Gun Range - Big South Fork?

[johnharris]

I am headed that way soon for some recreation at Bandy Creek and would like to find gun range in the area that is accessible to the public.

[n24wheel]

Royal Blue (Now the North cumberland WMA) which is near the Big South Fork has a "no frills" range. You can find it in the Hunting guide book or download the book on the TWRA website. I do not know of a range in the south fork recreation park itsself. It is on the Huntsville Exit. Pass in front of the closed Perkins restaurant follow that road and it will turn to gravel. At the fork stay left and around 2-3 miles you will pass the "range" which will be on your left.

North Cumberland WMA Firing Range
Located on Flatwoods Road. Stan Stooksbury (423) 566-8557.

David

[n24wheel]

I went to the Royal Blue range this weekend and it has really changed since the last time I was there around 6 years ago when it was a wide place beside the road. It is now a very good range with a 50 yard pistol range, 100 yard and 150 yard rifle range complete with concrete carpet covered bench rests.

[johnharris]

Thanks for the update David. I should be there the 1st week of November and it would be good to do a little shooting without the time demands of the office.

[n24wheel]

That is the first week of Muzzloader season. It starts on November 6th. You may want to call Stan Stooksbury at the number above to see if you need to wear blaze orange. They have a rule that all visitors have to wear 500 sq in on their upper body and head during big game hunts when they are "out of an enclosed vehicle" or "out of the campground". I'm not sure that it applies to being on the range. I wouldn't think it would be required but the only exceptions in the hunting guide are the one's I mentioned. If your there before November 6th it won't be an issue.