The Farragut Shooting Range is located on a site that was formerly a military training range. It was constructed as part of the Farragut Naval Training Station established by the U.S. Navy in September 1942.

The range has played host to a broad range of users including military and law enforcement training, organized competitive shooting events, individual recreational shooters and educational activities such as youth shooting clinics.

Daily operational oversight of recreational activities at the range is jointly administered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

The shooting range is open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 1 through Nov. 1. Shooting hours May through September are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shooting hours are reduced in October and November due to shorter daylight periods. In October and November the range closes at 3 p.m.

Unusual weather conditions may delay opening or shorten the shooting season slightly. The IDFG website contains information about the range and will post any changes to the normal operating hours.

Facilities at the Farragut Range include:

50-Yard Range: 12 shooting points limited to handguns and rimfire rifles. The range accommodates 7-yard through 50-yard shooting distances.

100-Yard Range: 12 shooting points limited to rifles and shotgun slugs. Normal shooting distances allowed are 50 yards through 100 yards. Shorter distances can be accommodated with permission and under direct supervision of a Range Safety Officer. Typically, shorter distances are only allowed to ensure a new gun/scope is "hitting the paper" and then normal shooting distances are reinstated.

200-Yard Range: 12 shooting points limited to rifles. Normal shooting distances allowed are 100 yards through 200 yards.

Recreational Shotgun: 4 shooting points with manually cocked mechanical throwers. Shot size at the Farragut Range is limited to No. 7.5, 8 and 9. Participants must supply their own clay targets.

Other Venues and Amenities: Few additional amenities are available at this time. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water and hand cleaning towelettes are available for sale but no other water is available at the range. 3-D and K-D archery ranges are planned but not available at this time.

The daily shooting fee is $5 per shooter per day regardless of age. Targets, hearing protection (required) and eye protection (required) are available for sale.

To get to the range from Coeur d'Alene, travel approximately 20 miles north on Highway 95. Take the Highway 54 exit at Athol and travel east (turn right) on Highway 54 toward Farragut State Park. Travel approximately 4 miles on Highway 54 to the traffic circle. Travel 3/4 of the way around the traffic circle to the Perimeter Road exit. Follow Perimeter Road approximately 1.5 miles where you will find a gated gravel road on your right and a sign identifying the Farragut Shooting Range. Follow the gravel road approximately 0.4 miles to the range.

From Sandpoint, head south on Highway 95. The turnoff with Highway 54 is approximately 25 miles south of Sandpoint on Highway 95.

A Range Safety Officer is present at all times when the range is open. Prior to shooting, all visitors must check in with the Range Safety Officer. Range Safety Officers are there to educate shooters and to enforce the range rules that keep everyone safe. They also protect, maintain, and otherwise ensure the integrity of the range infrastructure.

Range Safety Officers are there to help you have an enjoyable experience at the Farragut Shooting Range. If you have a question about the range or its use, please ask. However, while they may be able to offer a word of friendly shooting advice or assist with a common firearm malfunction, Range Safety Officers are not shooting coaches or gunsmiths. If you desire firearms training or have a firearm with a significant malfunction that you cannot clear easily, seek the services of a trained professional.

The Range Safety Officers at Farragut are volunteers who have completed NRA Range Officer training or are similarly credentialed. Now that the use of the range has increased, IDFG is currently scheduling three Range Safety Officers whenever the range is in operation. One Range Safety Officer greets and receives shooters, collects fees and reviews the basic range rules. The other two work the various shooting venues.

Without these volunteers who donate their time, the range could not be open to the public. Please shake a hand and say thank you to the guys in the yellow vests. They are making the range available for your use and benefit.

The Farragut Public Shooting Range is supportive of hosting activities that enhance and strengthen the shooting sports. The Farragut Public Shooting Range is available for reserved use to groups of 10 or more, for up to seven hours of shooting activity between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., any day of the year that weather permits. Groups are welcomed and encouraged to consider hosting a special event at the Farragut Shooting Range.

Contact the IDFG Panhandle Region office at (208) 769-1414 for more information if your group is interested in reserving space at the range. Additional fees apply.

Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Panhandle Region.