NESQUEHONING, Pa. — Across the state, the Game Commission is working on upgrading shooting ranges.
Avid marksman Bert Payne of Penn Forest Township has been waiting for the gun range on state game lands in Nesquehoning to reopen. The Pennsylvania Game Commission closed it back in February for renovations.
"I saw that the range was closed on Google, and I thought, man, that really isn't great because I've been looking forward to enjoying this good weather," said Payne.
Bob Drennan of Brodheadsville came out to do the same.
"I come out here for the 200-yard range and the 300-yard, getting some practice. I'm shooting in a competition with the Navy here in a few weeks and to see the new improvements they've done after many, many decades," said Drennan.
The Game Commission says many of the improvements were for safety and maintenance. They've added new target stands, made the shooting stations accessible for those with disabilities, and added new pavilion covers.
"The cover on there is real nice. I don't mind shooting all weather, but it's convenient if it does drizzle out here. They have solid benches here, it was designed for the handicapped to come out. It's really a solid range program, I think the game commission is doing good on these ranges and slowly improving them across the state," said Drennan.
"This is more than I expected. Definitely more than I expected, and it's something that people come to enjoy," said Payne.
Upgrades are also coming to Monroe County. Residents say this range needed a lot of work.
Construction has already started here on the range at State Game Lands 127 in Coolbaugh Township Near Tobyhanna.
"It is well overdue to have that one improved as well; I can't wait to see what's going on with that one," said Drennan.
The Game Commission hopes to have the Monroe County range open by mid-June.
To use the ranges, people must have a range permit or a hunting license.