For the first time ever, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be offering free sessions at its public shooting ranges in Trumbull County and four other locations. 

ODNR says that all recreational shooters are invited to check out some of their shooting ranges for free on Saturday, August 11 from 12 to 4 p.m. for Ohio's Free Range Day.

New shooters can gain hands-on experience with firearms at no charge from certified instructors at one of five ranges, according to release from ODNR.

The shooting range permit requirement will be waived to all ODNR Division of Wildlife Class "A," "B," and "C" shooting ranges. 

ODNR says staff will offer on-site instruction to new or beginning shooters and will provide equipment, ammunition and hearing and eye protection all free of charge.

The following ranges will have ODNR Division of Wildlife staff on-site to assist new shooters:  

  • Deer Creek Wildlife Area, corner of State Route 207 and Cook Yankeetown Road NE, Mt Sterling 43143
  • Grand River Wildlife Area
  • 6693 Hoffman Norton Road, Bristolville 44491 (rifle and pistol)
  • State Route 88 east of State Route 534 (shotgun)
  • Spring Valley Wildlife Area, 3450 Houston Road, Waynesville 45068
  • Woodbury Wildlife Area, 41384 State Route 541, Warsaw 43844
  • Cardinal Shooting Center, 3389 County Road 225, Marengo 43334

 A complete list of range facilities can be found by clicking here.