A new, fully-accessible public shooting range—the Hammond Cove Shooting Range—is now open in eastern Vermont, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has announced.
Located in Hartland, the Hammond Cove Shooting Range is a true milestone for the state’s hunters and shooters.
Originally purchased in the late 1960s, the site had long been popular with shooters from both sides of the Connecticut River, and it now boasts a state-owned shooting range designed solely for public shooting.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of this facility to Vermont’s hunters and shooters, and to the future of our hunting heritage,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. “It’s also hard to overstate the importance of the National Rifle Association and the Hartland Fish and Game Club in helping to make this range a reality.”
The upgrades made to the site include a covered, six-port 100-yard rifle range with 20-foot side berms and a 60-foot high backstop. The range will be open for public use free of charge, and members of the Hartland Fish and Game Club will act as the range’s stewards.
Funds used to improve the site were provided by a $25,000 NRA Public Range Grant, which was used to match Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act funds. Also known as Pittman-Robertson, this money is generated through a dedicated excise tax on sporting guns and ammunition.
Hammond Cove is a key part of a larger Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department initiative to improve access to public shooting ranges in the state. The department also has two limited-use ranges at its Green Mountain Conservation Camp facilities.
A grand opening is planned for the spring.
The NRA Public Range Fund was created in 2009 to address the lack of public shooting ranges nationwide. Through this matching grant program, NRA is working with city and county governments and state and federal agencies to build and improve public shooting ranges across the country. To date, NRA has awarded $593,230 in grants through this fund.
For a list of past grant recipients or to apply for a grant from the NRA Public Range Fund, visit www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/public_range_grants.asp.
Directions to the Hammond Cove Shooting Range:
From I-91: Exit 9 Hartland-Windsor (US-5, VT-12). Right onto Route 5. Stay on Route 5 in Hartland Village. Take Depot Road, second right as you leave Hartland. Follow Ferry Road, across 1-91, to Ferry Road. Follow Ferry Road to the range.
Hours of operation:
Sept 1st - April 30th:
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset
May 1st - August 31st:
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
