A new fully-accessible public shooting range is now open, according to an announcement from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

The Hammond Cove Shooting Range in Hartland is a true milestone for the state's hunters and shooters. Originally purchased in the late 1960's, the site had long been popular with shooters from both sides of the Connecticut River, and it now boasts a state-owned shooting range designed solely for public shooting.

"It's hard to overstate the importance of this facility to Vermont's hunters and shooters, and to the future of our hunting heritage," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. "It's also hard to overstate the importance of the National Rifle Association and the Hartland Fish and Game Club in helping to make this range a reality."

The upgrades include a covered, six-port 100-yard rifle range with 20-foot side berms and a 60-foot plus high backstop. Public range use is free. Range rules are posted at the site.

"And there's still time to get some extra practice in before the upcoming November rifle and December muzzleloading deer seasons," said Berry.

Funds used to improve this site were provided by a National Rifle Association Public Range Grant that was used to match Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act funds. Also known as Pittman-Robertson, this money is generated through a dedicated excise tax on sporting guns and ammunition. Hartland Fish and Game Club members will act as the range stewards.

Hammond Cove is a key part of a larger department initiative to improve access to public shooting ranges in Vermont. The department has two limited use ranges at its Green Mountain Conservation Camp facilities.

A grand opening is planned for the spring. The Hammond Cove Shooting Range rules can be found a www.vtfishandwidlife.com .

DIRECTIONS:
From I-91: Exit 9 Hartland-Windsor (US-5, VT-12). Right onto Route 5. Stay on Route 5 in Hartland Village. Take Depot Road, second right as you leave Hartland. Follow Ferry Road, across 1-91, to Ferry Road. Follow Ferry Road to the range.


HOURS OF OPERATION:

Sept 1st - April 30th Monday - Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset

May 1st - August 31st Monday - Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.