About MacLean Bottoms Shooting Range
MacLean Bottoms Shooting Range, officially designated as the Skip Balzer Memorial Shooting Range, is a public outdoor shooting facility operated by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Situated roughly 15 miles southeast of Bismarck along Highway 1804, the range sits on a wildlife management area and is generally open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset, though the Department may periodically close it for routine maintenance, improvements, or special events.
The facility accommodates several shooting disciplines across distinct areas. Visitors can access 25-yard, 100-yard, and 200-yard rifle lanes, as well as a dedicated shotgun field for clay targets. The range enforces specific rules intended to preserve the facility and protect users: only paper or cardboard targets are permitted on the provided stands, ground-level targets are banned to reduce ricochets, and fully automatic weapons, slide-fire stocks, and .50 caliber or larger centerfire rifles are prohibited. Alcohol is also banned, and all shooters must fire from the same designated firing line toward the target stands.
The range draws recreational shooters, hunters sighting in rifles, conservation clubs, and local law enforcement entities seeking qualification space. Groups may reserve the facility for special events - such as youth shooting programs - through a special-use permit system with the Department, though reservations are barred from September 15 through November 30 and are limited to two per calendar year. Requesting groups must post reservation signs at least three days in advance and clean the range afterward.
Visitors repeatedly note the facility’s cleanliness and orderly layout. The range features concrete firing pads with tables and benches, including left- and right-hand seating options, along with a paved parking lot. The backdrop and surrounding scenery draw regular praise, with several visitors describing the setting as surprisingly scenic. Because admission is free, the range is especially popular on warm days, when congestion can increase and wait times may grow.
However, the source material indicates real limitations. The distance from central Bismarck means it is less convenient than some urban alternatives, and multiple visitors have observed that target backstops and stands show wear, with some reporting torn or damaged targets and deteriorating supports. Weather can also affect conditions; after precipitation or during spring thaw, the lanes and target areas may become muddy. Additionally, because the facility is not staffed on-site during open hours, reviewers occasionally cite unsafe behavior by other users, such as firing rifles on handgun lanes or individuals walking downrange while others are shooting.
Despite these drawbacks, MacLean Bottoms remains a well-regarded regional resource. The combination of multiple distance lanes, no admission fee, and a maintained outdoor environment makes it a practical destination for Bismarck-area shooters seeking an accessible public range.