DNR to ban automatic weapons, exploding targets, drinking at ranges

Gun rights activists frustrated

There’s some frustration over proposed DNR rules at shooting ranges in Wisconsin.  

The agency wants to ban automatic weapons, exploding targets and drinking at the ranges it operates.  

The exploding targets is one thing, says Nik Clark, president of Wisconsin Carry, but taking away the ability to crack a beer in the parking lot after a few rounds on the shooting range doesn’t make sense to him.

“This is another example of gun discrimination where, just because of the presence of a gun, there’s some feeling, some mentality that, ‘Oh we must, we should ban alcohol from the premise,'” Clark said.

The DNR owns several ranges around the state but doesn’t have a uniform set of regulations for them.  

“(It’s) again, nanny government,” Clark said. “It’s infringing on the rights of someone who, their sport of choice, happens to be shooting, versus someone who’s sport of choice happens to be biking or any other outdoor activity.

“If those people want to, after they get done shooting at a shooting range, go to the parking lot and socialize with a beverage of their choice around the tailgate of their car, I see no problem with that.”

The agency’s board will consider the new rules next month.