Act Responsibly
Where to Dump Trash: Contact your local county solid waste or public works department.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has also compiled a list of recycling and hazardous waste management companies in Idaho.
Stop Trigger Trash: Site your shooting location over a tarp for easy cleanup of spent cartridges and shells. Remove all targets, trash, shrapnel and debris after shooting. Leaving your trash on public land is never permissible.
“When I come out to shoot here, the number one thing is safety…I find a good backstop and have the sun at my back. After shooting, I gather up all my cartridges and targets.”
Don Zuck, 64, Twin Falls, Idaho
Targets: Use paper, cardboard, or clay targets. Don’t shoot at glass, metals, plastics, home appliances, electronic components, or furniture. Shooting glass objects, electronic waste and items that may contain hazardous materials (i.e. freon, propane, etc.) is prohibited. Remember – you shoot it, you own it. You are responsible to pick up your targets, and it’s a pain to clean up thousands of glass shards from a TV/computer monitor or other glass objects.
Always Use a Backstop: Don’t shoot toward hilltops, roads, homes, or livestock.
While legal in some locations, it is illegal to use exploding targets, incendiary or tracer ammunition and fireworks on public lands from May 10 to October 20 every year, per the Idaho Fire Prevention Order. Violations of the Order may bring up to one year in jail and/or up to a $100,000 fine, and violators who start wildfires can also be liable for the costs of damage and suppression.
Natural Resources: Help protect and respect natural features, native plants, cultural resources, historic structures and government/private property. This includes not using any vegetation or structure as a target, backstop, or target holder. Do not attach targets to living plants or rocks or other solid objects. It is illegal to deface or destroy trees, signs, outbuildings, or other objects on federal lands that are for the public's enjoyment.
Fire: Target shooting can cause fires under certain conditions. Check current fire conditions with BLM. Don’t shoot near rocks or dry vegetation. Be especially careful while target shooting with a muzzle-loading rifle or pistol. Avoid shooting on hot, windy days. Do not shoot at solid metal objects. Be prepared; keep a shovel, fire extinguisher and extra water on hand.
People Do Care!
Read their comments, hear their stories, see their photos from an exhibit or a group album about dumping on public lands.