COLUMBUS, Ohio — Target shooting enthusiasts and beginners alike can take advantage of free admission and professional instruction this weekend as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife hosts Free Range Day on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Held in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the annual event waives standard permit requirements at all Class A, B, and C public shooting ranges across the state during normal operating hours [cite: Free Range Day is held in coordination with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and features special events at two of Ohio’s premier public shooting ranges., The shooting range permit requirement is waived on all Division of Wildlife Class A, B, and C shooting ranges on Saturday, Aug. 15 during each range’s open hours.].
Free Instruction and Equipment at Select Ranges
For local residents looking to participate, the Spring Valley Wildlife Area range in Waynesville (3570 Houston Road) is offering hands-on instruction—located roughly 60 miles from Circleville [cite: You can visit one of the following Division of Wildlife public shooting ranges at no charge on Free Range Day to gain hands-on experience with firearms from certified instructors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Spring Valley Wildlife Area range: 3570 Houston Road, Waynesville, OH 45068].
Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., staff at the Waynesville location—as well as the Delaware Wildlife Area range in Ashley—will provide complimentary:
Firearms and ammunition
Eye and ear protection
Hands-on guidance from certified instructors
Know Before You Go
Outside of Free Range Day, state law requires all shooters aged 18 and older to possess a valid range permit, which costs $5 for a daily pass or $24 for an annual pass [cite: Outside of Free Range Day, all persons 18 and older shooting on Division of Wildlife Class A, B, or C ranges are required to purchase a shooting range permit, available at all hunting and fishing license outlets, via wildohio.gov, or on the HuntFish OH mobile app., Daily permits are available for $5, or an annual permit can be purchased for $24.]. On Saturday, that fee is completely waived.
Class A Ranges: Supervised rifle and pistol target shooting
Class B Ranges: Unsupervised rifle and pistol target shooting
Class C Ranges: Unsupervised clay target shotgun shooting
Target shooting remains a major economic driver in the state. According to ODNR, roughly 1.1 million Ohioans participate in target shooting annually, generating $2.6 billion for the state economy and supporting more than 22,000 jobs.
To view a full directory of state shooting ranges and facility features, visit wildohio.gov.
