Indian Creek Wildlife Area dedicates renovated archery range

The newly renovated Indian Creek Wildlife Area Archery Range was dedicated during a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30, 2015 according to Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

The newly renovated range offers seven shooting lanes of 10, 20, 30, and 40 yard stationary targets and an elevated shooting platform and a broadhead pit. The range also features an area dedicated for shooters to bring their 3D targets and also a shooting platform to practice tree stand-simulated shooting. The range also includes a 14 target walkthrough course with a shooting platform.

The range’s static targets as well as the walkthrough course are mobility accessible and built in compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, with mobility accessible walkways, shooting lines, target paths and 14 target woods course.

ODNR Director James Zehringer welcomed the crowd and Division of Wildlife Acting Chief Sue Howard spoke about the renovation project as well as future plans for the state’s ranges. John Williamoski, Regional Director for Senator Joe Uecker, presented Director Zehringer with a proclamation and state flag for the range. To highlight the ADA improvements at the range, members of the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) Wheelin’ Sportsmen cut the ribbon and opened the range for shooting. Wheelin’ Sportsmen provide people with disabilities, opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Clermont County River Valley Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF provided refreshments for the event.

The range project was funded with Wildlife Restoration Funds and is one of the first of many slated for Ohio. Range projects across the state will receive funds for new construction, range improvements, and range modifications. Wildlife Restoration funding comes from the Pittman-Robertson (PR) Act enacted by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. The funding source is an 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms, handguns, ammunitions, bows and arrows that manufacturers and sportsmen support to fund conservation. The funding is a reliable source because it does not come from state tax dollars. Since the inception of the PR Act in 1937, it has provided over $8.4 billion to states – including over $190 million to Ohio for Wildlife Conservation.

The range is located several miles east of Fayetteville off of State Route 50 on Murray Corner Rd. Hours of operation are dawn until dusk. https://goo.gl/maps/gzncVNFMh6F2

For more information about shooting ranges in Ohio visit www.wildohio.gov.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit and appreciation of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.