250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-100-00-1.33

Current through October 15, 2024

Section 250-RICR-100-00-1.33 - Target Range Regulations

A. Gun Handling Requirements:

1. While using the target range, all users shall:

a. Treat all firearms as if loaded. Keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Keep firearms pointed down range while on the firing line.

b. Keep his/her finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

c. Keep the action open and the firearm unloaded until ready to shoot. For range purposes, muzzleloader firearms are considered unloaded when free of powder, projectile, and primer.

d Know his/her target and what is beyond.

e. Know how to safely operate his/her firearm.

f. Use only the correct ammunition for his/her firearm.

g. Not handle firearms or stand at the firing line where firearms are present while others are down range or during any "cease fire" period.

h. In the event a "cease fire" command is called by any individual on the range, immediately bench all firearms, and move to the area behind the yellow line known as the "ready line."

i. In case of misfire or hang fire, point his/her firearm down range until it can be safely cleared.

j. Perform aimed fire only. No uncontrolled rapid fire, shooting from the hip, "combat style" shooting, or drawing from a holster.

k. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.

l. Transport firearms to and from the parking lot unloaded and cased. Holstered firearms are not permitted. Upon entering the firing line, firearms must be uncased at the shooting bench with the muzzle pointed down range.

m. Control his/her firearms and ammunition to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

B. General Range Regulations - At all times, while present on the target range, all individuals shall observe the following:

1. No cell phones or electronic devices not related to shooting are allowed on the firing line.

2. Dress properly. No flip-flops, sandals or open toed shoes. No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, bikini tops, low cut blouses or shirtless.

3. Know and obey all range Regulations and commands.

4. Know where others are at all times and be aware of his/her surroundings.

5. No smoking on, or within twenty feet (20') of the firing line.

6. Climbing on berms and backstop is prohibited.

7. Mining of lead from berms and backstop is prohibited.

8. Firing at targets on the ground, or placing targets on the berms or backstop is prohibited.

9. Firing at objects other than prescribed targets is prohibited.

10. No incendiary (tracer type) ammunition or targets are allowed.

11. Guests are not allowed on the firing line.

12. Please limit range time to one (1) hour when others are waiting to shoot.

13. The Wildlife Management Area requirement of solid daylight fluorescent orange is not required of Rifle/Pistol Range users.

C. Regulations for Rifle/Pistol Range

1. The discharge of any firearm other than a handgun, shotgun, rim fire rifle, muzzleloader rifle, or air gun is prohibited on the fifty (50) yard rifle/pistol range. The Division of Fish and Wildlife reserves the right to allow or disallow additional types of firearms as deemed appropriate to facility modifications and/or use.

2. The use of shot ammunition on the pistol/rifle range is limited to patterning for seasonal hunting. Appropriate shot and patterning targets required.

3. No firing from positions forward of the designated firing line.

4. No firing from positions other than a designated shooting lane.

5. Use only the provided target stand designated for your shooting lane. No cross firing to other shooting lanes.

6. Use paper targets only no larger than fifteen inches by twenty inches (15" by 20"). All other targets are prohibited. Human silhouette targets and targets depicting people are not allowed.

D. Regulations for Clay Target Range

1. The discharge of any firearm other than a shotgun is prohibited on the clay target range.

2. Ammunition is limited to maximum shot size of # 7-1/2 lead, or equivalent size non-toxic shot. No larger shot size or slugs are permitted on the shotgun range.

3. Clay pigeons are the only allowable target on the shotgun range.

4. Shoot from designated shooting stations only.

5. Guns are to be unloaded, actions open, when not standing in a designated shooting station.

6. Load no more than two (2) shells at a time.

7. Only two (2) shooters may simultaneously utilize the shotgun range.

8. At no time shall shots be fired, or clay targets launched toward the parking area or rifle range.

E. Administrative Rules

1. All users must obtain a range permit prior to using the target range. The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife reserves the right to limit the number of permits issued. Target Range Permits are non-transferable.

2. To apply for a range permit, all applicants eighteen (18) years of age or older must:

a. Obtain an application from the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters, 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892 or the Fish and Wildlife Education Office at 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822 or at www.dem.ri.gov.

b. Complete the application form and have his/her signature notarized.

c. Attach a copy of your driver's license or other government issued picture ID along with one (1) of the following certifications:

(1) State-issued Hunter Education Card

(2) Valid, State-issued, firearms hunting license

(3) RIDEM Pistol/Revolver Certification Card (Blue Card)

(4) Valid, Rhode Island Department of Attorney General Pistol Permit

(5) Active Military I.D.

(6) Equivalent Certification as determined by the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.

d. Mail the completed application package along with a LEGAL SIZE, self-addressed stamped envelope to: Range Permit, Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, 1 B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822.

e. When this material is received, applicants will be notified that they are eligible to attend a range safety briefing. A range pass will be issued at the conclusion of the range safety briefing. Applications for minors (under eighteen (18) years of age) must include the notarized signature and a copy of the driver's license or other government-issued picture ID of a parent or legal guardian. Minors are exempt from requirement three (3) of the application process. Illegible, incomplete, or incorrect permit applications will not be processed.

f. For renewal of permits issued in 2010 or later, please complete the Target Range Permit Application and check the RENEWAL box at the top right and attach your previous permit. It is not necessary to attach your certification or have your signature notarized unless you are moving from a "minor" to an "adult" permit in which case you must apply as a new user. Users who renew must attend a safety briefing to be updated on any changes in Regulations or policy.

3. All minors (under eighteen (18)) must be accompanied by a "qualified adult" when using the range. A "qualified adult" is any person twenty-one (21) years of age or older who is permitted by law to possess and use a firearm. The "qualified adult" must also possess a valid range permit and is directly responsible for the actions of minors under their supervision. The "qualified adult" must assure by direct supervision that minors follow all mandated safety procedures. The "qualified adult" shall supervise only one (1) minor at a time.

4. All individuals must wear their Range Permit so it is visible to other users and to supervisory personnel and present picture ID to the Range Safety Officer when signing in. The permit will be retained by the Range Safety Officer for the duration of the visit and will be returned when signing out. The Range Safety Officer has the authority to retain the permit of any individual found to be in violation of Target Range Regulations. The Range Permit must be presented, upon request, to any authorized person.

5. Persons so designated by the RI Division of Fish amp; Wildlife are authorized to carry out the Rules and Regulations with regard to range users.

6. Hours of operation will vary by season and environmental conditions and availability of staff. The Division of Fish amp; Wildlife reserves the right to alter hours and days of operation as conditions warrant.

7. The primary use of the range is for Hunter Education training. Secondary use is for public practice. Range may be closed without notice for special training, maintenance, safety, or weather conditions.

8. Pets must be leashed and strictly controlled at all times. No pets are allowed on the firing line. At no time should pets be allowed to interfere with the range operation.

9. Parking is allowed in designated parking area only.

10. Individuals are responsible to dispose of all trash generated, including shell casings, prior to leaving the range.

11. Assumption of the risk of injury and Indemnification:

In exchange for a person's use of the target range facility or issuance of a range permit for such use or the issuance of a range permit to a minor at the person's request, said person agrees that he/she shall at all times assume full liability for any injuries which he/she or the subject minor may suffer while at or near the target range facility. In addition, said person shall hold the State and its agents harmless from any and all claims or damage suits arising from the person's or the subject minor's actions at or near the target range facility either by way of omission or commission.

F. Administrative Suspension/Revocation of Permit:

1. With the understanding that public safety is a primary goal of the Division of Fish and Wildlife; the use of the Great Swamp Range is a privilege extended only to those individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills to safely use a firearm in public. Due to potential risk associated with the public use of firearms in a manner other than as dictated in these Regulations, the Range Safety Officer has the authority to immediately seize the range permit of any individual who demonstrates said unsafe behavior. The Range Safety Officer has the discretion to impose a temporary suspension of shooting privileges and/or repeat of the Range Safety Briefing. In the event of a severe or repeat infractions, shooting privileges may be permanently revoked.

2. Any person aggrieved by a suspension decision pursuant to § 1.33 of this Part, permanent revocation of a range permit, or determination to suspend or revoke a range permit, may appeal the decision in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 42-35 and the Administrative Adjudication for Environmental Matters Act R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.

G. Administrative Penalties:

1. Any person who is found, pursuant to the authority of R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.1-2, to have used or to have attempted to use the target range prior to having been issued a range permit or during a period when the range is closed shall be assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00).

2. Any person who is found, pursuant to the authority of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.10 to have used or to have attempted to use the target range during the period of a suspension/revocation of his or her range permit pursuant to § 1.33(F) of this Part, shall be assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00).

3. Any person aggrieved by a final decision pursuant to § 1.33(G) of this Part, may appeal the decision in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 42-35 and the Administrative Adjudication for Environmental Matters Act, R.I. Gen. Laws 42-17.10.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-100-00-1.33

Amended effective 8/27/2019
Amended effective 8/2/2020
Amended effective 7/12/2021
Amended effective 4/21/2022