September 22, 2005

Opportunities for recreational shooters are increasing with the addition of the South Sandy Shooting Range in north Hale County on the Oakmulgee Wildlife Management Area. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the USDA-Forest Service will hold a dedication ceremony to officially open the South Sandy Public Shooting Range at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2005. The range is located approximately five miles west of Duncanville on U.S. Forest Service Road 706.

The range has 25- and 100-yard earthen embankments for rifles and pistols. The firing line has an overhead roof structure and a concrete pad with 14 shooting benches, including two benches to accommodate wheelchair-bound shooters. The range also has a concrete pad for shotgun shooters to practice wing shooting and other clay target events.

The range is operated through a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and the U.S. Forest Service. Range users must possess a valid state hunting license, wildlife management area license, or pay the U.S. Forest Service daily use fee of $3 at the self-service fee tube.

The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries operates seven ranges on other WMAs throughout Alabama and one in cooperation with the Etowah County Sheriff’s office in Etowah County. The U.S. Forest Service operates six shooting ranges on National Forests throughout Alabama.

The South Sandy Shooting Range will be open during daylight hours only. All users must follow guidelines and regulations established by the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A bulletin board listing all regulations is on site and also contains information regarding other recreational opportunities available on the Oakmulgee Division.

Corky Pugh, Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and Steve Rickerson, Alabama’s U.S. Forest Supervisor both agree that existing ranges are highly utilized and this additional site will provide thousands of recreational shooters the opportunity to enjoy Alabama’s shooting heritage in a safe, user-friendly environment.

The new South Sandy Shooting Range has been added to the list of facilities on Alabama’s Hunting and Fishing Trail for the Physically Disabled. The Trail has been highly successful, and this additional site will afford even more opportunities for individuals who might face barriers and difficulties at conventional shooting ranges.

Governor Bob Riley praised the partnership between the state and federal agencies and the construction of the range and its addition to the Trail. “Alabama is actively pursuing partnerships to provide recreational shooting opportunities for all Alabamians to enjoy our rich hunting and shooting sports heritage.”

For more information on the South Sandy Shooting Range, call 205-339-5716 or 205-926-9765.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.