Public comment has been opened on converting the state lands next to the Logan Landfill into a public shooting range.
https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2025/march/0324-public-scoping-logan-public-shooting-range-project-march-24-2025
The Gallatin Community Gun Club believes this is an important opportunity to increase access to the general public for firearm use.
Currently, Gallatin Valley has limited accessibility to gun ranges from both distance and restricted memberships. Opening a public facility would place a range approximately 25 miles from Bozeman and allow for a larger range of individuals to have access.
We would like to encourage people to submit comments on this proposal.
To this end, if you send an email to samuel.hoggatt@mt.gov, Subject: Logan Shooting Range Proposal, and bcc admin@gallatincommunitygunclub.org, you will be entered into our raffle to win an IFAK from Mystery Ranch.
The public comment closes on April 23rd, and the winner will be chosen on April 25th.
One entry per person.
An example of an email is as follows:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
c/o Logan Shooting Range Proposal
Attn: Sam Hoggatt
1420 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
[Date]
Dear Mr. Hoggatt,
I am writing to express my full support for the proposed public shooting range near Logan, Montana. This facility is a much-needed addition to the Gallatin Valley, addressing key concerns related to safe and equitable recreational use of public lands.
As you know, Montana’s public lands are increasingly used by a growing number of people for a variety of activities. While this diversity is generally positive, it has created conflicts, particularly for shooting enthusiasts who have limited safe and accessible locations. Currently, many Gallatin Valley residents must travel over an hour or resort to shooting in unsuitable areas, creating safety risks for other recreational users, public land lessees, and nearby property owners.
A designated shooting range near Logan would provide a controlled, safe environment, reducing the risks associated with unregulated shooting while preserving the integrity of other public spaces. This facility would allow enthusiasts to practice responsibly while minimizing safety hazards, noise disturbances, and environmental concerns.
The need for a dedicated range has never been greater. Over the past decade, more than 50% of previously available public lands for recreational shooting have been lost—some due to misuse, such as littering and reckless behavior, but many reallocated to other activities like mountain biking, hiking, and camping. As southwest Montana’s population grows, recreational shooters face increasing pressure from development and land-use changes, forcing more people into areas not designed for safe shooting. Additionally, existing private ranges and clubs are at capacity, with some no longer accepting new members.
A public range would also promote firearm education and responsible use, ensuring that new and experienced shooters alike have a safe place to practice. By establishing a well-managed facility, we can reinforce safe gun ownership and shooting practices while respecting the needs of all public land users.
This range would benefit not only the shooting community but also the broader public by reducing conflicts and enhancing safety. I strongly encourage Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to move forward with this proposal and approve the Logan Shooting Range.
Thank you for your time and for your ongoing efforts to manage and preserve Montana’s natural resources and public spaces.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4/25 Update: Congratulations to our winner, Dan!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal and entered our raffle! We hope to have many more raffles in the near future 😊
Leave a Reply