Michigan is
all forest! If you shoot here you’re seeing trees doing it!
I head out to the woods to shoot. The Huron-Manistee National Forest. Where I go, there is not usually a range. I always bring containers to pack out what came in, even if it wasn’t mine.
Finding jet skis shot up and burnt got the impromptu shooting pit to the east walled off in stumps. One can still shoot there, if they can climb. I can and don’t mind. Better to shut it down than it become a trash pit.
The woods is great. Quiet. But a close canopy can make gunshots louder.
Many different terrains to take practice advantage of. And the best part is doing it alone. I am not a gregarious shooter. I like range meets and group shoots and things, but it’s hard for me to relax.
Not so out here. I love it.
Come out and see your Mother! Nature!
And bring a small target and small shovel for a small berm. And returned the earth how you found it, no biggie. The dirt doesn’t mind being shot, but…
Don’t hang your targets on the trees!
Find a natural swale to shoot into.
Or an impenetrable swamp as a backdrop. Nobody will be walking behind those targets.
Just don’t hang the targets on the trees!
Ironically enough, there are sticks in the woods. Use those as a target stake.

They make terrible backstops too. Lots of air believe it or not…
There was another spot shut down with stumps, a turn around circle near to a lake access. It was a great shady spot to park for a walk around the lake. One day I see the tell tale tracks of an excavator and trucks heading out there.
Some dink mowed the maple tree in the middle down. Now half leaning, they sensibly just shut it down than deal with the tree. Or the yahoos.
I still shoot there too. It’s amazing what will deter some humans. If they can’t shoot from the back of their truck, they won’t stop. The old stump and dirt berm is still there, one can’t drive to the target and park in the shade now, but it’s still a good spot.
A short dive and one hop!
Have I mentioned not shooting the trees? Okay, good. Just checking.
