MO Department of Conservation closes Pigeon Hill shooting range indefinitely

Firearm damage to regulation signs at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is further evidence of unsafe range behavior. Rogue shots outside of the designated target area create an unsafe environment for the public/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation

By MATT PIKE

The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed all shooting ranges at the Pigeon Hill Conservation Area in Buchanan County indefinitely.

The Department says while the rest of the conservation area will remain open to the public, an investigation of the shooting ranges showed misuse which put public safety at risk forcing the closure.

“Unfortunately, the actions of unsafe, irresponsible shooting range users created a situation that we could not allow to persist,” Justin McGuire, the Departments Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator says in a news release.

Despite increased patrols and other security measures the practices the department has deemed unsafe have continued. Photographs from the department showed firearm damage to restrooms as an example.

“This decision was not made lightly," Department Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, “but it was the responsible course of action. Our first priority is the safety of the shooting range users and others in the area.”

While the Pigeon Hill shooting ranges have been closed there are other areas available for target shooting, including the Elam Bend Conservation Area in Gentry County.

Firearm damage to a restroom building at Pigeon Hill Conservation Area, as photographed above, is one example of evidence of unsafe range behavior that led to the range closures. Firearms aimed anywhere besides the designated targets pose a serious threat to public safety./ Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation

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