Recreational Target Shooting in Redington Pass

It has been observed that, over the years, the majority of recreational target shooters have sought sites within the forest boundaries that are both safe and convenient. While over 100 sites along Redington road have been identified, most of these have been closed due to over-use. The Forest Service has an obligation to protect the land for the future, and the surest indicator of over-use is an accumulation of trash. As a result, the majority of these sites have been closed, as is evidenced by the numerous sign posts along the length of Redington Rd.

It is generally recognized that needs vary from party to party. For example, parties with children generally seek more solidary or secluded sites, where the environment is well controlled. There are sites that are well controlled, but nowadays they are more remote.

Remember, the Western Slope (up to milepost 6.3) is closed to recreational target shooting due to the high density of forest users and the paucity of adequate backdrop for recreational target shooting. Also, where target shooting is allowed, please follow the the appropriate laws. For example, national forests and grasslands adhere to CFR 36 which allows shooting under the following conditions:

You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
You are not shooting into or within a cave.
You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.

Popular Areas for Recreational Target Shooting Include:

Milepost 6.3 on Redington Rd: The legacy site at milepost 6.3 (on the north side of the road) is the first, and most accessible site.

This site can accommodate four to five vehicles in up to three parties. This is the first site along Redington Rd where shooting is legal, and it has an excellent backdrop.
Ranges vary between 20 and 100 yards. Because of the ease of access, this site is easily over-used.
In order to maintain this site, please be prepared to remove targets that are no longer viable, and the debris that accompanies target degradation.
Remember, if you shoot at target, it is your target, and you are legally obligated to remove it. Practically speaking, it is your obligation to remove targets that are no longer viable, and the accompanying debris

FR 4436 and 4435: Other sites which are also popular are further into the forest, and generally require higher ground clearance vehicles, as most of the sites that are accessible by passenger cars have been closed. These sites are along forest roads 4436 and 4435. These sites are generally accessible by light truck.

Remember, it is illegal to shoot on, along, or across a road.
Remember, it is illegal to possess explosives without a license, including binary compounds that are only explosives once mixed.
Remember, it is illegal to shoot within 150 yards of an encampment – meaning parties who may have camped within these areas (without their consent).

Forest Rd 4436 has three or four popular sites within 1000 ft. of Redington Rd. These sites are heavily utilized, and are subject to over-use. Please remember to police these areas as to prevent their closure. These are short range sites, with ranges between the 20-25 yards.

Forest Rd 4435 constitutes a small road system within an isolated valley, and has a number of popular sites, with various ranges and various backstops. Please be aware of sharp rocks that can slice tires and be prepared to straddle road hazards. If you are unfamiliar with the area, please walk your shot line and peer over your backstop. In this area there may be a road just over the ridge line. Deeper into the road system there are two sites with good backstop, that are popular with the long rifle, with ranges between 50 and 100 yards. There are also several isolated sites that seem to be popular with those seeking secluded, well-controlled environments. Please remember that it is illegal to shoot on or across a body of water, such as a cattle tank.

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