Areas around Reynolds Pond will temporarily close for safety during training

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close the Reynolds Pond Trailhead from September 11th - 13th to protect public safety during permitted gundog testing.

The restriction will block access to Reynolds Pond and limit entry into the Oregon Badlands Wilderness from that location between noon and 6:00p.m. daily.

During the three days of testing, gundogs will participate in a series of outdoor evaluations at Reynolds Pond involving the use of blank shotgun shells.

According to the bureau, the temporary closure is designed to keep public visitors safely separated from the live testing area.

Lisa Clark, manager of the Deschutes Field Office, emphasized the importance of safety during the scheduled activity.

“Hunting with trained dogs has a long tradition in Oregon and safety is an important part of that,” Clark said. “This short closure gives the dogs and participants room to complete the testing safely while visitors use other trailheads to access the Wilderness.”

The announcement coincides with National Shooting Sports Month, an observance highlighting American recreational shooting and hunting traditions alongside firearm safety, personal responsibility and conservation efforts.

Visitors seeking alternative entry to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness during the daily closure hours are advised to use the Dry River or Chitwood trailheads.