What Is Swan Creek WMA Range?
Swan Creek WMA Shooting Range is a free public shooting range operated by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries in cooperation with the Tennessee Valley Authority, located in Limestone County just west of Highway 31 in Tanner. It is the most-searched and most-used public shooting range in North Alabama — and for good reason. Four ranges covering 25, 50, and 100 yards plus a clay target area give shooters a complete facility at no per-visit cost beyond the license requirement.
The range is genuinely well-maintained for a public facility. Covered shooting benches protect you from Alabama's summer heat and rain. Concrete walkways provide wheelchair-accessible downrange access to all target lines. Individual berms between ranges let shooters go downrange independently without stopping the whole line. It is not a private club, but it is significantly better than most shooters expect from a free state-operated range.
Hours of Operation
Swan Creek operates on seasonal hours and is closed Monday and Tuesday year-round. Plan your visit accordingly — showing up on a Monday is a common mistake for first-time visitors.
Closed Dates
The range closes for all major holidays and — importantly — during open duck season. Duck season typically runs through early February, which is why the range reopens each year on approximately February 11.
The duck season closure catches people off guard every year. If you're planning a winter range trip between November and early February, check the ADCNR Swan Creek page to confirm the range is open before making the drive.
License Requirement — The Cheapest Way In
This is the detail ADCNR buries and most people miss. You do not need a hunting license specifically to use Swan Creek Range. Any of the following licenses qualifies an Alabama resident ages 16–64:
• Hunting license
• Heritage license
• Fishing license
• WMA license
Non-residents (ages 16 and older) must have a valid WMA license or non-resident hunting license. There is no fishing license equivalent for non-resident range access.
Under 16 requires no license but must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on the property.
The Ranges
Four ranges are arranged side by side with individual dividing berms that allow each range to run independently. If the 100-yard range is going hot, you can still safely walk downrange on the 25-yard range to check targets.
All rifle/pistol ranges have covered shooting benches — a significant comfort advantage in Alabama's heat and unpredictable weather. Concrete walkways run the full length of all ranges for wheelchair-accessible downrange target access. Brass collection barrels are placed on the range — spent brass goes in the "Brass Only" barrels, not the trash.
Rules You Need to Know
Swan Creek is a controlled public range. A range officer is present during operating hours. Violations can result in citation or a 24-hour loss of privileges. These are the rules that trip people up most often:
What to Bring
Swan Creek provides the benches, the target frames at each distance, and the basic infrastructure. Here is what you need to bring:
Your license — Digital on your phone is fine. A fishing license works. Don't leave home without it.
Targets — Paper targets are not provided. Bring your own. Standard 8.5x11 paper targets work fine at 25 and 50 yards. Larger steel or self-healing targets are permitted at appropriate distances.
Target stapler or tape — Something to attach your targets to the target frames at each distance line.
Hearing and eye protection — Mandatory for all shooters. Covered benches provide shade but not noise isolation from adjacent ranges.
Your own cleaning supplies and brass bags — The range has brass barrels but no cleaning equipment. Bring a bag for your spent brass if you reload.
Water and food — No concessions on site. Summer heat in North Alabama is real — bring water regardless of the season.