Bay County Shooting Range grand opening set for Nov. 19

November 14, 2016

Photo courtesy FWC.
Photo courtesy FWC.

Grand opening celebration features free opportunities for the whole family to safely enjoy target shooting at a new, full-service range.

The new Bay County Shooting Range officially debuts its state-of-the-art 18-station sporting clays course, 5-stand sporting clays, and multiple position rifle and pistol ranges at a grand opening celebration Saturday, Nov. 19. The free event is open to the public and features supervised target shooting opportunities for youth and adults, door prizes, demonstrations, bounce houses for the kids and more. Gates open at 9 a.m. CST and the first 200 guests receive a free commemorative hat

“Bay County developed this range in response to the growing demand for facilities where people can safely enjoy target shooting,” said Bay County Commissioner Guy Tunnell. “This public shooting range adds another exciting recreational component to the Panama City Beach area, and the grand opening celebration is the perfect opportunity to come out and experience the fun of target shooting.”

The grand opening of the Bay County Shooting Range features a variety of activities to introduce people to the shooting sports. Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. grand opening ceremony, attendees will be treated to a free trick shooting exhibition by the renowned Gould Brothers, sponsored by Visit Panama City Beach. Throughout the event, youth can receive expert instruction at the archery and BB gun ranges while adults can enjoy 5-stand shotgun shooting, rifle and pistol shooting, and an introduction to sporting clays. The grand opening event also features a K-9 presentation, Smokey Bear, and a Bay County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team shooting demonstration.

Bay County Shooting Range, 10900 Steelfield Road, Panama City Beach, was developed through the vision of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. Contributing partners include the National Rifle Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

“Thanks to the forward-thinking of the Bay County Commission, the Bay County area has a wonderful new facility that will safely support the needs of recreational target shooters, hunters and hunter safety students,” said Nick Wiley, executive director of the FWC.

Location: 10900 Steelfield Road, Panama City Beach, FL  32413

Features:
• Five position 300-yard rifle range.
• 16 position 100-yard rifle range.
• 10 position 50-yard rifle/handgun range.
•14 position 15-yard pistol range.
• Automated 18-station sporting clays course.
•Automated 5-stand sporting clays.

Cost:   Rifle/pistol range is $10 a day. Youth under 16 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. (One adult must accompany each youth.)

Sporting clays are $38 per 100 targets, and additional targets are 38 cents each. 5-stand is $8 per 25 rounds. Youth under 16 get 40 percent off, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Closures: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

Supervision: The rifle and pistol ranges are supervised by range safety officers and volunteers.

Amenities:   Target frames on the rifle and pistol ranges are provided. Shooters must bring targets to attach to the center of the frames, or they can purchase in the concession store.

Concession store has restrooms and drinking water, eye and ear protection, ammunition and other convenience items for sale. Rental shotguns and carts are available for the sporting clays course.

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