LANSING, Mich. (AP) — As deer season approaching the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that target-shooting rules were recently changed for state game and wildlife areas.

Target shooting is often used by hunters to sight in guns before deer season.

Under the rule changes anyone target-shooting cannot shoot at anything other than paper, cardboard or a commercially produced portable target.

In addition, incendiary or explosive targets or ammunition may not be used. The same is true for armor-piercing ammunition.

Target shooting is also limited to before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earliest.

Tim Payne is the DNR’s southeast regional wildlife supervisor. He said the changes were made to alleviate problems related to crowding in affected areas, unsafe use of targets and other problems.