The Catoosa Wildlife Management Area shooting range on Genesis Rd. received an upgrade from welding students at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Crossville. Twelve students provided over 25 hours of time each, in design and implementation to improve the facility.
The target pulling system and covered area received four new welded beams for stabilization. TCAT students spent one day preparing and two days installing the bracing devices. Ethan Patterson, modified welding instructor, said, “Students gained real-world experience and they also bonded and created a great team during this time.”
Heath Casteel, Catoosa wildlife technician, oversaw the project. He said, “We’re grateful for the work done by this exceptional group. Partnering with this local school has benefited our agency on several occasions and we’ll call on them again.”
The Catoosa range was completed in 2012 and a cable system was added in 2018. It is a Tier One range, requiring a hunting license or range permit for use. The range has four shooting benches and sees a high volume of users. It is open daily except during deer archery hunts and turkey hunts.
For more information on shooting ranges visit tnwildlife.org.