Hi. I was wondering if anyone knew the legality of setting up target and shooting on state owned land. Specifically state natural areas. I know it's legal to hunt there, but can someone set up some tin cans and have a lazy afternoon of shooting?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

It is generally prohibited to target shoot except at established ranges.  



It does not appear that they have amended it since Act 168  
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/168

Also makes for a fun day when I go for a quick hike

I've seen people shooting on public land, however that's when I 180 and go the fuck somewhere else far away.

To go shoot in the forest, you need to go up to Cheqauauamogen and Nicolet forests..  Those are fed land.

Public land around here generally all have signs posted saying "no target shooting".

I'm not a fan of target shooting on public land anyway...It's almost impossible to ensure there is nobody downrange.  I would be less concerned if I could find a decent hill side and was shooting pistols...

But yeah, target shooting on DNR managed land is illegal to my knowledge.

While it is legal, they are very strict about "littering". Leave nothing behind, and I do mean NOTHING! No targets - nor fragments thereof - nor shell casings. Years ago, when I asked about the legality of target shooting on the forest, I was even directed to several spots that have safe backdrops... but was told in no uncertain terms about their littering policy.

I know of several impromptu "ranges" in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, but none are long range (50-60yds at most). Don't know if it's legal or not, but I do know it's ongoing, and don't know of anyone who has been cited. But these forests are huge, and where the target shooting is taking place isn't anywhere near any hiking trails or camp grounds etc. One is in an abandoned gravel pit, another is on land that used to belong to Wisconsin Valley Improvement and was recently sold to the state (now part of NHAL State Forest).