Guns in the trunk of a car that Mission RCMP recently pulled over on the Lost Creek Forest Service Road, after the occupants were allegedly shooting illegally. (Image Credit: Mission RCMP)
Increased Spring Patrols

Stray bullet enters family car after illegal shooting in Mission backcountry

Apr 10, 2026 | 11:45 AM

MISSION — Officials are urging gun owners to educate themselves before shooting their firearms on forest service roads in light of a recent dangerous incident in Mission.

A family of four was travelling along Lost Creek FSR near Davis Lake when they heard shooting in the area.

After hearing another gunshot, the father then turned to a noise inside the SUV and found a bullet spinning inside the cup holder of one of his kids’ car seats. 

No one was injured, and the stray bullet appeared to have entered the car through an open window.

The family did not see who fired the shot. 

No suspects have been identified at this time, but Mission RCMP says similar reports have been filed over the past year. 

“The problem doesn’t seem to be with locals,” said Mission RCMP.  

“The offenders were nearly always a group of males from elsewhere in the Lower Mainland – usually Surrey – who often come in passenger cars that cannot get to more isolated wilderness areas where discharging firearms may be safe and lawful.”

Mounties state that a valid firearms license does not grant permission to fire in areas that are closed to shooting.

The Fraser Valley Regional District’s No Shooting Areas Map says areas within 400 metres of FSRs, including most of the car-accessible areas in the Mission backcountry, are closed to shooting.

Penalties can range from a fine under the Wildlife Act and seizure of firearms and a person’s gun license, to criminal charges.

RCMP and the BC Conservation Officer Service will be ramping up patrols in the backcountry as spring weather approaches.

“If you see someone shooting anywhere within the vicinity of an FSR, move to a safe distance, then call 911.  You just might help to prevent a stray bullet from finding its way into another family’s vehicle.”