Just in time for the fall hunting season, the Ortonville Shooting Range located in the Ortonville Recreational Area has been renovated with some new additions.
The site was temporarily closed last spring by the Department of Natural Resources for some renovations, which include new concrete sidewalks and additional shooting stations. The changes also include a new 3-D archery range’a feature that provides a challenge to area bow hunters, said Charlie Brauer, Michigan DNR range and safety officer.
‘The 3-D course is the first of its kind on state land. We now have nine shooting stations ranging in distance from 10 to 30 yards, an ethical shot for hunters,? said Brauer. ‘Our goal was to keep the shooting area as natural as possible while still providing access for special needs. All the grades on the trail are 5 percent or less.?
Brauer said the course on about four acres in the rolling Hadley Hills features elk, bear, turkey and deer targets. Shooters are limited to arrows with field tips only, and no crossbows.
‘The Ortonville area has never had a place for archery,? he said. ‘Whether it’s shooting just for fun or bow hunters, the 3-D range can accommodate both needs. Most people can get through the course in about 25 to 30 minutes’but the important thing is people get out there and enjoy the outdoors.?
The renovations and the 3-D archery range were funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, Game and Fish Protection Fund, (a restricted fund comprised of hunting and fishing license fees), and range user fees.
The DNR-managed shooting ranges are open Nov. 16-Sept. 30, five days per week, Thursday through Monday. From Oct. 1-31, the ranges are open six days per week, Wednesday through Monday. From Nov. 1-15, the ranges are open seven days a week. Range hours at Bald Mountain, Ortonville and Pontiac Lake are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Range fees at Bald Mountain, Pontiac Lake and Ortonville are $4 per day for each shooter 16 and older. Children under 16 are free.