WDFW Restricts Target Shooting at Gloyd Seeps Wildlife Area Unit near Ephrata after Public Concern

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have put the kibosh on target shooting from Road 12 of Gloyd Seeps Wildlife Area Unit due to safety concerns. The wildlife area unit is near Ephrata in Grant County.

"It's a heavily used area for recreationists...fishing and hunting and hiking," said Rich Finger, lands operation manager. "The area where target shooting is occurring unfortunately does not have the topographical features, like a berm or a good backstop to provide a safe shooting opportunity."

This area has had repetitive issues with target shooting including damage to signs and gates along with debris left behind. In December, the department received a complaint from a neighboring landowner, that a stray bullet struck one of his buildings and the complaint was verified by a Grant County Sheriff investigation.