RIDEM announces season opening of Great Swamp Shooting Range

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the opening of the Ocean State’s only free, public, outdoor shooting range for the Spring season.

Officials said the Great Swamp Shooting Range, located in the Great Swamp Management Area in South Kingstown has areas for different disciplines of shooting sports; archery, clay target shooting and paper target shooting.

The range, opened in 1976, has extended its season this year, officials said.

It will be open from April 1 to Nov. 3, seven days a week, including holidays.

Although the range is free to use, authorities emphasized users must obtain a range permit beforehand.

“Our range supports the DEM Hunter Safety Education Program, which instructs hunters and sport shooters in the safe storage, transport, handling, and shooting of firearms and archery equipment,” said DFW Chief Phil Edwards.

“Shooting accuracy and practice are critically important for ethical hunting and humane take of legally hunted game. Sighting in firearms, adjusting scopes, and simply practicing with targets are important and necessary steps to prepare for hunting,” he continued.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit dem.ri.gov.

For information on obtaining a range permit, click here. Inquiries should be emailed to Branton.Elleman.CTR@dem.ri.gov