Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1660-01-27-.03

Current through January 8, 2025

Section 1660-01-27-.03 - GENERAL RULES

Violation of the following rules may result in a citation and/or expulsion from the range:

(1) WATCH THAT MUZZLE. Keep the muzzle of any firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Additional site specific rules may be posted to further clarify muzzle safe zones other than down range such as designated loading areas for muzzle loaders.

(2) TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED AT ALL TIMES. It might be even if you think it isn't.

(3) BE SURE OF THE TARGET AND WHAT IS IN FRONT OF IT AND BEYOND IT. Make sure you have an adequate backstop-don't shoot at a flat hard surface or water. Safety zones are defined as an area of protection which may have restricted activities around buildings, firing and archery ranges, roads and other designated areas. All target practice is prohibited except at the designated ranges provided. All unauthorized trespass in the range area is prohibited. Driving into the woods, fields or glades is prohibited.

(4) KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUTSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL READY TO SHOOT. This is the best way to prevent an accidental discharge.

(5) CHECK YOUR BARREL AND AMMUNITION. Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm. Furthermore, armor piercing ammunition, tracers or any other type of explosive or incendiary ammunition is prohibited.

(6) UNLOAD FIREARMS WHEN NOT IN USE. Leave actions open; carry firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area. Participants may not carry loaded firearms while within the facilities. Firearms may only be loaded while at the designated shooting stations.

(7) POINT A FIREARM ONLY AT SOMETHING YOU INTEND TO SHOOT. Avoid all horseplay with a gun. Acts of disorderly or unsafe conduct, including acts which interfere with the orderly processes conducted at the Hunter Education Center are prohibited.

(8) DON'T RUN, JUMP OR CLIMB WITH A LOADED FIREARM. Always pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.

(9) STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATELY AND SAFELY. Store each in secured locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

(10) AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Participants may not possess any alcoholic beverage, narcotic drug, barbiturate, marijuana or other behavior modifying substance while on the area. No individual may be under the influence of these substances including legal prescription medications at any time while within the facilities.

(11) Because all firing ranges are unique and site specific, each individual range will operate on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will be posted on site. This SOP will outline numerous aspects of range operation and other site specific items.

(12) Eye and hearing protection must be worn while on or in the firing range area.

(13) All participants must check in through the range office.

(14) Youth under 16 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at least 21 years of age at all times.

(15) Only approved paper targets may be used. Paper targets must be placed on frames provided by the Agency. All paper targets, expended rounds and litter must be removed from the range and placed in the appropriate trash and/or recycle receptacles provided.

(16) Range Safety Officers, where provided, will have control of range safety, activities and persons using the range.

(17) Range flags or other signaling devices will be displayed while the range is active.

(18) Domesticated animals are prohibited unless service related.

(19) Ranges are open only during posted days and hours. The Hunter Education Centers may be used for training or other activities as scheduled during off or non-peak days and hours. The standard individual fee rate will apply for all participants in training events or other activities except for those set out in the SOP. Special activities must be scheduled and approved by the range manager.

(20) Hunter Education classes are to be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance and hunter education class participants and instructors will not be charged a use fee for the classroom or the required live fire exercise.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1660-01-27-.03

Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Repeal and new rule filed July 11, 2011; effective October 9, 2011.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 70-1-206 and 70-2-224.