Target Shooting on BLM Lands
Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting & Shooting Sports
* Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I target shoot?
You can target shoot on any public lands (BLM) that have not been administratively closed to target shooting, and where target shooting is not prohibited by other state law or statute. (An example of a prohibited act in many states is shooting on public lands across a highway or in close proximity to buildings and structures.) The BLM has a few formally designated target ranges specifically designed and managed expressly or solely for target shooting purposes. The BLM does not manage these facilities; they are managed by other parties for public use.
2. What is a shooting closure?
A shooting closure is the prohibition of the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons for the purposes of target shooting in posted areas. This order does not prohibit the discharge of firearms or dangerous weapons while person(s) are engaged in bonafide hunting activities during established hunting seasons and who are properly licensed for these activities.
3. Why does the BLM close public land areas to shooting?
The BLM has closed certain areas to protect persons, property, and resources located in these areas from the use of firearms or other dangerous weapons.
4. How can I determine what areas are closed to shooting?
Information about BLM public land areas that are closed to shooting is available at the BLM Field Offices and will be posted on site. In addition, you cannot shoot in developed recreation sites and/or areas, including campgrounds.
5. What is a developed site and/or area?
Developed sites and areas means sites and areas that contain structures and improvements primarily used by the public for recreational purposes. Such sites or areas may include any or all of the following: delineated spaces for parking, camping or boat launching, sanitary facilities, potable water, grills or fire rings, tables, controlled access, and/or kiosk sites.
6. How can I tell if I am in an area closed or open to shooting?
It is your responsibility to contact the agency that manages the land that you are planning to visit to learn of any prohibited acts, closures, restrictions, etc. Most closures and restrictions have been posted on site.
7. What are BLM’s shooting regulations?
You can not discharge dangerous weapons or target shoot in developed recreation sites and/or areas which have been administratively closed to target shooting.
8. What is the difference between hunting and shooting?
Hunting is to take or pursue a reptile, amphibian, bird or mammal by any means.
Shooting is the discharge of a firearm and or lethal weapon, primarily at targets, in a non-hunting manner.
9. Can I hunt in an area closed to shooting?
A shooting closure is the prohibition of the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons for the purposes of target shooting in posted areas. This order does not prohibit the discharge of firearms or dangerous weapons while person(s) are engaged in bonafide hunting activities during established hunting seasons and are properly licensed for these activities.
10. What is a hunters safety course?
Hunters Safety is an educational course which teaches and encourages hunter ethics, firearm safety, and survival skills. This course is required for the purchase of a hunting license in most states.
11. Where can I take a hunters safety course?
Contact the state Division of Wildlife Resources in the state in which you live or visit their website.
12. What happens if I get caught shooting in an area closed to shooting on public land?
You will face citation and or arrest by a State or Federal Official.
If you have more questions, please contact:
BLM Contact
Frank Jenks
BLM Shooting Sports Coordinator
202-912-7249
Frank_Jenks@blm.gov
Link to the page
Another link also to BLM page regarding hunting & shooting sports