Know the Area - Is it Open? Regulations & Restrictions Be a Safe and Responsible You can shoot as long as: Shooter - Remember: ► The Pike National Forest has many places to enjoy your favorite recreational activities - You are outside of the Closure Areas on the map. 1. Know the area, is it open to shooting and is it including target shooting if done in a safe and safe? United States Department of Agriculture responsible manner. - You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied 2. Never shoot from or across roads, across trails, Forest Service area. ► Recreational shooting has been a longtime waterways, or into caves. use of the National Forest, and much of the - You are not shooting across or on a National Forest 3. Only shoot directly into a solid earthen backstop. Apri12014 Pike National Forest is open to recreational System Road. Know what lies between you and your target, target shooting. and beyond. - You are not shooting across or into streams or any 4. Use only approved targets: paper, cardboard, body of water. ► There are specific areas that are closed to manufactured metal, polymer ground bouncing, target shooting. Know the area, is it open? - You are not shooting in a manner or place where any and clay pigeon targets. person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. See "Earthen Backstop". 5. Exploding targets are illegal to use on National ► The MAP on the inside of this brochure Forest lands. shows those areas that are CLOSED to - You are not firing tracer bullets or incendiary 6. Never shoot at trees or place targets on trees. recreational shooting on the Pikes Peak ammunition. Also, see Target Requirements below. Ranger District only. If you plan to shoot Never shoot at signs or other property. Recreational elsewhere on the National Forest, please Target Requirements: 7. Shoot your shotgun safely and responsibly. check with the local Forest Service office in Never shoot where shotgun pellets will hit - Use Approved Targets only: Shoot only at targets that area, for their specific closures and trees or endanger other people. Target Shooting that are specifically designed and manufactured for 8. Protect your image and respect your restrictions. firearms use. These MANUFACTURED targets are: environment. Please remove your targets, cardboard, paper, clay pigeons, polymer ground related trash, spent casings and firearms shells. ► The areas closed to target shooting are bouncing (self-healing), and metallic targets areas of concentrated activity with many (specifically designed for firearms). nearby roads and trails, recreation sites, Guidelines for the For further information: please call the Pikes Peak Ranger District private land developments and livestock - Exploding Targets are strictly prohibited. Office at (719) 636-1602. www.fs.usda.gov/psicc grazing nearby. Restricting shooting in Pikes Peak Ranger District these areas reduces hazards to others who play, live, or work within these areas. Solid Earthen Backstop: Pike National Forest - Ensure you have a solid Earthen Backstop. A safe backstop is one that will stop a bullet. Do not • Become familiar with the areas that are closed shoot into rock as ricochets may occur, and sparks to target shooting, find an area where could start a wildfire. Shoot only at your intended KEEP IT SAFE shooting is allowed, and obey the Regulations target with a good earthen backstop immediately & Restrictions that follow. behind it. KEEP IT CLEAN Do Not Shoot Trees: • Always follow the Four Fundamental Rules of Never shoot at trees or place targets on trees. Firearms Safety: If shooting skeet, the area must be open and KEEP IT LEGAL away from trees and water. o Treat every gun as if it is loaded. You are responsible for removing all your targets, casings and any shooting related trash o Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at before you leave the area. anything you do not intend to shoot. Map Disclaimer. This map is intended to depict physical features as they Exceptions to Shooting in the Restricted Areas: generally appear on the ground and may not be used to determine title, o Keep your finger off the trigger and out of ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction, including jurisdiction over roads the trigger guard until your sights are on If you are lawfully hunting (actively hunting an animal or trails, or access restrictions that may be in place on either public or private the target and you are ready to shoot. during an open season with a valid hunting license) then land. Obtain permission before entering private lands, and check with appropriate government offices for restrictions that may apply to public lands. you may discharge a firearm within the restricted areas as Lands, roads and trails within the boundaries of National Forest may be subject o Always be sure of your target and what is shown on the map. Follow all Division of Colorado Parks to restrictions on motor vehicle use. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map, or inquire beyond. and Wildlife rules and regulations that apply when at the local Forest Service Office for motor vehicle access information. Natural hazards may or may not be depicted on the map, and land users should hunting. Also exempt from the restricted areas are any exercise due caution. This map may not be suitable for navigation. persons discharging a gas-operated paintball or airsoft gun. Please shoot safely, responsibly and ethically!
Violation of any of these rules and regulations may USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. be punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for 4�------� an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or Pike & San Isabel National Forests imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands