Shorter Days Reduce Shooting Hours at Farragut

The Farragut Shooting Range has been a popular facility over the last several weeks, as hunters prepare for the fall hunting seasons. However, fewer hours of sunlight and seasonal staffing changes will lead to a reduction in hours of operation. Starting October 3, the range will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The range will close for the season at the end of shooting hours on Saturday, November 1 to coincide with the return to Standard Time. When the range is open, it is staffed by trained volunteers or IDFG employees. There is a $5 per shooter daily use fee. The range includes all-weather shooting sheds, bench rests, safety baffles, safe backstops, side containment berms, and target frames. Rimfire and centerfire rifles of less than .50 caliber; and shoulder-fired muzzle-loaded rifles may be sighted in. Work on the 50-yard handgun range is in progress, so it is not yet open. Eye and ear protection are required. Shooters can bring their own, or purchase earplugs and safety glasses at the range. Anyone under 18 years of age is required to be accompanied and supervised by an adult. To get to the range, head east on Hwy 54 from Athol toward Farragut State Park. Before you reach the park, turn left on Perimeter Rd and watch for the range sign on your right. You no longer need to enter Farragut State Park to get to the range. The Farragut range was originally part of the Farragut Naval Training Station built in 1942. After the WWII, the range was turned over to the state and opened for use as a public shooting range. For more information about the range, contact IDFG Wildlife Biologist Barb Moore @ 769-1414.