Brett French | Billings Gazette
Three tracts of state land near Logan will be closed to recreational target shooting after landowners leasing the properties petitioned the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to close four state sections to recreation.
The restrictions will go into effect on July 15 with the DNRC re-evaluating the decision in 2027.
The fourth tract, where Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has proposed developing a shooting range, will not be affected by the closure.
“That application is a separate process, and this decision does not impact that process or the potential for a formal shooting range,” the DNRC said in a statement.
The three state parcels affected by the DNRC’s decision will still be open to other recreational uses including licensed hunting during applicable hunting seasons.
Lessees had complained that recreational shooters on the state lands were a danger to them as they farmed and grazed livestock on the state parcels. A public hearing was held in June in Three Forks on their petition to close the lands to recreation.
“The decision to modify recreational use addresses these safety issues while maintaining recreational use for Montanans,” said DNRC Bozeman Unit Manager Kara Huyser.
For more information on the petition for recreation closure and DNRC’s modification of recreational use, visit: https://dnrc.mt.gov/News/dnrc-news/closure-petition.
