Recreational Shooting Etiquette

Recreational target shooting is an appropriate use of the Forest, when done safely and with respect to the land and forest property. However, careless, unsafe shooting can cause great resource damage and pose serious threats to human life: both to forest staff and visitors. In addition, trash associated with target shooting poses a danger to visitors and the forest ecosystem. Please remember the following:

Keep it Safe:

• Be aware of other people in the area and take extra precaution to avoid recreators when shooting.

• Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

• Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.

• Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.

• Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target to prevent endangering any person or property.

• Only shoot in an area with a safe backstop preferably an earthen mound.

• Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.

• Use correct ammunition.

Keep it Clean:

• Practice Leave No Trace Principles

• Remember to pick up your spent shells, target remnants including clay pigeons and anything else you bring to the forest.