Martinsville Sportsman's Conservation Club

Martinsville Sportsman's Conservation Club isn't a commercial range. It's a private, member-run facility where shooters maintain their own ranges and respect a straightforward set of rules. Located on Burton Lane in Morgan County, Indiana—adjacent to Morgan Monroe Forestry—the club operates as a non-profit dedicated to providing safe shooting ranges, hunting access, and outdoor fellowship.

The club sits on 187 acres with serious infrastructure. A decade of continuous improvements has built out eight distinct ranges, each with specific purposes and distance capabilities.

Built in 2013 and continuously refined, the 300-meter range is the club's flagship facility. The impact berm stands 25 feet tall and over 100 feet wide with 10 individual shooting positions in a metal shelter house. Custom woodwork from local craftsman Brad Beaton (Backwoods Design Co., 317-460-8013) includes eight Army Ranger-style shooting benches, three 12-foot sitting/gear benches, and two large rifle racks.

Target setup is simple: attach paper targets to wire netting with provided binder clips—no dragging target stands downrange. Steel gongs are mounted at the berm, and a motorized gate system makes range operations clear: swung right = HOT/RANGE ACTIVE; swung left = CEASE FIRE with access blocked.

• •2015: Added 100-yard and 200-yard mini berms with steel silhouettes and backing systems
• •2017-2020: Constructed two new 50+ yard ranges with expanded parking (drive-up access to each shelter)
• •2018: Added stockade fence to shotgun area to contain pellet scatter; shredded rubber installed on 300M berm to prevent erosion
• •2020: Concrete added to shelter floors clubwide for easier brass retrieval; new motorized gate closer to Burton Lane to prevent loitering
• •2023: New metal shelters with concrete aprons; high-tensile wire fencing around 100-yard rifle range

Three additional porta-johns support rear ranges. The main clubhouse includes a heated, ADA-accessible flush bathroom.

The club maintains approximately 500 family memberships. New membership events are rare—most recently held January 1, 2024, when 20 members were selected via random draw and 5 additional memberships were auctioned (generating $16,925 for Morgan County 4H Shooting Sports Program).

Requirements for membership: - Sponsor by existing member in good standing - Valid Indiana Carry License - Membership in a national gun rights organization (NRA, GOA, etc.) - Annual fee: $125 + $50 one-time electronic gate card fee

The club opens new memberships only when average membership drops to ~475, typically announced December 26th annually. Membership card required and visible at all times on club property. One card covers husband, wife, and children under 18 in same household.

• •Pistols: Holstered or pointed downrange except during cease fire. Allowed on rifle ranges only at 75+ yards.

• •Rifles: Use only on Ranges 2-5 (35-yard pistol bays, 50-yard bays, and 300M range).

• •Shotgun: Shot types #7, #8, #9 only. No shooting over the access road or adjacent ranges. Keep clays between boundary markers.

• •Cease Fire Protocol: When two or more people share a range, cease fire is mandatory before anyone goes downrange. All firearms unloaded, magazines removed, bolts/actions visibly locked. No touching firearms until all are back behind the firing line and parties agree to commence fire.

• •Targets Allowed: Paper, cardboard, clay pigeons, plastic bottles, bowling pins, steel spinners, wooden holders. NO glass, steel cans, or steel political/real estate signs.

• •Time Limits: One hour maximum if others are waiting.

The club enforces the four rules of firearm safety with zero tolerance:

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE POINT AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT

These are posted on every range. Unsafe handling—muzzling other shooters, taking firearms downrange for unloading, drinking alcohol while shooting—results in immediate membership termination with no refund.

Membership includes hunting and fishing rights on club grounds. State of Indiana DNR regulations apply. Hunting is prohibited on or within 300 yards of any shooting range. Hours are set annually by the Board.

Board meetings held first Sunday of odd months (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov) at 4 PM in the clubhouse. Members invited to attend and provide input. Violations reported via email to [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 2073, Martinsville, IN 46151.

• •Physical Address: 2295 Burton Lane, Martinsville, IN 46151

From Highway 69 Exit 138 (Ohio St.): Head east on Artesian Ave. for 1/4 mile, turn right on Southview Drive for 1/2 mile until you see Indy's Restaurant (this is Burton Lane). Continue east on Burton Lane 1/2 mile, make sharp left immediately after the concrete bridge over Indian Creek. Electronic gate entrance a few yards ahead.

• •Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2073, Martinsville, IN 46151

• •Contact: [email protected] (no phone line)