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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Hunters can zero-in rifles at Farragut, other ranges

SHOOTING -- Hunters preparing their firearms for upcoming big-game seasons have a new option this year -- the revamped range at Farragut State Park near Athol, Idaho.

The 100-yard Farragut Shooting Range reopened on June 1 after several years of closure while Idaho Fish and Game rebuilt the facility to increase safety and reduce noise at the 70-year-old range.

With big game hunting seasons fast approaching, the range will be open every Saturday for the rest of September through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., staffed by trained volunteers.  Cost $5 per shooter.

On Sept. 21, The Farragut Range will have a special Grand Opening. Shooters can check out the new and improved facility and sight-in rifles for free.  

Firearms are limited this year to rimfire and centerfire rifles of less than .50 caliber; and, shoulder-fired muzzle-loaded rifles.

Access to the range is through Farragut State Park, and participants must either be in possession of an annual Idaho State Park pass or pay the $5 daily use fee upon entering the park.  

The original range was built by the military and turned over to civilian use after WW2.

Info:  769-1414.

Area rifle clubs also open their ranges so non-member sportsmen can zero in rifles before the general hunting seasons.

  • Spokane Rifle Club  along the Spokane River downstream from the Bowl and Pitcher is open to nonmembers Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $20. 

The annual Sight-In Days are set for Oct. 2-5 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  This is a great deal. For $20 for one rifle (cash or check) plus $5 for each additional rifle, the club offers a scope and firearm checkup before you hit the range plus assistance from a helper/spotter on the range, targets provided.   

Club rules require that all firearms should be unloaded when arriving at the range.

Ear and eye protection is required and available at the club if needed.

Info: 327-9632

The club is open daily to non-members, with shooting allowed from 8 a.m. to around 7 p.m. The fee is $10.

Info: (208) 666-8803.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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