The Department of Natural Resources recently opened a 10-yard handgun range at its Sharonville shooting range in Grass Lake, Michigan. The project was funded by a $25,000 grant from the National Rifle Association, as well as program income revenue from operating other DNR shooting ranges.

The NRA grant funds are to be used exclusively for the purpose of shooting range development projects. The total project cost was $104,623. Construction began in mid-October, and the range opened on Nov. 29. Four 10-yard shooting stations were built as an extension of Sharonville's existing shooting stations. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday.

The DNR's goal is to increase the number of handgun shooters at the Sharonville shooting range by 10 percent. There were about 3,700 handgun shooters at Sharonville over the past year, and it is expected that approximately 4,500 handgun shooters will use this new range annually. In addition, concealed pistol license classes could be taught at the range.

Michigan has approximately 850,000 people who participate in shooting sports. Nationally, shooting sports — particularly handgun shooting — is a growing sport, and these 10-yard ranges will provide opportunities for the increasing demand.

The Sharonville shooting range is located within the Sharonville State Game Area in Jackson County. The Michigan http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10366_41825_51115_71412---,00.html?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Operation Freedom Outdoors initiative, centered around the Sharonville State Game Area, is a cooperative effort between the DNR and many partners to provide improved outdoor recreation opportunities for wounded veterans and individuals with health challenges, and to coordinate a support network that facilitates their recovery through connecting with nature. As part of this effort, the DNR provides special recreation opportunities and services at the state game area for those with disabilities.

Learn more about the DNR-managed shooting ranges a www.michigan.gov/shootingranges.


Contact: Dennis Fox, 517-284-6042