Target Shooting Restrictions

The Firearms Prohibition Forest Order is effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

Forest Order 05-07-00-23-01 Firearms Prohibition

Forest Order No. 05-07-00-23-01

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest.

Discharging a firearm, except in the following designated target ranges:

a. Winchester Canyon Gun Club

b. Ojai Valley Gun Club

36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue, fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

2. Persons hunting a legal game bird or mammal are not exempt from the prohibition listed above. However, a person hunting during the open-hunting season for a game bird or mammal as specified by the laws of the State of California and having a valid California hunting license in his or her possession, may discharge a firearm at the legal game bird or mammal.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Law Enforcement Officers will be strictly enforcing this Forest Order in all areas of the Forest.

Hunting Informational Brochure

Contact one of the ranger stations listed below for more information.