‘Reckless shooting’ at pit west of Sisters prompts safety reminder
Recent conflicts and complaints from recreational trail users and residents caused by reckless target shooting at a gravel pit west of Sisters are prompting the Deschutes National Forest to remind local target shooters of their responsibilities when shooting guns in the area.
Target shooters frequently use the McKenzie Gravel Pit off of Highway 242. Some target shooters at the McKenzie Gravel Pit, despite warnings, continue to shoot irresponsibly in a direction that does not have an adequate backstop to stop bullets from going toward the Crossroads residential area and the Jimerson Loop Trail, Forest Service Public Affairs Officer Jean Nelson-Dean said Wednesday.
The Jimerson Trail is only 168 yards from the McKenzie Pit, and the Crossroads community is 655 yards from the McKenzie Pit. In addition, significant amounts of trash are being left at the gravel pit, she said.
Several months ago, the forest posted an informational board at the McKenzie Gravel Pit to encourage responsible shooting techniques. However, within two weeks of its installation, the sign was vandalized and is no longer usable.
Given continuing issues at the McKenzie Gravel Pit, the Forest Service wants to remind people of how to responsibly shoot and what the law requires.
“We hope we can minimize use conflict through public education and voluntary compliance,” said Kristie Miller, Sisters District Ranger.
Recreational shooting is allowed on much of the national forest, including McKenzie Gravel Pit, but the public must practice responsible shooting by:
Knowing your target and what is beyond: Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first, shoot second.
Only shoot where there is a good backstop.
Don’t shoot toward roads or trails.
Pack out all target trash, including shotgun shells, fragmented clay pigeons or any targets. These are gravel pits and used for material on our roadways.
Do not vandalize signs.
Spread the responsible shooting message to others.
Shooting responsibly is the law. According to 36 CFR 261.10 (d) (1) It is prohibited to discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed site or occupied area, or (2) across a National Forest System Road or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to any injury or damage.
Around Sisters, there are also other gravel pits open for recreational purposes, such as Zimmerman Cinder Pit, Fourmile Cinder Pit, Melvin Cinder Pit and Pole Creek Cinder Pit.
Some gravel pits also allow for other recreational uses, including Off-Highway Vehicle Use, as shown on the latest edition of the Motor Vehicle Use Map at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5318152.
