General Hours: The range generally operates during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours may vary with the seasons, as daylight hours change.
All about Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range
The Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range is a popular destination for shooting sports enthusiasts in Georgia. It is part of the Chestnut Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and offers opportunities for target shooting in a natural setting. Located within the Johns Mountain WMA, this area has shooting benches for rifles and handguns, a covered shed over the benches, and accessible benches. Chestnut Mountain is a 100-yard shooting range with intervals of 25, 50 and 100 yards. Bring your own unbreakable targets. Gravel parking for 10 vehicles. Gravel path to restroom and shooting shed.
Facilities:
- Shooting Range Setup: The Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range typically offers multiple shooting lanes suitable for various types of firearms, including rifles and pistols. The range is often equipped with covered shooting benches, target stands at various distances, and designated shooting areas to ensure safety.
- Outdoor Environment: Being part of a wildlife management area, the range is set in a natural, outdoor environment, providing a scenic backdrop for shooting sports.
- Target Shooting: Rifles and Handguns Only. Shotguns may only be patterned. Bring your own paper target (no cans or bottles may be used). Skeet Shooting not allowed. Alcohol is not permitted on the range, in the parking lot, or on the shooting range access road. Located with the John's Mountain WMA. Area has shooting benches for rifles and handguns, covered shooting shed over benches, accessible benches. Area has a 100-yard shooting range with intervals of 25, 50 and 100 yards. Gravel parking for 10 vehicles. Gravel access route to toilet and shooting shed.
Access and Fees:
- Access Requirements: Access to the Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range typically requires a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license, or a Georgia Lands Pass. This is a common requirement for using facilities within state-managed wildlife management areas.
- Fees: If you do not have a hunting or fishing license, a Georgia Lands Pass can be purchased. Licenses and passes can be obtained online via the Georgia DNR website or at authorized retailers.
Safety and Regulations:
- Safety Protocols: The range enforces strict safety measures, including the mandatory use of eye and ear protection, adherence to all posted rules, and following the instructions of any range officers on site. Only shoot at designated targets and always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.
- Range Officers: Presence of range officers may vary; however, visitors are expected to follow self-regulated safety protocols and respect other users.
Additional Amenities:
- Parking: The range generally provides parking areas for visitors.
- Restrooms: Amenities like restrooms may not be available on-site due to the range's location within a wildlife management area, so visitors should plan accordingly.
- Trash Disposal: Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and carry out any trash.
Activities in Chestnut Mountain WMA:
- Besides shooting, the Chestnut Mountain WMA offers various outdoor activities, including hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Hunting seasons for deer, turkey, and small game are regulated and follow state guidelines.
How to Get There:
- Directions: The range is accessible from local roads off Resaca and surrounding areas. Using a GPS with updated maps or referring to directions from the Georgia DNR website is recommended for the most accurate route.
Additional Notes:
- Check Current Conditions: Always check the latest updates on operating hours, closures, and specific rules before visiting. Information can be found on the Georgia DNR website or by contacting the Wildlife Resources Division directly.
- Special Events: The range may host special events or training sessions, which could affect regular access. Look for announcements or postings regarding events that might change the availability of the range.
The Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range provides a great opportunity for both experienced shooters and beginners to practice their shooting skills in a safe and controlled environment while enjoying the natural beauty of a wildlife management area in Georgia.