Shooting

Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Check your local ranger district for more information about local restriction. It is prohibited to shoot:
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In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
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Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
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In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
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Into or within a cave.
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Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
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Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
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Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.
In general, you should target shoot only if you:
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Use approved targets. Certain forests may have specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons).
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Exploding targets are not recommended and are restricted on many forests or grasslands for safety and fire concerns.
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Use approved targets along with a safe, ”bullet-proof” backstop. Do not to attach your targets to vegetation or structures, such as; trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.
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Practice safe gun handling by:
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Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
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Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
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Keeping your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
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Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
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Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.
Visit www.treadlightly.org/campaigns/respected-access
Get more information about your local national forest and grasslands through our convenient links or by using our Interactive Visitor Map.
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.