BLM shooting questions

[SanDiego619]

Hello,

I am trying to make sure that I can legally shoot on BLM land that I find that looks good for target practice.

If I look at the BLM map and find a big open space with no structures or anything, can I just pull over and start firing away, as long as there are no fire restrictions or special public utility easements or something on it?

Is there some checklist I can go through to make sure the spot I found is legal? Like: Is it BLM land? Are there structures? Do you have a back stop? Is it a special fairy shrimp protection area? Etc... I don't want to go out and start shooting and have cops come give me tickets or arrest me.

[broadside]

Are you far enough off the road?

Have you verified that the land is actually BLM? Many BLM properties have small sections actually leased/owned by others in the middle of the overall BLM property.

[SanDiego619]

That's a question I can't find a clear answer to. How far is far enough? And how can I be sure the land isn't leased out? The blm map on blm.gov is interactive and has squares and patches marked out that aren't blm. But I don't know how to tell if land indicated as blm land isn't being leased out. How can I tell?

[golfish]

The last I heard all BLM land in California is shut down due to fire danger. When it starts to get wet they will shut it down due to flooding.

[SanDiego619]

Yes, but I am talking about finding a spot in general. So precluding restrictions due to fire or flood risk, what else do I need to consider and how can I make sure a particular area of BLM land is ok to shoot on?

[shoebox56]

I'd call BLM directly. At least when I called them years ago, they were really helpful.

[SanDiego619]

I'd call BLM directly. At least when I called them years ago, they were really helpful.

I actually did before making this thread! They gave no information regarding shooting and simply said they provide the land and it's up to me to comply with local ordinances on blm land. I asked how I can find out and which agency and she said maybe the ranger...

Edit: I called a different blm office and they were more helpful. They said just make sure I'm following the safety rules and I can shoot on blm land where there aren't fire restrictions.

[bronco75a]

I don't know if you're in San Bernardino County but here are the areas certain weapons can be used in to include BLM land.

I imagine other counties have a similar map/aid to go by.

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

[golfish]

Edit: I called a different blm office and they were more helpful. They said just make sure I'm following the safety rules and I can shoot on blm land where there aren't fire restrictions.

What office was it that gave you this info?

[maxit]

I guess this is an good opportunity to appreciate those who leave casings and trash afterwards. That way we know we are on the right land to shoot. [emoji3061]


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[Rakso]

I don't know if you're in San Bernardino County but here are the areas certain weapons can be used in to include BLM land.

I imagine other counties have a similar map/aid to go by.

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/Portals/1/Fi...reas_final.pdf

Excellent, where can I find the one for Riverside county?

[SanDiego619]

What office was it that gave you this info?

Does it sound wrong? They did say they are not gonna tell me exact rules for each spot because they do not know, but that as far as they are concerned I have to follow their fire restrictions and safety rules. But it is up to me to make sure I follow local ordinances.

[Timo2019]

swebster@blm.gov

She sorted us out...

[SanDiego619]

I guess this is an good opportunity to appreciate those who leave casings and trash afterwards. That way we know we are on the right land to shoot. [emoji3061]


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I do feel nervous shooting somewhere where I cannot see a single shell or anything anywhere, not a single sign that anyone has ever shot there.

I don't want people to leave tons of trash and shells, but maybe one or two shells, like breadcrumbs for us, would be ok.

[still919]

Meh...a group of us met at an undisclosed located via a hand drawn map. Half the group said it was BLM land, half said it wasn't...shooting session...debate continued over whether it was BLM land...shooting session...CHP drove by on the highway in the distance...argument continued...shooting session...BBQ...go home.

This probably doesn't help. Sorry.

BTW...there were old spent shell casings on the ground, but I believe those belonged to us from the last time.