Target Shooting

Shooting in the national forest

Informal target shooting may be allowed in much of Mark Twain National Forest, but the federal rules are strict. Distance, direction, fire risk, and cleanup all matter.

The Mark Twain National Forest — about 1.5 million acres — is open to informal target shooting in most places, but under strict federal rules. Get them right, or you risk a fire, an injury, or a citation.

What's allowed

Target practice with a rifle, handgun, or bow is permitted if you follow all state and federal rules. You don't need a hunting license to shoot at identifiable artificial targets when you're not trying to take game.

The distance & direction rules

Don't target shoot within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area, or any occupied area — or anywhere a person or property could be hit. Don't shoot across or on a National Forest road, across a body of water next to a road, or into or within a cave (36 CFR 261.10). And as a plain safety rule, never shoot across or at any water — bullets skip right off it.

Targets & backstop

Use approved targets with a safe, 'bullet-proof' backstop. Don't attach targets to vegetation or structures — no trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.

What's prohibited

Exploding targets, tracer and incendiary ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System land under the federal fire rule (36 CFR 261.5) — they're a serious wildfire risk. Check current fire restrictions and forest orders; shooting may be limited in dry spells.

On the road

On the road: don't shoot from, on, along, or across a Forest road, and don't shoot from a vehicle. (For how to transport a firearm in your vehicle, check current Missouri law and the current forest order — there's no special forest rule against carrying a cased long gun.)

Pack it out, and be a good guest

Pack out everything — your spent shell casings and your targets included. Trashed-out spots get closed to shooting. Find an existing spot with a natural backstop instead of tearing up a new one, and respect other forest users — hikers, campers, hunters, and riders.

Fire risk

Fire is the big risk. Dry grass and leaf litter, tracer and steel-core rounds, and exploding targets can all start a wildfire. In a dry spell or a burn ban, don't shoot into dry vegetation — and on the national forest, exploding targets, tracers, incendiary rounds, and fireworks are flat-out prohibited.

Check before you drive

Before you drive out, check the range or district page for hours, last check-in time, closure notices, fees, accepted payment, allowed targets, and ammunition restrictions.

Before you shoot

Official sources and current guidance

The law and the landowner both set limits.

Last checked: 2026-06-18. Firearm law is serious and changes by city and county — and ranges, fees, and fire restrictions change too. Check the current rule for where you're standing, lead with safety, and when in doubt, use a staffed MDC range.

This is a summary — not legal advice. Firearm law carries serious penalties and varies by city and county. Check your local ordinance and current state law, and when in doubt, use a staffed MDC range. In an emergency, call 911.

Heads up: There's no special forest rule against carrying a cased long gun in your vehicle, but do not shoot from, on, along, or across a Forest road. Read the current Mark Twain National Forest fire restrictions; shooting may be limited in dry spells. When in doubt, a staffed MDC range is the simple choice.

Mark Twain National Forest — hunting & shooting
36 CFR 261.5 — fire (exploding targets, tracers)
MDC — find a range — the staffed alternative

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