Tonto National Forest demanding habitat-friendly target shooters

PHOENIX — It’s a different spin on pack it in, pack it out. Target shooters at Tonto National Forest will be dealing with new restrictions starting Monday to cut the amount of refuse and trash being left behind.

Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth said over the past seven years, volunteer groups who organize and assist in clean-up events have collected 192 tons of trash at these shooting sites.

“We’re grateful for volunteers’ efforts,” he said.

The forest service said the restrictions were designed to protect visitors and employees.

Target shooters can help by removing their targets and trash, including spent shell casings.

Types of approved targets included:

• Cardboard, and/or cardboard targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting

• Paper and/or paper targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting

• Metal targets specifically made for firearms

The metal targets are designed to swing, spin or knock down when struck and are removed from the site after shooting.

Biodegradable clay targets (clay pigeons) are also on the approved target list.

Visitors should keep in mind that littering on forest land is prohibited and is a punishable offense.

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