The new Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Complex, located just east of the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, is ready for limited use after years in the planning.
The range opened by appointment only beginning May 18, concurrent with the county’s re-opening of other facilities following closings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shooting sports complex will observe the virus safety rules still in effect, which include face masks and social distancing.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, which manages the range, is opening this and other FWC-managed ranges in a phased approach. Phase 2 guidelines have not been finalized. The FWC will continue to evaluate its COVID-19 response with regard to shooting ranges and plans to resume more normal operations when it’s safe to do so.
The range is open with limited access to rifle and handgun ranges on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The range will operate at 50 percent capacity with a one-hour time limit per participant. Only one person per lane is allowed.
While partially open, the Palm Beach County range is still partially under construction. It is being built by the FWC in partnership with Palm Beach County. When complete, it will feature rifle and handgun ranges, sporting clays, 5-stand, skeet, and American and Olympic trap.
Phase I of the project, the rifle and handgun ranges, is supported through funding from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Additional support and funding are provided by Palm Beach County, the National Rifle Association, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
The center is being created to offer target shooting enthusiasts a place to gain skills and knowledge for safe, responsible firearms handling and target shooting. Wheelchair accessibility and accommodations are provided at the facility.
To make a reservation, call (561) 512-0285 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Callers can make only one reservation per call, per person, per day. They can reserve up to two lanes, under the names of the caller and a shooting partner, per reservation.
The rifle and handgun ranges will be supervised by range safety officers and volunteers. Target frames on the rifle and handgun ranges will be provided. Shooters must bring targets to attach to the center of the frames, or they can purchase targets in the concession store.
The concession store will have restrooms and drinking water, eye and ear protection, ammunition and other convenience items for sale. Rental shotguns and clay carts will be available for the sporting clays course when it opens.
User fees apply to the use of the ranges. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. Call (561) 512-0285 for details.
The range is accessible from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road toward the main entrance to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area and the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp. For more info., visit www.myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/shooting-ranges/palm-beach.
