Recreational Shooting
Recreational target shooting is an activity enjoyed by many people in Southern California. In the San Bernardino National Forest people can shoot in designated and signed areas and only at certain times, due to fire danger rating. Contact your local Ranger Station to confirm the status of a shooting area. Target Shooting areas may be closed due to fire restrictions, road conditions and/or other safety issues. Adventure Passes may be required.
If an area is open, then the activity level will dictate terms and conditions in which shooting can occur such as the length of day or hours of operation. Activity Levels can be obtained by calling your local ranger station or (909) 382-2997
Lightning Gulch, Big Pine Flats, and Arrastre are in Fire Danger Rating Area 692. For more information call the Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790 (closed Tues/Wed)
- Shooting will be allowed all day during activity levels 1 & 2
- Shooting will close at 1:00 pm during activity level 3
- Shooting will be closed all day during activity levels 4 & 5
1N09 is Fire Danger Rating Area 665. For more information call the Mill Creek Visitor Center at (909) 382-2882
There are also three developed shooting ranges on the forest, listed below:
Lytle Creek Firing Line (951) 782-7436
Big Bear Valley Sportsman’s Club (909) 585-4686
Arrowhead Fish and Game (909) 337-7000
AMMUNITION, FIREARMS & TARGETS
- Target Shooting rules apply to firearms, air rifles and gas guns. This includes devices used in recreational paintball activities.
- Shooters are prohibited from destroying any natural feature. Also prohibited is discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows: in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or across or on a road or a body of water; or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
For more information, please contact:
San Bernardino Supervisor’s Office (909) 382-2601
Mill Creek Visitor Center (909) 382-2882
Big Bear Discovery Center (909) 382-2790
Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2851
San Jacinto Ranger Station (909) 382-2921