Deputies say they cited 12 people for illegal target shooting in a restricted area within Spanish Springs on Sunday morning. 

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office contacted 20 people near Golden Eagle Park, and the BLM land south of the park for suspected illegal shooters and then cited 12 of them.

The citations are for unlawful discharge of a firearm, a violation of Washoe County Code 50.092, a misdemeanor.

While the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office says it supports recreating outdoors to include legal target shooting, firing guns too close to houses or regional parks where kids are playing, is dangerous.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone of the rules associated with target shooting in Washoe County:

* Discharging a firearm in a congested area is not permitted, no matter the distance from any homes.

* Discharging a handgun or rifle in a restricted area is only permitted if over 5,000 feet from the nearest residence.

* Discharging a shotgun in a restricted area is only permitted if over 1,000 feet from the nearest residence.

(Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this report.)