Drumheller & District Shooters Association
Range Rules
SECTION 1 – GENERAL
Revisions
These Range Operating Instructions cover the use of the range facility operated by the Drumheller & District Shooters Association. All Members are designated Safety Officers (SO) and all range users are required to read and sign these Range Operating Instructions. Requests for exemptions from any of the provisions given in these Range Operating Instructions shall be submitted in writing to the Range Operator for approval.
These Range Operating Instructions have been published and revised on the dates listed below:
- Original publication – August 1, 200X
- Revision publication – March 13, 2024
SECTION 2 – RANGE FACILITY
Range Descriptions
The range facility has multiple ranges. A description of each operational range is listed below:
• Rifle Range “A”
Description: 300 m rifle range
No. Firing Points: 1 (11 bench)
Firing Distances: 25, 100, 200, and 300 metres
Approved Firearms: Bolt action and semi-automatic rifles
Maximum Approved Calibres: .338 Lapua Magnum NO .50BMG
Approved Targets: Paper targets and range operator provided steel reactive target(s)
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead RN – No incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armour piercing bullet designs
• Pistol Range “B”
Description: 15 m handgun
No. Firing Points: 3
Firing Distances: Variable firing line, from 7 to 15 metres
Approved Firearms: rimfire & centre-fire handguns, all types,
Maximum Approved Calibres: .357 S&W Magnum
Approved Targets: Paper targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead RN – No incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armour piercing bullet designs
• Pistol Range “C”
Description: 15 m handgun
No. Firing Points: 3
Firing Distances: Variable firing line, from 7 to 15 metres
Approved Firearms: rimfire & centre-fire handguns, all types,
Maximum Approved Calibres: .357 S&W Magnum
Approved Targets: Paper targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead RN – No incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armour piercing bullet designs
• Archery Range
Description: 75 m archery range
No. Firing Points: 2
Firing Distances: 75 metres
Approved Firearms: Bows, any type
SECTION 3 – PERSONNEL
Safety Officer
• All members utilizing the range are safety officers and have authority to conduct authorized shooting practices and matches
on the range property. If more than one member (SO) is present, an SO must be designated.
• SO’s have the responsibility to supervise all personnel (shooting and non-shooting alike) present on the property and reserve
the right to have members and/or non-members removed at their discretion.
• All members (SO’s) must address any rule infractions and inform the Executive Team of the infraction, with date, time,
individual committing the infraction (membership #), and the infraction witnessed.
• If there are multiple shooters, a range officer must be appointed and obeyed.
• Members must have their membership cards on their person at all times while on DDSA property.
Guests and Spectators
• While we encourage guests, members abusing this privilege will have their membership revoked.
• Guests must be under the direct supervision of their sponsor at all times, and must sign into the Guest book with their name
and ID number of member.
• We are allowed 10 Guest members per year with a maximum of 2 Guests at a time.
• PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN IN SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE INSURANCE FOR OUR GUESTS
SECTION 4 – RANGE OPERATIONS
Access
• The access gate to the range must be locked at all times.
• Only events sanctioned by the Executive Team, or scheduled work bees can close the range to members.
Flags
A RED flag must be flown from the flag pole at the main entrance when firing is being conducted on any range within the facility. Additionally, each range has specific flags that must be flown when in use. They are:
• RIFLE RANGE “A”
o RED flag at the firing line; green flag when firing has ceased.
• PISTOL RANGE “B”
o RED flag at the table; green flag when firing has ceased.
• PISTOL RANGE “C”
o RED flag at the shelter; green flag when firing has ceased.
• ARCHERY RANGE
o RED flag at the table; remove flag when firing has ceased.
Firing Line Safety
ABSOLUTELY NO handling of firearms while people are downrange!
NO FIRING FROM IN FRONT OF THE FIRING LINE NO EXCEPTIONS. ie NO CLOSE QUARTER DRILLS
• RIFLE RANGE “A”
o Muzzle direction must be in a safe direction and/or downrange at all times while on the range, UNLESS, when a cease fire
is declared, all firearms must be unloaded, PROVED safe, and stored upright in vertical racks.
o Pistols are allowed to be fired on the rifle range from behind the firing line only.
o When the green flag is raised ALL firearms including pistols must be stored behind the firing line.
• PISTOL RANGE “B”
o Muzzle direction must be in a safe direction and/or downrange at all times while on the range, UNLESS, PROVED safe,
and bolstered, or cased.
• PISTOL RANGE “C”
o Muzzle direction must be in a safe direction and/or downrange at all times while on the range, UNLESS, PROVED safe,
and bolstered, or cased.
Targets
Only Drumheller & District Shooters Association approved paper targets, as described below, may be used:
• RIFLE RANGE “A” – Paper, or DDSA approved & supplied steel reactive targets
• PISTOL RANGE “B” – Paper, or DDSA approved & supplied reactive targets
• PISTOL RANGE “C” – Paper, or DDSA approved & supplied reactive targets
• ARCHERY RANGE – Paper, archery blocks/bags, or 3D targets
At no time can glass, bottles, pop cans, plastic, rocks or similar targets be used on the range facility.
Absolutely no Tannerite/Explosive Targets.
Paper targets must be placed on the provided backstops in such a way to prevent damage to supports. At no time can targets be placed on the containment berm’s, hills, ground or posts.
Targets must be elevated so that ONLY THE BACKSTOP is visible below and behind the target from the shooting position’s line of sight. If the ground in front of the backstop is visible below and/or behind the target, it is too low. All targets need to be elevated off of the ground. ALL TARGETS MUST BE LOCATED IN FRONT OF A MAN MADE BACKSTOP (ie: dirt mound).
Log Book
All members must sign in upon entering the facilities. The sign in book is located in the clubhouse. Members must sign in with their membership number only. If members is bringing guests, the full name of the guest must also be provided, (Insurance requirement).
Ammunition
• All spent cartridge cases must be collected and disposed of in containers provided or removed from the range.
• The use of tracer, incendiary, steel core, explosive or similar ammunition is prohibited.
• Only authorized calibres and types of ammunition may be used on any range.
Permitted Arcs of Fire
The maximum permitted arcs of fire for each range are listed below:
• RIFLE RANGE “A”
o Plus or minus (+/-) 1 firing point at all distances.
• PISTOL RANGE “B”
o +/- 4 firing points between 5 m and 15 m firing line.
• PISTOL RANGE “C”
o +/- 4 firing points between 5 m and 15 m firing line.
• ARCHERY RANGE
o +/- 1 firing point at all ranges.
Firing
The following firing guidelines are applicable to all ranges on the complex:
• No firing before 9 AM and no firing 10 minutes after sunset, no firing after 9 PM.
• No firing can occur whenever conditions impair visibility. (fog/snow/darkness)
• Loaded firearms shall never be left unattended.
Firearm Type Approvals (By Range)
Shotguns and Shot Shells are NOT permitted to be used on the property under any circumstances. This is a property use condition and cannot be changed.
The following firearms types are approved for use on the ranges as indicated.
• RIFLE RANGE “A”
o Bolt action and semi-automatic rifles. Up to .338 Laupua Magnum maximum caliber.
• PISTOL RANGE “B”
o Centre-fire and rim-fire calibre handguns, No rifles, carbines, or rifle caliber pistols.
• PISTOL RANGE “C”
o Centre-fire and rim-fire calibre handguns, No rifles, carbines, or rifle caliber pistols.
• ARCHERY RANGE
o Bows, all types
Explosives
The detonation of explosive devices is prohibited on the range property.
Firearm Inspection Areas
Located on Ranges B and C are areas designed for the safe inspection of loaded or unloaded firearms. They are noted by signs stating, “Caution: Firearm Inspection Area.” All firearms arriving at the range must be cleared at the firearm inspection area or remain cased and then cleared on an active firing line by an RO.
• RIFLE RANGE “A”
o Not applicable.
• PISTOL RANGE “B”
o The inspection area is a table placed at the rear corner of the pistol bay.
• PISTOL RANGE “C”
o The inspection area is a table placed at the rear corner of the pistol bay.
• ARCHERY RANGE
o The inspection area is the table provided on the range.
Hunting
Hunting on the range site is strictly forbidden. Additionally, if wildlife is present on the range, all firing must immediately cease until the wildlife has moved off of the range.
Safety Zones
Each range has a safety (danger) area designed for specific firearms and calibres. These areas are out of bounds (no trespassing) areas designed to contain overshoot and ricocheting bullets. Every reasonable effort shall be extended by the SO to ensure that the safety area does not have people in it during range operations.
Range Closures during Range Operations
Range Closures must be sanctioned by the Executive Team, which include sanctioned events, work bees, etc. And will be posted in advance on the Drumheller & District Shooters Association website under Events.
Garbage
• Burning of garbage is prohibited. All garbage is to be collected, bagged and taken to the garbage bin located in the main
parking lot area or otherwise removed from the range property. This includes the used paper targets from target backboards.
• Pick up all brass, containers are provided.
• If you see anything requiring changing, cleaned, repaired, inform the Executive Team.
Etiquette
Never enter any range (A-C) when the red flag is displayed without announcing yourself and being invited by the users.
Handguns
All handguns must be holstered or cased except while on an active firing line or while in the inspection area.
SECTION 5 – RANGE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Spectators
Spectators will follow all directions given to them by the SO. Spectators must remain 5 metres behind any active firing line.
Hearing and Eye Protection
Hearing protection for shooters and range staff in near proximity to an active firing line is mandatory. Eye protection for shooters and range staff in near proximity to an active firing line is highly recommended.
Cease Fire
Any person on the range may call a “Cease Fire” if they sense or see something wrong. This
should be given loudly and clearly. Once the concern is rectified, the acting RO, give the range is
“Hot” command. See Appendices.
Holsters
Holsters are allowed to be used by members on the pistol bays only. No concealed carry is allowed.
• If moving between range “B” and “C” only, handguns must be proved safe and holstered, or cased. At all other times handguns
must be cased to be moved.
• Cross-draw, or shoulder holsters are not permitted.
Harassment & Bullying
Unwanted offensive or threatening behavior towards members, board members, guests or volunteers will not be tolerated. Report any such behavior to a Board member for investigation.
Alcohol / Drugs
The use of, or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or any medications that cause impairments is strictly prohibited on DDSA property.
Smoking
• Smoking is permitted in the range areas.
• Smoking is not permitted on any firing point.
• Smokers should be encouraged to wash their hands after shooting and before smoking due to the hazard posed by the
possible ingestion of lead.
• All smoking materials (butts, etc.) are to be disposed of in the containers provided.
Supervision of Children
Children under the age of eighteen (18) must be supervised by a PAL-holding club member
while on the property and must be within arms-reach of the adult member if engaging in
shooting. Children running around or put in the range shelters while parents shoot will not be
tolerated.
Dogs
Dogs must be always leashed when on DDSA property.
Emergency Access
Emergency Personnel are provided with an emergency access code.
• Town of Drumheller Fire Department
• Emergency Ambulance Services
• RCMP
SECTION 6 – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Drumheller & District Shooters Association Compliance
The Drumheller & District Shooters Association (DDSA) must comply with:
• Canadian Firearms Act & Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges Regulations
• Alberta Chief Firearms Officer
• Insurance Providers
• Alberta Societies Act
• Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association Lease Agreement
Membership
Membership is based upon a calendar year, and will expire at the end of the calendar year irrespective of the date the membership was granted.
Membership in good standing is required for access privileges to the range.
Violation(s) of any of the Range Rules may result in the immediate permanent loss of your membership, and forfeiture of your membership fees.
Access
Members receive a gate code when they complete their range safety orientation. There is a single code per single or family membership.
Providing a gate code to non-member voids the members insurance coverage provided through the club, and makes the member personally liable.
The main entry gate requires entry of the assigned access code with the “#” sign at the end of the code entry to open the gate. Gate must remain closed at all times, the only exception is strictly by range executive.
The gate will record use of the gate code, which is stored by DDSA.
Additionally, a camera security system is in place to monitor all ranges.
Parking
There are gates to provide access in the event of an emergency or maintenance operations. These are clearly marked with no parking signs, as is a handicap parking area. Parking on the gravel, or on the grass along the wooden parking blocks is allowed.
Guest Policy & Fee
Members are allowed to bring in 2 guests up to 5 times a year. Members accept full responsibility for their guests and are responsible to supervise them at all times.
The Guest fee is posted on the lockbox, and must be paid. (Insurance costs)
Incidents & Injuries
Incidents and/or abuse of the rules may be reported to:
info@d-dsa.ca or complete an incident form located in the clubhouse and forward to any executive member.
Injuries
In case of emergency call 9-1-1, advise the municipal address is SW 31-28-19-W4 (Also posted in each shelter)
• Make sure that you state there’s been an ACCIDENT. Any other dialogue may result in a delay of critical emergency response
• Report any accident/incidents by filling out the incident form (found in the clubhouse), and send that report to the club at
info@d-dsa.ca
• Inform the club executive at 403-823-0155
Serious Injuries, as a result of a firearms accident, require the club to file a Personal Injury Report with the Alberta Chief Firearms Office, and RCMP.
The members present are required to work with the DDSA Executive to file the injury report.
Small First Aid Kits are located in each shelter, and the clubhouse. Please inform the club if any of them require restocking.
APPENDIX “A” – SITE PLAN
APPENDIX “B” – Range “A” Rifle Range Rules
Range “A” Rifle Range Rules
[Rimfire, Handgun, Black Powder, Centerfire up to .338]
1. Safety First! Safety is Everyone’s responsibility. The first person on the range automatically assumes Range Officer duties for Safety Flag operation.
2. Wear Eye and Ear protection. Check with shooters before shooting and ensure they have protection in place.
3. Declare a Cease Fire among all shooters to retrieve or post targets.
4. Preparing for Cease Fire:
a. Unload Firearm and Open / Clear Action
b. Rack or Case Long Firearms
c. Case, or Rack Handguns
d. Remove Red Flag,
e. Raise Green Flag on firing line
5. Never Handle a Firearm during a Cease Fire, unless cased.
6. Never Step in Front of the Firing Line while Range is Live.
7. No Firearms on the Range past the Firing Line.
8. No Exploding Targets, No Steel Jacketed, Penetrator, or Tracer Bullets.
9. Reduce Ricochet Danger
a. Use only Club approved gongs, target stands and paper targets
b. Position targets so bullets strike the backstop, not the ground or the berms
c. Never shoot at stones or targets resting on the ground
10. Do not abuse target stands on the range.
11. Report abuse of rules at, contact
a. info@d-dsa.ca or
b. Call the President or Vice President of the DDSA
APPENDIX “C” – Range “B” & “C” Pistol Bay Rules
Range “B” & “C” Pistol Range Rules
[Handgun only, .44 mag]
1. Safety First! Safety is Everyone’s responsibility. The first person on the range automatically assumes Range Officer duties for Safety Flag operation.
2. Wear Eye and Ear protection. Check with shooters before shooting and ensure they have protection in place.
3. Declare a Cease Fire among all shooters to retrieve or post targets.
4. Preparing for Cease Fire:
a. Unload Handgun and Show Clear: Magazine Out, Chamber or Cylinder Empty, and Hammer Down on Empty Chamber
b. Place Firearm on “Safe” Bench pointing in a safe direction, Case, Holster, or Rack
c. Case, or Rack Handguns
d. Lower Red Flag on firing line
e. Raise Green Flag on firing line
5. Never Handle a Firearm during a Cease Fire, unless cased.
6. Never Step in Front of the Firing Line while Range is Live.
7. No Firearms on the Range past the Firing Line except: An unloaded and proved “SAFE” Holstered Handgun is permitted.
8. No Exploding Targets, No Steel Jacketed, Penetrator, or Tracer Bullets.
9. Reduce Ricochet Danger
a. Use only Club approved gongs, target stands and paper targets
b. Position targets so bullets strike the backstop, not the ground or the berms
c. Never shoot at stones or targets resting on the ground
10. Do not abuse target stands on the range.
11. Report abuse of rules at, contact
a. info@d-dsa.ca or
b. Call the President or Vice President of the DDSA
APPENDIX “D” – Range “D” Archery Bay Rules
Range “D” Archery Range Rules
[Bow and Arrow ONLY: No Firearms]
1. Safety First! Safety is Everyone’s responsibility. The first person on the range automatically assumes Range Officer duties.
2. Communicate with each other and check with shooters before shooting.
3. Declare a Cease Fire among all shooters to retrieve arrows.
4. Preparing for Cease Fire, Range Officer monitors the Firing Line and Puts a No Shoot Marker Up
a. Bows, and Arrows: Do not nock Arrows
b. Leave Bows at Firing Line
c. Retrieve Arrows; If alone Put a No Shoot Marker Up
5. Use Only Field Points, No Broad Head Arrow Points, on field butts and animals.
6. Never Step in Front of the Firing Line while archery range is live.
7. No Cross Firing; Make sure of your target, Aim Down Field and ensure arrow lands safely if you miss.
8. Never Fire High into the Air.
9. Reduce Ricochet Danger
a. Never shoot at the ground; Use target butts and animal targets provided
b. Ensure Arrows Strike the End Berm if you miss.
10. Do not abuse target stands on the range.
11. Report abuse of rules at, contact
a. info@d-dsa.ca or
b. Call the President or Vice President of the DDSA @ 403-823-0155
APPENDIX “E” – EMERGENCY INFORMATION
- Emergency Phone Numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1
- Town of Drumheller (24hr): 403-823-2512
- Non-Emergency Phone Numbers
- Police: 403-823-7590
- Town of Drumheller: 403-823-7590
- Range Phone# 403-823-0155
- Hospitals
The location of area hospitals is listed below:
Drumheller Health Center (Travel time – 10 minutes)
351 9 Street NW, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1