The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will soon offer a public shooting opportunity in Roscommon County, with construction just underway on a new shooting range.

Using federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration funds, the DNR is building the range on Roscommon State Forest lands located at 10779 West Branch Road in St. Helen. See a map of the location. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The DNR is partnering with the Ogemaw Hills Sportsmen Association, which will lease and operate the staffed shooting range.

"We are excited to be offering this new opportunity in the northern Lower Peninsula that will be easily accessible from the I-75 corridor," said Gary Jones, DNR shooting sports manager.

Access to these lands will be restricted during construction for the safety of workers and the public. Residents of and visitors to the area are asked to be mindful of construction traffic and activity at the site.

The construction of this shooting range comes after several years of expert review and public outreach that included a sound study, an environmental assessment in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and opportunity for public review and comment.

The range will meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, provide hunters the opportunity to increase firearm proficiency and safety, and allow recreational shooters to practice their sport in a safe, accommodating area.

The DNR operates numerous shooting ranges throughout the state that welcome visitors of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges.