Is it really illegal to shoot in El Paso County?
Please read the following quote that I found on numerous websites.
Quote:
...recreational shooting is generally permitted in the National Forest there are exceptions and conditions. The exceptions are normally outlined in Special Orders. In this case, Special Order 91-08 prohibits recreation/ target shooting in all of El Paso County including the area west of Monument. You can obtain a map from us that shows you exactly where these restrictions apply. The best alternative area for recreation/target shooting west of Monument is off Mt. Herman Road and down Forest Development Road (FDR) 322A. This area is located in Teller County approximately six miles from Red Rocks Ranch Road.
Now examine the map in the link below. It clearly shows that Mount Herman Road, Forest Road 322A, Balanced Rock Road and all of the other roads in the area are well within the boundaries of El Paso County.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5188883.pdf
The following Question and answer comes directly from www.fs.usda.gov
Q40. Can I do recreational shooting on Mt. Herman Road?
A. Although recreational shooting is generally permitted in the National Forest there are exceptions and conditions. Areas restricted to shooting can be found in thePPRD Target Shooting Brochure or you can obtain a map from us that shows you exactly where these restrictions apply. One area for recreation/target shooting west of Monument is off Mt. Herman Road and down Forest Development Road (FDR) 322A. This area is located in Teller County approximately six miles from Red Rocks Ranch Road. The other common sense conditions are as follows: (1) you cannot discharge a firearm in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area (2) you cannot discharge a firearm across or on a Forest Development road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge (3) you cannot discharge a firearm into or within any cave. I would also advise you to familiarize yourself with Colorado State law regarding possessing and transporting firearms.
The rules of El Paso County and the US Department of Agriculture don't match. Who is right? What would a forest ranger argue? What would a police officer argue? I can not find any information on this subject anywhere on the El Paso County Sheriff's website, nor will they answer my emailed questions on the subject. Does anyone out there have any ideas?
