-off box at Station 8 (all shooters start at Station 1).
• There is no time limit. A shooter is finished once all 50 targets have been shot.
• Shooters can purchase shotgun ammunition (two boxes per reservation), and eye and hearing protection, online when making a reservation. Note: A shooter may purchase rounds of sporting clays for others in their group.
• No shotgun or cart rentals are available at this time.
• Shooters should arrive no later than 15 minutes before their scheduled start time. Those who arrive later than 15 minutes after their scheduled start time will have their reservation canceled.

Gold Cards now accepted

The preloaded shooting cards, which are used to purchase targets for trap, skeet and sporting clays, are back.

At checkout, CTC customers can type “goldcardmember” in the field that asks for a “coupon code.” This will allow those customers to book shooting times without being charged for any additional targets.

In addition, customers now can have targets loaded on their Gold Cards by a customer service representative from 7-10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The representative will be available just inside the OneAZ Credit Union Pavilion to assist customers one-on-one in accordance with social distancing and health guidelines. After paying a one-time fee of $15 for the card, targets then can be loaded on the card, payable by credit card only.

Meanwhile, the following opportunities will be available at BASF’s rifle and pistol ranges beginning Wednesday, July 1:

• A total of 32 paper target positions will be offered on the main range. They will be available in 1.5-hour increments with two ceasefire periods.
• To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, a maximum of two shooters will be allowed per paper shooting table — and both must be members of the same household.
• Steel targets out to 100 yards for rifle and pistol shooters will still be available, but the number of positions will be temporarily reduced to accommodate the addition of paper targets.
• Shooters who make a reservation to shoot steel, but would prefer to shoot paper targets can contact BASF at 623-582-8313 to have their reservation adjusted.

All customers and staff are required to wear a face covering to enter any public restroom or building. A face covering is required for anyone who cannot maintain social distancing of six feet or more.

To maintain social distancing, safety officers cannot provide personalized instruction. For everyone’s safety, a “zero tolerance” policy will be strictly enforced. Any shooter who operates his or her firearm(s) or acts in an unsafe manner will be asked to leave the facility.

Other operational guidelines can be viewed online at www.azgfd.gov/scheduleashoot.

For more information about BASF, visit www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF or call 623-582-8313.

Did you know? The Arizona Game and Fish Department conserves and protects Arizona’s 800+ wildlife species but receives NO Arizona general fund tax dollars. Contribute to our on-the-ground conservation efforts at www.AzWildlifeHero.com.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and thus prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age and sex pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an accommodation or informational material in an alternative format or to file a discrimination complaint please contact the Director’s Office at (623) 942-3000 or by mail at 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Discrimination complaints can also be filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Diversity and Inclusive Workforce, Attention: Public Civil Rights and Disability Coordinator, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.       Arizona Game & Fish Dept. · 5000 W. Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (602) 942-3000 · www.azgfd.gov