Where to go shooting outside

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mrbladedude

mrbladedude

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I've had about enough of the indoor shooting ranges. I don't like rules and I dont need a babysitter every time I want to shoot my guns. I stay in Norfolk Virginia. I am not looking for an outdoor range, I'm looking for isolated land. There are hunting areas close to me, there is a WMA that people hunt on and other hunting areas in adjacent cities such as Chesapeake but the information in unclear as to if I can just show up and shoot.

If people are hunting there at certain times of the year then surely I can go shooting there as well? It just seems ridiculous that in order to shoot, we have to be supervised and controlled and subjected to rules and regulations.
 
Not helpful to you and your situation, but this is one reason Ive always loved the mountain west. Vast areas of public land, especially National Forests. I think I shot in literally dozens of places in Az hundreds of times when I lived there with zero complications or hassles, and up north its the same, situation. Sorry I cant be of more assistance, perhaps theres areas of public land in your area that you can shoot on.

When I visit in other parts of the country, finding a decent place to shoot is always an issue unless you own suitable land or know someone who does. Very discouraging at times.
 
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From my understanding, target shooting on Virginia WMAs is limited to established designated ranges.

I suggest to GTS.
 
When you look for an outdoor location, look for private land where you can get owner permission or acquiescence for your use. Or look for public land.

Once you have found your rural, unpopulated land, look for topographical features that lend themselves to a good improvised shooting range. A small canyon to back stop your rounds, contain the sound, and prevent cross traffic (hikers, horsemen, atv riders) down range. Sand dunes, forest (esp. logging areas), gravel pits, quarries, abandoned mining operations... you get the idea. I like to be able to move off road at least 100 yards so that I'm not shooting any where near a roadway. Never shoot across or along the length of a roadway.

And for heaven's sake, please clean up after yourself when finished shooting. The thing that will get shooters thrown off public land isn't the shooting, its the litter we leave behind.
 
Even the most isolated land anywhere near a wee place like Norfolk is very likely owned by somebody. Makes you subject to local trespass ordinances whether you like it or not. Rifles and handguns require you to know exactly what is behind your back stop out to several miles too.
WMA info is likely on the State Fish and Game(or whatever it's called there) web site. One said rule for WMA's is, "
Target shooting is permitted only on designated ranges." S'on here under 'Firearms'. https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/wmarules.pdf
Of course, hunting isn't the same thing as shooting.
"...hunting there at certain times of the year..." Which is right now.
 
You'll probably have to drive to national for rest lands if you don't want to shoot on a range if you aren't friends with a property owner.
 
The thing I don't like about indoor ranges is they make you shoot their ammo. I reload and don't like being overcharged for premium ammo. I'm in Ohio and public land that a person can shoot on is unheard of. You guys out west got it made.
 
hso said:
You'll probably have to drive to national for rest lands if you don't want to shoot on a range if you aren't friends with a property owner.
Click to expand...
Most National Forrest lands state the same thing........from the USFS web site.

"Target shooting is allowed only in designated areas of a national forest or grassland. Check your local ranger district for more information about where you can and where you cannot target practice."
 
mrbladedude said:
I've had about enough of the indoor shooting ranges. I don't like rules and I dont need a babysitter every time I want to shoot my guns. I stay in Norfolk Virginia. I am not looking for an outdoor range, I'm looking for isolated land. There are hunting areas close to me, there is a WMA that people hunt on and other hunting areas in adjacent cities such as Chesapeake but the information in unclear as to if I can just show up and shoot.

If people are hunting there at certain times of the year then surely I can go shooting there as well? It just seems ridiculous that in order to shoot, we have to be supervised and controlled and subjected to rules and regulations.
Click to expand...

We have the same situation in Texas. Most land is private owned here.
 
I've had about enough of the indoor shooting ranges. I don't like rules and I dont need a babysitter every time I want to shoot my guns.
Click to expand...

Your solution is to own the land you shoot on and do your research before hand to make sure it will be legal to shoot there and how to help prevent it from becoming illegal down the road.

Then just make sure none of your bullets leave your property (why ranges have rules and people to enforce them) and you'll be good.
 
Designate isn't the same as being on a range. they have land use restrictions for safety purposes.
 
hso said:
Designate isn't the same as being on a range. they have land use restrictions for safety purposes.
Click to expand...


Still, one has to know what areas are designated, not just stop at the first dirt road and start shooting. The point I was trying to make. There are also other restrictions for shooting of USFS land, such as having a safe backstop, not fastening targets to trees, what you can use for targets, etc. The safety aspect is why so many public land now has restrictions on where you can shoot. 30 years ago it was hunters/shooters were the primary users of large parcels of public lands. Nowadays you have hikers, bird watchers, off road bicyclists, snowshoers, wildlife photographers, etc., that are out there just as thick as hunters. Used to be if you went shooting there the last thing you though about was other folks in the woods with you. Ain't that way anymore. Add to the fact that many gun owners aren't always the most responsible for picking up their mess they leave behind, and officials are now limiting where that can happen. Regardless if it a range or just a designated area one is looking for, they should contact the local official/agency in change of that area to find out what and where is legal. It's what responsible gun owners do instead of just driving to the woods and start shooting.
 
one has to know what areas are designated, not just stop at the first dirt road and start shooting
Click to expand...

Yes, exactly so. There really is no land without rules and it is our responsibility to learn what they are.
 
My advice would be to either buy a piece of land that you know beforehand you can shoot on, or make friends with some folks who already have land.

I have two different people within 20min of where I live that have appropriate land for target shooting. I also have an old family farm that we still have rights to. The issue for all of those spots is you're limited to when it's convenient for them. But it IS nice when it's available.

I normally shoot at my local indoor range and have no issues with it. The fact that I have to drive into the city is the only real quirk. The staff and RSO's are very easy to get along with and their "rules" are the same ones I'd be following if by myself somewhere, so not a problem.


I'd be hesitant to try and target shoot on any govt owned land that is deemed "public". I could just see the local Park Rangers or Game Wardens getting antsy even if you did happen to be in a place that was legal. Then there's also what someone else mentioned about all of the "non-gun" related folks who might be wandering about, and if an accident did happen it would certainly not be good for you.
 
I live in Portsmouth so I feel your pain. As far as I know the only two WMAs that have ranges are Amelia (2 hours away) and Chicahominy (1 hour away) and you can't shoot handguns at either place if I remember correctly. Land in the area is all privately owned otherwise. The National Forest is 4 to 5 hours away in the mountains. I don't know if you have ever been to C2 out in the Pungo area but they have a nice facility, a little pricey. There is also a range out in Wakefield (Airfield Shooting Club), about 50 miles away but you have to be a member or guest of a member, nice facility though, I used to be a member there. I just go where I can, to all of those places at various times. Like it has been said, if you can fall in with someone who has land that can be shot on, that would be they way to go. I have had such arrangements in the past, but they come and go. I wish you all the luck.
 
Here in MI we have lots of national forest land this is from the USDA forest service website.

v-fib

Target Shooting
Target practice with a rifle, handgun or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations.

  • A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed targets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
  • All trash must be packed out, including shell casings and targets.
  • Glass targets are prohibited.
  • Target shooting with a rifle, handgun or shotgun 5 days prior to deer rifle season is prohibited.
 
V-fib said:
Here in MI we have lots of national forest land this is from the USDA forest service website.

v-fib

Target Shooting
Target practice with a rifle, handgun or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations.

  • A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed targets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
  • All trash must be packed out, including shell casings and targets.
  • Glass targets are prohibited.
  • Target shooting with a rifle, handgun or shotgun 5 days prior to deer rifle season is prohibited.
Click to expand...
I regularly go to the UP Musky fishing on the Cisco Chain of Lakes. I e-mailed the Chamber of Commerce of several of the local towns there a few years back about a local range where I and folks with me could go and shoot handguns. They all told me to go to the "old sand pit" in the Sylvania Recreation Area in the Ottawa National Forrest. When I got there the place was over-run with ATV tracks and traversing completely around it on all sides was a marked hiking trail.:what:Still the ground was littered solid with spent cases, broken clay pigeons and other targets. Went back to the main office of the Rec. Area and ran into a Gogebic County mountie, who assured me I was at the right "sand pit" and it was where everyone in the area went to sight in their deer rifles. Needless to say, I did not shoot there for obvious reasons.
 
forget city living. get a country place n shoot in your backyard.
i have my 25 n 50 yard bulls eye range out back.
in front is my point shooting area.
not a great house but lots of freedom.
 
I thought I'd update this since the OP is from my state. I heard about this site on the radio the other day and checked it out today. Just got off the phone with one of owners and the site was just launched in Sept so they are constantly updating things, but there are a couple of places listed specifically mentioning target shooting and I was told there will be a more thorough update by next week on target shooting.

There is a 9.99/mth membership fee to be able to make reservations but many of the spots are free to reserve from the landowner. And if you find a location close to you they can call and check with the landowner about target shooting before you sign up for a membership.

As I read it this is a Virginia only thing right now but seems like a great idea.


https://www.outdooraccess.com/#/home
 
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Interesting site. I also live in VA, and although I have a private range and hunting land, I've recently been looking for additional places to hunt. I didn't even know that site existed, but it is a really good idea.

Thanks for sharing.
 
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