recreational

SHOOTING

MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST

For more information log on to:

Mt. Hood National Forest

Public Affairs Office 

(503) 668-1791 or (503) 668-1776

Report resource damage to: 

1-503-630-6861 

USDA is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.

02/2014

United States

Department of Agriculture

on

the

http://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood
We’re glad you’re enjoying the sport of 

recreational shooting. Target shooting is an 

appropriate and legal activity on the National Forest 

when it is done safely and with respect for other 

Forest users and natural resources. Responsible 

target shooting insures that everyone enjoys their 

visit to the forest and prevents damage to signs, 

trees, and popular shooting areas. Target shooting 

best practices regarding safety not only keep 

shooting enthusiasts safe but also permits others to 

explore the woods with confidence.

Welcome to Your 

NATIONAL FOREST

We Need YOUR HELP

Know The LAW

Debris resulting from destroyed targets, shells, 

spent ammunition and broken glass litter many 

shooting areas along with illegally dumped 

items such as household garbage, 

vehicles, furniture and appliances. In 

2012 50,270 lbs. of solid waste was collected 

from public lands and more than half of it 

was tied to irresponsible target shooting.

Unacceptable resource damage to 

trees, soil, and infrastructure 

is also occurring in areas 

where target shooting is 

concentrated. Several large 

trees have been shot down in 

areas of the forest, and clearcuts 

exist where trees used to be. This, 

accompanied by many close calls and complaints 

related to unsafe shooting is why we are increasing 

our outreach efforts. We need your help to make 

a big difference in turning this problem around. Call 

503-630-8751 to report instances of unsafe or irresponsible 

shooting, pick up after yourself, and only shoot in permitted areas.

SAFETY TIPS

•	 All firearms should be 

considered loaded.

•	 Before discharging your 

firearm scout the area for 

other people that may be 

working or recreating in 

the area.

•	 Always wear eye and 

ear protection.

LEAVE NO TRACE 

REMINDERS 

•	 Pack out what you pack in. 

•	 Lay down a tarp or sheet 

for easy collection of 

spent shells or casings.

•	 Never shoot signs, trees, 

or garbage.

Be aware of the rules for everyone’s enjoyment. People who target shoot on 

the Forest need to follow the law relating to the activity. Information can be 

found on our website and in District Offices. Violations to shooting closures 

and rules carry a maximum penalty of $5,000.

RULES FOR RECREATIONAL SHOOTING ON THE MT. HOOD NATIONAL FOREST:

1. No person shall place targets on trees or shoot trees for any purpose. 

2. No person shall shoot across, from or along any road, trail or body of 

water. 

3. No person shall shoot carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the 

safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely 

to endanger, any person or property. 

4. Persons engaged in target shooting shall remove from 

National Forest System land all shell casings, targets, and other debris resulting from their use.

5. Persons engaged in target shooting shall utilize an 

appropriately sized, natural backstop.

6. No person shall shoot targets other than those 

commercially manufactured for the specific purpose of target shooting, except for paper targets privately manufactured by the people engaging in target 

shooting. 

7. The use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition is prohibited.

8. No person shall shoot glass of any kind, appliances, furniture, vehicles or 

other debris determined to be garbage or refuse by an enforcing officer.

9. No person shall engage in shooting while under the influence of drugs or 

alcohol. 

10. Target shooting and other shooting related activity will be prohibited from 

one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise.

Damaged Sign

Equals Wasted

Money

Stop 

Trigger Trash

Remember: 

Respected Access

is Open Access