TUCSON – COVID-19 concerns are forcing the temporary closures of shooting ranges in Pima County. The Pima Counry Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department is closing Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range, Southeast Archery Range, Southeast Clay Target Center and the Tucson Mountain Park Rifle and Pistol Range, effective Monday, April 6, and until further notice.
According to Pima County, “many of the rangemasters and a significant portion of the volunteer line safety officers are unable to continue to be out in the public for the duration of the pandemic.
The Virgil Ellis Rifle and Pistol Range in Ajo and the Tucson Mountain Park Archery Range will remain open since both are unstaffed.
“The presence of qualified rangemasters and trained volunteers is essential to operating a safe shooting range, said Cliff Gyves, Shooting Sports Program Director. These highly trained individuals go through intense training and cannot be replaced with Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department staff.