SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) will open its firing ranges on Saturday, November 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the public for the purpose of sighting in shotguns and handguns, which are being allowed during the regular firearm deer season for the first time this year. The new regulation will allow any hunter with a permit for the firearm deer season to use center-fire revolvers or center-fire single-shot handguns of .30 caliber or larger with a minimum barrel length of four inches. Hunters can take a shotgun, muzzle loading rifle, and/or a handgun with them during this year’s deer hunting season.
“Each year, the Illinois State Police, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides firearm owners with an opportunity to check their guns in a safe environment. ISP and DNR experts will be at each range to ensure safe and appropriate use of firearms,” said ISP Director Larry G. Trent.
The public is asked to call one of the ranges listed below before the scheduled date to make a reservation. Targets will be provided and there is no charge for use of the range. Participants must possess a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and transport the firearm legally by having it unloaded and enclosed in a case.
| Open Ranges | | District 2 | Elgin | 847-931-2405 | | District 5 | Joliet | 815-726-9119 - Extension 223 | | District 8 | Metamora | 309-676-2116 - Extension 238 | | District 14 | Macomb | 309-833-4046 - Extension 0 | | District 16 | Pecatonica | 815-963-7688 | | District 18 | Litchfield | 217-625-2131* |
*Registration for the Litchfield facility will be taken at the listed Pawnee Range phone number. |
