Recreational Shooting 

A photo of a man leaning on a rock in the desert, aiming a firearm into the distance.

Fire Prevention Order

The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office has issued a Fire Prevention Order prohibiting the use of exploding targets and incendiary devices on BLM-managed lands throughout the State. The order takes effect on January 1, 2023 and expires on December 31, 2023.  

Best Practices for Target Shooting

While the majority of BLM land is open to shooting, please be aware of some rules and best practices while target practicing. Shooting and possession of firearms is allowed on most public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management as long as the shooting activity involved (as found in Title 43 CFR Section 8365 & 9212):

  • Does not create or result in litter, refuse accumulation and abandoned personal property. All spent shells, brass and anything used as a target are considered litter and must be removed by the shooter.
  • Does not create a public hazard, public nuisance or direct threat to public safety and use.
  • Does not damage or destroy natural features, native plants, cultural resources, historic structures or government and/or private property.
  • Does not violate other existing shooting restrictions, closure orders or supplementary rules notices.
  • Does not involve the use of tracers or incendiaries and explosive material as is prohibited by the Fire Prevention Order. Be aware that some areas may close seasonally to target shooting. 

Select a Safe Shooting Location

  • Know your target and what is beyond it. Shots fired across the open areas can travel for more than a mile. Find a safe backdrop.  A spot with a large mound or hill without rocks directly behind the target is ideal.
  • Be prepared with a shovel, extra water or fire extinguisher when target shooting near dry grass and brush.
  • Shooting in a developed recreation area is prohibited.
  • New Mexico laws and restrictions regarding target shooting are applicable and enforceable on BLM administered lands in New Mexico.
  • Firearms must not be discharged within 150 yards of developed recreation areas, buildings, campsites, occupied areas, recreational areas or domestic livestock.
  • Shooting across a road, trail, or wash is not permitted.
  • Shooting should only take place in areas well away from other concentrations of people and property.
  • When driving to your target shooting location, stay on designated routes. Cross-country travel is not permitted outside of designated OHV Open Area boundaries. 

To help better find your way around public lands check out our BLM interactive map.

Point of Contact

BLM New Mexico
State Office Public Room  
301 Dinosaur Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87508

Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm MST M-F
Phone: 505-954-2000
Fax: 505-954-2010
Email: blm_nm_comments@blm.gov

BLM New Mexico Offices
Contact Information

New Mexico State Trust Lands

Any public use of New Mexico State Trust Lands is strictly under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico State Land Office and requires a recreational access permit. 

For more information visit: www.nmstatelands.org