New BLM Shooting Range Map Highlights EXPLORE Act in Action, Showcasing Access for America’s Recreational Shooters

The newly released tool provides a centralized resource for the public to locate developed shooting ranges on BLM-managed lands, including agency-operated sites, leased ranges and properties transferred to partners specifically for public shooting access. In addition to identifying existing facilities, the map also highlights districts without qualifying ranges and areas where additional infrastructure is needed. 

“This is exactly what the EXPLORE Act was designed to do — improve access, enhance safety and ensure our public lands continue to serve the needs of America’s outdoor recreation community,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “By making it easier for shooters to find safe, well-managed places to practice, the BLM is strengthening the very foundation of our hunting heritage.” 

Under the EXPLORE Act, a qualifying target shooting range must meet key safety and accessibility standards, including designated firing lines, berms and appropriate buffer distances. Many sites also offer opportunities for rifle and pistol shooting, along with archery and shotgun sports such as skeet, trap and sporting clays. Additional amenities may include shade structures, restrooms, benches and trash facilities that enhance the overall user experience while promoting responsible recreation. 

For the NWTF, access to safe shooting ranges is critical to delivering its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving America’s hunting traditions. Recreational shooting plays a vital role in that mission by fostering participation, improving hunter proficiency and contributing to conservation funding through excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. 

For nearly two decades, the NWTF has participated in the Federal Lands Hunting and Shooting Sports MOU Roundtable, a consortium of sporting conservation organizations that works with the Forest Service, BLM and other federal land management agencies to ensure hunting access and shooting ranges are available for sportsmen and women as is required by federal law.  

In that vein, the NWTF has been a committed supporter of the EXPLORE Act since its introduction, recognizing its potential to expand public access, modernize recreation infrastructure and better serve America’s hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The BLM’s new mapping tool represents a tangible example of that legislation delivering real-world benefits for sportsmen and women across the country. 

The NWTF encourages its members and partners to explore and share the new resource, helping connect more Americans to safe shooting opportunities on their public lands. 

To view the BLM’s interactive shooting range map and learn more, visit: 
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/recreational-shooting/shooting-ranges 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation 

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.