Shooting on Public Land in Idaho
Last reviewed: May 2026
Idaho offers millions of acres of BLM and National Forest land where recreational shooting is allowed. Here's what you need to know to shoot safely and legally.
Safety First
- • Know your target and what's beyond it. Never shoot over ridgelines.
- • Use a proper backstop. Earth berms, not rocks, trees, or open sky.
- • Check fire restrictions. Ricochets and muzzle blast can start fires.
- • Pack out everything. Brass, targets, and all trash. Leave No Trace.
General Rules for Public Land Shooting
BLM Land
- Shooting allowed unless specifically posted
- Follow local closures, posted restrictions, and fire orders; this guide does not assert a statewide BLM setback distance
- Must have safe backstop (bullet cannot leave area)
National Forest (USFS)
- At least 150 yards (450 feet) from residences, buildings, campsites, developed recreation areas, and occupied areas
- Do not shoot across or on Forest Service roads
- Not within or across wilderness boundaries
- Check for local Forest Orders
Idaho BLM Fire Prevention Order · 2026
May 10–October 20, 2026: exploding targets, shooting at steel or ferrous targets, and using steel-component ammunition are prohibited on BLM-managed lands in Idaho. BLM Idaho's shooting guidance also says not to use tracer, exploding, or steel-core rounds. Restrictions on other lands vary by manager and current order.
Read the 2026 Idaho BLM orderBLM Idaho shooting guidancePopular Shooting Areas
Boise Foothills (BLM)
North 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.
Birds of Prey NCA
South of Boise
Access: Access via Highway 45 and Swan Falls Road
Designated shooting area available. Check NCA maps for boundaries.
Emmett Area (BLM)
North of Emmett
Access: Squaw Butte Rd and Freezeout Rd areas
Less crowded than Boise Foothills. Good backstops in canyon areas.
Owyhee Desert (BLM)
Southwestern Idaho
Access: Multiple access points off Highway 78 and Highway 51
Remote, uncrowded. Excellent for long-range shooting. Bring all supplies.
Idaho City Area (USFS)
Boise National Forest
Access: Forest roads off Highway 21
National Forest land. Find established shooting areas with natural backstops.
Sawtooth National Forest
Central Idaho
Access: Various access points off Highway 75 and Highway 20
Less developed shooting areas. Focus on finding safe backstops.
What You Can (and Cannot) Shoot
Allowed
- Paper and cardboard targets
- Steel targets only where permitted; prohibited on Idaho BLM-managed lands under the 2026 order May 10–October 20
- Clay pigeons (clean up pieces)
- Commercial biodegradable targets
Prohibited
- Glass bottles and containers
- Appliances, TVs, furniture
- Exploding targets are prohibited on Idaho BLM-managed lands under the 2026 order May 10–October 20; check current rules elsewhere
- BLM Idaho guidance says not to use tracer, exploding, or steel-core rounds; check rules for the specific land manager and current order
- Trees, rocks, wildlife
Official Resources
Know Your Land
Use Roam Idaho for public-agency context, then verify parcel ownership with an authoritative source before you shoot. Never shoot on private property without permission.
Open Land Map