Target shooting near Grand Marais

View · by **Nougat** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:05 pm

I just bought my first gun and pistol of my life if my pellet/bb gun doesn't count. I live in Grand Marais MN and thought it would be easy to find a free safe place to shoot. I'm not from here and don';t know anyone though so it isn't. I really want to use this thing so I hope someone can help out.

Also how often and how thoroughly are you supposed to clean these things?

Should I worry about target shooting during hunting season?
:oops:

View · by **dsm2nr** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:45 pm

IIRC, you can target shoot at any State Park. Looks like the closest to you is Judge Cr Magney State Park. Remember to pick up brass, targets and not leave any trash behind.

View · by **Nougat** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:15 pm

You had me excited but_

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/rules.html

I don't think an unloaded gun in a case or trunk will hit many targets.
Also I don't think those with concealed carry permits would be allowed to whip it it out and start plinking
Thanks for trying even though if someone believed you they would be in for a scolding at least

View · by **dsm2nr** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:22 pm

If you clicked in "complete rules" on the top of that page this comes up.

6100.0800 PUBLIC SAFETY; HUNTING; FIREARMS; WEAPONS.
Subpart 1.
Restrictions.
A.

While in a state park, or while in or within 200 feet of a forest recreation area, except as provided in subpart 2 or by special permit from the commissioner, it is unlawful for a person to:
(1)

possess explosives or fireworks of any kind;
(2)

possess a firearm, unless the firearm is unloaded and completely contained in a gun case expressly made for that purpose, which is fully enclosed by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, or unless unloaded and contained in the trunk of a car with the trunk door closed;
(3)

possess a bow and arrows, unless either unstrung or completely contained in a case or contained in the trunk of a car with the trunk door closed;
(4)

use or display any other type of weapon including slingshots, switchblade knives, traps, and spears; and
(5)

hunt, trap, or take wild animals in any manner except as authorized by the commissioner.
B.

It is unlawful while hunting to pursue wildlife into a state park or to chase wildlife out of a state park without permission of a park officer.
Subp. 2.
Exceptions.
A.

When hunting, trapping, or taking wild animals is authorized in a state park, the restrictions in subpart 1 on firearms, bows and arrows, and traps are waived to the extent necessary to allow the authorized activity.
B.

During the open seasons for hunting, a person may carry an unloaded, uncased firearm or bow and arrows from a forest recreation area to engage in hunting outside of the forest recreation area.
Subp. 3.

[Repealed, 24 SR 208]
Subp. 4.

[Repealed, 24 SR 208]
Subp. 5.
Hunting and shooting; forest lands.

Forest lands are open to hunting and to target, trap, and recreational shooting except where prohibited by law, posted or designated closed for management or public safety purposes, or otherwise restricted by this part.
Subp. 6.
Shooting ranges; forest lands.

Items A to G govern the use of designated shooting ranges on forest lands.
A.

Shooting range hours are from sunrise to sunset, except that no shooting is allowed before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
B.

Shooting ranges are closed during the firearms deer season.
C.

Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited on a shooting range.
D.

Firearms must be unloaded and cased unless on the firing line.
E.

Use of a firing point is limited to one hour when others are waiting.
F.

Shooting is permitted only from the designated firing points on ranges where they are provided.
G.

Targets permitted are:
(1)

rifle or pistol - paper targets or steel silhouettes only. Paper targets must be attached to target holders where provided; and
(2)

shotgun - clay targets only.
Statutory Authority:

MS s 14.045; 84.03; 85.052; 85.053; 85.20; 86A.05; 86A.06; 89.031; 89.19 to 89.21; 89.71
History:

14 SR 2497; 24 SR 208
Posted:

June 11, 2008

What constitutes as forest lands, I'm not sure. Might have to be State Forests or could be State Parks also. You could call the DNR and ask, easily enough.

View · by **ex-LT** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:29 pm

dsm misstated it - state forests, not parks.

Firearms may be discharged in compliance with the law on forest lands not posted closed to firearms discharge.

IIRC, there is only one state forest where shooting is not allowed, and that is south of the metro

View · by **Nougat** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:51 pm

Called my GFs Dad and he had a gravel pit I "should" be able to find on State Forest land up and off the Gunflint trail a bit

possess a firearm, unless the firearm is unloaded and completely contained in a gun case expressly made for that purpose, which is fully enclosed by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, or unless unloaded and contained in the trunk of a car with the trunk door closed;
(3)
exactly except on the link I posted it seems to state that Those with CC permits can still carry?

View · by **dsm2nr** on Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:25 pm

Here's a good source for what applies to permit holders.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/minnesota.pdf

Cliffs: You can carry in State Forests and State Parks.

View · by **Nougat** on Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:31 am

You can carry in State Parks.-if you have a cc permit and keep it concealed unless need arises= no target shooting

You can carry in State Forests- since anyone can target shoot in them except ones marked otherwise and the one down south called dunes or something-its obvious those with cc permits could carry there.

Thanks for your help dsm2nr. Glad ex-LT+I could clear that up for people who might see this and take your word for it and go out shooting in state parks.

View · by **Nougat** on Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:58 am

bump-Should I worry about target shooting during hunting season?
:oops:

Also when is the hunting seasons? I don't know anyone that would tell me and I am much too embarrassed to ask where i get gas and stuff.

View · by **OldmanFCSA** on Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:16 am

Court House seems to be a place to shoot - but not recommended!

View · by **Nougat** on Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:38 am

yes its very funny that some perv did not like being sentenced and decided to blame the officials he shot

Anyhow I am interested in legally target shooting which would probably often constitute reckless discharge? I also hope not to be shot for spooking Deer

?
edit{I really hope I don't spook a deer, I can imagine the frustration of waiting for one to show only to see it take off-because some guy couldn't wait to shoot his .22}

View · by **illbits** on Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:48 am

Nougat wrote:bump-Should I worry about target shooting during hunting season?

Also when is the hunting seasons? I don't know anyone that would tell me and I am much too embarrassed to ask where i get gas and stuff.

Contact the DNR, they should be able to answer these questions (disclaimer: "should").

View · by **ex-LT** on Mon Dec 19, 2011 12:56 pm

Nougat wrote:Also when is the hunting seasons?

Minnesota Hunting & Trapping Seasons

View · by **Nougat** on Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:30 pm

any tips for a 1st time pistol owner-anybody else have a pk?
I tried previewing and resizing this pic but it still shows up BIG In the preview anyhow?

View · by **Fshirley** on Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:28 pm

Nougat wrote:Called my GFs Dad and he had a gravel pit I "should" be able to find on State Forest land up and off the Gunflint trail a bit

possess a firearm, unless the firearm is unloaded and completely contained in a gun case expressly made for that purpose, which is fully enclosed by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, or unless unloaded and contained in the trunk of a car with the trunk door closed;
(3)
exactly except on the link I posted it seems to state that Those with CC permits can still carry?

Know the area very well...there is a gravel pit on bear pit road.