Frustrated with few options.......

Very few, if any ranges allow you to draw and shoot. In fact I don't know of any around here, could be wrong. Now most ranges around here don't really care how fast you shoot as long as it's not bump firing. Way too many people shoot them self or the guy in the next line while practicing quick draw.:)
 
restlessnomad,

The Dewey Marsh Wildlife Area, located 6 miles north of Stevens Point (with access from County Hwy X and Hay Meadow Road), is 5,677 acres of state-owned land filled with marsh, brush, and forest on which you may shoot all year round any way you like.

And it's free.

Click here for a map of the area.

My only recommendation is that you keep in mind that this is public land. Having a proper backstop and knowing whats beyond your target are things you'll want to keep in mind.

I use a similar state-owned forest unit in my area (Wausau) for all of my pistol shooting. I've found an area off the trail where a friend and I built up a backstop using the natural lay of the land (slight depression), along with downed logs/stumps and other debris from the area.

It may take some preparation and a little work, but you'll have access to your own "private" range during daylight hours for free. Not to mention this state-owned land is a great place to small game hunt if you're into that sort of thing.

Here's a list of other similar state-owned units in Portage County. You can click the name of a few to be directed towards a map similar to the above Dewey Marsh map:

Mead (George W.) Wildlife Area
Size: 28,500 acres, (28,208 owned, 292 leased).
Location: 11 miles southwest of Mosinee; Hwy. S bisects property. Access also from Hwys. C, M, H and O.

Little Wolf River Fishery Area
Size: 340 acres, all state-owned.
Location: 5 miles northeast of Rosholt. Access from Hwy. 49.

Bradley Creek Fishery Area
Size: 378 acres, all state-owned.
Location: 3 miles northeast of Rosholt. Access from Hwy. 49.

Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area
Size: 1,650 acres, all state-owned.
Location: Parcel 1 is 4 miles west of Rudolph on Hwy. M in Wood County; Parcel 2 is 3 miles north of Rudolph on Hwy. C in Portage County.

Richard J. Hemp Fishery Area
Size: 1,221 acres, all state-owned.
Location: 3 miles north of Nelsonville; access from Hwys. ZZ and Z.

Buena Vista Wildlife Area
Size: 11,340 acres, (6,940 owned, 4,400 leased).
Location: 10 miles east of Wisconsin Rapids on Hwy. W and 4 miles south of Plover; scattered parcels.

Emmons Creek Fishery Area
Size: 1,470 acres, all state-owned.
Location: 8 miles northeast of Almond on Hwy. D. Access from Fountain Lake Road. Site near Hartman Creek State Park.

Spring Green Unit- Lower WI State Riverway
Size: 600 acres, all state owned.
Location: West and east of Spring Green off Hwy. 23.

This forest unit information was found here.

Here is a more expansive list of public recreation lands contained on the Wisconsin DNR website.
 
Thanks Trip, I wasn't aware that was an option. Do you know anywhere that it states you can shoot in these areas? I appreciate the info, and send me a PM if you'd like another shooter around.
 
CNate said:
I feel your pain. I live in Madison myself.
Click to expand...

I would suggest those on a budget go to The Deerfield Gun Club. I used to be a member there, myself.

The Bristol area also has a gun club, although I do not know if they are still taking memberships.

I bagged my varmint rifles out at the Waterloo Gun Club. It was the only place that had a 200 yard range--at that time.

You might also try the range in Stoughton.
 
restlessnomad said:
Thanks Trip, I wasn't aware that was an option. Do you know anywhere that it states you can shoot in these areas?
Click to expand...

First and foremost, let me clarify for you that there's an actual designated shooting range on the Dewey Marsh Wildlife Area: Click Here For More Info. Hours are somewhat limited, but it's cheap ($3/day or $30 for the entire season).

At any rate -- I'm no lawyer, but this is the best I can do with little time while at work. Here are some WI States Statutes and Portage County Ordinances that are relevant to the topic.

Wisconsin's public wildlife recreation lands are open to a full range of traditional outdoor recreational uses, except where prohibited by rule or statute.

Wisconsin's "Recreational Use Statute" defines Recreational Activity as follows:

WISCONSIN STATUTES
PROVISIONS COMMON TO ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS IN ALL COURTS
CHAPTER 895: MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL PROVISIONS

895.52(1)(g): "Recreational activity" means any outdoor activity undertaken for the purpose of exercise, relaxation or pleasure, including practice or instruction in any such activity. "Recreational activity" includes hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, picnicking, exploring caves, nature study, bicycling, horseback riding, bird-watching, motorcycling, operating an all-terrain vehicle, ballooning, hang gliding, hiking, tobogganing, sledding, sleigh riding, snowmobiling, skiing, skating, water sports, sight-seeing, rock-climbing, cutting or removing wood, climbing observation towers, animal training, harvesting the products of nature, sport shooting and any other outdoor sport, game or educational activity. "Recreational activity" does not include any organized team sport activity sponsored by the owner of the property on which the activity takes place.​

In reference to these "Wildlife Areas," Wisconsin's DNR website states, "Any restricted uses of wildlife areas will be designated with signs at the property."

I know at the Forest Unit I utilize most often, there's a sign that reminds recreational land users to be at least 300ft from any roadway or parking area prior to discharging firearms.

Portage County Code Of Ordinances:

Section 6.1.6.(C) Firearms:
No person shall have in his possession or under his control any firearm or air gun as defined in Section 939.22 of the Wisconsin Statutes, unless the same is unloaded and enclosed is a carrying case, or any bow unless the same is unstrung or enclosed in a carrying case in any county park except if such bow or gun is within the confines of any designated gun or archery range or in those parks where hunting is authorized.​
 
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I feel your pain. I lived in Wisconsin before I joined the military. I finally changed my state of residence this year to Texas. Part of it was because of the obscene restrictions on personal firearms and carrying for the purpose of self-defense. I shot all the time while living there, but it was all on private land with permission of the owner.

Be aware that shall issue CCW bills were vetoed by Gov. Doyle in 2004 and 2005 (if I remember the years correctly). The override was only a couple of votes short. If it goes up again I believe that it will pass. If the bill goes through again and Doyle isn't in office, it will almost assuredly pass ... but it couldn't hurt to prod your reps just a bit. Hang in there ... or move.
 
The airsoft guns come in many popular clones I shoot a P99 and got an air just like it,the backstraps even interchanged from toy to gun....Im' on my second airsoft wore the first out,the slide racking weight of pull is also very comperable to the real gun.I found a cross draw the fastest and most natural for me,its inevetable than you will drop your gun practiceing fast draw and its alot easier to drop the $23.00 clone as you develop your skills,and use the high density bb's they will break paper at 20-25ft through my toy gun. I live in ohio and belong to a fishing club that has a outdoor range,but I practiced most of last winter in my garage with the air soft, a safe way to learn the art of drawing your weapon,and making a quick rack if you carry w/out one in the pipe,then sight aquisition and it broke up the monotony of repeat games of cricket,make any buddies buy there own. ---P99er---
 
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