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Shooting on Public Land
32 Million Acres.
Shoot Responsibly.
Idaho offers millions of acres of BLM and National Forest land where recreational shooting is legal. Know the rules, be safe, clean up after yourself, and protect access for future generations.
🎯 6+ Shooting Areas📋 BLM & USFS Rules🔥 Fire Season Info🗺️ Public Land Maps
11.8M
BLM Acres
20.4M acres
National Forest
Unlimited*
Shooting Areas
Jun-Oct
Fire Season
* Shooting allowed on most public land unless specifically posted or restricted
Public Land Map
Verify land ownership before shooting. Layer BLM and National Forest boundaries with terrain data.
Open Map
Offroad Access
Many shooting areas require 4x4 or high-clearance access. Plan your route and check conditions.
View Trails
Regulations Guide
Complete breakdown of BLM and USFS regulations for recreational shooting and public land use.
Read Guide
Safety First
- • Know your target and what's beyond. Never shoot over ridgelines or toward roads, trails, or structures.
- • Use a proper backstop. Earth berms work best. Never shoot at rocks, water, or into open sky.
- • Check fire restrictions. Ricochets and muzzle blast can start fires. Steel core and tracer ammo prohibited.
- • Pack out everything. Brass, targets, shotgun hulls, and all trash. Leave No Trace.
- • Verify land ownership. Trespassing is illegal. Use public land maps to confirm boundaries.
Public Land Rules
BLM Land
- Shooting allowed unless specifically posted
- 150 feet from campgrounds and developed areas
- 150 feet from residences and roads
- Must have safe backstop
- No shooting in developed recreation sites
National Forest (USFS)
- Similar rules to BLM land
- 150 feet from campgrounds and picnic areas
- Not within wilderness boundaries
- Check for local Forest Orders
- MVUM shows open roads for access
Fire Season Restrictions (June - October)
During fire season, many areas require you to carry a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water when shooting. Some areas may close entirely during extreme fire danger.
Popular Shooting Areas
Boise Foothills (BLM)
Easy accessNorth 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 targetsFire extinguisher required
Birds of Prey NCA
Easy accessSouth of Boise
Access: Access via Highway 45 and Swan Falls Road
Designated shooting area available. Check NCA maps for boundaries.
Designated areas onlyNo shooting outside zones
Emmett Area (BLM)
Some high clearanceNorth of Emmett
Access: Squaw Butte Rd and Freezeout Rd areas
Less crowded than Boise Foothills. Good backstops in canyon areas.
Standard BLM regulations
Owyhee Desert (BLM)
High clearance recommendedSouthwestern 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 100ft of water
Idaho City Area (USFS)
Mixed accessBoise National Forest
Access: Forest roads off Highway 21
National Forest land. Find established areas with natural backstops.
No incendiary ammoFire extinguisher requiredNo glass
Sawtooth National Forest
VariableCentral 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
Equipment Checklist
REQUIRED
Fire extinguisher
Required during fire season
REQUIRED
Shovel
For fire suppression
Water container (5+ gal)
Recommended for fire safety
First aid kit
Essential for any shooting
Ear & eye protection
Always wear PPE
Target stands
Bring your own—don't shoot trees
REQUIRED
Trash bags
Pack out everything
Paper maps / GPS
Cell service unreliable
Target Rules
✓ Allowed
- Paper and cardboard targets
- Steel targets (proper distance, angle)
- Clay pigeons (clean up pieces)
- Commercial biodegradable targets
- Bring-your-own target stands
✗ Prohibited
- Glass bottles and containers
- Appliances, TVs, furniture
- Tannerite/exploding targets (usually banned)
- Tracer rounds and incendiary ammo
- Trees, rocks, signs, or wildlife
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to shoot on BLM land in Idaho?
Yes, recreational shooting is generally allowed on BLM land in Idaho unless specifically posted otherwise. You must be at least 150 feet from developed recreation sites, residences, and roads. Check for local closures and fire restrictions before heading out.
Can I shoot on National Forest land in Idaho?
Yes, similar rules apply to National Forest land. Shooting is allowed unless posted or within developed areas. You must have a safe direction of fire (proper backstop) and follow all fire restrictions. Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for access roads.
What targets are prohibited on public land?
Glass bottles and containers are prohibited on all public lands. Exploding targets (Tannerite, etc.) are banned in many areas, especially during fire season. You cannot shoot at appliances, furniture, or other trash. Never shoot at trees, rocks, or structures.
What do I need to bring during fire season?
During fire season (typically June-October), you're required to have a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water on hand when shooting. Some areas may be completely closed to shooting during extreme fire danger. Check current fire restrictions before any trip.
How do I know if land is public or private?
Use our interactive public land map or apps like OnX Hunt to verify land ownership. When in doubt, don't shoot. Trespassing on private property is a serious offense. Look for boundary signs and fence lines, but not all private land is marked.
What's the best time to go shooting on public land?
Weekday mornings offer the least crowded conditions. Spring and fall provide comfortable weather and lower fire risk. Early summer is good before fire restrictions take effect. Avoid popular areas on weekends and holidays.
Official Resources
Know Your Land
Use the map to verify land ownership before you shoot. Never shoot on private property without explicit permission.
Open Public Land Map