VT Fish & Wildlife Propose New Rules For Public Shooting Ranges

 VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE
Press Release
 http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=3598

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2015
Media Contacts: Daneil Pieterse, Shooting Range Project Technician, 802-272-6923
Chris Saunders, Hunter Education coordinator, 802-343-5487

Public Invited to Comment on Proposed State Shooting Range Rules

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is proposing strengthening rules for its public shooting ranges to address potential noise, safety and usage issues with a goal of developing more ranges for members of the public to safely hone their shooting skills.

The public is invited to review and comment on the proposed rules at a public hearing in the Pavilion Auditorium, 109 State Street, Montpelier, on Thursday, April 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and at a public informational meeting in the Hartland Recreational Center, Route 12, Hartland on Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Since the first department-owned shooting range opened in Hartland, Vermont in 2012, there has been an exponential increase in its use.

“The intent of this proposal is to resolve public safety or noise complaints, and to develop range rules that allow for co-existence between range users and neighbors,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. “Creating this balance will ensure future outdoor recreational shooting areas are successful.”
   
Proposed changes to shooting ranges operated by the Fish & Wildlife Department include:
•       Require all users15 years of age and older to have a valid Vermont hunting, fishing or combination license unless attending an event or training sponsored by the department.
•       Prohibit use of any fireworks, pyrotechnics, or any other explosive targets, including tannerite.
•       Prohibit firing more than six rounds per magazine.

“Hunting has a rich cultural heritage, and it plays an indispensable role in wildlife management,” said Porter. “However, the future of hunting is, in part, dependent on the availability of safe, environmentally responsible shooting ranges for hunter skill development.”


 http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/laws_rules.cfm

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Annotated
10 V.S.A. App. § 15b. Rule Governing Public Use of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Shooting Ranges
1.0 Authority
1.1 This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §4146 which authorizes the
Commissioner to adopt rules “as necessary for the proper protection and
management” of public shooting grounds.
1.2 This rule is only applicable to shooting range facilities which are owned by the
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and are open to the general public.
2.0 Purpose
2.1 The purposes of this rule is to regulate public activities and use at Vermont Fish
and Wildlife Department shooting ranges, to provide for the safe and efficient
operation of these facilities and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
public.
3.0 Requirements and Prohibited Activities at all Department Shooting Ranges
3.1 All range users shall:
a) have a valid Vermont hunting, fishing or combination license as required
for individuals 15 years of age and older, unless attending an event or
training sponsored by the Department;
b) wear hearing and eye protection, this includes both shooters and
spectators;
c) not handle or shoot any firearms while anyone is beyond or in front of the
firing line, shooting benches or otherwise down range;
d) communicate to all shooters to cease shooting, before going down range;
e) point loaded firearms in a safe direction at all times;
f) cap and prime muzzleloaders from the firing line;
g) keep all firearms unloaded, with actions open, until the shooter is ready to
fire at the firing line; and
h) remove and place all discarded objects, trash, targets and spent cartridge
hulls in trash receptacles before leaving the range.

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3.2 The following activities are strictly prohibited:
a) The use of the shooting range at any other time than the range hours posted at the range by the Commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
b) The use of tracer, armor piercing or steel core ammunition.
c) The shooting of any airborne or thrown objects (e.g. clay pigeons), unless designated for such purpose.
d) Shooting long rifles and shotguns from any pistol bench.
e) Shooting outside the designated shooting areas, in front of the firing line or, anywhere other than from or right next to shooting benches.
f) Shooting any target other than paper targets secured to the target frames and raised above ground level, unless attending an event or training sponsored by the Department. No other targets shall be allowed.
g) Shooting at the vegetation, trash, range equipment or facilities.
h) Shooting from the hip or any other shooting position in which the shooter cannot properly utilize the sights.
i) The use of lighted tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes; and the use of alcohol, or any illegal substances.
j) The presence at the facility or use of the facility by any person who is under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances.
k) Children (aged 15 years or younger) that are not accompanied by an individual over the age of 18, unless attending an event or training sponsored by the Department.
l) The presence of any domestic animal or pets on the range except bona fide Service and Assistance Animals.
m) The use of any fireworks, pyrotechnics, or any other explosive targets, including tannerite.
4.0 Prohibited Activities Applicable only to Designated Ranges as Determined by the Commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

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4.1 As necessary to address public safety or noise complaints, and provided that the Commissioner posts the provisions at the shooting range where the rule is applicable, the Commissioner may prohibit the following at a Department owned shooting range:
a) Firing more than 6 rounds per magazine.