DNR, Dane County Sheriff's Office Renew Weekend Public Hours At Shooting Range

MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to the continuing project agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Dane County Sheriff's Office, the public again will have weekend access to the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center range.

Starting May 15 to Oct. 17, the public will have access to the range, located at 5184 U.S. Highway 19 in the Town of Westport. The range will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  

The Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center range will also be open to the public daily for two weeks before the gun deer season, from Nov. 6-19, allowing hunters additional sight in their rifles. There is a $10 fee for the first rifle and $5 for each additional rifle.

The continuation of this partnership opportunity provides area hunters and shooters with a safe and conveniently located facility to prepare for the hunting seasons or to enjoy target shooting.

Funding for this project comes from shooters and hunters through the Pittman-Robertson (PR) Wildlife Restoration grant program. The grant revenues are taxes paid by shooters and hunters on ammunition and equipment.

The Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center is equipped with five firearm shooting ranges. Each of the five ranges provides a different type of shooting environment. The primary function of each range is to provide law enforcement officers with realistic and functional training.

Public Access Hours, Dates And Fees

• Saturdays and Sundays, May 15 to Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Daily, Nov. 6-19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• During this 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 will be provided at the range. Shooters should bring ear and eye protection, paper targets and their own ammunition during weekend shooting.
• Fees: $10 per person per day will be charged. Fees must be paid with cash or a 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's Hunter Safety Program to shoot at the range.

The Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center is located at 5184 U.S. Highway 19 in the Town of Westport, one mile east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 113 and County Trunk I.

COVID-19 And Social Distancing

The following steps will 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; no exceptions or entry will be denied.
• 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 six (6) feet away from the next person in line unless they are a family member. Measurements will be masked on the floor.
• Shooting lanes on the range will be restricted to every other lane providing a ten (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 be done on 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.

To find a range near you, visit the DNR webpage here.