The public now has access to a new air gun shooting range at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Waddill Outdoor Education Center in Baton Rouge. Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Feb. 25 at the site.
“This project is a wonderful example of a cooperative partnership involving the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Louisiana Chapter and the department,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “This is where the education process begins for young hunters or those who want to become competitive shooters.”
Range construction was funded by a $5,000 donation from NWTF’s La. Chapter that was matched with LDWF Hunter Education funds. The site provides 12 shooting stations with a covered firing line that is handicap-user accessible. The range, which can be used for air rifle, air pistol and BB gun target shooting, offers 12 targets at 10 meters and four targets at 20 meters, and was designed for use in official competitions.
This new air gun range adds to the outdoor activities available at Waddill that include fishing ponds, an archery range, field archery trail, walking trails and picnicking areas. The on site education center is also used for hunter education classes.
Those attending the Feb. 25 gun range ribbon cutting were also able to view a new footbridge providing easier access to the archery range. A senior project completed by Baton Rouge Magnet High School student John Parham Murrill, the bridge fulfills the student’s goal of giving back to the community.
The Waddill Outdoor Education Center is located at 4142 North Flannery Road and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to the site, including the new shooting range, is free of charge.
