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

picture of man shooting a gun at rock in dry grass

Eastern Lake Mountains

Five Mile Pass

Knolls OHV Area

Northern Oquirrh Management Area (NOMA)

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:

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

picture of a barren hillside with recommended target shooting locations

Point of Contact

440 West 200 South, Ste. 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

State Office Public Room
Hours: 7:45am - 4:30pm, M-F
Phone: 801-539-4001
Fax: 801-539-4237
Email: blm_ut_so_public_room@blm.gov

Quicklinks

Utah BLM Hunting and Fishing 

National BLM Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting

Tread Lightly! Shooting Tips

Leave No Trace - Hunting and Shooting Ethics

Be Safe with Wildfires! Target Shooting Safety

Non-BLM Shooting Ranges in Utah

Reporting Crimes

CALL 9-1-1

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