Shooting Guide

Shooting on Public Land in Idaho

Idaho offers millions of acres of BLM and National Forest land where recreational shooting is allowed. Here's what you need to know to shoot safely and legally.

Safety First

• Know your target and what's beyond it. Never shoot over ridgelines.
• Use a proper backstop. Earth berms, not rocks, trees, or open sky.
• Check fire restrictions. Ricochets and muzzle blast can start fires.
• Pack out everything. Brass, targets, and all trash. Leave No Trace.

General Rules for Public Land Shooting

BLM Land

Shooting allowed unless specifically posted
150 feet from designated campgrounds
150 feet from residences, buildings, roads
Must have safe backstop (bullet cannot leave area)

National Forest (USFS)

Similar rules to BLM land
150 feet from campgrounds and picnic areas
Not within or across wilderness boundaries
Check for local Forest Orders

Fire Season Restrictions

During fire season (typically June-October), many areas require you to carry a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water when shooting. Some areas may close entirely. Check the BLM Idaho website for current restrictions.

Popular Shooting Areas

Boise Foothills (BLM)

North of Boise

Access: Multiple access points off Bogus Basin Rd and Highway 21

Very popular. Avoid weekends. Many areas closed due to fire risk in summer.

No glass targetsNo exploding targetsMust have fire extinguisher during fire season

Birds of Prey NCA

South of Boise

Access: Access via Highway 45 and Swan Falls Road

Designated shooting area available. Check NCA maps for boundaries.

Specific designated shooting areas onlyNo target shooting outside designated zones

Emmett Area (BLM)

North of Emmett

Access: Squaw Butte Rd and Freezeout Rd areas

Less crowded than Boise Foothills. Good backstops in canyon areas.

Standard BLM regulations apply

Owyhee Desert (BLM)

Southwestern Idaho

Access: Multiple access points off Highway 78 and Highway 51

Remote, uncrowded. Excellent for long-range shooting. Bring all supplies.

Fire restrictions when postedNo camping within 100 feet of water

Idaho City Area (USFS)

Boise National Forest

Access: Forest roads off Highway 21

National Forest land. Find established shooting areas with natural backstops.

No incendiary ammunitionMust have fire extinguisherNo glass targets

Sawtooth National Forest

Central Idaho

Access: Various access points off Highway 75 and Highway 20

Less developed shooting areas. Focus on finding safe backstops.

Standard USFS regulationsSeasonal fire restrictions

What You Can (and Cannot) Shoot

✓ Allowed

Paper and cardboard targets
Steel targets (reactive, self-healing)
Clay pigeons (clean up pieces)
Commercial biodegradable targets

✗ Prohibited

Glass bottles and containers
Appliances, TVs, furniture
Tannerite/exploding targets (often banned)
Tracer rounds (fire risk)
Trees, rocks, wildlife

Official Resources

BLM Boise District BLM Idaho Falls District USFS Intermountain Region Public Land Access Guide

Know Your Land

Use Roam Idaho's map to verify land ownership before you shoot. Never shoot on private property without permission.

Open Land Map