By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – After taking time to properly assess safety measures for guests, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is ready to welcome the public back to Petrarca Range. The range, located on the Camp Perry National Guard Training Site in Ohio, is open weekly and equipped with electronic targets designed to withstand both rifle and pistol firing.

For the foreseeable future, Petrarca will be available for use by appointment only, through one-hour time slots. Walk-ins will only be allowed if there is room in the given time slot, though walk-ins are not guaranteed time on the range.

Range hours will be Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following precautions will be enforced while on Petrarca Range:

• Temperature will be taken before entering the range, with COVID-related questions asked before entry is allowed
• Guests must sanitize their hands every time they come in from outside; a hand sanitizing station and wipes will be available

• Mask will be required everywhere other than on the firing line
• Monitors, shooting rests and tables will be disinfected between uses
• Every other firing point will be used, with no more than five points used in a block of time
• Limited chairs will be accessible on the range
• Parents/guardians will be required to wear mask at all times
• Port-a-potties outside will be available for use outside of the range
• Guests must be kept at a distance of six feet or more

Petrarca is home to 10 rifle targets set up at 100 yards and five pistol targets set up at either 25 or 50 yards. For those interested in short-range zeroing, the targets can also accurately simulate 200, 300 and 600 yards. Benches are available for those wishing to have extra support while firing.

Guests must provide his/her own equipment and ammo (no larger than .30-06 and no 300 Win Mag ammo or armor piercing ammo). Fees remain the same at $10 per hour of shooting (or $25 for 3 hours). CMP staff will be present at all times during the Open Public slots to ensure safety procedures are followed and to answer any questions about the electronic target system.

To make a reservation for Petrarca Range, please call Catherine Green at 419-635-2141 ext. 704.

In addition to Mondays open to the public, a Garand-Springfield-Modern and Vintage Military (GSMM) Rifle Match will be conducted on Petrarca Range on Sept. 13, 2020. The match will begin at 9 a.m., with an entry fee of $40 for adults and $25 for juniors. Learn more about the event, including registration information, by visiting the CMP Competition Tracker page at http://ct.thecmp.org/2020SeptPetrarcaGSM.

More About Petrarca Range:

CMP Targets at Petrarca Range is powered by the Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS) of Norway. With the use of electronic targets, marksmen no longer need to walk downrange to change paper or use a scope to score – simply approach the firing line and watch shots instantly score and appear on monitors located at each firing point. For more information, visit the Petrarca Range page on the CMP website at http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-targets-at-petrarca-range/.

Where is Petrarca Range?

Petrarca Range is located at the Camp Perry Training Facility near the shores of Lake Erie, only six miles west of Port Clinton on State Route 2. Camp Perry’s entrance is marked by its signature stone towers and checkered water tower in the distance.

About KTS Electronic Targets:

KTS Electronic Targets work through the power of acoustics – “hearing” the shot and accurately determining its location. With extensive use by ranges in 30 nations for over 20 years by Kongsberg Target Systems and additional experience received in-house by the CMP, the accuracy and ease of these electronic targets make marksmanship even more enjoyable for every age and experience level.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.