Target Shooting on Public Lands and the Shooter's Responsibility

[huntrights]

Target Shooting on Public Lands and the Shooter's Responsibility

This is an extremely important subject that surfaced in another Hunting-Washington thread. 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,149420.0.html

Giving the core issue some focused attention in this topic area may help to bring needed attention to a growing issue that can threaten the target shooter's use of public lands.  The primary issue is leaving trash behind.

Here are some thoughts from the other thread to start the discussion, and hopefully some positive actions.

What can we do?

•   If there are areas that really need attention, organize work parties to go clean up the mess.  For example: In 2010 the U.S. Forest Service asked for volunteers to assist in cleaning up several informal shooting sites in the Greenwater area on the Snoqualmie Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.  One way they reached out for volunteers was through the NRA.  There were some debris at the shooting sites, but there was also a lot of other garbage dumped along the forest roads in the area.  The violators were not just a few target shooters leaving their targets and shells behind.

•   Start local and regional programs to educate people about being responsible stewards of our public lands.  Remember “Give a hoot, don’t pollute”.

•   Take more garbage home than you brought in.

•   Set a good example for your kids and others.

•   Ask others in these informal shooting areas if they would help to pick up a little extra before they leave.


Here is a link to past clean-up activities at the Triangle Gravel Pit (informal target shooting area in the Capitol State Forest).

https://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/volunteers-clean-up-popular-spot-in-capitol-state-forest/

 
There should be regular shooting site clean-up events promoted and sponsored by various 2nd Amendment, sportsmen, and shooting organizations in the regions where the primary informal target shooting areas exist.

Let's take care of our public lands and protect their many uses by the public.

This is a flyer that a volunteer handed out at the Triangle Gravel Pit.