Families offered free day at the range

Family Outdoor Skills Day September 17th

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is sponsoring a Family Outdoor Skills Day on Saturday September 17, 2011. The event will feature shotgun, rifle, pellet gun and archery shooting activities and instruction. This family-friendly day will be held at Spring Valley Shooting Range in Greene County from noon to 5:00pm. All range fees are waived for the event participants and the equipment andammunition will be provided.

"This event will provide an excellent opportunityfor adults and youth alike to gain hands on training with archery and firearms at no charge from certified instructors at one of Ohio's premier public shooting ranges," said David Kohler, District Five Wildlife Management Supervisor.

The Outdoor Skills Day has been an annual event at the range since 2002 with about 125 participants taking part yearly. Certified instructors will be on hand to help teach safe and responsible shooting and handling techniques. Snacks and water will also be provided by the Tecumseh Territory Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The range complex at Spring Valley is handicap accessible and offers public restrooms.

"By offering this day at the range we hope to provide an opportunity for families to come out and try the shooting sports without investing a lot of money, get certified instruction and to make a few memories as well," said Scott Phillips, Spring Valley Area Manager.

The Spring Valley Range is located just south of Xenia at 3450 Houston Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068. For information or directions please call the District Five office at (937)372-9261 or Spring Valley Wildlife Area office (937) 488-3115, range (937)862-5162.

For an updated list of firearms-related events in and around Ohio, click here.