my local gunsmith told me that i can shoot my shotgun in the desert near barstow north of highway 40 and 58?

Question

near barstow california. Is this correct . that if someone goes to the desert goes past barstow and into public land that they can fire legal small arms like rifles or shotguns/ handguns into the deset if they have a proper backdrop.

Answer 1

in Arizona, when I lived there a few years ago, you could legally shoot under the following conditions

1 - outside city limits
2 - not in the direction of a 1/4 mile of an occupied dwelling
3 - Not at a Cactus (saguaro or otherwise)
4 - Adequate backstop

Might want to check a website for your area

Answer 2

I lived in Southern cal. many years ago, I used to drive out to the desert near both Mojave and Barstow to bird hunt (quail and chuckar) and hunt jack rabbits as well. At that time, as long as you followed the laws, IE: no shooting near a residence, making certain of your backstop or down range safety, it was perfectly legal AS LONG AS YOU HAD A VALID HUNTING LICENSE!! Technically, if you are shooting on public land, that has any type of game animal on it, you must have a hunting license. So, better safe than sorry. I'd make sure I had a valid hunting license. With California being as liberal controlled as it is now, Who knows whats's still legal and what isn't when it comes to firearms.
good luck and shoot safe

Answer 3

You better watch out Fort Irwin and China Lake Navel Weapons Testing Range is out there and they do not take kindly to civilians out on base running around with firearms.

There is a lot of good yote hunting out there too....

Answer 4

Probably, but make sure you know the law in Cali. For example, where I live you need 150 feet from any established roadway.

Answer 5

Best to check with the Sheriff's department.