Is there a spot in SNF  that you are able to shoot rifles or pistols?

You can do it anywhere in the forest (afaik), just gotta be 150 ft or so from the trail, road, structures, etc.  Before I went down there I called the NF rangers and state police just to make sure (I talked to about a dozen people, most knew little to nothing about gun laws- state trooper finally cleared things up).  You might want to do the same before you go.

Quoted: You can do it anywhere in the forest (afaik), just gotta be 150 ft or so from the trail, road, structures, etc.  Before I went down there I called the NF rangers and state police just to make sure (I talked to about a dozen people, most knew little to nothing about gun laws- state trooper finally cleared things up).  You might want to do the same before you go.

Good advice!  I used to live down in Makanda and did pretty much what I wanted in the SNF with respect to firearms.  The neighbors used to shake their heads when they saw me heading into the timber with an AR knowing they'd be treated to the sounds of gunshots within a short time.

You might be visited by a FS Ranger or an IL CPO while you're shooting.  However, these guys aren't any big deal and most are shooters themselves.  They'll probably ask to see your weapon simply because they'd like to have one themselves.

I love makanda been there many times.