FUDS Menu

Redirecting...

FUDS Notification and Safety Education Dalhart Army Air Field, Double Skeet Range

Dalhart Army Air Field, Double Skeet RangeDalhart Army Air Field was established in 1942 to support flight training efforts for World War II. Training at the Dalhart Army Air Field consisted of high altitude flying and ground training in marksmanship. An area of the property has been identified through historical research and site visits as having been a double skeet range. Double skeet ranges ordinarily consisted of two skeet shooting fields (positioned side by side and laid out in a semicircle) with associated safety fans in which skeet targets were hurled into the air as a means of target practice for the men along the firing line. The items known or suspected to have been previously used at the Double Skeet Range are general small arms and skeet targets. As a result of these previous military training activities, hazards associated with skeet target fragments may still be present there today.

The former Dalhart Army Air Field is located in Hartley County, Texas, just south of the city of Dalhart. Today, the city of Dalhart operates the Dalhart Municipal Airport on a large portion of the former air field property. The rest of the former air field property is used for residential and agricultural purposes. As depicted on the inside map, the Double Skeet Range is located at the northern end of the municipal airport.

To download or print this information, open the Dalhart Army Air Field, Double Skeet Range Safety Guide in PDF format.  Para bajar o imprimir esta información en español, abra la guía informativa del Antiguo Dalhart Army Air Field, Double Skeet Range en forma PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Collapse All Expand All
 What are skeet targets?

Skeet targets are the clay pigeons hurled into the air from a trap at varying elevations and speeds to simulate the angles of flight taken by moving targets. The former Dalhart Army Air Field Double Skeet Range is located in the northern portion of the property.

 Does skeet present a health risk?

World War II-era skeet targets were manufactured with coal tar pitch as a binder. Coal tar pitch contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAHs, which may be harmful if there is repeated inhalation, repeated ingestion or repeated contact with skin.

 What do skeet target fragments look like? Can I remove them myself?

Skeet target fragments range in size from clay shards to very small particles. Because PAHs in the skeet target fragments present a potential health hazard, the fragments should not be touched, moved, piled or disturbed in any way. The best thing to do is leave the fragments alone.

 What should I do if I come into contact with skeet target fragments?
If you have walked through skeet target fragments, rinse off and remove your shoes before entering your home. If your hands and clothes have come into contact with skeet target fragments, wash your hands and clothes.

Additional Information

For additional information view a fact sheet about Interim Risk Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Notification and Safety Education initiative or call 855-765-FUDS (3837).

If you would like specific information about the project listed above please visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tulsa District Public Affairs website and complete the form.