Tips for first timer at BLM land?

[Dirte]

Not sure where I'm going to go yet, but I have the day off of work on Monday so I would like to try out one of public/BLM land spots in my area. I'm still a bit of a noob to the shooting world though, and this will be my first time out at one of these places so I wanted to know if anyone can school me on the proper procedures, rules, etiquette, etc.

From what I have read in other posts, I gather that you just find a spot you like and have at it. That seems a little too good to be true though, and I definitely don't want to inadvertently put myself or anyone else in danger with my ignorance.

[msand951]

1) BE SAFE , watch were you are shooting and OTHERS. muzzle awareness at all times.
2) be sure its legal.
3) Clean up after yourself ----- very important to keep them open.
4) have fun
5) If you find a good legal spot ,intant message some stud from calguns by the name msand951 and tell him were it is.

[hermosabeach]

Bring a shovel for each shooter
Bring at least 1 large fire extinguisher

Clean a good 10' path on all sides of the impact area

No shooting from roads or across roads

Have a good back stop.

Bring a tarp to help you collect your spent brass

Besides that- you can check in with the local rangers office before your trip. Ask questions on where you can shoot and ask for any other advice. Write down the name, number and notes of the call - toss that info in your range bag

Have fun

[WASR10]

Previous two posts covered it. Be prepared at any time to be paid a visit by BLM officials. Also, bring water!

[Dirte]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, some A**hole tried to steel my truck out of my driveway on Sunday and busted my ignition all to hell, so I didn't get to go shooting today. But I will keep this stuff in mind for when I do get to go out, hopefully soon.

[Whiterabbit]

Bring a shovel for each shooter
Bring at least 1 large fire extinguisher

Clean a good 10' path on all sides of the impact area

No shooting from roads or across roads

Have a good back stop.

Bring a tarp to help you collect your spent brass

Besides that- you can check in with the local rangers office before your trip. Ask questions on where you can shoot and ask for any other advice. Write down the name, number and notes of the call - toss that info in your range bag

Have fun

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, some A**hole tried to steel my truck out of my driveway on Sunday and busted my ignition all to hell, so I didn't get to go shooting today. But I will keep this stuff in mind for when I do get to go out, hopefully soon.

Lemme try to summarize the situation if I may, based on this.

So Mr Dirte hitches a ride over to the local rent-a-car site and asks for a cheap compact. YES full insurance please. Sign the paperwork, get the keys. Go to car, open trunk.

Pack into rental car:

Shovels
Tarp
Guns
Everyone is smiling.

Yep, pretty sure that'll get you put on a list.

[aeromech]

The BLM Rangers can be tough I'm told. Don't underestimate their seriousness if you see them coming. Be sure that all your weapons are legal as well as your high capacity magazines.

[Dirte]

Lemme try to summarize the situation if I may, based on this.

So Mr Dirte hitches a ride over to the local rent-a-car site and asks for a cheap compact. YES full insurance please. Sign the paperwork, get the keys. Go to car, open trunk.

Pack into rental car:

Shovels
Tarp
Guns
Everyone is smiling.

Yep, pretty sure that'll get you put on a list.

LOL. That would be classic!

[Whiterabbit]

well, I'll level with you. That's an inside joke. A couple months ago, my inlaws came up to help us finish our front yard landscaping. FIL brought some toys in case we finished early. On the grapevine, their car broke down. They got a tow back to LA and they rented a car. And sure enough, when they packed the trunk of the rental car, they tossed in: a shovel, a tarp, and some guns.

[North Bay Guy]

My one and only tip is don't drink alcohol.

[peter95]

Don't forget a table also. It'll be convenient. Bring chairs plenty of water and a copy of the flow chart .

[ChrisBrooklyn]

A pop up tent for some shade can be great as well. Like the 99$ Walmart special. Bring plenty of water and maybe a couple power bars.

[x-007]

Find the BLM office that is responsible for the general area where you want to shoot. Check with them FIRST for locations, any restrictions, and any other pertinent info.

Restrictions? Well, there ARE certain areas where target shooting is forbidden. Of course, shooting across roads is illegal. Also, they impose restrictions during the fire hazard season, and for areas where endangered vegetation is located. There have also been restrictions on shooting areas due to endangered animals having been killed (desert tortoises). Do NOT shoot at "rocks" that move very slowly!

Other than that, they may tell you about certain areas where "undocumented" immigrants/future Democrat voters (I had to throw that in) have been spotted, or if there has been any reports of road-side meth laboratories in the area.

When you arrive at a location, test your cell phone to see if anyone can receive your phone call, and tell someone where you are located. Take plenty of water!

Lastly, be sure to clean up the location before you leave, and double-check to see if you forgot to pack something back into your vehicle.

[polo.45]

Clean up your mess

[edgerly779]

Remember to not lean a loaded weapon against any vehicle. Have fun