BLM to implement emergency closure relocating recreational shooting from Indian Springs area; Nearby residences, livestock, equipment and people being hit by bullets
TWIN FALLS, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office will implement an emergency closure to recreational shooting in the Indian Springs area south of Kimberly, on Friday, Sept. 20, to protect life and property. While recreational shooting may occur south of the boundary of this closure, we recommend the public consider alternative sites with fewer safety conflicts. This emergency closure of 3,700 acres, as shown on this map, applies only to BLM-managed public lands, and would not apply to hunting in accordance with Idaho laws, rules and proclamations for seasons and limits.
The BLM has received numerous calls of dangerous near misses from ricocheting bullets for people who are mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding in the area. In the past four years, the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Department has logged 33 calls reporting these near misses in Indian Springs. Additionally, nearby livestock, residences and equipment have been struck by stray bullets. There was even one person who was hit by a bullet while working on a fenceline. While the person was unhurt, this was a dangerously close call.
“It is very important to the BLM that we offer a safe experience for those who enjoy recreating in the Indian Springs area–and for those who enjoy target shooting,” said BLM Twin Falls District Manager Mike Courtney. “This is a rare action that we do not take lightly. Other BLM-managed public lands are open for recreational shooting, and we also propose an alternate shooting site that significantly lessens the conflict and the chance that a ricocheting bullet could take someone’s life.”
For those looking for a similar shooting experience to the Indian Springs area, a closed gravel pit south of Filer (5 miles west of Highway 93 at the junction of N. 2000 E. and E. 3500 N.) has been identified. There are also several safety tips that are important to remember when target shooting on public lands – like being sure of your target and beyond, don’t shoot on or across roads, waterways or trails, and always have an appropriate backstop.
For more information, contact the Burley Field Office, 208-677-6600.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.