C.W. Caywood Memorial Shooting Range Remains Closed After Safety Hazard

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has temporarily closed the C.W. Caywood Memorial shooting range in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, after rounds were observed leaving the shooting facility and creating significant safety concerns.

The incident took place during a recent routine inspection of the non-metallic mine, Trilby gravel pit, located near the shooting range.

DNR engineers have inspected the shooting facility and identified some key areas for improvement which the staff is currently in the process of pursuing.

As a result, the C.W. Caywood Memorial range will remain closed until the engineering improvements are completed. Once the improvements are completed, the range will return to operations with a set schedule of open and closed days to avoid concerns surrounding concurrent operations in the gravel pit area which contains a gravel stockpile in close proximity.

During this limited operations period, the Trilby Pit will be operated Mon.-Thurs. and the C.W. Caywood Memorial Range will operate Fri.-Sun. until the gravel stockpile is exhausted. Upon exhaustion of the gravel pit stockpile, the area downrange will be permanently closed to all access and range operations will be reassessed.

Alternate shooting ranges in the area include:

• Boulder Junction Range located at 10449 Nebish Lake Road in the Town of Boulder Junction. Hours of operation: Rifle and pistol range are open daily from sunrise to sunset except from noon-4:30 p.m. on Wed. and Sun. Learn more boulderjunctionshootingrange.com.
• The Northwoods Wildlife & Wetlands Club Shooting Range located at the Mercer Range Road and Highway 51. Hours of operation: Open daily April 1 to Nov. 30 sunrise to sunset. Learn more NWAWC.com.

For information on other shooting ranges in the area or around the state, visit the DNR website here.