Outdoor Education Centers

Shoot Targets, Attend Programs

Regardless of your experience or skill level, you can become a sharper, safer hunter or outdoors person at MDC's five shooting range and outdoor education centers. Our staff of specialists and trained volunteers can help you or your group master firearms and archery, as well as map-and-compass, wildlife identification, and many other outdoor skills.

Since safety is such a big part of a successful hunt or outdoor adventure, our facilities and programs emphasize proper handling of equipment, eye and ear protection, and consideration for the welfare of fellow hunters and trail companions.

All staffed shooting range and outdoor education centers are funded through federal aid grants.

Facilities, Programs, and Services

Each shooting range and outdoor education center provides the following:

  • Rifle and pistol range with covered booths
  • Training/meeting room
  • Eye and ear protection

All five centers (listed alphabetically under Related Information below) offer a quarterly newsletter, outdoor skills training programs, and special events, which change periodically. Please refer to a specific center listing to browse its online calendar and newsletter.

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Shooting range and outdoor education centers are available for group use through a special-use permit at a fee of $20 per hour. For details about reserving and using a center, please refer to its specific listing.

Fees vary slightly from center to center. Please visit a specific center listing for
fee details.

Rules and regulations are designed to protect users, staff and equipment. Please observe all regulations when you visit a shooting range and outdoor education center.

  • All shooting range users must wear eye and ear protection (provided).
  • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  • Treat every firearm as though it were loaded.
  • Always make sure the firearm is unloaded, and keep the action open except when
    actually preparing to shoot.
  • Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstruction and that you have the proper
    ammunition for the firearm you are carrying.
  • Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
  • Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.
  • No drugs or alcohol or people under the influence allowed on range.
  • Obey “cease fire” commands promptly. Unload all firearms and lock actions open.
  • All shooters 15 years of age and under must have adult (at least 18 years old) supervision.
  • No smoking on firing lines.
  • No more than two people in a booth and one firearm handled at any given time.
  • Only fire at designated targets. No firing at frames, numbers, trash, or range equipment.
  • Household pets are not permitted on the range. Gun dogs brought to the trap-and-skeet ranges for training must be kept on lead and at least 25 feet from the firing lines.
  • Any infraction of the range rules could result in immediate loss of range privileges
    without refund.
  • Fees must be paid before using range.

Outdoor Education Centers List