To assist hunters and protect valuable electrical equipment, La Plata Electric Association will help underwrite "Sight-In Days" at the Durango Gun Club Outdoor Range, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10-11, Oct. 17-18, and Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

During Sight-In Days, the Durango Gun Club on La Posta Road is open to the general public and hunters for rifle scope sighting, and hunters are encouraged to take advantage of the controlled environment to prepare their firearms for the season. LPEA has contributed $500 to cover costs incurred by the club for the Sight-In Days.

"We realize that hunting deer and elk is a tradition in this part of the country, and we know hunters need to sight their rifles in preparation," said Steve Gregg, LPEA manager of operations. "It's to everyone's benefit that hunters not take aim at expensive electrical equipment. Just like an animal, when you shoot it, it stops functioning, and your neighbors' electricity will be cut off."

During the special Sight-In Days, Durango Gun Club staff, plus volunteer club members, will be on hand to answer questions, provide assistance and do minor firearms repair. Donations to the club are welcomed, but no payment is required.

"We really want to help discourage sighting scopes in uncontrolled environments," added Gregg. "Very simply, taking aim at LPEA equipment is vandalism. Beyond the expense and inconvenience to our customers, repair requires dangerous work by our LPEA crews to get everyone back in power."

The Durango Gun Club's outdoor range is located on La Posta Road (La Plata County Road 213).

Construction is underway to build access to Mercury Village on the east side of the highway. Hunters will need to access the Gun Club from South La Posta Road (crossing the Escalante Bridge and turning right on La Posta).

For more information, call Joseph Perino, Durango Gun Club secretary-treasurer at (970) 749-3453.