KIMBERLY, Idaho — After a person, livestock, homes and equipment have been struck by stray bullets, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office has issued a temporary emergency closure for recreational/target shooting near Kimberly.
“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 the BLM Twin Falls District Manager. “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.”
BLM said the closure is in the Indian Springs area and was issued to protect life and property. The closure begins Friday, Sept. 20 and includes 3,700 acres.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Department said they logged 33 calls in the past 4 years for near-miss, ricocheting bullets in the area.
"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 fence line. While the person was unhurt, this was a dangerously close call," BLM stated.
People can be fined for failing to comply with the order.
For more information people can call the Burley Field Office, 208-677-6600.
