Shooting on BLM Utah Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Utah offers approximately 22.8 million acres for recreational shooting.  There are some areas, however, that are closed to recreational shooting. It is your responsibility to know the locations, rules, and regulations that apply to any activity on BLM lands. Commercial, competitive, or organized group activities require a BLM permit. Check with the appropriate office for details. 

Current Closure Maps and Brochures

• Salt Lake Field Office Closure Map

Eastern Lake Mountains

• Map: Eastern Lake Mountains Target Shooting Closure
• Brochure: Eastern Lake Mountains Target Shooting Closure
• Federal Register Notice: Prohibition of Target Shooting on Public Lands in the Eastern Lake Mountains, Utah County, Utah

Five Mile Pass

• Map: Five Mile Pass Target Shooting Closure

Knolls OHV Area

• Map: Knolls OHV Area Target Shooting Closure

Northern Oquirrh Management Area (NOMA)

• Map: NOMA Target Shooting Closure

Fire

Did you know that each year several wildland fires in Utah start as a result of shooting?  Metal ammunition hitting hard objects can start wildfires!

A federal study has demonstrated fire ignitions caused by rifle bullets. Learn more here. 

Fire Prevention Orders in parts of Utah are ALWAYS in effect:

• BLM Utah Fire Restrictions 
• Utah Fire Information (Statewide Restrictions)  

Shooting Tips

Please follow this guidance when recreational shooting:

• Never shoot from or over any road or highway
• Shoot in a safe direction with a good backstop.  Know your target and beyond!   
• Shooting shotguns over open areas without a backstop can be dangerous to people or animals below.  Always use a good backstop where you know where the bb's are landing. 
• Possession or use of exploding targets is prohibited
• Be aware of shooting closure areas. Pay attention to signs
• Be aware of fire restrictions and regulations
• Do not use plastic pellets, tracer rounds, exploding rounds, or steel-core rounds
• Do not attach targets to plants or place targets against rocks, plants, or solid objects.  It is illegal to deface or destroy trees, signs, outbuildings, or other objects on federal lands
• Carry in your targets and carry out all litter, brass and shell casings.  All targets, shell casings, debris and trash must be removed
• Cross-country travel is not permitted outside of off-highway vehicle Open Area boundaries, so please stay on designated routes