Stay on target this deer season

Nov. 3, 2021

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

MAYFLOWER – Ammunition shortages for many rifle calibers may have many hunters treating their deer-hunting rounds as precious commodities. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission would like to remind everyone that sending a bullet or two downrange to ensure your rifle is on-target is well worth the effort and extra rounds needed before modern gun deer hunting season begins Nov. 13.

“We haven’t seen a huge amount of traffic so far this year at the range,” Bill Haynes, manager of the AGFC’s Dr., James E. Moore Jr. Firing Range, said. “But the accuracy of your firearm is essential to making a quick, ethical harvest. It only takes a shot or two to give you the piece of mind knowing you’ll hit your mark when the moment comes.”

Haynes says hunters visiting the range this close to deer season should prepare for a line to sight in their rifles, especially on weekends.

“We always try to remind people to get their sighting in and practice done in September and October to avoid long lines and waits,” Haynes said. “But we know there’s going to be a rush as we get closer to modern gun season. We accommodate our hunters as much as possible.”

The Mayflower facility was completely refurbished in 2017, including its clubhouse. It has 18 200-yard lanes for rifle and 30 50-yard lanes for pistol shooting. Two areas offer trap and skeet shooting, with one stand each. Well east of the firing ranges, beyond a storage barn and a covered picnic area, is the bowhunter section with a 3-D target course plotted among trees and brush outside a large circular pond.

Haynes says the rifle range may have a waiting line, but the archery and shotgun ranges typically aren’t crowded, and people can plan for one of those activities while they wait for their turn shooting.

“Waterfowl season is right around the corner too, and a round of skeet might help you get on track with your wingshooting as well,” Haynes said. “And archery season lasts until the end of February, so there’s always a reason to stay sharp with the bow.”

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, but you must be checked in by 3:45 p.m. to sign up to shoot. The firing range is at 574 Clinton Road, off state Highway 89 east of Mayflower.

Visit https://www.agfc.com/en/explore-outdoors/shootingranges for more information about the AGFC’s shooting ranges and partnership ranges.