Rules for Target Shooting in the dessert (Twentynine Palms)

[jd88]

A newbie question.

I've heard that people go out to some areas by the dessert to set up your own targets.

I am planning to get a vacation by Joshua Tree (specifically at Twentynine Palms). The Airbnb where I will be staying is in the middle of the dessert. Houses are miles apart.

Anyone know the rules and regulations to set up target shooting outdoors in this area?

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[hermosabeach]

step one
blm has an online tool to find BLM land

step two-
check with local rangers office - find out rules on shooting
write down date/ time/ name of ranger/ discussion

step 3
read rules on the local BLM site- what is allowed

bi metallic ammo- normally out

step 4- desert will burn

clear impact area so bullets are less likely to start fire
have a fire extinguisher
have a towel and a gallon of water to soak towel in case fire needs to be beaten out

last- leave it as clean or cleaner than when you found it

[jd88]

Excellent info!! Thank you.

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[IVC]

A missing part - be very careful and cognizant of two-legged creatures in the desert. They can be quite pesky, if not dangerous.

On the few occasions I went to the desert, we all open-carried and never left our gear unattended while dealing with the targets. I wouldn't consider going to the desert without being strapped.

[bugsy714]

A missing part - be very careful and cognizant of two-legged creatures in the desert. They can be quite pesky, if not dangerous.

On the few occasions I went to the desert, we all open-carried and never left our gear unattended while dealing with the targets. I wouldn't consider going to the desert without being strapped.

Yep also check your cell service at your shooting location to make sure if you have to call 911 that you can

Shoot with a buddy have your buddy watch your back and you watch your buddies back

Bring a tourniquet and know how to use it individual first aid kits or a good start


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[ar15barrels]

I am planning to get a vacation by Joshua Tree (specifically at Twentynine Palms). The Airbnb where I will be staying is in the middle of the dessert. Houses are miles apart.

Anyone know the rules and regulations to set up target shooting outdoors in this area?

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/Portals/1/FishandGame/FirearmsOrdinance.pdf

You would need to figure out precisely where the house is to determine what section it's in and what the rules are for that section, but generally, you need to be at least 150yds from all public roads and structures to be able to discharge firearms under CA state law.
The exception to this is having written permission from the owner of the structures.
You also can not shoot across a public road.

[edgerly779]

150 yards from occupied dwellings and not across roadways. Some structures may be occupied some not so to be safe maintain 150 yard distance.

[nickel plate]

Peaches and cream?

[Librarian]

A missing part - be very careful and cognizant of two-legged creatures in the desert. They can be quite pesky, if not dangerous.

And do not shoot at the organized groups of targets in camo - they shoot back!

[sandsnow]

Here is the San Berdoo County map. I dont want to quote BLM regs as they always seem to change.
Do a google search for Gold Crown Road. Head south and take a side road toward a hillside. That's your best bet. Anything closer to civilization will likely get you a visit from sheriff.

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/1/fishandgame/2010_cnty_shooting_areas_final.pdf

[hambam105]

In that area that they have Free mil spec 5.56 ammo. Shoot all you want to. You just can't take any ammo home.

See your nearest Marine Recruiter.

[Dan_Eastvale]

Do CA counties’ sheriffs patrol BLM?
Do they follow county law or BLM law?

[IVC]

There is no "BLM law." Sheriff is the top law enforcement officer in a county, so it's a matter of how the agency splits duties and responsibilities with other LE agencies, subject to regulations in CA Government Code (maybe others).

The short answer is that the sheriff's deputies can patrol the BLM land and they might frequent some well-known spots based on their priorities at the time, but they don't show too often in remote areas unless they have some other business there. It's a waste of time to drive through remote areas just because they can.

[smle-man]

Be very aware of the impact zone for your targets. Make sure there is a hill behind the targets and be aware of the rocks that are probably on that hill as regards to ricochets. People don't realize how far a deflected bullet will travel. Make sure your impact area is not on the path for off roaders or hikers.

I've seen folks set up targets in the desert on more or less flat ground with nothing behind the targets but miles of desert. Bullets go a long way.

[1911-CV]

Of course...

Hi Desert Rod & Gun is nearby. Open Friday - Sunday with steel out to 300 yds. Shoot all you want for $10 which includes free paper targets.