Game Commission constructs shotgun patterning ranges at local SGL 205

Turkey hunters will be glad to hear about the opening of a shotgun patterning range on State Game Lands on SGL 205 in Lehigh County. 

Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Southeast Region Director, Peter Sussenbach, announced the opening of two newly constructed archery ranges and a new shotgun patterning range on state game lands in Lancaster and Lehigh Counties. 

A newly constructed archery range is located on State Game Lands 046 in Lancaster County, at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, at the Willow Point parking area, off Hopeland/Kleinfeltersville Road, in Clay Township. A new shotgun patterning range and a new archery range are both open for use on State Game Lands 205 in Lehigh County, off Warden Road, in Lowhill Township. 

“With the growing popularity of archery hunting, especially in the Southeast Region, we are pleased to be able to provide these two new archery ranges to bowhunters and recreational archers. The new ranges will enable archers to hone their skills and, in turn, become more proficient and ethical hunters.

Also, just in time for Fall Gobbler Season, a new shotgun patterning range was opened at the range complex on State Game Lands 205, in Lehigh County. We’ve also made substantial improvements to the existing Rifle Range there. All three ranges meet ADA specifications to accommodate shooters with limited mobility,” said Sussenbach. 

The newly constructed archery ranges provide shooting distances of 10, 20, 30, 40 & 50 yards. Each distance has two, 4-foot by 4-foot commercial quality targets designed for field point or broadhead use. 

The new shotgun patterning range on State Game Lands 205 consists of two shooting stations with shot collection structures designed to secure paper targets (not provided) at 25- yard and 35-yard distances. 

The construction of, and the upgrades to state game lands ranges are funded through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, most often referred to as the Pittman–Robertson Act. Pittman and Robertson Act funding is derived from the federal excise tax on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. 

Future range enhancements are planned for the State Game Lands 205 range complex with the addition of a Pistol Range slated for 2023. 

More specific information about state game lands shooting ranges, including range regulations, and driving directions, can be found at State Game Lands Ranges (pa.gov). 
To use the ranges, sportsmen need to possess a valid hunting or trapping license. or a range permit for $31.97. 

ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSES SOON TO GO ON SALE
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Deer hunters are reminded that for residents, antlerless deer hunting licenses will go on sale July 11, and July 18 for nonresidents. Then on Aug.1, the first round of unsold licenses will go on sale followed by the second round of unsold on Aug. 15. Then on Sept. 12, licenses can be purchased over the counter for WMU’s where licenses remain.   

FREE FISHING DAY JULY 4

From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission is hosting a Fish for Free Day when no fishing license is needed to fish commonwealth waters. It's a great time for those who have been considering fishing but were reluctant to buy a fishing license if they didn't like it. It's also a day when those who fished but gave up the sport to try it again. 

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