Range Rules

Range Rules At a Glance

This is an overview of DCSC policies. You are responsible for adhering to all DCSC Range Use Policies.  Please refer to the full Range Use Policies (below) for complete details.

• GUN SAFETY
  • Always follow standard gun safety rules:
    
    • Assume all guns are always loaded.
    • Never allow a muzzle to point at any person.
    • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard when not shooting.
    • Know your target and what’s beyond it.
  • Before going downrange:
    
    • Guns must be unloaded with actions open or flagged, or
    • Guns must be cased or holstered.
  • While shooters are downrange:
    
    • No firearms may be handled.
  • Muzzle Direction:
    
    • Muzzles may only point downrange from the firing line—never uprange.
  • Transporting Firearms:
    
    • Use cases or holsters when possible.
    • Otherwise, guns must be unloaded, action open or flagged, and:
      
      • Muzzle straight up when carried, or
      • Slung securely when moving.
• RANGE SAFETY
  
  • Prohibited:
    
    • Consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or mind-altering substances before or while on DCSC property.
    • Climbing on safety berms.
  • Requirements & Best Practices:
    
    • Elevation of fire must remain below the tops of berms and target backers.
    • Range Officer Required when 4 or more shooters use the same bay.
      
      • Anyone may serve as Range Officer, coordinating firing and cease-fire.
  • Dry firing is only allowed:
    
    • With firearms pointed downrange, and
    • From designated firing points or in a Safety Area, in a safe direction.
• RANGE STEWARDSHIP
  
  • Never move the provided target backers.
  • Never shoot at wildlife.
  • No shotgun shot on wooden target backers.
  • Pick up all trash.
    
    • Metal cartridge casings can stay.
  • No breakable targets except clay pigeons.
  • Consult signage for facility- or bay-specific rules.
• TARGET PLACEMENT
  
  • 100- & 300-yard bays: Targets must be placed on provided target backers.
  • 50-yard or shorter bays: Users may bring their own stands.
  • Do NOT place targets directly on the ground.
    
    • Use stands or backers for all targets.
  • Prohibited Targets & Ammo:
    
    • No photo targets of real people.
    • No incendiaries, tracers, or pyrotechnics.
• IDENTIFICATION & RULES ENFORCEMENT
  
  • Membership Verification:
    
    • Members must carry credentials while using the DCSC.
      
      • Proof of membership & photo ID must be shown upon request by any WMFGA member.
  • Violations & Enforcement:
    
    • Violating any rule, vandalism, or unsafe activity is grounds for membership revocation.
    • All members are authorized to enforce these rules.
      
      • Report rule violations to:
        
        • The contacts listed in the “DCSC Contacts” section of this document.
        • Any WMFGA Board Member.
• MEMBERSHIP & GUESTS
  
  • Outdoor shooting is allowed only during daylight hours.
  • DCSC access is restricted to:
    
    • Members
    • Guests under the guest policy
    • Participants in board-approved events
  • Guest Policy:
    
    • Members may host up to 2 guests at a time.
    • The same person may visit as a guest up to twice per year.
    • Exceptions apply for kids and certain immediate family—see full policies.
  • Youth Under 16:
    
    • Must be directly supervised.
    • Must follow all Range Rules.
  • Gate Security:
    
    • The gate must remain closed and locked except during board-approved events.
    • Never share access codes or key cards.

Full Deer Creek Shooting Center Member Guidebook & Policies:

Click here to view/download as .PDF

WMFGA's Mission

The WMFGA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, located in Missoula, Montana. We are a membership-based organization that owns and operates the Deer Creek Shooting Center (DCSC).  The mission of the WMFGA is to provide safe and accessible recreational shooting to its members, foster firearm safety, encourage youth shooting opportunities, support and promote wildlife management for sportsmen, and protect Montanans' right to keep and bear arms.