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A portion of the popular Ghost PLUZ (Public Land Use Zone) remains under temporary firearms restrictions until further notice after reports of unsafe target shooting practices.
"The restriction was implemented at the end of August due to numerous reports of near misses involving target shooting in the South Ghost area along TransAlta Road," explained Rob Simieritsch, Executive Director of Land Delivery, South. "Recreational shooters were not following safe practices, and bullets were reported flying nearby. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but we had to take action."
The Forestry and Parks department temporarily closed the area to recreational target shooting in response to these incidents. Simieritsch noted, "Currently, the area remains closed while further analysis is conducted to determine the next steps for ensuring safe shooting practices."
The Ghost PLUZ, located west of Cochrane and east of Banff National Park and the Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park, remains open for other recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and hunting. Bows and arrows are still permitted. Simieritsch highlighted that while shooting is allowed on public lands across the province, areas in and around Calgary experience high demand for recreational shooting.
"In the past four years, the South Ghost area along TransAlta Road has become increasingly popular for random camping and recreational activities," he said. "At the same time, the number of recreational shooters has also grown. We've seen an increase in campers and target shooters, leading to more incidents involving close calls."
The department has ramped up its efforts to educate visitors on safe shooting practices to address these safety concerns. "We’ve been focusing on educating people about responsible firearms use—what to do and what not to do," said Simieritsch. Despite these efforts, unsafe shooting practices have persisted, prompting further action.
In addition to the closure, the department has partnered with the RCMP to increase enforcement patrols to ensure compliance. "We've stepped up patrols to ensure that those not following the rules are held accountable," Simieritsch added.
The department is also exploring long-term solutions for recreational shooters. While no options have been finalized yet, officials are considering alternatives allowing shooting enthusiasts to continue their activities while ensuring public safety. "We’re assessing potential options to create a better experience for recreational shooters, but safety remains our top priority. We hope to have more details later this fall," Simieritsch stated.
There is currently no timeline for when the firearms restriction will be lifted. In the meantime, the department urges visitors to follow safety guidelines and be mindful of the ongoing restrictions.
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