Sheep Company Shooting Range near Selah closed for maintenance June 29 

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today a temporary closure to the Sheep Company Shooting Range, located in the Wenas Wildlife Area near Selah. The closure will take effect Thursday, June 29. 

The closure will allow time to remove spent lead at the range. These measures will help to support healthy soils that are foundational for habitat quality and fish and wildlife populations at the Wenas Wildlife Area. Improvements will include removing soil, safely disposing of lead contaminants, and general maintenance to prep the site for future use. 

The Department anticipates the closure, which will be in effect until further notice, will likely last about a week. 

"We appreciate visitors' patience as we continue to support stewardship of this range and look forward to opening in better condition soon," said Melinda Hughes, Wenas Wildlife Area Manager.

The Wenas Wildlife Area covers more than 105,000 acres between Ellensburg and Yakima. Visitors can experience a variety of recreation opportunities, including hunting, hiking, and birding. Much of the wildlife area is shrubsteppe, a sensitive habitat that has been reduced to 20% of its original range in Washington and was significantly impacted by wildfires in recent years.

WDFW enacted other statewide shooting rules in January 2021 that target shooters should also familiarize themselves with before visiting any target shooting locations. State land managers ask that visitors to any wildlife area continue to check for wildfire information and Recreate Responsibly when enjoying the outdoors during wildfire season.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife.