Firing Range Licensing Information

Shooting Preserve Operator: Any person who operates a shooting preserve on land which he/she owns or leases and on which that person has full control of all shooting rights should be licensed with the Department of Natural Resources; (517) 373-1204.

Shooting Range: Local units of government regulate the location, use, operation, safety and construction of a sport shooting range.

Public Act No. 250 of 1994 also states "practices adopted by the commission of natural resources that are established by a nationally recognized non-profit membership organization that provides voluntary firearm safety programs that include training individuals in the safe handling and use of firearms, which practices are developed with consideration of all information reasonably available regarding the operation of shooting ranges. The generally accepted operation practices shall be reviewed at least every 5 years by the commission of natural resources and revised as the commission considers necessary."

Also stated in the act is the definition of range. Range is defined as "an area designed and operated for the use of archery, rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting."

Depending upon the type of weapons being used, an individual might need to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). (i.e.., if automatic weapons are used, a license would be required).

The nearest BATF office can be located by calling 1-800-ATF-GUNS.

Revised: 05/08/01