Byers Canyon Shooting Range in Colorado Opens to the Public
OutdoorHub 04.16.13
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reopened the Byers Canyon Shooting Range and the public can once again head to Hot Sulphur Springs to enjoy the popular facility.
The range is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, except during the winter, and includes five centerfire rifle ranges of 25, 100, and 200 yards, one .22 caliber rifle range, one shotgun, and one handgun range. The range also includes straw bales for archery. There is wheel chair access to the 25 and 100-yard target range.
“We talk to shooting enthusiasts from all over Colorado who travel to Hot Sulphur Springs just to enjoy this public range,” said Doug Gillham, Colorado Parks and Wildlife property technician in Hot Sulphur Springs. “It’s popular because it can accommodate numerous people and does not have long wait times or membership fees”
Gillham reminds shooters that they should follow all posted range rules, including keeping their firearms pointed downrange, cleaning up after they are done and using only approved ammunition.
“A few people used illegal tracer ammunition last year which led to two fires,” said Lyle Sidener, area wildlife manager in Hot Sulphur Springs. “Anyone caught with tracer rounds at the range may face a substantial fine and be held liable for damages and fire department expenses if the use of the illegal ammo leads to a fire.”
The range has limited supervision; however, volunteers are typically present to assist shooters and provide some enforcement of range rules.
The range is closed to the public soon after hunting season to protect wintering big game from human disturbances. It remains closed until the herds are able move back to higher ground, usually in early to mid-April.
For more information about the Byers Canyon Shooting Range, contact the Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200, or visit: bit.ly/cpwshootingranges
