APPLE CREEK ON THE FIRING LINE

NEW WELLS -- One of the most noticeable aspects of Apple Creek State Forest is its peace and tranquility.

Although that peace is interrupted every couple of minutes with the sound of small weapons fire, it doesn't detract from the scenic setting.

Located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, the 2,082-acre state forest offers outdoors enthusiasts opportunities for everything from hiking to fishing to horseback riding.

But the prime attraction is its pistol and rifle ranges.

"It's a busy area," said Ken West, assistant regional director in Cape Girardeau County for the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates Apple Creek State Forest. "From now until deer season, about anytime you want to go out there the firing range is being used by someone."

Bill Talley and Joe Stahley of Cape Girardeau were recently at the Apple Creek range, respectively preparing for upcoming hunting trips to Idaho and Montana.

"It's peaceful and set up for safety," said Stahley. "The range is posted and you're shooting into an embankment. Safety is a big thing."

Talley likes the measured ranges and said the conservation department does a good job keeping them in top condition.

Ranges offer varying distances of 25 to 50 yards for pistols and 150 to 275 yards for rifles. A shotgun range for shooting trap is under development.

Wooden benches and tables provide shooters with a place to set up scopes and rifle stands and add a nice touch.

"The benches are comfortable and give you a better opportunity to make sure you know what you're doing," Talley said.

With plenty of ranges, people usually don't have to wait in line to shoot and therefore are not rushed, which Stahly said is an important aspect of target practice.

"You can come out here and take your time, which is what you need to do until you get a good grouping of shots," he said. "If you get people standing in line to shoot, you're going to be in a hurry."

When possible, it is beneficial to wait for your weapon to cool down between shots, Stahly said.

"There is a difference in how a rifle shoots between when a barrel is cool and when a barrel is hot," he said. "When hunting the barrel will be cool."

The Apple Creek range is the only public range in the region.

Firearms enthusiast Ray Sanders said Apple Creek is well worth semi-frequent drives from his home in Sikeston. Sanders said he uses the range about twice a month.

"Whenever I get the chance to come out here, I do," Sanders said. "It's quiet out here and you can usually get a range."

Sanders, who said he is a staunch supporter of the Missouri Conservation Department, lauded the department for operating a public range for area gun owners to practice. He said inconsiderate "trash shooters," people who shoot on private land and leave an aftermath of empty shells, beer cans and other debris, have made landowners reluctant to allow use of their property.

"Many farmers don't want you using their land anymore because some people trash it," Sanders said.

Apple Creek is also a popular spot for hunting -- not just target practice. West said deer and turkey are the prime game in the area, though squirrels and some other animals are also prevalent.

Hunting at Apple Creek generally is governed by statewide regulations. However, this season only antlered deer may be taken. Previously, any deer could be taken as long as the hunter had the appropriate tag.

Though "the firing range is probably the biggest draw most of the year," according to West, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Apple Creek.

Fishing is permitted under statewide regulations, and bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken by pole and line, gig, longbow or net during frog season.

Non-consumptive activities are also popular.

"It is a very scenic area," West said. "A lot of folks just go out to hike and take pictures."

Hiking is permitted throughout the forest and several miles of horseback riding trails wind across the area. Those trails, as well as access roads for conservation department vehicles, are also open to mountain bikes.

West said the conservation department's forestry division, which oversees Apple Creek, is in the process of doing more trail work.

Situated on Apple Creek itself is a public boat ramp. The ramp is not far upstream from the Mississippi River. That makes the ramp a popular spot for river access, West said.

Until this year, camping was not allowed in Apple Creek State Forest. However, primitive camping is now allowed, except where "no camping" signs area posted.

The area is open year-round from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Campers, of course, are allowed in the area after hours. The conservation department does not charge fees for any of the uses of the area.

According to West, people don't even have to set foot in Apple Creek State Forest to enjoy it. Every year during the fall months when the leaves begin to change, an organized scenic drive route through the Altenburg area also includes Apple Creek.

"We get a lot of compliments from folks in the fall when they go on scenic drives," West said. "It is an interesting part of the local scenery."