Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center

Located at 1205 River Road in New Castle, DE, the Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center is a notable state shooting range managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The center is accessible for various shooting activities, including:

• Trap and skeet shooting.
• Rifle and pistol shooting.
• Archery.

The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis without the need for appointments.

Key Offerings:

Operating Hours:

• Wednesday: Noon – 7 p.m.
• Friday: Noon – 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Safety Measures:

• All users (10 years and above) must complete a basic safety program which includes a video and quiz on firearm safety.
• Age restrictions: Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Alcohol and drug influence is strictly prohibited.

Shooting Facilities & Costs: Trap and Skeet Shooting: $5 for 25 targets.

5 Stand: $8 for 25 targets.

Rifle/Pistol: $6 per person for 45 minutes.

Archery Range: $3 per half-day for practice and $5 per session for the 3-D field course (Available from August to October).

Planning Your Visit:

• Visitors are required to bring a valid ID and ticket.
• The center doesn’t rent or sell firearms or ammunition.
• Specific range lengths are provided for different firearms.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in specific areas.

Strengths:

• Wide variety of shooting options available.
• Prioritization of safety with mandatory safety training for users.
• Competitive pricing for range usage.
• Convenient operation hours.

Areas of Concern:

• Reviews indicate variability in staff behavior; some users found the staff to be incredibly helpful and friendly, particularly the younger members. However, several visitors felt they were treated condescendingly or rudely by certain staff members, especially towards newcomers.
• The range does not rent or sell firearms or ammunition, which might be inconvenient for some visitors.
• Some reviewers mentioned restrictive shooting rules, like limiting magazine rounds or specific target restrictions, which could affect the overall experience.