Stray Bullets Lead to Closing of Santaquin WMA to Target Shooting
Nov 4, 2020, 5:06 PM
Signs are in Santaquin Wildlife Area warn the area is closed to target shooting. (Used by permission from DWR)
(Used by permission from DWR)
SANTAQUIN CITY, Utah – The Division of Wildlife Resources permanently closed the Santaquin Wildlife Management Area to target shooters after residents complained stray bullets hit several nearby homes, a news release said.
DWR first started getting reports from homeowners on the south end of Santaquin City in April of 2020.
The release said after several meetings with city and county representatives, DWR made the decision to permanently close the area for target practice.
“The Debris Basin area of Santaquin Canyon and the area north of Powerline Road have both been closed to the recreational shooting of firearms, effective immediately. Individuals who do not comply with the target shooting closure may be cited,” the release said.
DWR regional supervisor Jason Vernon said, “There are still other WMAs where people can safely target shoot, and we encourage the public to use those areas, as well as established shooting ranges along the Wasatch Front.”
The release provided the following guidelines for gun safety:
- Treat every firearm like it’s loaded.
- Always point the gun muzzle in a safe direction.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it, including if there are roads, houses, animals, etc. (Always make sure you have a backstop!)
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Don’t shoot near homes or other structures. (Per Utah law, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 600 feet of a house, dwelling, or any other building.)
- Don’t leave trash, including shell casings or pieces of the targets, in the area. Pack out what you bring in.
