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Shooting on BLM land ?

rufe-snow
Who has either personal experience or link(s), in plain english . To the regs for target shooting on BLM land. This is going to be in a safe (unpopulated) area in the desert with a hill as a back stop.
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4 comments

Date Votes
  • Colt Super
    I hunt and shoot on BLM land about 6 miles from here. As do all the good-'ol-boys from here. As far as I know, there aren't any regs, other than you need to be at least 400 feet from the road.

    I think California has some restrictions, even though it's Federal land.

    Doug
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  • spurgemastur
    Follow hunting regs, you'll be fine. In many states, if an animal is in season and you're traveling with an arm, you need the appropriate hunting permits.

    That said, the advice I've gotten locally is: if you're doing targets on BLM land and can make it clear that you're doing targets (i.e. near the parking area and with targets in hand) then you'll probably get a pass from the authorities.

    I've done a lot of target/plinking on BLM land, never having hunting permits, and have never had a problem (eastern WA state).
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  • rider
    I hunt and shoot on California BLM land all the time. As far as regulations are concerned, they aren't too strict. You just have to drive on designated roads and not tear up the countryside with ATVs and carry out any trash you might bring in, don't shoot the trees or so far from any buildings, etc. If you see a Ranger in the field, grease his palm for special favors....(this is in the really fine print of the brochure). [;)]
    rider
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  • nononsense
    rufe-snow,

    This is the best wording I could find/write:

    When Shooting:

    Select a safe location for your target practice. Know your target and what is beyond! A spot with a hill, canyon wall, or a large mound directly behind the target is ideal. Avoid popular recreation areas and sensitive wildlife habitats. Never shoot in a direction where there are people, domestic animals, or structures.

    Use paper targets mounted on wooden stakes. Do not attach targets to living plants or place targets up against rocks or solid objects, which can cause ricochets. Please do not shoot at glass bottles or other refuse. Broken glass can be hazardous to people and wildlife. Always pick up and remove targets and empty shells when you have finished.

    Shooting is prohibited within 1/2 mile of all campgrounds and developed recreation sites. Shooting should only take place in areas well away from other concentrations of people and property. Do Not shoot across roads or roadways.

    County shooting ordinances and codes must be followed on Federal Lands.

    In the areas where I shoot, we are also responsible for any fires that start as a result of ricochets. The easy way to avoid those is to shoot into soft dirt or sand and leave the rock busting to the states where there is plenty of rainfall.

    Best.
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