Friends of Hobbs |
PLEASE NOTE: 5/22/2020 The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Shooting Range Is CLOSED. Due to lack of funding, the shooting range reconstruction has been postponed until further notice.
REGARDING THE CLOSING OF THE HOBBS SHOOTING RANGE
July 22, 2019 – Little Rock, AR
Upgrades and replacement of aging infrastructure are major factors in the decision to temporarily close the shooting range at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Northwest Arkansas. The public range will remain closed until all safety concerns can be addressed.
State Park staff, along with Arkansas Game & Fish personnel, are continuing to evaluate and weigh the options of how to make the necessary improvements and operational modifications.
“The time range for completion will vary based on the ultimate route chosen moving forward,” said State Parks Chief Planner Jordan Thomas. “Our staff is evaluating additional grant funding sources to help fund the project.”
The most outstanding safety issues are:
- Replace the Action Target Capture system – a clam shell piece of heavy metal equipment that visitors shoot into. Now going into its 16th year, it is showing structural failures from aging and prolonged use.
- Pistol Use – this range was designed for rifles, but increased use of pistols has created potential hazards. Alternatives are being considered to address this concern.
- Staffing – this is an unmanned range and experts recommend using rangers and perhaps trained volunteers to monitor range usage and provide assistance as needed.
“Our staff regularly checks in on the shooting range when it is open,” said Superintendent Mark Clippinger. “However, we are always exploring ways to improve safety throughout the park. This is one of those areas.”
The management of the range will be evaluated for a more effective use of this public space. To date, Arkansas State Parks has spent almost $600k on construction, general maintenance, improvements and repairs to the range.
For More Information 479-789-5000
Hobbs Shooting RangeEnjoy safe handgun and rifle practice at the Hobbs Shooting Range. The shooting range accommodates target stands at distances of 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards. Five covered shooting stations are provided including one barrier-free station. The range has a concrete floor and a metal trap to catch fired rounds.Shooters are required to provide their own targets (paper or cardboard only) and clothes pins (wooden only) for affixing targets to the stands. Used targets and brass should be removed before leaving the range. Safety and courtesy among shooters is of utmost importance. Please call out "RANGE CLEAR" and confirm that all shooting has ceased before entering the target area. LocationThe range entry road is near the intersection of State Highways 12 and 303 North. Drive 10 miles east of Rogers Arkansas on Highway 12. Immediately past the intersection with Highway 303, turn right to enter the road leading to the Shooting Range. See map below. Schedule of Hours
CLOSURE NOTICE! During permit hunts, the Shooting Range will be closed! Range Status |
If you have ANY questions or concerns, please call the visitor center at 479-789-5000. If you are concerned about the usability of the range following bad weather, during special events or during hunting seasons, check HERE for the current status. |
