Target Shooting Banned On Utah Wildlife Areas As Wildfire Risk Climbs

Recreational target shooting with firearms has been temporarily restricted on wildlife management areas in 16 Utah counties, including Iron County, as state officials respond to ongoing drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfires.

The temporary restrictions were announced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in coordination with the affected county sheriffs' offices. Officials say the action is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires that could devastate valuable wildlife habitat during the state's hot and dry summer months.

Courtesy Utah Division Of Wildlife Resources

Wildlife management areas provide critical winter range and feeding habitat for many species, including big game animals, while also offering opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. These lands are purchased and maintained through funding generated by hunting and fishing license sales.

"Because wildfires can destroy essential wildlife habitat, this temporary restriction will help protect Utah's wildlife management areas during the extreme fire danger conditions Utah is currently experiencing," DWR Director Riley Peck said in a press release. Peck noted that significant resources are invested in improving habitat on these properties and said protecting those investments benefits wildlife as well as hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Restrictions Include Iron County

The restrictions prohibit recreational target shooting with firearms, as well as the possession of explosives, incendiary or chemical devices and exploding targets, on wildlife management areas in Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Iron, Juab, Millard, Morgan, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Uintah and Wasatch counties. Hunting and the legal possession of firearms are not affected by the temporary order, and fireworks and explosives remain prohibited on all wildlife management areas year-round.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Officials say the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks throughout the summer. According to the press release, even a single spark created by a bullet striking a rock or metal target can ignite dry vegetation. State officials pointed to several recent wildfires, including one at the Middle Fork Wildlife Management Area, that were started by recreational target shooting.

Read More: Drought Is Moving Wildlife Into Neighborhoods

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Utah Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officers will educate visitors and enforce the restrictions. Violations may result in fines of up to $1,000. Officials encourage anyone who observes firearm target shooting or fireworks on wildlife management areas to report the activity through the UTIP hotline.