All areas › Montana › Custer Gallatin National Forest
Is target shooting allowed in Custer Gallatin National Forest right now?
Open Generally yes, with rules
No forest-wide fire restrictions reported (Montana fire restrictions layer).
No forest-wide fire restrictions reported (Montana fire restrictions layer).
Last checked: Oct 20, 2026 2:31 PM MT
Official source: Custer Gallatin National Forest →
Verify before you go. Fire restrictions and closures can change daily. Confirm with the managing agency and follow posted signs. This page is not legal advice.
Status signals we checked
- Montana fire restrictions layer: no fire restrictions
Mapped ranges, closures and restriction zones
| Name | Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyalite Creek Drainage recreational shooting closure (Custer Gallatin NF) | Shooting closure | Closed | Permanent Forest Order (effective Aug 21, 2024): discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun is prohibited in the Hyalite Creek Drainage, Bozeman Ranger District (about 34,000 acres south of Bozeman). Lawful hunting is exempt. (Pin is approximate. Entry verified 2026-10-20.) source |
| Custer Gallatin National Forest (forest-wide fire restriction status) | Fire restriction zone | Open | No forest-wide fire restrictions reported (Montana fire restrictions layer). source |
Shooting-related orders and alerts
- Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition: This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
- Hyalite Drainage Recreational Target Shooting Restriction: The final permanent order prohibiting recreational shooting in the Hyalite Creek Drainage in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The final permanent recreational shooting order, which replaces an emergency order issued under the Dingell Act, addresses public safety…
- Beattie Gulch Area Shooting Closure: The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety. The closed area is in close proximity to private land and residences and the frequently traveled Old Yellowstone Trail South county road. The closure is a permanent closure as described under Section 4103 of the John D. Dingell, Jr.…
- Hebgen District (Boundary Trail) Shooting Closure Order: Pursuant to 36 CFR Section 261.50 (a) the following acts are prohibited on the Gallatin National Forest, Hebgen Lake Ranger District: Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the area of the Boundary Ski Trail as shown on attached map.
General rules
- Target shooting is allowed on national forests unless an area is closed or restricted by order.
- No shooting within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
- No shooting across or on a forest road or body of water, or into caves.
- No tracer or incendiary ammunition. Exploding targets are restricted or prohibited on many forests.
- Use a safe backstop, don't attach targets to trees or structures, and pack out all targets, cans, bottles and brass.
Gear for your next trip Affiliate placeholder
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- LuckyGunner: bulk plinking ammo (placeholder link, no affiliate ID)
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