Hunters, sight your shotguns     

[NOV. 2, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police announced Tuesday that it will offer its open range program to the public for the purpose of sighting in shotguns for the upcoming deer season. The firing ranges in Elgin, Joliet, Macomb and Pawnee will be open to the public Nov. 5 and the firing range in LaSalle will be open Nov. 12. All ranges will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Each year, the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Natural Resources partner to offer this program to firearm owners to check their guns, before the upcoming hunting season, in a safe environment. It also provides ISP and DNR experts, who will be at each range to ensure safe and appropriate use of firearms, an opportunity to promote hunting safety," said Larry G. Trent, director of the Illinois State Police.

The public is asked to call one of the ranges listed at right before the scheduled date to make a reservation. Targets will be provided, and there is no charge for use of the range. Participants must possess a valid firearm owner's identification card and transport the firearm legally by having it unloaded and enclosed in a case.

Open ranges:

• District 2 -- Elgin, [phone]
• District 5 -- Joliet, [phone], ext. 223
• District 9 -- Pawnee, [phone]
• District 14 -- Macomb, [phone], ext. 242
• District 17 -- LaSalle, [phone], ext. 117

[Illinois State Police District 9 news release]