1. Background and Introduction.

Welcome to Big Hollow! We are happy to have you as a member of our team! The current mission of Big Hollow is to provide a safe and organized place that the general public, including the residents of the Wasatch Valley, and surrounding areas, can come to have a safe and fun shooting experience and to provide a critical facility for hunter education and training that corresponds to the mission of the Utah Department of Natural Resources(DNR), Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). This document sets out the general standard operating procedures governing Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) who volunteer their time for range operations.

These SOPs supersedes all previous manuals and memos regarding the operating procedures. These SOPs are not intended to supersede the rules for the safe and responsible handling of firearms, but provide general guidance to the operations of the facility and to also supplement the general Range Rules. While every effort is made to keep the contents of this document current, Big Hollow reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate any of the policies and/or procedures described in the manual with or without prior notice to our volunteers. We will make effort to relay the changes to you.

This document has been developed by your Big Hollow leadership in order to familiarize Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) and users, with Big Hollow and provide information about working conditions, key policies, procedures, and benefits affecting our volunteers. Big Hollow Shooting Range grew from a casual uncontrolled shooting range posing environmental and safety problems for the local community and developed through the desire from local shooters for a safer and more organized place to shoot. Through a successful partnership with the DWR , the owners of the land upon which Big Hollow is located, and Wasatch County, we have successfully started down this path. The facility supports the DWR’s mission to provide hunter education and general range operations that are also part of the Pittman Robertson Act range promotion mission.

Organizational Chart

2. Organization

• 2.1. Organizational Chart. The basic chain of command is set out on Appendix A. For the active list of contacts in each position please refer to the contact page of the Website. Please use it for communication, questions, issues, training, etc.
• 2.2. Ownership and Organization. The Big Hollow facility is comprised of the rifle range, the pistol range, a hand-throw shotgun range, and the CONEX and shed facility. The facility is owned by the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as part of its mission to provide hunter education and shooting ranges. The DWR provides the oversight responsibility for the Big Hollow facility, the funding, and the operating budget. Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) are citizen volunteers acting under designation and authority by the DWR, but administered on a day to day basis by the Range Coordinator through the Team Leaders.
• 2.3. The funding and operating budget is derived from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses by the DWR, and supplemented by Federal Pittman Robertson Act funds – from the 11% excise taxes paid by sportsmen on the sale of hunting equipment and ammunition. Under the current arrangement with the DWR, no individual or group will be charged directly for use of the range; nor should any individual or group charge for any group participation, other than cost reimbursement for the cost of targets and other supplies furnished for those groups. If compensation is required it will be in the form of donations of supplies and/or services. The decision of compensation will be made jointly by the Range Coordinator and the DWR Representative.
• 2.4. The Big Hollow facility is separate and apart from the Heber Valley Gun Club. The Heber Valley Gun Club operates the adjacent shotgun facility as a non-profit corporation under a lease arrangement with the DWR. It has a separate corporate structure, governance and management structure but has no oversight authority over the Big Hollow facility. RSO’s that volunteer for the Big Hollow facility are not covered by the governance, or insurance, of the Heber Valley Gun club.
• 2.5 To coordinate local needs and usage, the DWR with the input of the Range Leadership, and when needed a representative from Wasatch County will oversee the operation of the Big Hollow Shooting Range.

RSO Volunteers

3. Benefits, Selection, Duties, Rights and Responsibilities of Range Safety Officers.

• 3.1. Benefits. So long as a person is an active RSO on the approved list, the RSO has the benefit of using the range for himself and a reasonable number of guests and family, so long as the range is not then open for general public use or a special event. The RSO is not entitled to charge guests or family for the range use or to use the range for personal gain or as a business. The foregoing does not preclude scheduling the range for non-profit classes held by the RSO, approved by the Range Coordinator in advance, or charging small amounts to cover out of pocket costs for ammunition, targets, and the like. During public shooting hours, the RSO who is not then on duty is treated like any other member of the public and have no special rights or benefits.
• 3.2. Selection and Qualifications. Persons wishing to become an RSO must apply using forms approved by the DWR, must pass all necessary DWR background checks and must receive training from the Range Coordinator or his designee. Until those steps are completed, the person does not have authority to oversee the range or to have access to a key.
• 3.2.1. Background Checks. The background checks and application forms, along with the necessary policies, are specified by the DWR and no exceptions may be made. As part of that application process, the RSO must agree to not discriminate against any member of the public and must agree with the no-sexual harassment policy of the DWR.
• 3.2.2. RSO Training Requirements and Reports.
• 3.2.2.1. Orientation. After passing the background checks with the DWR, a mandatory 2-hour orientation is required for all new RSO's. This class is taught by a Big Hollow Range Trainer, and will be taught as needed.
• 3.2.2.2. Mentorship. After a new RSO has completed the orientation, he/she will be paired with a Team Mentor to complete the training process. As soon as the RSO and Mentor both feel that the new RSO is ready to start taking shifts on their own they will be able to sign up for their own shifts.
• 3.2.2.3. Continuing Education. Twice each year we will try to have events/training for all current RSO's. The purposes of these events are to fellowship with other RSO's as well as receive further training and an exchange of issues, problems and suggestions. There are also a few opportunities to earn certifications such as NRA RSO. These opportunities will be announced on this website as they become available. We encourage all RSO’s to become an NRA Certified RSO.
• 3.3. General RSO Duties and Responsibilities. Each RSO is generally responsible for one 4 hour shift per month of 4 hours of volunteer service. While there may be some variation in the schedules and certain exceptions may be made for health, business and other schedule issues, those must be approved by the Range Coordinator.
• 3.4. Authority. The RSO on duty for that shift is the officer in charge of the Range during that shift and has the right and authority to enforce the range rules, to make decisions on whether to allow the use of steel targets, automatic firing, and to allow admission and eject people from the range on good cause. Where there are two RSO’s, the first to arrive has overall responsibility, but each RSO may be assigned to be in charge of a different range (one for the pistol range, one for rifle range, etc.). Be polite but firm with public users. Many members of the public have not previously shot on a controlled range and do not appreciate the need to wear eye and ear protection, and to follow the range safety commands. However, in case of a difficult or aggressive user, call Dispatch and have a police officer sent to the Range. You are the designated DWR volunteer officer on the range and you should communicate with the police officer dispatched to resolve the issue. You have the right to eject people from the range for violation of the rules or safety violations or other behavior that causes problems on the range but you do not have the right to do so with physical force. DO NOT PHYSICALLY CONFRONT AN AGGRESSIVE OR DANGEROUS PERSON DIRECTLY – THAT IS THE JOB OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. Although the RSO is acting as a volunteer for the DWR, the RSO does not have the authority of a law enforcement officer. That means you do not have authority from the DWR to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties and any use of a firearm in your capacity as a volunteer RSO will void any DWR liability insurance that may otherwise apply. Your primary defensive weapon is your common sense and your cell phone.
• 3.4.1. At times of large range demand, it may be required to set a time limit on use by the individual participants. Do so politely but the critical need is that sharing and limiting time may be required during periods of heavy use to have fair and reasonable use by everyone.
• 3.5. RSO Retention and Removal Policy.
• 3.5.1. After the DWR has advised that the applicant has passed the necessary background checks and has received training, the newly trained RSO will be added to the list of authorized RSOs the month of completing their training (RSO class and monitoring visit). They will be given a user name to obtain a password to access the Range Calendar.
• 3.5.2. It is expected that all new RSOs must complete four Range shifts in the six months period from the time they are first placed on the Access List.
• 3.5.3. The normal expectation is that each RSO will handle one shift per month. New and existing RSO’s will be placed on “probationary status” if the four Range shifts are not completed every six months. The Range Coordinator can make exceptions to this policy for issues such as illness, being out of town, business, etc. RSOs that are placed on “Probationary Status” will have their name removed from the Access List. These RSOs will continue to have a user name and password for the Range Calendar. Probationary status will require the RSO to complete four Range shifts in the next six months before their name will be added back on the Access List. In order to staff a shift, an RSO that is on probation must sign up on the Range Calendar for shifts with a RSO who is not on probation and who will be responsible for opening the range.
• 3.5.4. If the RSO completes the four shifts in the next six month period the “Probationary” RSO name will be added back to the Access List. If a “Probationary RSO” fails to complete the required four Range shifts in next six months they will be placed on the “Inactive RSO” list. Their Range Calendar access will be cancelled. Inactive RSOs can request to become RSOs again but they must again complete the RSO training by attending the formal RSO class and have a mentoring session.
• 3.5.5. Removal. A RSO may be directly removed from the authorized Access List and Range Calendar access by the Range Coordinator without the person being placed on probationary status. Reasons for removal include:
• 3.5.5.1. Failure to be reinstated during a probationary period as noted above.
• 3.5.5.2. Violating the range rules including safety rules.
• 3.5.5.3. Exhibiting conduct that is detrimental to the public or other RSO’s.
• 3.5.5.4. Committing an action that would cause a background check to fail.
• 3.5.5.5. Using the Big Hollow facility for personal gain or as a business.
• 3.5.5.6. Other good reasons as determined by the Range Coordinator.
• 3.6. RSO Oversight and Operating Procedures. During the public shooting hours, the RSO on duty should follow the following procedures:
• 3.6.1. The RSO must sign up for the shift by accessing the Range Calendar web site and signing in. Range Calendar RSO Sign-up Procedures
• 3.6.1.1. Open the “Bighollowheber.com” website.
• 3.6.1.2. Use your user name and password to sign in to your account.
• 3.6.1.3. Select the Range Calendar Tab.
• 3.6.1.4. Double click on the shift you want to sign-up for.
• 3.6.1.5. On the bottom of the screen is a box to select called “Sign up” -- you also can cancel your sign up on this page.
• 3.6.1.6. All RSO’s who have signed up for the shift are listed on this page.
• 3.6.2. Each RSO should have a (fully charged) cell phone on their person at all times during the shift.
• 3.6.3. Each RSO on duty must sign the log book upon arrival.
• 3.6.4. While on duty, an RSO may shoot during any shift when there is no member of the public present that desires to use the range. When a member of the public desires to shoot the RSO must then stop shooting and control the range.
• 3.6.5. All RSO’s must abide by the procedures and range safety rules at all times including during any non-public time that the RSO is privately using the facility.
• 3.6.6. The scheduled public time is not available for use by private shooting by RSOs, law enforcement, or private groups, except as designated by the Range Coordinator such as for hunter education. This includes situations when no RSO’s have signed up for a shift. The RSO who is not on duty may shoot just as any other member of the public, so long as there is a RSO in charge of the range who is on duty.
• 3.6.7. At least 20 minutes prior to the first shift, the first RSO to sign up as shown by the range calendar will open the range.
• 3.6.8. For the first shift of the day, unlock and open the main gate, the range gate and CONEX prior to the scheduled opening time. The key to the shed is in the lock box next to the First Aid kit in the CONEX. Your team leader will advise the combination for the key.
• 3.6.9. Retrieve the flag from the Shed and raise the flag.
• 3.6.10. Conduct a range inspection using checklist (Appendix D).
• 3.6.11. From the shed, retrieve and prepare sign-in sheets for the shift (Appendix E) and the other equipment (ear protection, eye protection, check staple guns, targets). From the CONEX, retrieve target stands, rugs for the benches and replace any unusable cardboard and target stand supports. Place rugs on firing point benches, sweep the range to minimize any slip and fall injuries, etc.)
• 3.6.12. When you have verified the Range is ready: Check in all shooters and equipment, ensuring they understand the operating rules (what is a Hot Range and what is a Cold Range and the fundamentals of keeping muzzles pointed up or down range). Conduct range safety briefing with all new shooters. (Appendix C). No firearms handling when the range is cold.
• 3.6.13. During public times, ensure that there is an RSO on duty for each range being used. If only one RSO is on duty, all persons must shoot at the same range, usually Rifle Range (with the exception of the public use of the one shotgun range), which may be used at the discretion of the RSO and only after a safety briefing for the Shotgun range (Appendix H).
• 3.6.14. ONLY the RSO on duty at the range may call the Range HOT or COLD. The shooters do NOT have the authority to call HOT or COLD. This is solely the responsibility of the RSO.
• 3.6.15. While the Range is in use, carefully watch all shooters and supervise the range and users for safety or irresponsible use and to avoid accidents, to the extent possible. Note: YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE RANGE USERS AND SPECTATORS. YOUR DUTY DOES NOT INCLUDE PROVIDING INSTRUCTION IN FIREARM USE OR GUNSMITHING ACTIVITIES FOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE THE SKILL AND ABILITY, AND IF THE RANGE IS BEING PROPERLY SUPERVISED BY ANOTHER RANGE OFFICER, YOU CAN RENDER ASSISTANCE FOR FIREARMS HANDLING SKILLS OR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT DETRACTED FROM YOUR PRIMARY DUTY. Your rendering mechanical assistance is at your own risk. Generally, the best approach is to assist the person in making the firearm safe, and having that person transport it to a qualified gunsmith.
• 3.6.16. Ensure all Targets being use are of an approved type, and no closer than 5 yards from the firing line. (Pistols can be 3 yards).
• 3.6.17. Make certain all shooters and all spectators are wearing Eye and Ear protection.
• 3.6.18. Watch for unauthorized ammunition (tracer, HE, incendiary, metal piercing). Insure that the proper caliber ammunition is used, 9mm ammo will fit and feed into 40 caliber guns (this has been demonstrated on our range in the past).
• 3.6.19. Make certain all shooters are firing from the same firing line (no one forward of the shooting benches on the rifle range.)
• 3.6.20. Watch for inoperable or unsafe firearms.
• 3.6.21. Allow only activities that the RSO is comfortable with. Tactical moves and positions should be evaluated by the RSO to determine if he is comfortable with the ability of the individual and their skills to safely execute the exercise.
• 3.6.22. Make certain all persons under the age of 16 are accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• 3.6.23.Prior to declaring the range COLD the RSO should give the command to “CEASEFIRE and make the RANGE SAFE”. At that point all shooters should stop firing, open the action and insure no bullets are in the chamber and remove the magazines (from ALL firearms) and insure that all guns are grounded and pointing down range. Once all guns are safe everyone must step behind the yellow line. At that point the RSO will walk-the-line inspecting all firearms to insure they are safe (actions open, empty chambers, magazines removed). Once that is completed the RSO will announce “the Range is SAFE, the range is COLD, cleared to proceed down range (from the sides behind the yellow line and return the same way)”, after which it is prohibited to handle firearms or go forward of the yellow line on the concrete for any reason while people are down range. Magazines may be recharged while behind the yellow line (shooters may not go forward of the yellow line to retrieve ammunition or magazines once the range has been declared COLD). Be very vigilant when people return to the shooting area after being down range, as there is a tendency for them to try to handle their firearms.
• 3.6.24. Make sure all people are safely behind the firing line and have the necessary eye and ear protection on before calling the line HOT.
• 3.6.25. Give all range commands in a firm loud voice.
• 3.6.26. Wear a safety vest, hat, eye and ear protection.
• 3.6.27. Ending the Shift: When the last shift has ended, the last RSO should do the following:
• 3.6.27.1. Walk thru the range, do a final sweep of any debris and spent casings on the range, police up any trash, empty the trash bags into the dumpster, put away targets and equipment, properly store items in the CONEX and shed, lower the flag, lock the shed and the CONEX.
• 3.6.27.2. Lock the gate.
• 3.7. Winter Operations. Winter operations pose additional challenges from snow/ice/mud issues as well as the cold itself. The RSO should take extra precautions during these times. On the occasional ice event, it may be necessary to close the ranges for the safety of the public and of the RSO. In addition to the regular duties, the RSO should watch any overhanging snow and ice from the roof, and direct the public to enter and exit the ranges from the sides, rather than front or back. Periodically it may be necessary to call a CEASEFIRE while snow/ice is removed from the overhang or from the range floor itself. A wood-fired heater is available for RSO use – but it can get extremely hot. Watch members of the public to avoid contact with the heater, and ensure that no ammunition or firearms are placed on top of the heater when it is in operation. Only paper and wood are permitted to be used in the heater. Some RSO’s find that parking their vehicle immediately adjacent to the right side of the rifle range affords some weather protection and warmth when no one is using the range. Mud from persons entering and exiting the range may build up and the RSO must use extra diligence to keep the range clean.
• 3.8. Dedicated Hunter Program. Volunteer hours can be used for the Dedicated Hunter requirement. Use forms Appendix F.

4. Emergency Procedures:

• 4.1. Emergency Contact. If an emergency occurs, as soon as the RSO can after rendering immediate life-saving aid, the RSO or someone designated by the RSO should immediately call 911. That will connect the caller to Wasatch County Dispatch. In any emergency, the caller should provide the following information:
• 4.1.1. The caller’s name and location (Big Hollow Shooting Range – rifle, pistol, etc.)
• 4.1.2. Identify the caller as acting on behalf of the Range Safety Officer in charge of the range.
• 4.1.3. Describe the emergency and what aid (fire, police, EMT’s, ambulance, etc.) is needed.
• 4.1.4. Stay on the phone until released by Dispatch.
• 4.1.5. Emergency Helicopter Transport: If an evacuation by helicopter is needed, the closest landing zone is the parking area by the shotgun club. The coordinates are 40 degrees 27.441 minutes North 111 degrees 25.609 minutes West, Elevation 5850 Ft. they are also posted in the CONEX under the first-aid kit. The coordinates are also listed in the front of the sign-in book.
• 4.1.6. First-Aid Supplies - First-aid supplies and fire extinguisher are currently located in the storage shed. We will provide voluntary annual first-aid training for active RSO’s. Any other first-aid training is the responsibility of the volunteer.
• 4.1.7. Communications. In the event of any emergency, the RSO should NOT talk to the press or make any public statement concerning the incident. The RSO must contact the Range Coordinator who will arrange for any public statement or press contact to be made, in conjunction with the DWR office of public affairs. It is absolutely essential that the only public comment that is made by the RSO is “I’m sorry, but I am not at liberty to comment on this matter.” Please note any comments you may make may cause significant liability for the DWR and yourself. In no event should you identify any names to any press or member of the public other than the emergency services personnel.
• 4.2. Non-Emergency Contact. The Wasatch County Dispatch phone number for non-life threatening emergencies is (435) 654-1411. Please put this number in your phone.
• 4.3. Incident Form. Any incident on the range that requires medical or disciplinary intervention by the RSO needs to be documented on an incident form. These forms can be found in the back of the sign-in book and also in this manual. After the incident has subsided contact either the Range Coordinator or the DWR Representative for debriefing and/or further instruction. See Appendix B. Incident Report Form. In case there is any kind of Incident at the range, complete this form (Appendix B) after the incident has been resolved. Immediately send a copy to the Range Coordinator and the DWR Representative.
• 4.4. Fire Risk. Due to the location of the Big Hollow Range and the nature of firearms, a fire risk may be present. In order to minimize the risk of fire, the following rules shall apply:
• 4.4.1. No shooting will be allowed outside of the range backstop area. The sole exception is that shooting at the gongs MAY be done at the discretion of the RSO in charge, but ONLY during periods such as when there is snow cover or active green vegetation when fire danger is minimal.
• 4.4.2. The RSO on duty is responsible for determining if shooting at the gongs is safe during their shift. The gongs will be removed during dry conditions. Also, the ammunition for shooting the gongs must meet the following requirements: No magnum, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing rounds are permitted for shooting at the gongs or any other steel targets furnished by the Facility that poses a risk of a spark.

5. Range Utilization Policy.

• 5.1. Public Shooting. The pistol and rifle areas and the single ‘hand-throw’ public trap area of the Big Hollow Shooting Range normally will be open to the general public on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the times posted on the Big Hollow Range calendar. However, the facility will NOT be open unless there is one or more RSO’s present to supervise the public shooting activities. Additionally, at the direction of the Range Coordinator, certain events may take precedence over the public shooting, including hunter education shooting, and other special events. Finally, the facility may be closed for certain unexpected causes, such as fire, severe storms or ice, or other situations that may pose risks to the public, the RSO’s or range users.
• 5.2. Hours of Operation and Scheduling. The normal public range times are as follows:
• 5.2.1. Wednesdays 1300-1600 (during daylight savings 1600-1900).
• 5.2.2. Saturday 0800-1600 (broken into 2 four-hour shifts).
• 5.2.3. Sunday 1000-1400.
• 5.2.4. These hours are subject to change based on volunteer availability. See the Range Calendar for details about which shifts have been signed up for.
• 5.2.5. Tuesday and Thursday are generally reserved for law enforcement training. No groups will be scheduled during this time.
• 5.2.6. Private groups (with the prior approval of the Range Coordinator) and RSOs can use the range on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and before and after public hours on public days. If you are interested in scheduling a private group (this includes an RSO with more than 2 guests) you need to fill out a Range Request Form (on the Website) at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

6. Range Operations.

• 6.1. General. Live fire at the Big Hollow Shooting Range is only permitted towards the range backstop area and at suitable targets (see below). The rules are designed to provide authorized personnel access to a facility where they can safely become proficient with privately-owned firearms.
• 6.2. Ranges. Range availability is at the discretion of the DWR, the Range Coordinator and the RSO in charge of the range. Live-fire shooting is normally limited to the following ranges and equipment:
• 6.2.1. Handgun Range – Handguns of all calibers, BB guns, air guns, and .22 caliber rifles, if authorized by the RSO on duty, the range can also be used for CQB (Close Quarters Basic) rifle practice within the range area and at suitable targets, such as AR-15 and AK-47’s if there is no risk of conflict with handgun users.
• 6.2.2. Rifle Range - Any rifle of any caliber (including muzzle loaders or other black powder firearms), handgun of any caliber, or shotguns with slugs or any shot size, can be used on this range, subject to the authority of the RSO on duty to refuse use of any firearm that the RSO deems to be unsafe due to the condition of the firearm, the actions of the user, or other activities then in process.
• 6.2.3. Hand-thrown Shotgun Range or fun field – This area is not ours and we are guests on their club property. – We must park in the parking area and carry the equipment to the trap field; under no circumstances should anyone drive on the trap field. This Range is only to be used at the discretion of RSO on duty. It is not always open. During the times that the Shotgun club is open all fun field shooters should be referred to them, they will provide a safety briefing and assign an area. When the shotgun club is not open the RSO gives a safety briefing and can assign them only to field #4. The safety briefing should include the following shotgun area rules. 1) Everyone must always have eye and ear protection on. 2) All guns are unloaded with the actions open until the shooter is on the line and it is his turn to shoot. At that time, he can load one shell only and then call for the bird. When two shooters are on the line only one shooter is to have a shell in his gun at a time. When using the hand thrown fun field, we do not allow shooting doubles. 3) Guns must always be pointed in a safe direction, which is up or down range, never down. 4) Only shotguns are permitted. Target loads only. 7-1/2, 8, 9 – lead shot, 3 dram, 1-1/8 ounces maximum. No slugs no steal shot, or other firearms may be used on this range. Only clay targets may be used. 5) Using the diagram below the thrower is positioned at station 3. Up to two shooters can be on the line, one at station 1 and one at station 5. All three need to be on the cement pad and at their station. Care must be taken to ensure that no persons advance in front of the cement area. 6) Anyone using this range is responsible for picking up and properly disposing of ALL trash including empty shotgun shells. When authorized for use of this range by the RSO on duty, one person in the group must be designated as the person responsible for safety including the wearing of proper eye and ear protection and monitoring safe firearms usage. The right to use the range may be rescinded by the RSO on duty if he/she observes any unsafe practices. All BSA groups must have an NRA certified RSO with them while using any ranges. All persons using the shotgun range must sign the sign-in book at the Rifle Range.
• 6.3. Range Firing Procedures. During public hours all Range Users must:
• 6.3.1. Obey all range rules and directions of the RSO on duty.
• 6.3.2. Fire only on scheduled ranges that have a RSO on duty and present.
• 6.3.3. Use only firearms in good working condition and ammunition in each case authorized for the range being used.
• 6.3.4. Use only authorized targets. All wildlife is off limits in this facility.
• 6.3.4.1. In general, only paper targets may be used. Steel targets supplied by the user may be used if approved by the RSO in charge but those must be in good condition and do not pose a risk of a ricochet. Plastic jugs of water, or other similar targets, may be used so long as approved in advance by the RSO in charge and the user is fully responsible for cleaning up and disposing of all debris and litter. In no event shall any glass in any targets or glass targets – cars – TV – monitors – bottles – or other junk be used as a target. Rocks are not suitable targets. Using the rifle range distance marking posts or portable target stand base metal as targets is strictly prohibited.
• 6.3.4.2. Tannerite or any other exploding targets are not approved for use on the range.
• 6.3.5. Check in and Sign in with the RSO immediately upon arriving at the shooting range (See Appendix E)
• 6.3.6. Follow all General Range Rules and safe firearms handling procedures, including:
• 6.3.6.1. Keep the muzzle up when moving onto or off the Range.
• 6.3.6.2. Do not aim at any area outside of the range backstop field.
• 6.3.6.3. Do not load the firearm until ready to shoot.
• 6.3.6.4. Keep finger off the trigger until sites are on the intended target and the shooter is ready to fire.
• 6.3.6.5. Observe all range commands including “Range is Hot”,“Make the Range Safe” and “Range is Cold” .
• 6.3.6.6. Ensure all projectiles impact within the established range backstop firing area.
• 6.3.6.7. Call a "Cease Firing" if there is any unsafe condition; for example the line becomes staggered (one shooter forward of another).
• 6.3.6.8. Wear Eye and Ear protection for all shooters and observers.
• 6.3.6.9. Notify the RSO in charge of any safety infractions.
• 6.3.6.10. Police all brass, paper, and other debris that accumulate on the range and dispose of them in the containers provided.
• 6.4. Limitations on Firearms. Fully automatic firearms may be used, provided that the person first clears the use with the RSO in charge of the range prior to shooting. The RSO can deny any fully-automatic shooting for any reason. At the request of the RSO, the shooter must demonstrate that the shooter has all federal licenses and required paperwork.

7. Shooters Responsibility. All public using firearms at the facility must do the following:

• 7.1. All shooters must check in with the RSO on duty before approaching the firing line (this includes off-duty RSO's).
• 7.2. All shooters will follow all general range rules and firearms handling rules (See Appendix G).
• 7.3. All shooters will conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times and will be responsible for the conduct of any family/guests in their group.
• 7.4. All shooters are responsible for their guns and ammunition while visiting the range. Guns that are out of the case and not being fired must be benched or in the designated gun rack (actions open and facing up, chambers empty, muzzles pointing downrange, and safeties on).
• 7.5. Only handle and load firearms on the firing line after the RSO has given the command: “The Range is Hot”.
• 7.6. When moving firearms to or from the firing line, muzzles must be pointed up or down range and the muzzle must not cross any person. Pointing Down at the cement is not a safe direction.
• 7.7. The shooter must not point the firearm at anything other than authorized targets.
• 7.8. The shooter must fire only at his/her own target.
• 7.9. Any shooter may yell the command “CEASEFIRE” if any unsafe conditions are noticed.
• 7.10. The shooter must follow all instructions from the RSO. The RSO has the right to eject any person exhibiting unsafe or dangerous behavior from the range.
• 7.11. The shooter should assist others in policing the area of brass and any other debris.
• 7.12. No pets are allowed on the firing range during live-fire, but must be located to a safe distance and properly restrained.
• 7.13. Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs. Shooters may not consume alcoholic drinks or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) before or during live-firing. The RSO has the authority to deny range access to anyone that the RSO observes is in violation or who the RSO deems to exhibit impairment.

8. Law Enforcement/Military Groups and YHEC.

8. Law Enforcement/Military Groups.

• 8.1 Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally reserved for military and law enforcement use. These organizations still need to reserve the time with the Range Coordinator to prevent miscommunications and to ensure there is no overlap or duplication. If there are schedule changes the responsible person must notify the Range coordinator to allow others to use the range.
• 8.2 These groups are guests on the range and need to follow the general range rules and the range spicific range rules, defined in the Standard Operating Procedure. They need to provide thier own supplies and equipment. the existing suplies and equipment are the property of the DNR and are for public use under the direction of the range aproved RSO, LE Departments have thier own supplies and equipment budgets. They are responsible to clean up the range after there event. Brass may be left but shotgun hulls, target and trash need to be deposited in the dumpsters. If they use the trash cans they need to be emptied in the dumpster.
• 8.3 So long as a person is an active LE officer, and the range is not then open for public use or a special event. The LE officer may use the range for individual practice. If they want to bring family or non-LE friends to shoot, they need to schedual an event thru the website group request. Groups that include Non-LE individuals need to have a range approved RSO to monitor saftey.
• 8.4 Law Enforcement groups provide their own range officers and are solely responsible for their own activities.
• 8.5 An RSO may use the range on Tuesdays and Thursdays as long as long as there are not any law enforcement or military units scheduled, the same as any other non-public use time.
• 8.6 Law Enforcement Departments should have their own Access to the gates and should not need Access to the conex. They should provide their own equipment and supplies, that are consistant with the SOP. When out of county LE organization's make a group reservation , they will be given access to the gate, by the Range Coordinator.
• 8.7 Hunter Education and Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). One of the key missions of the range is to support the DWR’s hunter education requirement. Hence, hunter education classes take priority as long as they are scheduled in advance. The hunter education instructor should check in with the RSO, but is responsible for providing the range control for their activities, including safety.

Range Rules:

BIG HOLLOW SHOOTING RANGE GENERAL RANGE USE RULES:

1. Obey all safety rules and range rules at all times and all directions from the RSO on duty.
2. Always keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction (up or down range). No finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Actions must be kept open unless line is declared HOT by the RSO. Always check your firearm for live rounds before you take it from the line.
3. No handling of firearms when range is declared COLD by the RSO. Handling of firearms is ONLY permitted (including set up and removal) when the range is declared HOT by the RSO.
4. Ear and eye protection must be worn on range at all times during any firing, including by spectators.
5. No public use of any range unless an RSO is on duty for that range. An exception may be made by the RSO in charge for the single hand-throw shotgun range. However, shot size must be 7 ½ or smaller.
6. No horseplay, drinking, or unsafe behavior on the range. No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs is permitted on the range. No open alcoholic beverage containers will be allowed on the premises.
7. Scheduled events have priority for range use.
8. Range officer on duty has full range authority during any public shooting times! During private shooting by RSO and guests, the first RSO person to arrive will be the Range Officer and responsible for the Rules, unless the parties otherwise designate. All commands of range officer must be obeyed immediately.
9. Upon calling a cease fire, immediately open action, remove live rounds and magazine and cease further handling of guns. Do not retrieve targets until range officer calls “RANGE IS COLD” AND VERBALLY AUTHORIZES PEOPLE TO GO DOWN RANGE.
10. All persons under 18 must have an adult present at all times when shooting.
11. Ranges will be closed for competition, special events, authorized groups and training on designated days. No other use permitted during such time.
12. Shooting at paper targets or designated gongs (when the RSO authorizes) only. No shooting at cans, bottles, junk or other materials. All persons using Range must clean up all debris and brass after shooting and remove all litter! Steel targets at the sole discretion of the RSO.
13. Use of the Range is at the SOLE RISK OF THE USER, WHO SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH USE!
14. No quick draw or rapid semi-automatic fire will be allowed except as authorized by the RSO on duty. Automatic fire only when authorized by the RSO on duty and at the RSO’s sole discretion. RSOs should request the shooters to show a dry fire demonstration of what they intend to do using a safe unloaded gun (inspected by the RSO) or training sim gun prior to considering approval.
15. No pets are allowed on the range except on a leash and at the owners’ risk and away from firing line.
16. All wildlife shall be protected on the Range grounds.
17. Incendiary, tracers, or armor-piercing ammunition shall not be used on the range.
18. Any person disregarding rules, or violating safety procedures or range procedures or causing damage or destruction to range equipment or materials will be subject to ejection from the range.

SAFETY FIRST! WASATCH SHERIFF DISPATCH: DIAL 911