Fresh Air and Gun Power:Fred C. Babcock/ Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area.

by Alisha Diaz

When you think of SWFL, you may think of beaches and shopping. Though we do enjoy those things, there is so much more if you know where to find it. You can get a great outdoor experience at Fred C. Babcock/ Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area. (Link: http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/fred-babcockwebb) I started going to the park for the affordable gun range, but they have so much more to offer. They have the gun ranges, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and trails. It is only $3.00 per person or $6.00 per car to be able to enter the park. That is a great price.

Besides paying to enter the park, shooting is for FREE! What!? Most gun ranges make money off gun rentals, ammo, or shooting. The park allows you to bring your own guns and ammo. Since the park only provides the assorted ranges, you will need to bring your own ear protection, eye protection, targets, and a staple gun to hang the targets. It may seem like a lot to bring, but it also saves you money. If you buy a target at a range, you will not be paying retail price. They will add to the cost to make sure they are making money. That is not a bad thing. Businesses do need to make money somehow to make a profit. If you do go to Babcock/Webb for the gun range, you will need to sign in. They will write down information from your license and give you a stamp on your hand. This is for everyone's protection. It will also help them in any case of emergency. All gun ranges will ask to see your license as well.

When it comes to having an assortment of gun ranges, Babcock/Webb does not joke around. They have a handgun range, 2 rifle ranges, a skeet shooting area, and a bow and arrow range. One rifle range is shorter and one is longer. Each range has an instructor that watches everyone for safety. They take their safety rules very seriously, as they should. At each range, you will see a red line on the ground. When the instructors says the range is "hot" you may shoot your guns and reload them. When the range is "Cold" you must leave your gun open without a bullet in the chamber. Once all the guns are checked, everyone may put up or take down their targets. These rules are to keep everyone safe, though they may seem intense or monotonous at times.

When we come to this park we usually just use the gun range. Our last trip we decided to look around and see what other activities are available. Wow! We were missing out! As I had mentioned before, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and trails are also provided. You can ride bikes, explore, and even ride horses on the trails. I do think you have to bring your own horse. There are quite a few lakes/ponds where you can freshwater and saltwater fish. They do have regulations that you will need to follow, and you will have to have the correct fishing license. Hunting is also available. That is a pretty big deal, since our area is not very known for hunting. See the website's link for more information. I can not say much about hunting, since I know nothing about the sport.

Moises, my husband, and I love to go to the Fred C. Babcock/ Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area. It is refreshing to get away from everything and spend some time in the fresh air and nature. We love to go to the shooting range. We, as a couple, believe it is important to practice and use our gun safety if we are going to have guns in our house. We look forward to bringing our fishing gear next time and try freshwater fishing for the first time.

Comment below if you have been to the park or if you have any questions! Do you have any places you'd like us to check out and wright about? Let us know!