Shooting on BLM Land

[Jimi Jah]

All So. Cal BLM land is now closed except for part of the eastern desert. It opened in March, closed by May 1st. We got two months in this year.

Two years ago it closed in July due to the "drought". Last year it closed in June because of "too much brush from too much rain". It had opened in December.

Anyone see a pattern here?

[Cokebottle]

I doubt there is open land near Orange, that's legal to shoot. Make sure map is up to date.

Ya, OC, Western Riverside, and most of San Diego is either no-go, or only open for a couple of months because of the fire risk.
Closest area that is generally always open is north of Barstow.

[toiletfighter]

Thanks. That was a bit of a rant and I was concerned it might not go over well.





I've been to Berdoo Canyon a bunch within the last year, but the last time I was there was in March... the place is trashed. We bring our targets and take them with us when we leave (PVC frames and paper). Still, I did not know it is now closed. News to me. I might be in Palm Desert next week. If the Berdoo designated shooting area is indeed shut down for whatever reason, this is a YUGE disappointment.

You're right, Slater; I can't really see a wildfire spreading rapidly through there. Veg is pretty sparse. Maybe the crap that gets left behind by lazy and irresponsible shooters is the reason it's closed. Who knows!

Agree with shootist, excellent advice.

I shoot almost exclusively on either BLM or USFS land, as well as private property. I ALWAYS carry a holstered sidearm and two extra mags from the time I exit my truck (usually my HK45). I also carry any long gun I have out with me down range with mag loaded. Lots homeless in my area living on public land and in RV’s out of sight.

OP, can’t be mentioned enough about safety when shooting alone in a remote area. If you can’t go with a friend, at the minimum tell family or friends your location and what time you plan on being home. And carry a kit that at the very least can slow or control bleeding. And learn to use it.

And, as always, pack out what you pack in. And take a little extra if it’ll fit. Too many spots are being shut down due to losers dumping trash and shooting crap like bottles, appliances, propane tanks and other assorted junk. Carry an extinguisher as well, and plan on a 30min fire watch after final cease fire. Other than that, be safe and have fun.

(Not a lecture, just advice from someone who’s shot in public land since I could carry my own rifle)

[Anthony_C]

Wow! That bad huh? You reckon I should go gunho, platecarrier with level 3 and my ar rifle and the Glock 23? (ccw app gun).

[Anthony_C]

I guess it's gonna be the desert from the looks of it, but if that's what it takes, thats just how it is.

[CessnaDriver]

Just play "what if" in your head as one should anyways even at home. Check the area out really good before you settle in.
You're in a remote area, with expensive stuff desirable to criminals and announcing your presence for miles for hours with loud shots with little to no law enforcement response that would matter in time. Just take breaks and look around now and then. There have been an incident or two over the years, but it's not likely. Mostly I have had odd ducks roll up or walk up and it's "Whatchya shootin" types so I keep wary. Sometimes people watch from afar and disappear. Never have I had a serious incident but just be aware of your surroundings. The good new is you're armed. Don't dally when time to leave. If you have CCW that's great. If not put the last gun away last and leave immediately.

[tony270]

The BLM Fire Closure is mostly South and west starting at Highway 62, Highway 242 to18, to 138 west to 14 North to 58, basically everything south and west of those boundaries are affected. Someone posted it in the Off Topic Forum.

More links to the SBC Recreation Shooting Maps.

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/FishandGameCommission/ShootingMaps.aspx

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/Portals/1/FishandGame/2010_cnty_shooting_areas_final.pdf

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/Portals/1/FishandGame/2010_vly_mtn_shooting_areas_finala2.pdf

[tony270]

Here's the CalGuns topic BLM Fire Closure topic:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1445045

And here's the link to the announcement and area description.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/RecShootingOrder_California_summer2018.pdf

[toiletfighter]

Wow! That bad huh? You reckon I should go gunho, platecarrier with level 3 and my ar rifle and the Glock 23? (ccw app gun).

[TechD]

Wow, this thread has given me a lot to think about and consider!

Here I was thinking it would be fun to take my little .22 S&W out into BLM land, while on a solo cross-country road trip, and screw around, but not anymore!
I never considered the idea of getting robbed, mainly because I figured I'd have gun, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm also not entirely sure why I didn't consider the injury risk. It's probably more common than I realize.

I never knew there were so many restrictions and laws surrounding when and where you could shoot. Naively, I always thought any BLM or NF land was open for shooting any time.

So much to learn.

[brian5271]

Not sure where you are located, nut you can rent a bay at Raahauge's and practice from a holster there. They are located in Carona.

[toiletfighter]

Haha, no intention on my part to turn you off to shooting on public land, in fact if given the choice I’ll take it over a public range any day. It’s still a great thing, but it’s just a little different than going to the local indoor place or a regulated outdoor public range.

As the motto goes, “Be Prepared”.

[200Apples]

dagnabbit! Here I go, again!

As the motto goes, “Be Prepared”.

"Prepare for the worst and you can expect the best."

I love shooting in the desert (in a designated shooting area)... and it is still fun, regardless of every warning and possible scenario posted so far. Only be aware. If anything, it goes back to the Old West where you were your own law enforcement; you were your own Protector.

This whole thing of being prepared also involves your personal mindset. Stay alert!
Yes, shooting is fun. Shooting in the middle of nowhere can make for a lengthy emergency response should it be required.

I never look for trouble, I don't wish to start trouble, but I am prepared to meet it should trouble find me. The late Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper coined his personal motto, DVC: Diligencta, Vis, Celeritas (accuracy, power, speed). That said, I'm no gunslinger, no gunfighter, but I practice to ensure my first shot counts. I practice for an immediate hit. This is accuracy. I use a large caliber. That is power. I must be quick to act, with sound judgment, when threatened with criminal violence. That is speed.

Just don't go downrange unarmed, leaving yourself defenseless against a heist of your firearms, your gear, possibly your vehicle. That's all. Oh, and again, don't shoot yourself when drawing from concealment or when rehosltering.

Take some shade, some line to secure it against wind, take water, take food. Take ammo, take hearing and eye protection. Bring awareness. Have fun.

[200Apples]

tony270

Here's the CalGuns topic BLM Fire Closure topic:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1445045

And here's the link to the announcement and area description.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/fi...summer2018.pdf

After a quick perusal of the written description of the areas now off limits to shooting due to fire danger this time of year, it would appear that Berdoo Canyon (off of Dillon Rd) falls outside of the restricted area. It is east of the posted off limits west of Hwy 111 south to Mecca.

Thanks for posting these links, Tony.

[God Bless America]

All So. Cal BLM land is now closed except for part of the eastern desert. It opened in March, closed by May 1st. We got two months in this year.

Two years ago it closed in July due to the "drought". Last year it closed in June because of "too much brush from too much rain". It had opened in December.

Anyone see a pattern here?

Yes, when fuel moisture is low, fire restrictions ensue.