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Operational Changes Include Scheduling Shooting Times Online

PHOENIX - Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers should expect some operational changes when one of the nation's largest publicly operated shooting facilities reopens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 13.

To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted. BASF customers can reserve shooting times on the rifle and pistol ranges, as well as the Clay Target Center (CTC), by visiting

http://www.azgfd.gov/scheduleashoot .

At this time, the shooting facility is unable to accommodate walk-in customers. Any changes to this policy will be based on reopening guidelines for businesses and customers, as outlined by the Governor's Office.

"BASF's implementation of a new online reservation system is two-fold: We want to maximize the shooting opportunities that this world-class facility has to offer, while maintaining common sense health practices," said Mike Raum, shooting sports branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

To book a reservation:

* Visit http://www.azgfd.gov/scheduleashoot and select a shooting location (rifle and pistol ranges, archery range, CTC).

* Select a date, time, and check for availability. Note: A reservation is not needed to shoot on the archery range. Archers can purchase a daily pass online, or pay a daily fee (cash only) near the archery range entrance.

* Once a selection has been made, review the new process rules. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, enter payment to book the reservation.

* There is no canceling or rescheduling a reservation after it has been booked.

* A reservation is for one hour, which allows for a five-minute safety briefing and setup at the range, five minutes for packing up equipment, and 50 minutes for shooting.

* Equipment, like shotgun ammunition, and eye and hearing protection, also can be purchased online when booking a reservation. Those items can be picked up during the safety briefing.

To maximize shooting opportunities, all rifle and pistol shooting will be done at steel targets. There will be no ceasefire periods to post or remove paper targets. Targets will be placed between 15 and 25 yards for pistol shooters, and between 100 and 200 yards for rifle shooters. Shooters are asked to arrive no later than 10 minutes before the beginning of their one-hour reservation. Note: To accomodate junior shooters, there will be

five shooting tables set aside in a "family" area for an adult and junior to shoot together. Juniors are allowed to shoot only in the family area and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

CTC's operational guidelines are similar; shooters are asked to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the beginning of their one-hour reservation, preloaded Gold Cards will not be accepted (shooters must pay the price posted online), and each round consists of 25 targets (except for doubles trap). A shooter is allowed a maximum of two rounds per reservation. All shooting must be completed within 50 minutes (per reservation).

All first-time CTC shooters are required to watch a safety briefing and acknowledge they have viewed it. A consent form also must be completed for each minor in the group, if a parent is not present.

To maintain social distancing, safety officers cannot provide personalized instruction. For everyone's safety, a "zero tolerance" policy will be strictly enforced. Any shooter who operates his or her firearm(s) or acts in an unsafe manner will be asked to leave the facility.