Range Rules & Regulations

Those rules marked with a star (*) indicate that, if breached, will result in immediate revocation of club membership. The breach of any other rule may result in a verbal warning, a written warning, loss of range privileges, or (after multiple breaches), the revocation of club membership.

A. Safety
When not preparing to fire their firearm, members must observe the vital four ACTS of firearm safety and assume a firearm is loaded until you PROVE that firearm is safe.
ACTS

1. Assume every firearm is loaded.
2. Control the muzzle direction at all times.
3. Trigger fingers must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
4. See that the firearm is unloaded and PROVE it safe.

PROVE

1. Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
2. Remove the magazine and all ammunition.
3. Observe that the chamber is clear.
4. Verify the feeding path is clear.
5. Examine the bore for obstructions.

B. Landmarks

1. The driveway leading up to the Clemmer Building / Ranges has a “Range Use Display” sign.
2. The “100-yd Range” is on the right behind the Clemmer Building and consists of three areas:
   
   1. The “Shooting Shed”.
   2. The “Target Area”.
   3. The “Range Green” between these two.
3. The Target Area is divided into three (3) Target sections:
   
   1. One (1) “Shotgun Target” section on the left.
   2. Two (2) “Rifle Targets” section in the centre.
   3. One (1) “Gong Pit” on the right.
4. The Range Green has three lines marked on the fence: the “25-yd, 50-yd and 75-yd Lines”.
5. The “Trap Range” is at the end of the driveway on the left.
6. The “Archery–and–Air-rifle Range” is at the end of the driveway on the right beyond the shipping containers.

C. * Operating hours

1. * Rifle Range
   
   1. Monday to Saturday – 9:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after Sunset.
   2. Sunday – 12:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. ONLY Rimfire – not exceeding 0.22 Cal
2. * Trap Range
   
   1. Monday to Saturday – 9:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after Sunset.
   2. Sunday – CLOSED
3. * Closed dates: The 100-yd Range & the TRAP Range will not be used on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday or the Kids’ Fishing Derby Day.
4. * Event restrictions: The 100-yd Range will not be used if the Clemmer Building or the Picnic Area is being used. See the Range Calendar on the Club website for notifications of events and range closures.
5. First-come–first-served: Use of the 100-yard Range is on a first-come–first- served basis.
6. Session limits: A session is restricted to one (1) hour if any other Member is waiting to use the range. If one (1) hour has passed and no other Member is waiting, you may continue to use the range, but you must end your session immediately if any other Member subsequently arrives.

D. * Firearms

1. * Calibre limits:
   
   1. No rifles with a calibre of 0.50 inch or more are permitted on the range except muzzleloader.
2. * Prohibited firearms: No prohibited or restricted firearms are permitted on the range. All handguns are restricted and thus may never be used on or brought to the range.
3. Firearm condition: No firearms that require maintenance are permitted on the range. If a firearm becomes defective during a session, it must be immediately made safe and removed from the range.
4. * No “Antique Firearms” are allowed on the range.

E. * Ammunition

1. * Ammunition restrictions: No steel core, steel jacketed or tracer ammunition is permitted. You can determine if ammunition is steel core or steel jacketed using a magnet.
2. * Shotguns on RIFLE Range – SLUG ONLY: On the 100 Yard range, only SLUGS are allowed.
3. * For Trap range: SHOTSHELL REQUIREMENTS:
   1. Pellet size must be 5, 8 or 9
   2. Maximum 2 3/4″ (2.75″) length
   3. Target load only – No hunting loads
4. Defective ammo: Defective ammunition must either be taken home or deposited in the Defective Ammunition Bin located in the Shooting Shed.

F. * Range use requirements

1. * Licensing:  All Members using the range are required to have a valid (unexpired) Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and must be a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) for insurance purposes.
2. * Legal adherence: All Members and guests using the range are required to adhere to all Federal and Provincial statutes and regulations regarding the storage, use and handling of firearms.
3. * Substance restrictions:  No alcohol, legal drugs or illegal drugs are permitted on the range with the exception of those medically required (for example, an epipen or heart medication).
4. * Impairment:  No person under the influence will be permitted to enter any range.

G. Firearm transportation

1. Transporting Firearms: Firearms must be brought to and taken from the 100-yd Range in a case.
2. Uncasing: Firearms will only be removed from the case inside the Shooting Shed or on the Range Green on the 100-yd range.
3. Securing firearms: Firearms must be secured in their cases before leaving the 100-yd Range.

H. Range usage notification

1. Range use display sign on the Driveway: When entering the driveway leading up to the 100-yd Range, the sign at the top of the driveway should be lowered to indicate that the range is in use (“RANGE IN USE”). Once your session is finished, if no other parties are either using or preparing to use either the Trap Range or the 100-yd Range, raise the sign to indicate that the range is closed (“RANGE CLOSED”).
2. Archery–and–Air-Rifle Range exception: The Range Use Display does not have to reflect the use of the Archery–and–Air-rifle Range.

I. Preparing for Range use

1. Protection: Eye and ear protection is mandatory for everyone (including those not shooting) in the shooting line area on Range Green or Shooting Shed or Trap Range.
2. For Rifle Range, before shooting:
   
   1. Range use display sign on the Range: should be lowered to indicate that the range is in use (“RANGE IN USE”). Once your session is finished, if no other parties are either using or preparing to use the Range, raise the sign to indicate that the range is closed (“RANGE CLOSED”).
   2. Swipe their card before entering the Shooting Shed or Range Green.
   3. Sign the Range Log Sheet with your first name and Membership ID number, the date and time in, the names of any guests, and the calibre being fired.
   4. Range flag: Raise the red Flag on the pole to indicate 100-yd Range or the Trap Range is in use.
3. For Trap Range, before shooting:
   
   1. Range use display sign on the Range: should be lowered to indicate that the range is in use (“RANGE IN USE”). Once your session is finished, if no other parties are either using or preparing to use the Range, raise the sign to indicate that the range is closed (“RANGE CLOSED”).
   2. Sign the Range Log Sheet with your first name and Membership ID number, the date and time in, the names of any guests.
   3. Range flag: Raise the red Flag on the pole to indicate 100-yd Range or the Trap Range is in use.
4. Flag Status for Range Hot & Cold:
   
   1. Red Flag – Range Hot (Danger): indicates live firing is allowed. When using the cart, raise the red flag on the cart and green flag inside shed.
   2. Green Flag – Range Cold (Safe): indicates no live firing is allowed, and it is safe to enter the range for maintenance, or other activities. When using the cart, raise the green flag on cart and green flag inside shed.
5. The Shooting Shed door should generally be closed while the range is in use, with an exception if it is unsafe to do so due to heat or other environmental conditions. The gate to the Range Green must always be kept closed while the range is being used.
6. Wind indicators: You may set up a wind indicator but only on either side of Range Green attached to the surrounding fence.
7. Rifle setup: If you are setting up a rifle, you must first start from the 25-yd Line, then the 50-yd Line, then the 75-yd Line before you can fire from the Shooting Shed.

J. Targets

1. Target type: Targets must have a clearly identified bull’s eye. All targets are to be pasted/stapled to the Corrugated Plastic Sheet attached to the frames.
2. Prohibited targets: No targets that represent humans are permitted to be used.
3. * Prohibited placement: No targets of any kind are to be placed on the ground, on top of the frames, or beyond the Target Area.
4. * Explosive targets: No exploding targets are allowed on the range.
5. Target frames: The target framework is designed to hold Corrugated Plastic Sheet onto which you can attach your target. Additional Corrugated Plastic Sheets should be available in the Shooting Shed in case they need to be replaced. No target will ever be stapled to or attached in any other way to the framework.
6. Bull’s-eye placement: The bull’s eye must be as close as is reasonably possible to the centre of the opening surrounded by the framework.
7. Avoiding ricochets: Hitting the framework may cause a ricochet or splinters. Deliberately aiming for or placing targets the bull’s eye on or near to the framework is prohibited.
8. Steel targets: Only Club-provided steel targets can be used in the Gong Pit.

K. General rules for the 100-yd range

1. Safety awareness: Always remember that there are residential homes approx. 1.5 km downrange beyond the Target Area and always act accordingly.
2. Muzzle control: Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed down range and below the skyline. The only exception is when using a sling and moving the firearm with the action left open between the Shooting Shed and the Range Green. Never point the muzzle of a firearm at any other person.
3. * Baffles: Do not place anything on the baffles.
4. Shooting Shed and Range Green use: All Members and guests must be together either in the Shooting Shed or on the Range Green, and never can there be persons in both locations handling firearms.
5. Occupancy limit: No more than four (4) Members or guests are to be in the Shooting Shed at any time. No one may be present on the Range Green if the Shooting Shed is being used.
6. Firing limit: There are two firing positions in the Shooting Shed. No more than two (2) Members or guests may be shooting from the Shooting Shed at any time, one (1) per position.
7. Observer restriction: Members or guests not shooting must be behind the Red Line unless the shooter is being directly supervised or under training.
8. Steel targets in the GONG PIT to be shot at only from STATION 1 in the shed. You are not allowed to shoot steel targets in the gong pit from RANGE GREEN (25, 50 or 75 yards)
9. Rifle fire on the Range Green
   
   1. Occupancy limits: No more than four (4) Members or guests may be on the Rifle Green at any time. No one can handle firearms in the Shooting Shed if the Range Green is being used.
   2. Cart use: Two (2) carts are provided for use: The appropriate cart must be used at all times to prevent firearms being pointed above the berm behind the Target Area and towards the skyline. Any attempt to circumvent these safety measures is prohibited.
   3. Stand-and-shoot restrictions: When using the Modified Cart for Stand-and-Shoot: No guest will shoot beyond the 25-yard Line. No Member will shoot beyond the 50-yard Line until approved by the Range Officer.
   4. Firing restrictions: Only one (1) Member or guest will aim and fire a rifle at any time. At no time will any other persons be taking firing positions or stances when one (1) person is shooting.
   5. Shotgun (SLUGS ONLY), may only be fired at the left Shotgun Target.
10. Timed shots: Each shot must be aimed with a minimum of five (5) seconds between shots.
11. Prohibited behaviours:
    
    1. Non-aimed fire (for example, shooting from the hip) is prohibited.
    2. Rapid fire is prohibited.
12. Magazine limits: Magazines must not be loaded with more than five (5) rounds, even if the legal capacity of the magazine is higher and this applies to rimfire too.
13. Open bolt: When a firearm is not being used, the action must be left open. Under no circumstances must a loaded firearm be left unattended.
14. Clean-up: Following a session, spent casings must be cleaned up from both the Shooting Shed and the Range Green after your session and disposed of in the garbage provided in the Shooting Shed or taken home. A broom is provided in the Shooting Shed.
15. Respectful behaviour: Maintain a respectful behaviour towards all other Members and guests present.
16. Disruptive behaviour: Avoid behaviours that may disrupt others. Do not distract shooters in any way when they are preparing to shoot.
17. Reporting damage: Report any damage to the Range Officer or the Board of Directors.
18. Communicating safety concerns: If you see another Member or guest engaged in unsafe conduct or otherwise taking inappropriate actions, politely speak to that person and make them aware of the proper procedure (referring to these rules if necessary).
    
    1. If the conduct or inappropriate action is clearly unsafe (possibly causing imminent harm or death), it must be reported to the Range Officer or the Board of Directors.
    2. For other conduct or inappropriate actions, it is only necessary to report the situation to the Range Officer or the Board of Directors if that conduct or inappropriate actions continue.

L. Guest policies

1. Bringing guests:
   
   1. No Member may bring a guest for 100-yd Rifle Range until either:
      
      1. One year has passed since the acceptance of that Member into the Club.
      2. The Member has received permission from the Range Committee to bring a guest and have completed the process communicated by the Range Committee.
   2. Each Member is allowed to bring at most two (2) guests per visit.
   3. A maximum of two (2) guests are allowed on the 100-yd Range at any time.
   4. At no time is a member permitted to be shooting at the same time as their guest. If a member brings 2 guests, only one is permitted to be shooting at a time.
   5. If two (2) Members bring one (1) or two (2) guests each, only one (1) guest of each member is allowed on the 100-yd Range at any time.
2. Guest requirements:
   
   1. Pay a $10 fee to be deposited in the Lock Box.
   2. Members must enter the full name of the guest in the sign-in book.
   3. Complete and sign a “Non-members release of liability form” that is to be deposited in the Lock Box.
3. Supervision: Each guest must be supervised at all times on the range and must always be within arm’s reach of a Member while that guest is handling a firearm.
4. Member responsibility: Members are 100% responsible for the actions and behaviour of their guests. Inappropriate actions on the part of a guest may lead to sanctions up to and including the permanent removal of the member from the club.
5. Shooting restrictions: No guest may shoot any firearm while standing beyond the 25-yd Line and when shooting must use the Modified Cart for Stand-and-Shoot.

M. When leaving

When your session is finished, make sure:

1. Securing firearms: Ensure your firearm is secured in its case.
2. Clean-up: You have left the 100-yd Range in at least the same condition you found it, cleaning up any spent casings.
3. Range flag: You take down the Range Flag if you are the last user of the 100-yd Range.
4. Display update: If no one is using any of the ranges, you lower the Range Use Display to show “RANGE CLOSED”.

N. Emergency response

1. First Aid: Know the location of the first aid kit in the Shed for 100 yd range. For trap range the First Aid kit is by the fence.
2. Emergency Assistance:
   Call 911
   Police             519-653-7700
   Fire                 519-664-2887
   Club:               519-664-2951
   Address:        1101 Bo-De lane, St Jacobs, N0B 2N0

NOTE: A summary of our rules can be found inside and outside the ranges by the fence side.
NOTE: A Range Officer is an individual who oversees the shooting activities at the firing line. If you are by yourself then by default you are the Range Officer. If there are multiple members present, a Range Officer must be designated.
Remember, this is your range. Every member needs to do their part to ensure that we maintain a clean, safe, and friendly environment for all of us to enjoy.
If there is something you are not sure about, ask!
If you see someone doing something contrary to the club rules, politely correct them! And if required, please report to any of the range officers or Directors.