Questions we get a lot: Where do you go shooting?

Sedona is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest.  Shooting is permitted on CNF land unless a fire ban is in effect do to dry conditions. Remember it’s the law in Arizona that you must tell law enforcement officers if you have a firearm in the car with you if you’re pulled over.

We generally go to a sand pit off of Beaverhead Flat Rd (Map).  It’s popular and well known to locals.  It has a high, sandy embankment to safely shoot into and is not near anything.  To get there from the Village of Oak Creek, drive south on 179 a couple miles, go past the Ranger station and take a right on Beaverhead Flat. Climb up the hill and just before the top is a dirt road to the left. You’ll be able to see the area from the road.  Rules are posted and if a fire ban is in effect they will usually post it up there.  Please be safe, courteous and responsible when using firearms.  Don’t be surprised if the Sheriff stops by to check on things. In the summer it’s a good idea to check with the Rangers for any restrictions.

If you’d like a more structured shooting experience we have options. Close by is a commercial indoor shooting range, Copper Star.  You also have the Northern Arizona Shooting Range which is a public facility in Flagstaff.  In the North Phoenix area is the Ben Avery Shooting Range.

Here’s directly from the Coconino National Forest webpage on shooting.

Are guns permitted?

Yes. However, there are regulations and safety precautions that must be followed.

Federal Regulations for firearm use is the following (CFR, Title 36):

• No shooting within a 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area
• No shooting across a road, trail or body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge
• No shooting in a cave.

Arizona Restrictions (AZ Hunting Regulations, AZGF):

• No shooting while hunting within one-quarter mile of any residence or building, or any other developed facility.
• No shooting from a vehicle while hunting.

Safety Precautions:

• The sound of gunfire can make people nervous, so stay comfortably away from other forest visitors while shooting.
• Be certain of your target and what is behind your target.
• Know the maximum range of your firearm and ammunition you’re using.
• Do not leave targets, shell casings or trash behind.
• Do not use glass objects as targets.
• Establish a “shooting lines” and safety rules if shooting with others.