Will hunters in a public hunting forest care if I am target shooting at paper targets?

I live in WAWill hunters in a public hunting forest care if I am target shooting at paper targets?
It certainly is ';legal'; to shoot on public land such as USFS,DNR (some places) and BLM (Some places), BUT if I were in an area that I normally hunt and someone is popping off pistols,rifles, what ever , it CAN look llike you are INTENTIONALLY causing noise to interfere with hunting activities-which is illegal in WA and most if not all states. Now, if you are in a relatively open area where the chances of someone hunting within miles of you is pretty slim, then that isn't as much of a problem. Now, if you are 400 yards off the road and going in deeper just to shoot then you probably will get a visit from a Game Warden, just to ensure that you are not doing something you shouldn't be. So, if there is something like an established area where you go shooting, that makes everyone's life easier.


Now, put yourself in the hunter's position. They get out with intentions of hunting an area,maybe they scouted it, of it is a favorite area, and here you are plugging away.They have to up and move,make new plans and basically have half a day ruined. Everyone blames slob hunters for making life hard for the rest of us, and here you want to be a slob shooter..... just saying.


So, find a place to shoot that isn't going to cause an issue, or hit the local range for a couple weeks. Common sense and courtesy say you don't go shooting where the chances of screwing up someone's hunting trip is possible.Will hunters in a public hunting forest care if I am target shooting at paper targets?
I live in PA and you are not allowed to shoot randomly on public hunting land. If you are actively hunting and shooting at game then it's ok. PA has rifle ranges at most public hunting land and a place to shoot your shotgun. There are rules posted at the ranges for you to follow.I don't know if WV is the same way but I bet they have similar rules. Your best bet is to call the WV game commission and ask or ask for a copy of the rules.I know in PA you can get a big fine and loose you gun for that.
Short answer: Yes. Very much.





Long answer: Yes. By doing so, you are obstructing the lawful taking of wildlife. In the state of Oregon, that is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $6,250 in fines.





Just last week I had a little talk with a couple of guys who were target shooting on public land during the last week of deer season. I explained to them the errors of their ways and they agreed to take it to a shooting range. We parted amicably. I am a lot more level-headed than many people for whom you might ruin their previous several hours that they've spent stalking a deer.





Go find a shooing range to practice target shooting. Leave the public lands to the hunters.
Public land is just what it says public ,For those of us who pay taxes any way. But you need to be at the target range to shoot targets. Even if its not hunting season you still need to be at the range. In louisiana you must have a WMA Stamp to do any thing on public land track, and be sure to read and follow all the rules on publicland because if you think its ok its probaly not by public rules ,We might not like them but still hafe to follow them. Be Safe
If it is a dedicated shooting range, they it would be no problem. But, if you are just going to go out and hang targets and shoot at them during the hunting season, then yes that is a problem. The hunters really don't want you discharging your firearm over and over again and scaring the deer away.
Good answers here, i as a hunter would be upset , i do not even like seeing other hunters walking around, a big problem on state land, and yes during deer season a very big no no not to mention illegal, there usually are designated areas for target practice on state land you just have to research it in your area.
Hi there... I live in Nevada and work for the National Park Service. I know that areas on park and forest land forbid target shooting, but hunting is allowed. I would call your local wildlife office and double check to avoid any problems that could arise
Yea there are some great answers here. I know in Texas its unlawful to harrass hunters, and like one person said, it could look like you are intentionally doing it. I dont think the laws are much different from state to state. If I were you, I would go to a range somewhere. It would be cheaper in the long run, trust me.
Shooting in an unprotected area is illegal and you can be fined. Check the law. I would not like nor any other serious hunters. Two of my friends were fined in P.a. Jesse
I certainly would. Besides being a big safety issue,there are ranges you can shoot at, and other times other than hunting season to target practice.
Public lands are very crowded with people. Many of them are at cross purposes. Unless you enjoy interpersonal conflict, it is best to avoid such places.
I would because you scaring my deer away! at least wait until hunting season is over.
I think it's a great idea... think I'll do some target shooting.
you are darn right they will mind......gun season does not last that long.....wait till it's over