The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gives public notice the James O. Thomason Firing Range in Spartanburg County and the Pickens County Range will be closed on additional dates as well as the regular closed days.

The additional closed dates for both ranges are:

* Nov. 20-24, 2012

* Dec. 18-29, 2012

* Jan. 1, 2013

The James O. Thomason Firing Range is a supervised range that is owned and operated by DNR in Spartanburg County. Pistol shooting is currently limited to Wednesdays only. The range provides five 100-yard stations and ten 200-yard stations. Visitors must provide their own paper targets and target stands as well as eye and ear protection (required). Target stands may be either wood or plastic (no metal) and shall be designed to position the target a minimum of 40 inches off the ground and no higher than 60 inches. Visitors under the age of 16 must be under the direct supervision of an adult.

To find the range from Pauline, take SC Hwy. 215 approximately half mile east toward Glenn Springs. Turn left on Foster Mill Circle and drive 2.5 miles (paved road becomes gravel road). The range is on the left side of the road.

The Pickens County Range is a supervised range that is owned and managed by DNR. The range is located adjacent to the DNR Pickens Dove Field. Visitors must provide their own paper targets as well as eye and ear protection (required). No metal target stands are allowed. For questions or to confirm hours of operation, please contact the range operator.

To find the range from Easley, take SC Hwy. 8 approximately 4 miles towards Pickens. Turn left on Breazeale Road. Drive a half mile beyond SC Dept. of Transportation Maintenance Shop and turn left on Porter Rd. Go approximately a half mile and turn left at the red gate. The range is located at the end of the gravel road.