The Shooting range VLS Lučiny is a strategic professional shooting range located in the scenic Doupov Mountains of the Czech Republic, near the world-renowned spa city of Karlovy Vary. Managed by the state-owned Military Forests and Estates (VLS), which operates under the Ministry of Defence, the facility adheres to strict national standards for discipline and security. It serves as a premier destination for professional gamekeepers and elite sport shooters who prioritize a high-standard training environment integrated with authentic Czech hunting traditions.
The range is specifically engineered for shotgun sports, offering facilities that mimic realistic hunting conditions alongside international competitive formats. Its most distinctive asset is the specialized "High Tower" (Vysoká věž), which launches targets from a significant height to simulate the challenging flight patterns of high-altitude birds. The rugged mountain terrain and unpredictable wind patterns characteristic of the Hradiště region provide a technical challenge essential for preparing for international Sporting championships.
Key Disciplines: Hunting Skeet (Lovecké kolo), Trap, High Tower, and specialized shotgun drills.
Automation: Reliance on professional automatic throwing machines to ensure stable competitive trajectories.
Lučiny functions as a vital cultural hub for the regional hunting community, most notably hosting the annual "Man, Forest and Game" (Člověk, les a zvěř) festival in May. This event features comprehensive trophy exhibitions from the Western Bohemian honitba Hradiště and the prestigious "Parforsní kňour" trumpeting competition. Training programs focus on professional mastery, including preparatory courses for state exams and the refinement of technical skills for experienced athletes under the methodology of VLS experts.
Major Events: Trophy shows, military equipment presentations by the Army of the CR, and regional hunting championships.
Public Access: Operational hours for the public are typically scheduled for Wednesdays from 15:00 to 17:00, requiring prior coordination due to institutional use.
The site is well-equipped for multi-day events, offering necessary comfort in a remote forest setting. Visitors can utilize the VLS network of authentic hunting hostels, such as Činov and Bukovina, which provide cost-effective lodging with immersive nature experiences. Simultaneously, the range’s location just 12–15 km from Karlovy Vary provides international teams and guests access to legendary luxury hospitality at institutions like the Grandhotel Pupp.
On-site Amenities: Covered seating, refreshment stalls during events, electricity, and ample parking optimized for 4x4 vehicles.
Lodging Infrastructure: Choice between authentic state-run hunting cabins (200–450 CZK/night) or premier five-star wellness resorts in Karlovy Vary.
The Shooting range Lučiny offers a unique competitive advantage through its combination of state-regulated professional standards, specialized high-tower presentations, and the ability to combine intensive training with high-end spa recovery in a single trip. This combination of technical difficulty and strategic location makes it an ideal training ground for competitive shooters seeking the highest quality preparation.
