Legal Places to Shoot in Humboldt County that Aren't Ranges???

[MasterYong]

Any folks up in TurNorCal know of any LEGAL places to go shooting in Humboldt County that aren't shooting ranges?

I go to the range out by the dunes all the time, but I want to go plinking on my own with a few friends.

I've had several people suggest the "River Bar" to me, but none can say for sure if it's actually legal to shoot there, or if it's just "tolerated".

I called BLM and they said that contrary to many other counties, there is no BLM land that you can shoot on in Humboldt County.

I just want to find a place where I can go shoot with just my buddies, instead of sharing bays and waiting for a turn at the local ranges, where I can be certain that I'm not committing a crime.

All the standard safety rules apply of course- backstop - shooting with others, not alone - safety gear - cell phone for emergencies - etc.

Any opinions from the fellow calgunners in Humboldt would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide!

[BillyGoatMachine]

I'm pretty sure whomever you talked to at BLM is Full of crap. You probably got one of the hippy pacifist rangers on the phone. It's completely legal to hunt on most BLM land. If it's legal to hunt, then it's legal to shoot. I talked to one of the local head rangers in my area, and he told me as long as I had a safe backstop, then no problem.

[MasterYong]

Originally Posted by skkeeter

I'm pretty sure whomever you talked to at BLM is Full of crap. You probably got one of the hippy pacifist rangers on the phone. It's completely legal to hunt on most BLM land. If it's legal to hunt, then it's legal to shoot. I talked to one of the local head rangers in my area, and he told me as long as I had a safe backstop, then no problem.

We don't have a lot of BLM in the Arcata/Eureka area, the only BLM land that I know if is the Mal'eal (spelling?) Dunes, and it's posted that you can't shoot there.

It's definitely possible I spoke to someone that just didn't want me to shoot- I've been warned about those types of folks with BLM, Forest Service, etc.

Fish and Game said I could shoot anywhere on Forest Service or BLM where it wasn't posted that firearms are prohibited, which I knew already. I'd just prefer to not have my rifles confiscated just because I missed a sign. Ignorance, unfortunately, is no excuse!

[chrisdesoup]

when you find a place shoot me a PM... I moved here from the bay area and have yet to find a place to shoot.

[Deadred7o7]

When you get tired of looking for a place to shoot come down to the riverbar and blast a few off thats where I'll be.

[MasterYong]

Originally Posted by Deadred7o7

When you get tired of looking for a place to shoot come down to the riverbar and blast a few off thats where I'll be.

That's probably what I'll end up doing. That or Horse Mountain (that's where I've always gone before, but it's a bit of a drive up 299 from Eureka). Just wanted to see if there were any more ideas. I just put together 3 new ARs and I want to do some plinking after I finish breaking the barrels in at the range.

[chrisdesoup]

Originally Posted by Deadred7o7

When you get tired of looking for a place to shoot come down to the riverbar and blast a few off thats where I'll be.

Where is the riverbar? I need to break in my WASR.

[MasterYong]

Originally Posted by chrisdesoup

Where is the riverbar? I need to break in my WASR.

Haha I was gonna ask him the same thing, but I forgot to!

So many folks locally have told me "just go to the riverbar" but, uh, there's a LOT of rivers around here, so I'd like to get to the correct one where discharging firearms is considered legal.

This weekend I'll be at Trinity Lake tho, letting off a few rounds and slayin' the bass. If you hear someone going nuts with a .45 that's me- come on down! (I can't believe it's legal to target shoot right down by the lake but the National Forest office said if it's not posted it's kosher! Seems like they'd be more picky around a lake that so many people bring the fam to...)

[chrisdesoup]

I have had a few folks tell me to go down to the fern bridge.

[deyv]

I am looking for a good place to shoot as well.

I grew up in Humboldt and I am going back in a couple of weeks to visit family. I was hoping to take my son shooting somewhere other than an actual shooting range since that is the only shooting he has ever done.

I grew up on a ranch and I used to go shooting in the "back yard" whenever I wanted. My family sold the ranch though so I am looking elsewhere.

What I am looking for is a place that is legal to use without getting any LEO hassles.

If you have a good location you can pm me if you would rather keep it on the down low. I can promise that I will not pass it on to anyone.

[chrisdesoup]

I contacted the HSO and they said there are lots of places to shoot but they won't say where (???WTF???? guess its a liability thing) but the patrol LT said to call dept of fish and game about the riverbed by the fern bridge and other "riverbed type places".

[illuminate10]

I'll be heading up in the Humboldt area late this month and will be exploring up there for such outings. If I like what I see I might just be a transplant.

[Deadred7o7]

This is where the pic was taken. You take the 2nd left after going over the bridge and that is Waddington rd take that all the way to Grizzly Bluff rd take a left at that stop sign at the hard right in the road go straight on to a little road called Ferry rd that takes you to the river bar. Take a left at the river bar and go 1-1 1/2 miles down the river bar. You should be just blow the old race track.

Now this is not the best place to soot because of all the ATV and 4x4's that go here too soo be sure to look out for other people and get a good back stop.




http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...67635&t=h&z=14

[MasterYong]

Originally Posted by Deadred7o7

This is where the pic was taken. You take the 2nd left after going over the bridge and that is Waddington rd take that all the way to Grizzly Bluff rd take a left at that stop sign at the hard right in the road go straight on to a little road called Ferry rd that takes you to the river bar. Take a left at the river bar and go 1-1 1/2 miles down the river bar. You should be just blow the old race track.

Now this is not the best place to soot because of all the ATV and 4x4's that go here too soo be sure to look out for other people and get a good back stop.




http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...67635&t=h&z=14

Thanks DeadRed!

I don't suppose you got the coordinates for the fabled "un-manned range" out 299 as well? I have a friend at work that keeps telling me she'll take me there with her BF but always seems to be busy. Guess there's a range with no rangemasters out there somewhere. Seems weird that there's a range with no rangemaster but then again I've only been shooting about 18 months.

[shooterjeff66]

The only un-manned range that is OPEN that I know of is almost to Weaverville. I could be wrong. There is a range 10 or so miles from
Arcata on 299, but it has a gate. I live in the Redding area, but do
travel over to there every few weeks, and I have shot down by the
Fern bridge before, fish and game guy just waived.
Jeff

[Deadred7o7]

Originally Posted by MasterYong

Thanks DeadRed!

I don't suppose you got the coordinates for the fabled "un-manned range" out 299 as well? I have a friend at work that keeps telling me she'll take me there with her BF but always seems to be busy. Guess there's a range with no rangemasters out there somewhere. Seems weird that there's a range with no rangemaster but then again I've only been shooting about 18 months.

Not sure on this one, mabe talking about Titlow Hill Rd on NFS land???

[humgunner]

Hey new here. Hope it's cool to bump a post.

I was also looking for a place to plink. Thanks for the riverbar map Deadred.

MasterYong- I think the place your talking about off 299 is the Long Prairie Gun and Archery Club. Here's a google map.
East on 299 past Korbel. When you get to the first uphill with a passing lane it's at the first sharp right. It's a turnout on the left (north) side of the road. It has a gate and is only open to members.

Please pm me if anyone knows of more places to plink.
Thanks.

[MatCat]

Old thread but it could use a bump, I live in Fields Landing, the beginning of the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge is here, though the spot near my house is not designated as a hunting zone in the refuge (Most of it is though for waterfowl) everyone local shoots skeet and such here, I did e-mail the regional office that runs this piece of land to find out about target shooting, waiting on a reply.

[Beatone]

Last I heard the farmers at the end of Grizzly Creek road got fed up with the mess (A lot of shot gun shells and other crap) and put up a large gravel berm to block access to the river. Homeless were sleeping down there along with people parting at night. This was 2-3 years ago. Any update from Deadred7o7.

[MatCat]

I never did hear back from them, though I did read the rules for the land and it clearly states no discharge of a firearm unless it's for hunting in designated areas. Got 7 more days until my 10 day wait is over and I get my first gun, hopefully I can find good places to shoot it .

[LeadFarmer74]

Friendly bump. Any new spots anyone know of? I know they are talking about shutting down the river bar (fernbridge) because of people dumping.

[humboldt_7.62]

bumping this thread, looking for a new place to shoot. I have been going to fernbridge every week or so. They put barricades up so you can no longer drive down on the river bed but for a while the barricades actually made it a nicer place to shoot (no a atv's or trucks running around) there are no signs up yet but when I was down there yesterday with my wasr and after about 80 rounds the farmer who owns the land on the other side of the back stops came down and talked to me.

He told me that bullets were flying over his head and he wanted me to stop shooting. I don't doubt that people have shot over the backstops before but that was not the case yesterday, he was lying, and he threatened to call the police. I tried to compromise with him, I told him that I would walk further down to the end of his property and he told me no. I told him I would shoot parallel to his property and he wasn't having that either. I tried to be respectful even though he was essentially coming onto public land and dictating what I can and can't do, in the end I wound up packing up and leaving.

I am going to call BLM and local law enforcement and ask them if it's still legal to shoot down there and what would happen if the farmer called the police for shooting over his property and has no proof. But I would prefer to avoid confrontation all together. If anyone knows of other places in the humboldt area to shoot that is not a range the recommendation would be much appreciated. I live in McKinleyville but don't mind driving an hour or so for a good legal place that is not a range.

If you are concerned about me "ruining your spot" I can assure you I am very respectful when it comes to BLM land or otherwise. I always bring a trash bag with me and try to pick up as much garbage from other shooters as possible before leaving and always shoot in a safe manner.

[Beatone]

Keep us posted if you find a spot H7.62. I use to shoot down by the bay back in the day. Now forget it.

[humboldt_7.62]

Sure thing, I will keep you posted. Is there somewhere else I should start a thread to get more responses?

[humboldt_7.62]

Bump, still looking for a new place to enjoy some shooting. I'm getting anxious to get some rounds down range again.

[humboldt_7.62]

After calling different BLM offices I finally got a recommendation for a place to shoot. I was told to go check out Lacks Creek, here is the info and directions http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/lacks_creek.html

Anyone ever shoot here before? Im thinking of going out there this weekend to check it out and see if I can find an area away from the roads/trails with a decent backstop.

[Beatone]

Looks like the Willow creek area. Post how it goes or send a PM. I plan on going up to see my family in a few months so it may be worth checking out. One of my brothers is a logger up there so I'll pick his brain to see what he says. The whole area is growing pushing target shooting farther out.

[Beatone]

Originally Posted by humboldt_7.62

After calling different BLM offices I finally got a recommendation for a place to shoot. I was told to go check out Lacks Creek, here is the info and directions http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/lacks_creek.html

Anyone ever shoot here before? Im thinking of going out there this weekend to check it out and see if I can find an area away from the roads/trails with a decent backstop.

How was it up there. How long did it take to get there from Eureka.

[humboldt_7.62]

I ended up heading back to FL for the 4th but just got the chance to Go check it out today. I'm not entirely sure how long it took me to get there from eureka but my maps predicted 50 minutes from eureka. I stayed on the main dirt road and did not do much exploring. I managed to get out there in my Impreza so the roads are not too bad but I would definitely use a truck if possible.

There is not a whole lot of clearings or flat areas for that matter but I did eventually stumble across a small area on the left side of the road littered with brass and ammo boxes. It was not a huge clearing, maybe about 40 feet of shooting space but it was fun just to shoot again. I did not see one person the entire time I was out there and plan on going back again to try and find a larger clearing.

[Beatone]

I hope to get back up that way in a month or two.

[2Hawks]

My apologies for reviving an ancient thread, just seems it needed more resolution. I've just been very curious about this for years myself.. Anyone ever come up with some safe shooting areas up here in Homeboldt. I know Fernbridge has been shut down, I figured Mad River Buttes or out Titlow Hill road or the King Range... Had a Sheriff advise a buddy to go shoot in an old clear cut as long as there was a good back drop. I've often wondered about that, but I'd say that sounds like pretty bad advice.

[Geologist]

Worth the revival. I am headed up to Eureka this weekend. Wife got a new job at St. Joseph's Hospital so off we go to the Lost Coast. Redwood and Old West look like the most viable range options right now, but I too will be interested in the "open range" places as well!! Got the new SA Loaded Target that needs "breaking in"!!

[humboldt_7.62]

If you drive down Titlow hill rd for about 4.5 miles you will come across a gravel parking area. There is a green gate that is closed during the winter due to some kind of tree infection they are trying to keep from spreading. Just a little ways past the gate there is an area that has several boulders in line separating the clearing from the road and a nice large backstop. You could easily walk from the gate if it's locked. I would say there is about 75 feet of shooting space.

If you drive on bair rd road about 4 miles you will eventually drive up to a small cow pasture. Right at the back of the pasture there is a gravel road with a sign that says lacks creek. Drive 4.7 miles up the gravel road and you will eventually see a clearing on the left side of the road littered with casings and most likely ammo boxes. This spot is fairly small, maybe about 50 ft shooting space if you position yourself right.

[humboldt_7.62]

Also if you are looking for a competent FFL in the Humboldt area I would suggest pacific coast outfitters in Eureka. The most knowledgeable person I met there was a guy named Oliver. They are the only ones in the Humboldt area who actually understand what an off roster intrafamilial gift transfer is and are able to complete one. Every other FFL I talked to just said it was illegal. If you speak with Oliver he may be able to tell you some other spots.

[Geologist]

Thanks!! Already wandered into PCO. We're staying in a place very near there temporarily. Looked like a nice place. Spoke with 1 guy, didn't get his name, but he seemed to know what he was talking about.

Packing up now for another trek up there. Bringing to dog. My wife misses him, not sure about me!!

[2Hawks]

Thanks! Yeah I love Pacific Outfitters.. good guys.

[humboldt_7.62]

A little warning, this time of the year access to these spots is probably icy and snow covered so be prepared for that if you want to deal with the snow. I would definitely suggest a truck for the lacks creek spot. Don't forget to bring trash bags and clean up after yourself.

[Geologist]

I'm thinking Old West and Redwood is where I'll be hanging out until I get the lay of the land. Somewhere down the road we should do a Cal-Guns Humboldt get together.

[Madmox]

There is the old Simpson range on 299. I thought that got opened up to everyone. Of course I haven't heard anyone talking about it in a few years but that was the longest range we had here for years.


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[Madmox]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/a.../t-143447.html


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