Ohio Administrative Code
Title 1501:31 - Division of Wildlife
Chapter 1501:31-29 - Hunter Safety and Trapper Education Courses
Section 1501:31-29-03 - Shooting ranges

Universal Citation: OH Admin Code 1501:31-29-03

Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024

(A) In accordance with section 1533.84 of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of wildlife hereby establishes standards for shooting ranges in Ohio. These standards address noise levels, hours of operation, and safety. Private or public shooting ranges in Ohio should substantially comply with these standards to receive the civil and criminal immunities granted under section 1533.85 of the Revised Code.

(B) Private and public shooting ranges in Ohio should substantially comply with the listed noise or sound levels that are set to prevent hearing damage and eliminate nuisance noise complaints. Noise or sound level guidelines are described or explained in great detail in "The NRA Range Source Book, 2012 edition." For the purpose of the chief of the division of wildlife's standards for shooting ranges, the following noise or sound levels apply:

Unacceptable: If the sound level exceeds ninety decibels dB(A) for one hour out of twenty-four hours or eighty-five decibels dB(A) for eight hours out of twenty-four hours and the sound measuring receiver is located at the boundaries of the range property.

(C) The hours of operation for shooting ranges shall be from seven a.m. to ten p.m. daily, except for indoor or archery ranges.

(D) Private and public shooting ranges should substantially comply with safety guidelines generally recognized and accepted by the national rifle association (NRA). Suggested safety guidelines are described or explained in great detail in "The NRA Range Source Book, 2012 edition." For the purpose of the chief of the division of wildlife's standards for shooting ranges, private and public shooting ranges shall have an implemented safety plan that substantially includes, but is not limited to, the following items:

(1) A description of the range that stipulates how, when, why, and by whom the facility will be used.

(2) The safety plan should divide rules and regulations into the categories of gun handling rules, general range rules, specific range rules, and administrative rules and regulations. Each category should substantially contain, but not be limited to, the following items:
(a) Gun handling rules
(i) Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.

(ii) Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

(iii) Always keep the action open and firearm unloaded until ready to use.

(iv) Know your target and what is beyond the target area.

(v) Be sure the gun is safe to operate.

(vi) Know how to use your gun safely.

(vii) Wear ear and eye protection.

(viii) Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.

(ix) Store guns so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons or children.

(b) General range rules
(i) Know and obey the common range commands.

(ii) Know where others are at all times.

(iii) Shoot only at proper and authorized targets.

(iv) When two or more shooters are present, shooters should consult each other before moving down range from the firing line.

(v) Unload, open the action, ground or bench all firearms during a cease-fire or when someone moves down range to the target area.

(vi) Make sure bystanders and observers that are close to the range are wearing ear protection.

(c) Specific range rules
(i) Hours of operation for shooting activities.

(ii) Type of firearms allowed or restricted.

(iii) Caliber or shotgun gauges allowed or restricted.

(iv) Bullet or shot types allowed or restricted.

(v) Target placement, type of targets, and target holders allowed or restricted.

(vi) Type of shooting activities allowed or prohibited.

(d) Administrative rules and regulations
(i) Rules and regulations that govern the normal operation of the range and facilities such as parking, maintenance, schedules, guest policies, fees, security, supervision, sign-in procedures, and etc.

(ii) Procedure to spot-check range users for compliance to range rules.

(iii) Penalties, sanctions, or consequences for violations of the range rules and regulations.

(3) This safety plan shall be posted in a prominent location on the range and range members or users shall be made aware of the safety plan before firing on the range.

Effective: 7/1/2016
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 02/16/2016 and 07/01/2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1533.84
Rule Amplifies: 1533.84
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/98, 7/19/02

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Ohio may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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