Is there any particular reason that the shooting range at Skyline WMA is closed? (started September 9). I would love to hear an explanation for why it is has been closed for 2 months.

It does appear that they built (at least since my last trip) new shooting line covers, but there are no benches. There was also a warning tape spread across to block the parking lot. The only posted "closed" bit was in the covered information area (which I never look at usually)

What are the potential problems that could occur should someone ignore said signs, and zero their rifle tomorrow at 1400.

Trespassing, most likely. It's property operated by the DCNR and if they say it's closed, so be it. Would be nice to know why, though.

Been under construction for what seems like 2 months or longer. Pretty awful time to shut down. A decent carpentry crew with direction should of been able to knock it out in a couple weeks.

Who is the Biologist over Skyline now?

Yep , yep and yep. You don't do renovations and upgrades to a public shooting range in fall and it shouldn't take very long at all.

It’s closed because the woman that was supposed to put the order in for the benches, did not do so. It’s going to open November 12th. Good luck getting to shoot though. It’s going to be super crowded opening so late, right before rifle season opens.

Me and 2 guys could have had the whole place rebuilt in a week. I'm figuring they are just milking it out so that when they hand in the large repair bill it can be justified by 3 months of "labor". Can't let a good budget go unused or you won't get it next time.

What pisses me the most off Jeremy is that the shooting range didn’t actually need rebuilding. The money could’ve been used far more importantly on the waterfowl wma’s that are in terrible shape. Poor use of money no way around it.

I hadn't been to the range in about a year, but I can't imagine that the place deteriorated that much over the year and needed a total rebuild. I hadn't been on a waterfowl WMA in years. I use to pretty well live at those things. When the dyke at greentree washed out about 8 or so years ago and they left it like that for 5 damn years, I pretty well gave up any hope of them making valid improvements. Roads were always pathetic, too.

The last time I was at Skyline was after the last renovation-upgrade, and it looked fine. WTF happened for it to need more?

I'm told the Biologist is Brae Buckner. Anyone know her?

I’ve heard of her.

Smooth.

Crickets

The floor is hers to answer any of the above questions or concerns. Personally I would like to see a Campground like Barbour Set Up with a bathhouse and such. Is that in the budget?

The shooting range was closed for reconstruction. After many bullet holes through the roofs, posts, and benches, it was due for repairs. The construction company hired was in charge of the awnings only. They completed that. The company that supplies and installs the concrete swivel shooting benches is completely separate from the construction crew. Those benches were actually delivered tonight and installation will begin in the morning. As for the timing, that is not completely in our control. There is a lot of inspections, plan approval, etc. that had to completed before construction could begin. It will be up and running again on Wednesday morning. Feel free to call my office with any other questions/ comments and I’ll be happy to help.

Thanks for the info, Brae. Good luck with the rest of the project.

Damned shame that people have something useful and shoot it to bits or tear it up.

Pm to you Brae

Same way with Owls Hollow Shooting Range in Etowah County. I saw this weekend they put concrete benches in to. Same exact things holes everywhere. Rediculius