Deputies Work To Deter Illicit Target Shooting Near Elsinore

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — In an effort to curb recreational shooting near Lake Elsinore, officials with the sheriff's department conducted a two-day operation over the weekend to let people know they were violating local laws, the agency reported this week. The department sent out personnel from the Lake Elsinore Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s SEB team, along with officers from the Bureau of Land Management.

Those assigned to this enforcement operation headed out on Saturday and Sunday to find and stop individuals conducting outdoor shooting in the area of North Peak and Steele Peak, according to sheriff's Sgt. Chad Thompson.

"This enforcement and educational operation was developed as a response from citizens reporting unlawful shooting near their residences," said Thompson.

"During this two-day operation, deputies contacted and educated numerous citizens regarding county Ordinance 514," Thompson added. "Discharging a firearm in unlawful areas can pose great danger to nearby residents, the shooters, and cause devastating environmental impacts."

Ordinance 514 strictly forbids outdoor shooting in non-designated spaces of unincorporated areas.

In the past, residents of Lake Elsinore, Mead Valley and other communities, particularly those north of state Route 74 and east of Interstate 15, have had their homes struck by stray bullets, apparently fired by people riding all-terrain vehicles to remote spots and firing guns.

Under Ordinance 514, licensed hunters can utilize firearms -- primarily shotguns -- but only between July 4 and Jan. 15. However, during other periods, any type of shooting -- with pistols, rifles or shotguns -- is not permitted outside of public or private gun ranges.

"Recreational shooters and hunters are encouraged to read the ordinance and obey all laws associated with shooting," Thompson said.

Ordinance 514 states that the first two violations are treated as infractions that carry fines of $100 to $200. A third offense can result in a misdemeanor charge, with fines as high as $1,000 and potential jail time.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone