diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 74cf4829c69..e66cdff2e7e 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 Thanks for submitting a pull request! Please provide enough information so that others can review your pull request:
 
+> **Unless you are a React Native release maintainer and cherry-picking an *existing* commit into a current release, ensure your pull request is targeting the `master` React Native branch.**
+
 (You can skip this if you're fixing a typo or adding an app to the Showcase.)
 
 Explain the **motivation** for making this change. What existing problem does the pull request solve?
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 5208e8111d9..21fcf86c3b9 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ We will do our best to keep `master` in good shape, with tests passing at all ti
 
 The core team will be monitoring for pull requests. When we get one, we'll run some Facebook-specific integration tests on it first. From here, we'll need to get another person to sign off on the changes and then merge the pull request. For API changes we may need to fix internal uses, which could cause some delay. We'll do our best to provide updates and feedback throughout the process.
 
-Please submit your pull request on the *master* branch. If the fix is critical and should be included in a stable branch please mention it and it will be cherry picked into it.
+**Please submit your pull request on the `master` branch**. If the fix is critical and should be included in a stable branch please mention it and it will be cherry picked into it.
 
 *Before* submitting a pull request, please make sure the following is done…