Dove hunting season is underway, and residents in rural and agricultural areas of Churchill County may hear more gunfire as hunters head out for the season opener.
According to the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office in an online post, the sound of gunfire alone does not necessarily mean there is an emergency.
The sheriff’s office is asking residents to use good judgment when deciding whether to contact emergency services.
The Sheriff’s Office says people should call 911 immediately if they see someone being shot, injured or threatened with a firearm, or if they see someone intentionally shooting toward homes, occupied buildings, roadways, cars or people.
A 911 call is also warranted if someone believes there is an immediate threat to life or public safety, or sees suspicious or dangerous firearm activity that may put someone in imminent danger.
The post says that if someone simply hears gunshots in an area where hunting commonly takes place, and there are no signs of an immediate threat or emergency, the sheriff’s office is asking residents not to call 911 solely because of the gunfire.
Hunters are also being reminded in the post to know their target and what is beyond it, follow hunting and firearm laws, respect private property, and practice safe firearm handling.
(The Churchill County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
