Title 301 | Chapter 003 | Regulation 015REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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TOURISM, ARTS AND HERITAGE CABINET
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
(Amendment)
301 KAR 3:015.Shooting ranges on department-owned or managed lands.
Section 1.
(1)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(3)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(9)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(10)
Section 2.
(1)
Except as established in subsection (2) of this section, if a shooting range exists on department-owned or managed lands, then a person shall not target practice, sight in a firearm, or discharge a firearm on any area except the shooting range.(2)
Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to:(a)
A person legally hunting a game species;(b)
A department employee, range officer, or department-authorized volunteer(c)
A person or group participating in a department-sponsored(d)
A group participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.Section 2.Section 3.
General Shooting Range Requirements.(1)
A person shall not operate firearms, archery equipment, or any other device used to mechanically propel a projectile on a shooting range without possessing a valid shooting range permit, except the following individuals may utilize the ranges without a shooting range permit:(a)
Department personnel engaged in official duties; and(b)
Federal, state, or local law enforcement agency personnel operating pursuant to a written agreement may participate in organized training events without possessing a shooting range permit.(2)
A person operating a firearm, archery equipment, or any other device used to mechanically propel a projectile on a shooting range, shall provide proof they possess a valid shooting range permit upon request by a department game warden.(3)
Except as posted by a department sign or a group(a)
Target stand;(b)
Target; or(c)
Shooting berm.(4)(2)
A person shall not:(a)
Enter a shooting range except at a designated entrance;(b)
Enter a designated safety zone, except as established in subsection (8)(c)
Discharge a firearm:1.
Before 9 a.m.;2.
After sunset, except on a lighted range during scheduled hours of operation; or3.
At any time prohibited by department signage.(d)
Be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicant.(5)(3)
A person shall not use:(a)
A tracer bullet;(b)
Armor piercing ammunition;(c)
A fully automatic firearm;(d)
A rifle cartridge that is .50 caliber or larger;(e)
A muzzle-loading rifle ball, sabot, or bullet larger than .78 caliber;(f)
A cannon or replica thereof;(g)
A mortar or other explosive device;(h)
A grenade; or(i)
An incendiary.(6)(4)
A person shall not:(a)
Leave spent cartridge cases or litter on the range;(b)
Point a firearm in an unsafe direction or otherwise carelessly handle a firearm; or(c)
Use a shooting range at any time or in any manner inconsistent with department-posted signage or department group permit pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(7)(5)
A person under the age of sixteen (16) shall not discharge a firearm on a shooting range unless under the direct supervision of a person at least eighteen (18) years old.(8)(6)
A person actively engaged in shooting or a spectator shall not go beyond the firing line without first clearly communicating to all other shooters to cease fire.(9)(7)
Upon hearing a cease fire command, seeing a person move beyond the firing line, or seeing another unsafe condition(a)
Immediately cease firing;(b)
Unload all firearms;(c)
Leave the action open, with the safety in the "on" position if the firearm has a safety mechanism, on all firearms;(d)
Place all firearms:1.
In a holster;2.
On a table at the shooting station; or3.
On the ground; and(e)
Not handle a firearm while a person is beyond the firing line.(10)(8)
There shall not be more than one (1) person at a shooting station at the same time, unless one (1) person is an instructor and the other is a student.(11)(9)
A person shall immediately obey the range officer's command.(12)(10)
Any spectator and a person handling a firearm shall wear protective eye and ear wear.(13)(11)
Each person shall be limited to one (1) hour of shooting time if anyone is waiting to use the shooting range.(14)(12)
If a scheduled event or department maintenance activities preclude open public use of a shooting range, then the department shall notify the public by:(a)
Posting the closure on the department's Web site at fw.ky.gov; and(b)
Posting a notice at the shooting range or a kiosk or bulletin board on the department-managed area.(15)(13)
A shooting range may be reserved for group use, if:(a)
The group has obtained a department group(b)
The group designates a range officer who shall oversee the event and ensure that all participants are in compliance with this administrative regulation.Section 3.Section 4.
Special Shooting Range Requirements.(1)
In addition to the general shooting range requirements established in Section 2(2)
A person using a tube range shall only:(a)
Shoot from a designated shooting station;(b)
Shoot a firearm through the tube provided at a shooting station;(c)
Use the department-provided target frames;(d)
Place target frames in the ground inserts provided on the tube range; and(e)
Attach paper targets to the target frames.(3)
A person using a tube range shall:(a)
Not shoot a pistol;(b)
Close tube doors when any person is downrange of the firing line;(c)
Not smoke or have any open flame;(d)
Not shoot at any objects on the ground; or(e)
Not use the range on a Monday, except if participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(4)
A person may target shoot on a club-operated shooting range on Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA, Jones-Keeney WMA, Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA, and West Kentucky WMA if the person:(a)
Attends a(b)
Complies with the requirements of this administrative regulation and posted signage on the area; and(c)
Complies with the rules of operation established by the club and the club's range officer.(5)
On a club-operated shooting range, a club or organization shall:(a)
Comply with all WMA group(b)
Post all approved event dates and times that are open to the public:1.
In the WMA clubhouse, if present;2.
On a WMA bulletin board or kiosk; and3.
On the department's website(c)
Provide a range officer who shall oversee each event to ensure that all participants shall be in compliance with the requirements of this administrative regulation.(d)
Submit required reporting information to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(6)
(a)
(b)
(6)(7)
A person using a pistol pit shall:(a)
Only shoot from a designated firing line;(b)
Only use department-provided target frames;(c)
Only attach paper targets to the target frames;(d)
Only use single projectile ammunition;(e)
Not shoot any firearm except a pistol;(f)
Not shoot at any objects on the ground; and(g)
Not use the range on a Monday, except when participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(7)(8)
A person using a self-service trap shooting range shall:(a)
Only use a shotgun with shotshells containing multiple projectile pellets no larger than number two (2);(b)
Provide clay targets and portable target throwers; and(c)
Not target shoot anywhere except at a designated self-service trap shooting station.Approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission
RICH STORM, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 26, 2025
FILED WITH LRC: August 27, 2025 at 12:40 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at KDFWR Administration Building, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2025. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jenny Gilbert, Legislative Liaison, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; phone (502) 564-3400, fax (502) 564-0506, email fwpubliccomments@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jenny Gilbert
Subject Headings:
Fish and Wildlife, Conservation, Firearms and Weapons
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the rules for the use of department owned public shooting ranges.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to establish rules for the safe and equitable usage of department owned shooting ranges, track usage at department owned shooting ranges, and generate income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(h) authorizes the department to make administrative regulations apply to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to establish public shooting grounds. This administrative regulation will help the department better manage those public shooting grounds and determine where to establish additional shooting ranges or enhance existing ones.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation assists in the effective administration of KRS 150.620 by ensuring the public shooting grounds utilized as shooting ranges will encourage and develop public interest in wildlife and carrying out the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky under KRS Chapter 150 by providing the opportunity for members of the public to safely and equitably utilize department owned shooting ranges. Additionally, the regulation protects and conserves the wildlife of this Commonwealth so as to insure a permanent and continued supply of the wildlife resources by ensuring continued federal funding through excise taxes on shooting equipment.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
It will add a free annual shooting range permit for holders of a valid Kentucky annual hunting or fishing license, as well as a paid annual permit and a paid one-day permit for shooting range or range use on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
Increase safety at shooting ranges on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment. Track usage at state owned shooting ranges. Increase income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(h) authorizes the department to make administrative regulations apply to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to establish public shooting grounds. This amendment will help the department better manage those public shooting grounds and determine where to establish additional shooting ranges or enhance existing ones.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment assists in the effective administration of KRS 150.620 by ensuring the public shooting grounds utilized as shooting ranges will encourage and develop public interest in wildlife and carrying out the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky under KRS Chapter 150 by providing the opportunity for members of the public to safely and equitably utilize department owned shooting ranges. The addition of shooting range permits will help the department track usage of department owned shooting ranges to determine public need and generate income to use as match for federal shooting range grants. Additionally, the regulation protects and conserves the wildlife of this Commonwealth so as to ensure a permanent and continued supply of the wildlife resources by ensuring continued federal funding through excise taxes on shooting equipment.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
{If yes, provide the year of the legislation and either the bill number or Ky Acts chapter number being implemented.}: 2024 HB 586 RS established shooting range permits. The provisions associated for use of shooting ranges and associated fees referenced in this regulation are in accordance with 2024 HB 586 RS
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
It will affect all individuals that utilize state owned shooting ranges. It will affect the approximately 20 sportsman’s clubs that currently hold events at department owned ranges and any other groups that choose to utilize them in the future.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. While obtaining said permits, they will be required to acknowledge that they will read and follow posted range rules and range officer directions. Sportsman’s clubs will be required to collect information on those participating in their events and report it to the state as required in 301 KAR 3:010.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
For the individuals: Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. For the sportsman’s clubs: it will not cost them anything. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Increase safety at shooting ranges on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment. Increase income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
$0
(b) On a continuing basis:
$0
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Fish and Game Fund.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering has not been applied.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 150.025 and KRS 150.620
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
2024 HB 586 RS defined a shooting range or range and established shooting range permits.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown at this time
For subsequent years:
Unknown at this time
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
No local government entities should be affected by the regulation.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Organizations that engage in shooting sports and utilize the department ranges would be affected. The entities themselves would not need to acquire permits but individual participants would need to obtain permits.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
We are unable to determine a fiscal impact until the permit has been effective and sold for at least a year as the number of shooters utilizing state-owned shooting ranges is unknown.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
We are using this permit as a tool to track usage of state-owned shooting ranges.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The entities listed in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a) will not have any negative fiscal impact. Only individuals will be impacted.
TOURISM, ARTS AND HERITAGE CABINET
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
(Amendment)
301 KAR 3:015.Shooting ranges on department-owned or managed lands.
Section 1.
(1)
Except as established in subsection (2) of this section, if a shooting range exists on department-owned or managed lands, then a person shall not target practice, sight in a firearm, or discharge a firearm on any area except the shooting range.(2)
Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to:(a)
A person legally hunting a game species;(b)
A department employee, range officer, or department-authorized volunteer in the performance of an official duty;(c)
A person or group participating in a department-sponsored event; or(d)
A group participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.Section 2.
General Shooting Range Requirements.(1)
A person shall not operate firearms, archery equipment, or any other device used to mechanically propel a projectile on a shooting range without possessing a valid shooting range permit, except the following individuals may utilize the ranges without a shooting range permit:(a)
Department personnel engaged in official duties; and(b)
Federal, state, or local law enforcement agency personnel operating pursuant to a written agreement may participate in organized training events without possessing a shooting range permit.(2)
A person operating a firearm, archery equipment, or any other device used to mechanically propel a projectile on a shooting range, shall provide proof they possess a valid shooting range permit upon request by a department game warden.(3)
Except as posted by a department sign or a group permit issued pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010, a person using a shooting range shall only shoot from a designated firing line downrange at a department-provided:(a)
Target stand;(b)
Target; or(c)
Shooting berm.(4)
A person shall not:(a)
Enter a shooting range except at a designated entrance;(b)
Enter a designated safety zone, except as established in subsection (8) of this section;(c)
Discharge a firearm:1.
Before 9 a.m.;2.
After sunset, except on a lighted range during scheduled hours of operation; or3.
At any time prohibited by department signage.(d)
Be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicant.(5)
A person shall not use:(a)
A tracer bullet;(b)
Armor piercing ammunition;(c)
A fully automatic firearm;(d)
A rifle cartridge that is .50 caliber or larger;(e)
A muzzle-loading rifle ball, sabot, or bullet larger than .78 caliber;(f)
A cannon or replica thereof;(g)
A mortar or other explosive device;(h)
A grenade; or(i)
An incendiary.(6)
A person shall not:(a)
Leave spent cartridge cases or litter on the range;(b)
Point a firearm in an unsafe direction or otherwise carelessly handle a firearm; or(c)
Use a shooting range at any time or in any manner inconsistent with department-posted signage or department group permit pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(7)
A person under the age of sixteen (16) shall not discharge a firearm on a shooting range unless under the direct supervision of a person at least eighteen (18) years old.(8)
A person actively engaged in shooting or a spectator shall not go beyond the firing line without first clearly communicating to all other shooters to cease fire.(9)
Upon hearing a cease fire command, seeing a person move beyond the firing line, or seeing another unsafe condition, a person shall:(a)
Immediately cease firing;(b)
Unload all firearms;(c)
Leave the action open, with the safety in the "on" position if the firearm has a safety mechanism, on all firearms;(d)
Place all firearms:1.
In a holster;2.
On a table at the shooting station; or3.
On the ground; and(e)
Not handle a firearm while a person is beyond the firing line.(10)
There shall not be more than one (1) person at a shooting station at the same time, unless one (1) person is an instructor and the other is a student.(11)
A person shall immediately obey the range officer's command.(12)
Any spectator and a person handling a firearm shall wear protective eye and ear wear.(13)
Each person shall be limited to one (1) hour of shooting time if anyone is waiting to use the shooting range.(14)
If a scheduled event or department maintenance activities preclude open public use of a shooting range, then the department shall notify the public by:(a)
Posting the closure on the department's Web site at fw.ky.gov; and(b)
Posting a notice at the shooting range or a kiosk or bulletin board on the department-managed area.(15)
A shooting range may be reserved for group use, if:(a)
The group has obtained a department group permit pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010; and(b)
The group designates a range officer who shall oversee the event and ensure that all participants are in compliance with this administrative regulation.Section 3.
Special Shooting Range Requirements.(1)
In addition to the general shooting range requirements established in Section 2 of this administrative regulation, a person shall comply with the special shooting range requirements established in subsections (2) through (8) of this section.(2)
A person using a tube range shall only:(a)
Shoot from a designated shooting station;(b)
Shoot a firearm through the tube provided at a shooting station;(c)
Use the department-provided target frames;(d)
Place target frames in the ground inserts provided on the tube range; and(e)
Attach paper targets to the target frames.(3)
A person using a tube range shall:(a)
Not shoot a pistol;(b)
Close tube doors when any person is downrange of the firing line;(c)
Not smoke or have any open flame;(d)
Not shoot at any objects on the ground; or(e)
Not use the range on a Monday, except if participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(4)
A person may target shoot on a club-operated shooting range on Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA, Jones-Keeney WMA, Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA, and West Kentucky WMA if the person:(a)
Attends a scheduled event coordinated and sponsored by a department-authorized club;(b)
Complies with the requirements of this administrative regulation and posted signage on the area; and(c)
Complies with the rules of operation established by the club and the club's range officer.(5)
On a club-operated shooting range, a club or organization shall:(a)
Comply with all WMA group permit requirements pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010;(b)
Post all approved event dates and times that are open to the public:1.
In the WMA clubhouse, if present;2.
On a WMA bulletin board or kiosk; and3.
On the department's website at fw.ky.gov.(c)
Provide a range officer who shall oversee each event to ensure that all participants shall be in compliance with the requirements of this administrative regulation.(d)
Submit required reporting information to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(6)
A person using a pistol pit shall:(a)
Only shoot from a designated firing line;(b)
Only use department-provided target frames;(c)
Only attach paper targets to the target frames;(d)
Only use single projectile ammunition;(e)
Not shoot any firearm except a pistol;(f)
Not shoot at any objects on the ground; and(g)
Not use the range on a Monday, except when participating in a department-approved event pursuant to 301 KAR 3:010.(7)
A person using a self-service trap shooting range shall:(a)
Only use a shotgun with shotshells containing multiple projectile pellets no larger than number two (2);(b)
Provide clay targets and portable target throwers; and(c)
Not target shoot anywhere except at a designated self-service trap shooting station.Approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission
RICH STORM, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 26, 2025
FILED WITH LRC: August 27, 2025 at 12:40 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at KDFWR Administration Building, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2025. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jenny Gilbert, Legislative Liaison, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; phone (502) 564-3400, fax (502) 564-0506, email fwpubliccomments@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jenny Gilbert
Subject Headings:
Fish and Wildlife, Conservation, Firearms and Weapons
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the rules for the use of department owned public shooting ranges.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to establish rules for the safe and equitable usage of department owned shooting ranges, track usage at department owned shooting ranges, and generate income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(h) authorizes the department to make administrative regulations apply to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to establish public shooting grounds. This administrative regulation will help the department better manage those public shooting grounds and determine where to establish additional shooting ranges or enhance existing ones.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation assists in the effective administration of KRS 150.620 by ensuring the public shooting grounds utilized as shooting ranges will encourage and develop public interest in wildlife and carrying out the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky under KRS Chapter 150 by providing the opportunity for members of the public to safely and equitably utilize department owned shooting ranges. Additionally, the regulation protects and conserves the wildlife of this Commonwealth so as to insure a permanent and continued supply of the wildlife resources by ensuring continued federal funding through excise taxes on shooting equipment.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
It will add a free annual shooting range permit for holders of a valid Kentucky annual hunting or fishing license, as well as a paid annual permit and a paid one-day permit for shooting range or range use on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
Increase safety at shooting ranges on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment. Track usage at state owned shooting ranges. Increase income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(h) authorizes the department to make administrative regulations apply to a limited area or to the entire state. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to establish public shooting grounds. This amendment will help the department better manage those public shooting grounds and determine where to establish additional shooting ranges or enhance existing ones.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment assists in the effective administration of KRS 150.620 by ensuring the public shooting grounds utilized as shooting ranges will encourage and develop public interest in wildlife and carrying out the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky under KRS Chapter 150 by providing the opportunity for members of the public to safely and equitably utilize department owned shooting ranges. The addition of shooting range permits will help the department track usage of department owned shooting ranges to determine public need and generate income to use as match for federal shooting range grants. Additionally, the regulation protects and conserves the wildlife of this Commonwealth so as to ensure a permanent and continued supply of the wildlife resources by ensuring continued federal funding through excise taxes on shooting equipment.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
{If yes, provide the year of the legislation and either the bill number or Ky Acts chapter number being implemented.}: 2024 HB 586 RS established shooting range permits. The provisions associated for use of shooting ranges and associated fees referenced in this regulation are in accordance with 2024 HB 586 RS
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
It will affect all individuals that utilize state owned shooting ranges. It will affect the approximately 20 sportsman’s clubs that currently hold events at department owned ranges and any other groups that choose to utilize them in the future.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. While obtaining said permits, they will be required to acknowledge that they will read and follow posted range rules and range officer directions. Sportsman’s clubs will be required to collect information on those participating in their events and report it to the state as required in 301 KAR 3:010.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
For the individuals: Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. For the sportsman’s clubs: it will not cost them anything. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Increase safety at shooting ranges on lands owned or managed by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement, or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment. Increase income to use as match for federal shooting range grants.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
$0
(b) On a continuing basis:
$0
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Fish and Game Fund.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
Each individual would be required to obtain either a free or paid permit in order to use state owned ranges. Fees for the permits outlined in this administrative regulation can be found at 301 KAR 5:022 and referenced at fw.ky.gov/licenses/pages/fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering has not been applied.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 150.025 and KRS 150.620
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
2024 HB 586 RS defined a shooting range or range and established shooting range permits.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown at this time
For subsequent years:
Unknown at this time
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
No local government entities should be affected by the regulation.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Organizations that engage in shooting sports and utilize the department ranges would be affected. The entities themselves would not need to acquire permits but individual participants would need to obtain permits.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
$0
For subsequent years:
$0
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
We are unable to determine a fiscal impact until the permit has been effective and sold for at least a year as the number of shooters utilizing state-owned shooting ranges is unknown.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
We are using this permit as a tool to track usage of state-owned shooting ranges.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The entities listed in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a) will not have any negative fiscal impact. Only individuals will be impacted.