Free Shooting at Utah Public Ranges
OutdoorHub 04.27.12
You can shoot bows and arrows and firearms for free at two public shooting ranges in May. If you don’t have your own equipment, or you don’t know much about shooting, no problem—free equipment and instruction will be provided each day.
And the shooting you can do is just part of the fun. When you’re not shooting, you can watch a group of expert shooters—dressed like cowboys from the Old West—demonstrate their shooting skills while moving through a course that includes stationary and pop-up targets.
The Division of Wildlife Resources’ is hosting the open houses at its two public shooting ranges.
- The Lee Kay range in Salt Lake City will hold an open house from noon–8 p.m. on May 4, and from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on May 5.
- The Cache Valley range in Logan will hold an open house from 1–8 p.m. on May 11, and from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on May 12.
With the exception of the facilities’ shotgun ranges, all of their shooting ranges will be open for free on those days. And, if you want to shoot on the shotgun range, you can for a reduced price.
The Lee Kay range is at 6000 W. 2100 S. in Salt Lake City. The Cache Valley range is at 2851 W. 200 N. in Logan.
RaLynne Takeda, shooting sports coordinator for the DWR, says equipment and instruction will be available for those who would like to try archery, muzzleloaders, shotguns, .22 rifles and handguns for the first time.
“Plan on joining us for a fun day at the range,” she says. For more information, call the Lee Kay range at 801-972-1326. You can reach the Cache Valley range at 435-753-4600.
Watch professional shooters in action
The Cowboy Action Shooters and the Practical Pistol Shooters—two professional shooting groups that conduct meets at the ranges—will be at the ranges on the days the open houses are held.
Both groups are skilled shooters that shoot at targets as the shooters move through a predetermined course. The Cowboy Action Shooters shoot pistols similar to those used by cowboys of the Old West. The Practical Pistol Shooters use modern pistols.
After the two groups of shooters are done, you can go through the course yourself using .22 pistols provided by the ranges.
Shoot some of the newest firearms
Experienced shooters are also invited to come to the range. In addition to shooting your own firearm for free, you can also try some of the most current firearms available on the market today.
Representatives from various gun manufacturers will be on hand at both open houses. For a small fee to cover the cost of the ammunition, you can shoot some of their latest offerings.
