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Gathright WMA

Virginia
Public rangeOutdoor
Address Gathright WMA (38.072833,-79.904722)
Hours Varies by range and season
Website dwr.virginia.gov
About this range Moderate evidence

Gathright WMA is a public shooting range associated with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) state-agency range network. Virginia regulation 4VAC15-270-96 explicitly authorizes pneumatic rifles for deer hunting, formalizing airgun's status under DWR's framework. VA DWR's airgun-positive regulations support airgun activity at DWR-affiliated public ranges.

Airgun policy at this range STATE-LEVEL TIER C (implied permit): VDWR ranges open to firearms; VA limited preemption for airguns on private property. State public shooting range operated by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, federally funded through the US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), funded by the Pittman-Robertson excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Range Type: Firearms. State fish & wildlife agencies typically permit airguns under standard 'rifle and pistol' rules; phone canvass recommended to confirm explicit airgun policy at this specific facility.
Restrictions / notes Coordinates: 38.072833,-79.904722. State-level rules apply: typically no exploding targets, no armor-piercing or steel-core ammunition. Phone canvass recommended for explicit airgun policy and current operating hours.
Disciplines

What gets shot here

Pest control / Hunting

Rifle, pistol, shotgun (Firearms); airgun under state agency framework; archery; trap

Venue type

About the venue

State agency public shooting range (WSFR-funded); operated by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Virginia state policy · NOT specific to this range
Tier C

Implied permit — state framework is airgun-friendly but rules are silent.

VDWR ranges open to firearms; VA limited preemption for airguns on private property

Evidence VA Code § 15.2-915.4 provides limited preemption for pneumatic gun discharge on private property. VDWR public ranges open to standard firearms.

State-level restrictions Standard rules.

This describes Virginia state-level airgun law. Rules at this specific range may be stricter — always confirm with the range directly before traveling.

Last verified 2026-05-03
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Important

Always call ahead.

Range policies change — sometimes mid-season. Indoor lanes update caliber rules, clubs revise membership requirements, and public ranges suspend airgun access without warning. Confirm current policy by phone or website before you make the trip.