Deer hunters getting scopes zeroed in or other target work will find the public shooting range at West Point Wildlife Management Area closed beginning June 19, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Current plans are to re-open the range by July 3.

The West Point Shooting Range, located in Troup County, will temporarily close for range improvement projects including renovation of the firing line shed and replacement of the shooting benches.

Money for the renovation work will come from the Federal Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program. Sportsmen and women provide more than $30 million each year through the Federal Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program to fund wildlife conservation in the state through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes collected on the purchase of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and fishing equipment. Money is granted on the state level based on several factors, including the number of paid sporting licenses in Georgia.

Georgia has 18 public shooting ranges (firearms or shotgun ranges) and 12 archery ranges. To receive free updates on ranges (closures, new ranges, etc.), be sure to “click” on the red envelope at www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/archery-shooting-ranges and sign up.

Range visitors should note that most areas require possession of a Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP) or other qualifying license prior to use. For information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/archery-shooting-ranges.