Safety Rules

Clay Shooting Club Safety Rules – Kosko Shotgun Sports Complex

Safety is our top priority at Kosko Shotgun Sports Complex. Every person using our clay shooting facilities must follow these comprehensive safety rules. This includes all sporting clays, trap shooting, skeet shooting, and five-stand activities.

Required Safety Equipment

Eye and Ear Protection – You must wear eye protection and ear protection at all times while on the shooting grounds. This rule applies during all clay target shooting activities and whenever you are in designated shooting areas.

Appropriate Footwear

Clothing – Avoid loose clothing that could interfere with gun operation.

General Course Safety Rules

Firearm Handling

  • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded at all times
  • Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to destroy
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
  • Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
  • Actions must remain open when not actively shooting

Course Protocols

  • No loaded firearms except when stationed at designated shooting positions
  • Wait for “Pull” command – Only call for targets when ready and in proper shooting stance
  • Muzzle control – Keep muzzles pointed downrange or safely skyward at all times
  • Safe zones only – Load firearms only in designated shooting stations
  • Unload immediately when leaving shooting station

Movement and Communication

  • Follow designated pathways between stations
  • No movement during active shooting sequences
  • Call “CEASE FIRE” if you observe any unsafe condition

For Everyone’s Safety – Please DO NOT:

  • Enter active sporting clays or 5-stand courses (shot spray can come from unexpected directions)
  • Move, adjust, or tamper with any machines or equipment
  • Connect batteries or attempt electrical work on machines
  • Disturb machines that appear inactive (some are positioned as backups)
  • Consume alcohol or drugs before or during shooting activities
  • Use damaged or malfunctioning equipment
  • Shoot at anything other than authorized clay targets
  • Handle firearms outside designated areas

Range Commands – Know and Obey

  • “LOAD” – Safe to load firearms at your station
  • “PULL” – Call for your target when ready
  • “CEASE FIRE” – Stop all shooting immediately, unload, actions open
  • “RANGE IS CLEAR” – Safe to move forward, retrieve equipment, or change stations
  • “MAKE READY” – Prepare for the next shooting sequence

Emergency Procedures

Immediate Actions for Any Emergency:

  1. Call “CEASE FIRE” loudly
  2. Keep all firearms pointed in safe direction
  3. Unload immediately
  4. Wait for instructions or call the office

Report Equipment Malfunctions Immediately:

  • Rob Eccles: text 574-527-4665
  • Greg Moerchen: text 260-615-7601

For Medical Emergencies: Call 911, then notify range officer

Additional Course Etiquette

  • Respect other shooters – Maintain quiet during others’ shooting sequences
  • Clean up after yourself – Police your hulls and dispose of trash properly
  • No rapid fire – Take deliberate, controlled shots only
  • Wait your turn – Follow rotation order at stations
  • Ask questions – If unsure about any procedure, ask a range officer before proceeding

Shotgun Safety Rules

When Not Shooting:

  • Keep all shotguns unloaded with actions open
  • Over-and-under shotguns must have actions locked open
  • Semi-automatic shotguns should have bolt locked back
  • Store firearms in designated racks when not in use

While Shooting:

  • Load only when at shooting station and ready to shoot
  • Never load more shells than required for the station
  • Keep muzzle pointed downrange at all times
  • Unload completely when finished with station sequence

Malfunctions:

  • If gun fails to fire, keep pointed downrange for 30 seconds
  • Do not attempt field repairs – seek assistance
  • Report any mechanical issues immediately

Violations and Enforcement

Safety violations will result in:

  • First offense: Warning and safety briefing
  • Second offense: Suspension from facility for remainder of day
  • Serious violations: Permanent ban from facility

Contact Information

For questions about these safety rules or to report concerns:

  • Main Office: 574-267-7599
  • Emergency: 911

Remember: When in doubt, ASK. Your safety and the safety of others depends on following these rules without exception.

These rules are subject to change. All shooters are responsible for knowing and following current safety protocols. Last updated: [Date]