State Game Land Shooting Range #109

State Game Land 109 (SGL 109) is a public shooting range operated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in Erie County, located near Waterford on Route 97. This is a no-frills, well-maintained facility where shooters can practice year-round at minimal cost.

The range sits on the south side of Sampson Road, just west of the railroad tracks. From Waterford, follow Route 97 north approximately 4.5 miles, then turn east onto Sampson Road for another 0.5 miles. The coordinates are 41.95111°N, 79.98765°W.

The range accommodates multiple firearm types: - Rifles (centerfire and small-bore) - Pistols and handguns - Shotguns - Muzzleloaders and black powder firearms - Air rifles and air pistols

According to member reviews, the facility includes: - Pistol range: Approximately 75 feet - Rifle range distances: 25 yards (1 bench), 50 yards (2 benches), 100 yards (4 benches) - Stable benches accommodate both left-handed and right-handed shooters - Large backstops and well-maintained grounds

Maximum shooting distance is 100 yards.

The range is open year-round unless closed for routine maintenance or group reservations.

Annual range use permit: $30

You must carry either: - An annual $30 State Game Lands range use permit, OR - A valid Pennsylvania general hunting license, OR - A valid Pennsylvania furtaker license

Each permit/license allows you to bring one guest. Game officers check permits regularly—individuals without proper documentation face fines.

The Game Commission has invested over $200,000 annually in shooting range maintenance and lead remediation projects across all public ranges.

Key regulations to follow:

• •Ammunition limits: Maximum 3 rounds in a rifle at one time, 6 rounds in a handgun. This prevents people from monopolizing benches and protects backstops from excessive damage.
• •Supervision: Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older
• •Safety gear: Proper eye and ear protection is mandatory
• •Target management: Remove targets from backstops before leaving
• •Cleanup: Pick up spent casings, keep benches clean, dispose of all litter
• •Consideration: Be patient with others sighting in rifles or teaching new shooters

Routine maintenance includes rebuilding target-line stations, grass cutting, and cleanup. These closures may last several hours and vary based on range use. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission region office to confirm the range is open before making the trip.

"Very well kept, grass mowed, sometimes target hangers are in a state of disrepair but usually not for very long. Bench rest for both Left/Right handers. Very enjoyable range, nice people. Sometimes very busy especially around Deer season." — Member review, February 2020

The range earns a 5 out of 5.0 rating based on member feedback. Traffic increases significantly leading up to deer and bear hunting seasons and on weekends.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission maintains numerous public shooting ranges across the state specifically for hunters to sight-in rifles, test ammunition, and practice before hunting seasons. These ranges make hunters more effective and help ensure safer, more successful hunts.