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Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife enacts temporary shooting ban

Target shooting and other gun use will be prohibited, but discharge of a firearm for legal hunting is still permitted, officials said.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is added a temporary statewide restriction on firearm beginning Saturday, August 4.

This restriction adds to fire prevention rules already in place on WDFW-managed lands.

“Weeks of dry weather have raised the threat of wildfire on both sides of the Cascades, and it’s critical for all of us to avoid doing anything that could damage or destroy fish and wildlife habitat,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, manager of the department’s Lands Division.

The department’s action follows Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation last week of a state of emergency for wildfire threats across the state.

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Target shooting and other gun use will be prohibited, but discharge of a firearm for legal hunting is still permitted, officials said.

In eastern Washington, the shooting ban adds to a comprehensive list. These activities are prohibited right now:

  • Fires or campfires, including those in fire rings. Personal camp stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum, or liquid petroleum gas are allowed.
  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle.
  • The discharge of firearms for target-shooting or other purposes by anyone not engaged in lawful hunting.
  • Welding and operating chainsaws. Operating a torch with an open flame and all equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited.
  • Operating a motor vehicle away from developed roads. Parking is permitted within designated parking areas, including developed campgrounds and trailheads; and in areas without vegetation that are within 10 feet of roadways.

In western Washington, the WDFW shooting ban will be in effect until further notice at department-managed wildlife areas, boat launches and other water access sites.

All temporary restrictions will remain in effect until the risk of wildfire decreases, officials said.

Any changes will be posted on the department's website.

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