Rifle & Gun Range

Required State License(s):

Shooting Preserve Operator:  When operating a shooting preserve on land which he/she owns or leases and on which that person has full control of all shooting rights are required to 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 with a nationally recognized non-profit membership organization that provides voluntary firearm safety programs; include training individuals in the safe handling and use of firearms, which practices are developed with consideration of all information reasonably available about the operation of shooting ranges."

"The generally accepted operation practices will be reviewed at least every 5 years by the commission of natural resources and revised as the commission considers necessary."

The act states that a range is "an area designed and operated for the use of archery, rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or other similar sport shooting."

The contact number at Department of Natural Resources is (517) 335-3410.

Other Possible License(s):

Depending on the type of weapons being used, an individual may need to be licensed with 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 may be located by calling 1-800-ATF-GUNS.

Revised: 12/2002