Washoe County officials are reviewing the current map of “congested areas” where recreational shooting is prohibited. The proposed changes would add new zones south and east of Golden Eagle Regional Park and between Sun and Hungry Valleys.

Safety distances explained

Lieutenant George Gomez of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said the county already requires shooters to stay at least 5,000 feet from any occupied dwelling when using rifles or pistols, and 1,000 feet when firing a shotgun. “Those distances are to protect the public, especially those people in those occupied dwellings,” Gomez explained. “If we’re talking about a rifle range because we don’t want a bullet to ricochet off a steel target or a rock, we need that buffer to keep children and families safe.”

Why the map may need to grow

Deputies note that rapid development around Reno and surrounding communities is turning previously unincorporated land into residential neighborhoods. As new homes, schools and businesses are built, areas that were once open desert may become “congested” under county guidelines. “We have a lot of open land, but over the years, as everybody knows, we’ve been annexing a lot of property. There’s a lot of development happening, so all those areas that were once maybe unincorporated Washoe County have now turned into congested areas based on the building and zoning and all that,” Gomez said.

Balancing recreation and public safety

The county emphasizes that it is not seeking to eliminate lawful recreational shooting, but rather to ensure that it occurs safely and responsibly. Deputies encourage shooters to plan trips with fire safety in mind, especially during the hot, dry desert summer. “Make sure you have water. Make sure you have a shovel, so if you do ignite something from a bullet strike, you can quickly put it out before it turns into a bigger disaster,” Gomez advised.

Violating the restricted zones can result in a citation or up to six months in jail, underscoring the seriousness with which the sheriff’s office treats these safety measures.

Next steps

The sheriff’s office will hold public meetings to gather input from residents, hunters and shooting clubs before finalizing any changes. Stakeholders are invited to share concerns and suggestions, ensuring that the final map reflects both the need for safe shooting practices and the growing residential landscape.

Washoe County’s proactive approach aims to preserve the tradition of responsible outdoor recreation while protecting families and children who call the area home.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.