RANGE OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)

Private Invite-Only Outdoor Range & Recreation Area

1. ACCESS CONTROL

  • This property is private and invite-only

  • No public access is permitted under any circumstances

  • All participants must complete and sign a waiver prior to participation

  • Unauthorized individuals are not permitted on the property

2. OPERATING HOURS

  • Activities may only occur during designated sessions

  • Standard operating hours (these may be extended only by Range Lead and Event Lead agreement):

    • Pistol, Rifle - Saturday 1 - 2 pm

    • Trap shooting - Saturday 2 - 3 pm

  • The range is considered CLOSED unless explicitly opened by the Range Lead

3. RANGE AUTHORITY

  • A designated Range Lead must be present during all shooting activities

  • The Range Lead has full authority to:

    • Open and close the range

    • Call “HOT” and “COLD” range status

    • Enforce all rules

    • Remove any participant for unsafe behavior

4. ARRIVAL & FIREARM CONTROL

All firearms must:

  • Be unloaded

  • Be cased

  • Remain secured in vehicles upon arrival

No firearm may be handled until:

  • The Range Lead has declared the range OPEN/HOT

  • The participant is directed to the firing line

5. RANGE STATUS COMMANDS

The following commands will be strictly enforced:

  • “RANGE IS HOT”

    • Firearms may be handled and discharged in accordance with rules

  • “RANGE IS COLD”

    • No handling of firearms or ammunition is permitted

Failure to follow commands will result in immediate removal.

6. COLD RANGE REQUIREMENTS

When the range is declared COLD:

  • All firearms must be:

    • Unloaded

    • Actions open

    • Magazines removed

  • Firearms must remain:

    • On the bench, pointed in a safe direction

    • Or fully cased

  • No participant may:

    • Touch firearms

    • Handle ammunition

7. CORE FIREARM SAFETY RULES

The following rules apply at all times:

  • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded

  • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times

  • Keep finger off the trigger until ready to fire

  • Be certain of your target and what is beyond it

8. SHOOTING CONTROLS

  • Shooting is only permitted from the designated firing line

  • No uncontrolled, rapid, or reckless fire

  • Only approved targets may be used

  • Shooting at unauthorized objects is prohibited

9. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

  • No alcohol or drugs permitted at any time

  • No horseplay, unsafe behavior, or distractions

  • All participants must act responsibly and respectfully

Violation of these rules will result in immediate removal.

10. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

  • A first aid kit must be accessible at all times

  • Property address must be clearly available for emergency services

  • A phone must be available for emergency communication

In the event of an emergency:

  • Immediately call CEASE FIRE

  • Secure all firearms

  • Provide assistance as needed

11. ENVIRONMENTAL & CONDITIONS SAFETY

  • Shooting is not permitted during unsafe weather or visibility conditions

  • The Range Lead may suspend or terminate activities at any time for safety reasons

12. FISHING & GENERAL RECREATION

  • All non-shooting activities must remain clear of the active shooting area

  • Participants must maintain awareness of ongoing shooting operations

  • Standard outdoor safety practices must be followed

13. INCIDENT REPORTING

All incidents, including near-misses, must be documented:

  • Date and time

  • Individuals involved

  • Description of incident

  • Actions taken

Records must be retained for future reference.

14. ENFORCEMENT

  • Any violation of these procedures may result in:

    • Immediate removal from the property

    • Suspension or permanent ban from future participation

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All participants are required to:

  • Review and understand these procedures

  • Comply with all rules and instructions

  • Accept responsibility for their actions