Minnesota DNR unveils new shooting range finder web tool

With recent growth in shooting sports, particularly high school and youth leagues, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a new web tool to allow individuals to locate shooting ranges across the state. 

Approximately 350 shooting ranges throughout the state cater to a wide variety of archery and firearms shooting. The previous DNR shooting range web tool provided limited options for determining what was available at each range. 

The new Range Finder web tool provides individuals with information about shooting range activities, amenities, educational and hunting opportunities, directions, contact information, and more. Individuals can search for shooting ranges by types of shooting sports and geographic location. 

Map of northeastern Minnesota shooting ranges – Range Finder Minnesota DNR

“Shooting sports continue to increase in popularity in Minnesota, and this new web tool will make it easier for people to locate ranges that provide exactly what they need,” said Chuck Niska, DNR shooting range coordinator.

On Jan. 23, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use permit to establish a shooting range to operate an outdoor sports park, which will host a variety of shooting ranges, courses, and public and private events. The location of the proposed shooting range is on a county-owned 360-acre parcel located approximately nine miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais on FS Road 304. 

The Flintlock Range Association is leading the shooting range project, which is expected to establish a shooting and archery range in Cook County in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025. 

Kalli Hawkins June 2, 2024