Farragut range free sight-in day is Sept. 21
<p>Rich Piazza works on the sighting for his hunting rifle at the range at Farragut State Park in June.</p>
The 100-yard shooting range at Farragut State Park re-opened on June 1 after being closed for several years.
The closure allowed for work to be completed to increase safety and reduce noise at the 70-year-old range.
The range has been open the first and third Saturdays of June, July and August.
Administered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the range is at Farragut State Park near Athol.
There is a $5 per shooter daily use fee. When the range is open, it is staffed by trained volunteers.
With big game hunting seasons fast approaching, IDFG will open the range every Saturday during the months of September and October from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., so that hunters have a safe place to sight in rifles in preparation for hunting.
A special grand opening will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21. On that day, shooters can come and check out the new and improved Farragut Shooting Range and sight-in rifles for free.
The normal $5 range fee will be waived for hunters on that day. The range will be open during normal hours.
Firearms are limited to rimfire and centerfire rifles of less than .50 caliber and shoulder-fired muzzle-loaded rifles.
Because only the 100-yard range is open, handguns are not permitted at this time. In the future, IDFG plans to complete work to open the 50- and 200-yard ranges.
Make sure to bring your own hearing and eye protection. Two free paper targets will be provided to each shooter while supplies last.
Earplugs and safety glasses can be purchased at the range if needed. Individuals under 18 are required to be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Access to the range is through Farragut State Park and participants must either be in possession of an annual Idaho state park pass or pay the $5 daily use fee upon entering the park.
The new and improved range includes all-weather shooting sheds, bench rests, safety baffles, new backstops, side containment berms and target frames.
The Farragut range was originally part of the Farragut Naval Training Station built in 1942. After World War II, the range was turned over to the state and opened for use as a public shooting range.
Hunters are encouraged to check out the facility and get ready for fall hunting season.
For more information about the sight-in event, call Barb Moore at 769-1414.
Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator at Idaho Department of Fish and Game.