Free public gun ranges in MN?

[photogpat]

I've never been able to find anything in writing about no shooting at Sand Dunes, only Internet anecdotes.

You're not allowed to target shoot at Sherburne Nat'l Wildlife Refuge just down the road...and they publish their restrictions right on the FWS website.

Anyone have anything concrete about Sand Dunes like signage or an email?

[ferch]

I'm also interested in shooting at Sand Dunes. I've been thinking about calling the DNR and asking if it's allowed, but I figure it would make more sense to go on a scouting trip there first and see if there are any safe areas (with a berm etc). If anyone else has any experience there please let us know.

[Rusty Tinner]

I too was curious about Sand Dunes and in late 2010, early 2011 I emailed Jim Abernathy of the DNR and inquired about target shooting there. His response was that target shooting was allowed in all state forests EXCEPT Sand Dunes. I neglected to ask why, but imagine it's because of private property and city limits issues. Hunting IS allowed, but as always, check the regs for proper seasons and dates.

[justaguy]

I too was curious about Sand Dunes and in late 2010, early 2011 I emailed Jim Abernathy of the DNR and inquired about target shooting there. His response was that target shooting was allowed in all state forests EXCEPT Sand Dunes. I neglected to ask why, but imagine it's because of private property and city limits issues. Hunting IS allowed, but as always, check the regs for proper seasons and dates.

So you can shoot to kill, but not practice. Makes perfect sense.

[JJ]

I too was curious about Sand Dunes and in late 2010, early 2011 I emailed Jim Abernathy of the DNR and inquired about target shooting there. His response was that target shooting was allowed in all state forests EXCEPT Sand Dunes. I neglected to ask why, but imagine it's because of private property and city limits issues. Hunting IS allowed, but as always, check the regs for proper seasons and dates.

So you can shoot to kill, but not practice. Makes perfect sense.

In the late 90's the State installed a completely public range in the Dunes. It had at least a 100yd range, with each shooting location encompassed in a section of concrete. There was no RO on duty.

It lasted one season. Neighbors over a mile away ended up with bullet holes in their siding. There were people using the range at night.

So it was shut down.

[justaguy]

I too was curious about Sand Dunes and in late 2010, early 2011 I emailed Jim Abernathy of the DNR and inquired about target shooting there. His response was that target shooting was allowed in all state forests EXCEPT Sand Dunes. I neglected to ask why, but imagine it's because of private property and city limits issues. Hunting IS allowed, but as always, check the regs for proper seasons and dates.

So you can shoot to kill, but not practice. Makes perfect sense.

In the late 90's the State installed a completely public range in the Dunes. It had at least a 100yd range, with each shooting location encompassed in a section of concrete. There was no RO on duty.

It lasted one season. Neighbors over a mile away ended up with bullet holes in their siding. There were people using the range at night.

So it was shut down.

Sounds like drunks?

[ferch]

I just emailed the DNR today to inquire about shooting at Sand Dunes and here's the repy I received:

"No, Sand Dunes state forest is the only one where target shooting is not allowed. It’s too close to populated areas."

DNR Information Center
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651-296-6157
1-888-646-6367

[umnshooter]

I agree that Sand Dunes is a bit close to populated area. So i guess it's just a matter or driving farther, but otherwise, any public state forest land that has a natural berm is allowed for target shooting. I guess that would be the closest thing to a free range.