You’ve heard it in the news, this summer/wildfire season is on track to potentially be the worst season on record. With that in mind, Tread Lightly! wants to encourage all recreationists and specifically target shooters and hunters to do their part to help prevent wildfires.
The first step to responsible shooting is Educating Yourself. Here are a few tips on responsible target shooting to help keep you safe and prevent any potential wildfires starts in this dry and hot summer season environment.
Tips on Responsible Target Shooting
- Know before you go! Many Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management areas are already under fire restrictions. Call your local land manager office or do a simple search online. Restrictions are easy to find by state.
- Under fire restriction, discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt is prohibited.
- Shooting of tracer rounds or exploding targets is prohibited on federal public lands in year-round.
- Consider the type of ammunition and targets you are using. Minimize the risk of fires by not using steel jacketed ammunition, ammunition with steel-core components.
- Remember that cars and ATVs can have extremely hot exhaust systems that could ignite dry vegetation so drive only on designated routes and park only in designated areas. Travel smart and use spark arrestors to minimize this risk.
As our friend Smokey Bear has been reminding us for years… “Only YOU can prevent Wildfires,” and being aware and vigilant is the first step.
Here are some additional resources for you to utilize this season. Make sure you spread the word!
National Resources:
