Following is an updated news release that includes a new link to the short video referenced in the earlier news about changes in shooting rules at Lapeer Shooting Pit. The full, updated information is provided below. We apologize for any inconvenience.

April 21, 2017

Contact: Lori Burford, 989-275-5151, ext. 2100  

Target shooting rules have changed at Lapeer Shooting Pit

With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters and recreational shooters that target shooting rules for the Lapeer Shooting Pit at Lapeer State Game Area in Lapeer County recently were changed through a land use order by the DNR director.  

“Many hunters head to the Lapeer Shooting Pit to sight in their guns, and with the recent changes to target shooting on this state game area, we want to help hunters be safe and to shoot legally,” said Joe Robison, DNR field operations manager for the Southeast Region. 

Unlawful and unsafe target shooting at Lapeer State Game Area has resulted in user conflicts and management issues. Some of the issues included congestion of people, unsafe use of targets, early-morning or late-night shooting, and damage to habitat and restoration efforts (tree damage, litter, etc.).

To help alleviate conflicts and to provide a safer target-shooting experience, rules at the Lapeer Shooting Pit now are as follows.

A person shall not do any of the following:

• Target shoot at anything other than a paper, cardboard, clay or commercially produced portable target designed and manufactured for the specific purpose of target shooting.
• Use or attempt to use incendiary or explosive targets.
• Use or attempt to use incendiary or explosive ammunition.
• Use or attempt to use armor-piercing ammunition (as defined by section 224c of 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.224c).
• Possess or be under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol or a combination while target shooting.
• Use or attempt to use a firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, hand-held firearm or a muzzle-loading firearm.
• Use a muzzle-loading firearm exceeding .80 caliber.
• Target shoot before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. or sunset (whichever is earliest), or as posted.
• Use aerial targets.  

Law enforcement patrols will become more frequent at the Lapeer Shooting Pit this year, and safe, lawful shooting will be enforced regularly.

Lapeer State Game Area managers encourage shooters to practice with clay targets, as this helps to reduce paper waste at the shooting range. Please remember that aerial shooting of clay targets is not allowed. 

The DNR recommends shooters familiarize themselves with their firearms and ammunition and the distance that individual rounds can travel. To ensure their safety and the safety of other users of state game and wildlife areas, shooters are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, including neighboring homes, topography and the backstops they are using for shooting. Target shooters are reminded that it is illegal to use a tree as a target, or as a holder for a target.

Watch a video about target-shooting rules at the Lapeer Shooting Pit.

Target shooting may not be allowed at all state game and wildlife areas, and each game or wildlife area may have additional restrictions and guidelines. Learn more about the state game or wildlife areas near you. 

The DNR also has seven staffed shooting ranges open for use. Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) and Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) both have staffed shooting ranges managed by Michigan Shooting Centers. The DNR also staffs five other shooting ranges at Dansville State Game Area (Ingham County), Ortonville State Game Area (Lapeer County), Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (Oakland County), Rose Lake State Game Area (Clinton County) and Sharonville State Game Area (Jackson County).

Learn more about the DNR shooting ranges – including offerings, locations and hours – or search for other ranges around the state at michigan.gov/shootingranges.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.