To make a long story short, I've picked up a Ruger .22 5.5" bull. I'd really like to practice plinking / destroying old cans, toys, basically anything I can get my hands on to make target practice a bit more fun and inviting, but I nor anyone I know owns land. So my question to you all is, where can I go that's within an hour or so of the metro?

I live in White Bear Lake, and the closest range to my knowledge is Bill's (in Circle Pines), which I've been to many times. But I'm hardpressed to spend $15 to shoot a .22 which shoots half of that in ammo everytime.

If anyone here knows of any places to go and do this, or possibly even private land that people allow them to use for things such as this (either free or for a charge of course), please let me know. Summer's nearing and I want to have explored all of my options. Thank you very much!

Can't really help you find a place to plink...

But I can be the first to welcome you to the forum!!!

One option is...

Pick up a map (county or plat level) which lists the State Hunting areas. This is public property which can be hunted on. As long as you pursue your plinking safely, pick a bigger parcel and walk in a bit, you should be fine.

I'm not familiar with your neck of the woods but most counties outside the metro and many on the furthest away from the metro area have public hunting areas.

Insure to pick up your mess afterwards!

Mostly-

Might try bald eagle in Hugo only open to the public on saturdays.

http://www.besamn.com

Go find a farm or farm land, ask the owner if you can shoot on any spare land.

Try this: http://bizdirectory.gunsandammomag.com/stores/

How far is WBL from the Oakdale gun club?

About 15 miles give or take a few depending on where in WBL hes located

Thanks for the welcome.

I'll check out Bald Eagle, but I'm thinking that probably won't be a go. Doesn't Oakdale Gun Club cost about $100 to join + community service hours?

What about this area? http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/...

Could I just go there and found a suitable place to shoot .22's? Any special preparations or things that I would need to do?

Thanks everyone! Any suggestions are very welcome!

OGC 85.00 / yr with 100.00 initiation fee. They are done taking new members this year. I believe they open to the public June 4th.

www.oakdalegunclub.org/contact.html

And ..........welcome aboard

Also, regarding Carlos Avery..........I think there are probably areas that you can shoot. Call the DNR and find out who the CO is for that area and give them a call.

I heard that there's a free DNR rifle range down by Wabasha, but I can't find info on it anywhere. Anyone know where that may be?

Anyone else? There has to be some options out there. Carlos Avery seems to be the best possibility thus far. Is there a closer WMP or WMA (hunting area / national forest) to the metro area? Thanks!

Got this response:

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No, WMAs are off limits for target shooting. You can go to most state forests to target shoot. There is also a list of shooting ranges on our website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shooting_ranges/index.html .

Suellen Rau, Supervisor
Information Center
MN Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Information & Education
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651/296-6157
Suellen.rau@dnr.state.mn.us

Does anyone out there know anything about the Minnetonka Gun Club? http://www.mgfc-mrc.org/default.aspx

It looks like they have some pretty nice outdoor facilities!

Keep in mind that Suellen and her crew are not noted for their accuracy of information for shooters.

Suellen and her rep were the stars of this delightful bit of misinformation: http://www.twincitiescarry.com/forum/vi ... hp?t=1091&