MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — The Mendocino National Forest is a popular destination for hunting and recreational shooting. 

With the arrival of the July 4 weekend, forest officials remind visitors to enjoy all recreation activities safely and responsibly.

Forest officials share these safety tips for anyone planning to use firearms: 

DO:

• Follow all state laws and federal regulations regarding firearm use.
• Shoot only in areas well away from roads, trails, campsites, and other people. Discharging a firearm within 150 yards of any road, residence or campground is prohibited. See 36 CFR 261.10 (d) for federal regulations regarding discharge of firearms.
• Use a safe backstop to stop bullets and prevent ricochets.
• Pack out all targets, shells, and trash.

DON’T:

• Don’t shoot across roads, trails, water, or into trees, rocks or signs.
• Don't use trees, signs, cans, or glass objects as targets. Also recommend not using metal signs as targets during high fire danger to avoid fire starts.
• No firing of any tracer bullets or incendiaries.
• No fireworks on public lands.

For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino/recreation/opportunities/hunting-fishing-and-shooting.