The C.W. Caywood Memorial Shooting Range in Arbor Vitae closed in August.
The DNR said it found rounds leaving the range and entering a gravel pit operation down range during an inspection of the pit.
The DNR immediately closed the gravel pit and the shooting range.
“This is not the first time safety concerns were raised on this shooting range and the gravel pit, just simply because of where they’re located but this raised enough of a concern where we felt we needed to close the range and the pit for a short period of time in order to get a grasp what is the safety concern that is out there,” said DNR Secretary’s Director James Yacht.
The gravel pit has since resumed operations. Yacht said the DNR is working to reopen the range as soon as possible.
It has completed an assessment and submitted the plan.
“Now we need to get the approvals through funding and then get the engineering scope. Also it has to be bid for contract,” said Yacht. “We are trying to fast track this project, but I don’t have a time period for when it is anticipated to be completed.”
Yacht said when the work is done, the range will be opened during limited times. People won’t be able to go shooting during the gravel pit operation hours.
Once the gravel pit is exhausted, the DNR says range operations will be able to go back to normal.
Alternate shooting ranges in the area include:
- Boulder Junction Range located at 10449 Nebish Lake Road in the Town of Boulder Junction. Hours of operation: Rifle and pistol range are open daily from sunrise to sunset except from noon-4:30 p.m. on Wed. and Sun. Learn more boulderjunctionshootingrange.com.
- The Northwoods Wildlife & Wetlands Club Shooting Range located at the Mercer Range Road and Highway 51. Hours of operation: Open daily April 1 to Nov. 30 sunrise to sunset. Learn more NWAWC.com.
