Michigan DNR’s planned public shooting range now under construction in Roscommon County

St. Helen, Mich. — The Michigan DNR announced construction is underway on a new shooting range that will be open to the public later this year.

The new range, being built with federal Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration funds, is located on Roscommon State Forest lands located at 10779 West Branch Road in St. Helen. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall.

The DNR is partnering with the Ogemaw Hills Sportsmen Association, which will lease and operate the staffed shooting range.

“We are excited to be offering this new opportunity in the northern Lower Peninsula that will be easily accessible from the I-75 corridor,” said Gary Jones, DNR’s shooting sports manager.

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Jones noted that access to these lands will be restricted during construction for the safety of workers and the public.

Construction of the shooting range comes after several years of expert review and public outreach that included a sound study, an environmental assessment in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and opportunity for public review and comment.

DNR said the new range will meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, provide hunters the opportunity to increase firearm proficiency and safety, and allow recreational shooters to practice their sport in a safe, accommodating area.