Target Shooting Form
Please use this form to help WTA document areas where target shooting is a safety concern in our National Forests.
WTA believes that there is room enough for everyone in the outdoors, but
- photo by kevin dean http://www.betaart.com
there is no excuse for endangering the safety of other people engaged in recreation. The prevalence of target shooting on many National Forest lands is a special hazard—a danger that is preventable, given reasonable enforcement of regulations and sensitivity on the part of target shooters. In the past several years, particularly as our forests have become more urban, WTA have received increasing reports of hikers having uncomfortable encounters with target shooting. In many places, the Forest Service and other agencies have worked proactively to address the problem. In other areas, more enforcement and management is needed.
It is important to acknowledge that target shooting practiced in an appropriate location and with sensitivity does not pose a hazard to hikers. When target shooters fire into proper backstops—such as earthen berms and haybales—and account for their fired rounds, they are using our public lands appropriately. When they do not do so, they are endangering other Forest users and wildland resources.
WTA created this form in an effort to help land mangers better track illegal shooting. If you encounter what you believe to be illegal or irresponsible gun use while on trail, please do not confront them, provide us with the information. When appropriate, we will pass these details along to the proper authorities. WTA will summarize the results in a report to inform land managers of the extent of the problem.
If you have questions please contact WTA advocacy director Jonathan Guzzo at (206) 625-1367 or jonathan@wta.org.
Please use this form to help WTA document areas where target shooting is a safety concern in our National Forests.
Download a printable version of the form here.
