DNR & Dane County Sheriff's Office Expand November Public Hours At County Shooting Range, $10 User Fee

MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to the continuing project agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Dane County Sheriff's Office, the public again will have November access to the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center Range for hunter firearm sight-in.

November hours were first announced in June, when weekend hours at the range were announced.

Between Nov. 7 – 20, the public will have access from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day for hunter sight-in.

• There is a $10 fee for the first gun and $5 for each additional gun.
• The program allows hunters to sight-in their shotguns, rifles and pistols in a safe environment. No appointment is necessary.
• Citizens may only bring firearms that are legal deer hunting in Wisconsin.
• Experienced instructors will be on hand to aid in the sighting and adjusting of firearms.
• Hearing and eye protection is mandatory and is provided, or you may use your own.
• Hunters will also be able to receive information on hunting laws, regulations and gun safety.

FACILITY SPECIFICS

• During this public access period, one 100-yard rifle range and one 25-yard pistol range will be open to the public for shooting and target practice.
• Shooters will not be limited in the time they spend on the range unless there are no open firing positions and others are waiting.
• Target stands are available at the range. Shooters should bring ear and eye protection, paper targets and their own ammunition.
• Fees: $10 per person, per day. Fees must be paid with cash or personal check. Credit cards are not accepted.
• Minors: A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors. A minor must be at least 12 years old and present proof of enrollment or completion of the DNR Hunter Safety Program to shoot at the range.

COVID-19 & SOCIAL DISTANCING

The following steps must be taken by those participating in the weekend open range shoot:

• All individuals entering the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center must wear a mask or else entry will be denied. No exceptions.
• Individuals may opt to wear a mask while outdoors or on the range.
• When entering the facility, individuals will be required to stay at least 6 feet away from the next person in line unless they are a family member or a member of the same household. Measurements will be masked on the floor.
• Shooting lanes on the range will be restricted to the use of every other lane providing a 10-foot distance between each shooter.
• Disinfectant/hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the building and on the range.
• Extra cleaning/disinfecting will occur for multiple-use items.
• Length of time to spend at the range will be at the discretion of staff based on the number of individuals waiting their turn. 

The Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center is located at 5184 Highway 19 in the Town of Westport, one mile east of the intersection of Highway 113 and County Trunk I. Find a range near you here.