By 1808Delaware
In honor of Veterans Day, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is extending a warm welcome to veterans for a day of free shooting range access at two of Ohio’s premier public facilities. This exclusive opportunity, scheduled for Sunday, November 10, aims to show appreciation for veterans’ service by waiving the standard shooting range permit requirements for the day at all Division of Wildlife Class A, B, and C ranges.
Event Details for Free Range Day
Veterans are invited to visit the Delaware Wildlife Area and Spring Valley Wildlife Area, which will offer free shooting sessions from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The day’s activities kick off with a flag ceremony conducted by the Division of Wildlife’s honor guard at 9:00 AM, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the event.
The locations are:
- Delaware Wildlife Area: 1110 State Route 229, Ashley 43003
- Spring Valley Wildlife Area: 3570 Houston Road, Waynesville 45068
Both Class A ranges will feature specialized instruction, with knowledgeable on-site staff providing guidance. In addition, a variety of firearms will be available for use at no cost, along with safety gear such as ear and eye protection, ammunition, and other necessary equipment.
What to Expect at Ohio’s Public Shooting Ranges
Ohio’s Division of Wildlife operates several Class A, B, and C shooting ranges, each designed to cater to different shooting needs:
- Class A ranges: Supervised facilities for rifle and pistol target shooting.
- Class B ranges: Unsupervised sites for rifle and pistol shooting.
- Class C ranges: Unsupervised facilities specifically for clay target shotgun shooting.
These ranges are built to provide a comfortable, safe environment for enthusiasts to develop and refine their skills across a range of firearms and archery equipment. The free range day for veterans is part of ODNR’s broader commitment to making recreational opportunities more accessible and to honor those who have served the nation.
Permit Requirements for General Access
Ordinarily, all individuals aged 18 and older who wish to use Division of Wildlife shooting ranges must obtain a permit. However, this requirement will be waived for veterans on Nov. 10 as a gesture of gratitude. On other days, permits can be purchased at hunting and fishing license outlets, through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, or via the HuntFish OH mobile app. The permit pricing is as follows:
- Daily permit: $5
- Annual permit: $24
The ODNR Division of Wildlife encourages veterans to take advantage of this special opportunity to enjoy Ohio’s shooting ranges free of charge. For more information on public shooting range locations, amenities, and services offered, visit wildohio.gov.
