Looking for Legal Crown Land Target Shooting Spots on Southern Vancouver Island (Not Ranges)

Ir0nman44

Ir0nman44

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Hi all,

I’ve been hunting around for legal, safe Crown land spots on the southern part of Vancouver Island where I can do some target shooting—not interested in ranges right now. Every time I look, I run into either private land or heavily restricted areas. I’ve been thorough with the following steps:
  • Checked the BC Hunting & Trapping Synopsis (Region 1) and Closed Areas Regulations for no‑shoot zones—even logging roads are often restricted.
  • Made sure I’m well outside municipal boundaries and road allowances—where shooting is generally prohibited up to 15 m from the midline of roads.
  • Considered the Fraser Valley-style restrictions that impose 400 m buffers from certain roads—but that doesn’t apply here.
  • Tried forums and anecdotal leads (e.g., clearcuts near Nanoose Bay or logging roads near Sooke)—but those sites are often gated or privately controlled.
So, I’d really appreciate any suggestions from people who’ve found legit Crown land spots—preferably those that are known to be open to recreational shooting, have good backstops, and are truly legal per recent regs.

What I’m Offering in Return:
  • I’m committed to leaving no trace—always packing out garbage, brass, targets.
  • I’ll verify any suggestions before heading out using iHunter or CO confirmation.
Any help—for good general areas, FSR suggestions, or even contact info for local COs—would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks, and shoot safe.
 
In a time when shooting sports are under scrutiny and literally attack, I am curious as to why you would not want to join a range. The Community is good, the resources that come with membership go far beyond the real estate.

None of my business, but my curiosity is piqued.
 
Ir0nman44 said:
Hi all,

I’ve been hunting around for legal, safe Crown land spots on the southern part of Vancouver Island where I can do some target shooting—not interested in ranges right now. Every time I look, I run into either private land or heavily restricted areas. I’ve been thorough with the following steps:
  • Checked the BC Hunting & Trapping Synopsis (Region 1) and Closed Areas Regulations for no‑shoot zones—even logging roads are often restricted.
  • Made sure I’m well outside municipal boundaries and road allowances—where shooting is generally prohibited up to 15 m from the midline of roads.
  • Considered the Fraser Valley-style restrictions that impose 400 m buffers from certain roads—but that doesn’t apply here.
  • Tried forums and anecdotal leads (e.g., clearcuts near Nanoose Bay or logging roads near Sooke)—but those sites are often gated or privately controlled.
So, I’d really appreciate any suggestions from people who’ve found legit Crown land spots—preferably those that are known to be open to recreational shooting, have good backstops, and are truly legal per recent regs.

What I’m Offering in Return:
  • I’m committed to leaving no trace—always packing out garbage, brass, targets.
  • I’ll verify any suggestions before heading out using iHunter or CO confirmation.
Any help—for good general areas, FSR suggestions, or even contact info for local COs—would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks, and shoot safe.
Click to expand...
Good Luck, 90 % or all of the access you seek is behind closed gates and administered by Mosaic Resources.
Check the hunting regs for Region 1 and you will see what I mean.
There are places to hunt and shoot, but it takes some work and asking someone to give up their honey hole is like finding the World Record Rainbow Unicorn right outside your camp.
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
Another factor is the nimby's (not in my back yard) on the Island. They would trip over themselves to report you.
I hope you find a spot and it works out.
 
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