Rule 1501:3-6-04 | Use of target ranges.
The following shall govern use of the target ranges for rifle and trap shooting provided and designated on state forests:
(A) Designated ranges are open to public use on a first come, first serve basis.
(B) All rules of gun safety, firing only downrange toward the backstop and loading weapons only on the range or benches, shall be strictly observed at all times.
(C) Hours of use are contained in paragraph (B) of rule 1501:3-2-01 of the Administrative Code. Signs posted at the entrance to each range shall set forth inclusive hours of use.
(D) Maximum number of shooters permitted at any one time shall be determined by the capacity of the shooting lanes provided.
(E) The range may be closed for maintenance or other reasons at any time as determined by the chief or authorized agent.
(F) No persons shall use targets made of material other than paper or clay, without written permission from the chief or authorized agent.
(G) Persons using ranges are responsible for removal of debris from the range, which includes but is not limited to, paper and cardboard targets, target stand brought by the shooter, shell casings, and litter which was generated by the shooter's activity. Excepting ranges which provide receptacles for debris disposal, shooters must remove all debris from state forest property upon completion of their activity.
(H) Persons shall use or fire on ranges only those weapons permitted for legal hunting in Ohio as defined by statute, rule or order of the division of wildlife or as approved by the chief or his authorized agent.
(I) No person shall use or fire centerfire rifles on ranges of fifty yards or less in length.
(J) No person shall use or fire automatic weapons of any kind on a range without written permission from the chief or designated agent.
(K) All tracer and explosive rounds are prohibited.
(L) All shooters must wear eye and ear protection.
(M) Shooters may use only ranges designated for their specific type of shooting activity (trap range, pistol range, and rifle range).
(N) The use of shotgun slugs is prohibited at trap ranges.
(O) Each person using a range shall register in the place and manner provided.
(P) Use of explosive targets is prohibited.
(Q) On any designated state forest target range, it shall be unlawful for any person to shoot in any direction other than from the firing lane down range to the target.
Last updated February 27, 2023 at 9:25 AM
Supplemental Information