Safety reminders to know before you go to the Gila National Forest

(Silver City, NM, May 18, 2026) – As the weather warms and more recreators explore the Gila National Forest, law enforcement officers are reporting an uptick in violations related to motorized vehicle use in undesignated areas, littering, and unlawful and unsafe target shooting. 

These rules and laws are in place for everyone's safety and for the long-term management of our public lands. Adhering to these and other applicable regulations will help protect public land resources from damage, maintain public health and safety, and ensure you are adhering to all applicable laws.

E-Bikes

There are many signs of off-road vehicles and electronic bikes (e-bikes) illegally accessing non-motorized trails or making their own trails on the Gila National Forest. E-bikes are powered by an electric motor, and under national policy are considered by the Forest Service to be motorized vehicles. When using your e-bike, street vehicle, or offroad vehicle, please stick to the more than 3,000 miles of designated motorized routes on the forest. The Gila's Motor Use Vehicle Maps (MVUMs) are available at every Ranger District office,  or you can download them to view or print on our website.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)

The State of New Mexico has regulations governing the use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on public lands. On public lands, the state prohibits riders younger than six years of age from operating an OHV. Riders under 18 must complete an OHV safety course and carry proof of completion; wear an approved, secured helmet and eye protection; never carry a passenger; be visually supervised by a responsible adult; and be appropriately sized for the vehicle ridden. OHVs are required to display an OHV registration before they may be used on public lands. Registration fees fund OHV safety training and public outreach and grants for trail improvements and law enforcement.

Littering

Unlawful littering, trash dumping, and target shooting on the forest continue to be a problem, especially in areas closest to town. Near populated areas, law enforcement officers regularly find yard waste, leftover bullet casings, and bullet-ridden refrigerators, other appliances, old tires, other trash, and trees used for target practice.

Target Shooting

Target shooting is allowed on National Forest System lands when in compliance with safety regulations. Under 36CFR 261.9 (a), damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States is prohibited. Do not shoot signs, trees, or other natural features.

Under 36CFR 261.11, dumping trash or leaving litter on the forest is prohibited. Under 36CFR 261.10(d), it is unlawful to discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun or other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area;

Across or on a National Forest System Road or body of water, or where people or property are exposed to injury or damage; or

Into or within any cave. 

The Gila National Forest recommends using only paper or cardboard targets. For a legal and safer target shooting experience, make sure you have a safe backstop (a dirt mound or other structure to stop any bullets that pass the target). Do not attach targets to trees or other vegetation and remove all targets, shells, and other waste before you leave. If you shoot at trash left behind by someone else, that item is your target and you become responsible for its removal.

Finally, the Gila National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Under these restrictions, fires are only allowed in designated metal rings or grills at developed recreation areas. Please ensure that your fire is fully extinguished before leaving the site. No campfires are allowed in dispersed camping areas at this time. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable material.