Archery Target Shooting laws/restrictions

[BarberFobic1992]

i was just wondering if target shooting with a hunting bow in a suburban area was legal. it is a 40# bow. this may be suited better to the "knife law" section, but i figured alot of people around this area would probably know too.

thanks

 

[ejes]

You really have to check with your local law enforcement. I know in KS a lot of the cities have laws against it. Some enforce it, some don't; just depends on the agency. It is one of the main reasons I moved out of town and into the county. I got real tired of driving to a range because I shot a lot. So much nicer just to walk out back and shoot whenever I want.

Of course, being legal doesn't preclude anyone from using good judgment in when and where to shoot with relation to backstops, etc. In other words, just be a good neighbor with it.

 

[Watchful]

Ejes has got it right. In my little hamlet, there's actually a stated ordinance prohibiting it without permission from the police department. Two minutes over in the next burg, there's nothing stopping you whatsoever from doing it in your own backyard.*

In some areas, you can only do it in specially designated ranges--marked off with a berm, safety fencing, and so on.

In other areas, you can do it if you're discrete about it, and like Ejes said, know what's behind you, to the sides, behind your target, and over your head.

If you're within driving distance to an unincorporated area, my third paragraph would likely apply.

*Actually, the ordinance would let me do it in my backyard, as its language refers to "public spaces," but there's always reckless endangerment if I don't use a backstop of some sort! :foot:

 

[trkJr]

in most cases it's not allowed but it usually never comes up unless a neighbor sees you and complains. I can hide in my back yard and get away with it as long as I or my friend doesn't scream and yell about what a great shot that was or something else to that effect.

 

[Watchful]

I can hide in my back yard and get away with it as long as I or my friend doesn't scream and yell about what a great shot that was or something else to that effect.

Let's hope they know it was only archery!

 

[mtnfolk mike]

you definately should look into it... all states/counties are different.. i live in small mountain town and i have a range in my backyard... i shoot just about 3-4 days a week... it keeps me sane...
there are also quite a few archers in the area... most, if not all have ranges in their yards...

 

[RescueRiley]

in NYS if you are not in a designated archery range you cannot discharge a bow within 500 feet of any structure that you do not own... I don't hunt in the suburbs here but I have a 30 foot range set up in my apartment I use large bulky block target..haven't missed it yet but I hang a loose heavy canvas sheet behind it... It is onl;y tacked at the top and the bottom hangs loose the give prevents the arrow from passing through.. Obviously I don't use broad heads.

 

[orrey45]

I was letting a few arrows fly in mybackyard when my neighbors popped over the fence. I figured I was about to get reamed but all they were interested in was if had gotten a deer this season or not. I would check the local laws and possibly ask at the nearest sporting goods store(not the end all answer but a starting point).

 

[MBTull]

Ask any lawyer any question and the answer invariably begins with "it depends."

Typically, archery is not regulated by state statutes. Instead local ordinances and county codes govern. The first issue is to determine whether or not you are within a municipality with its own set of ordinances. If so, those apply. If you are in an unincorporated county, then the county code applies.

Contacting you local police (municipality) or sheriff (unincorporated county) is a good place to start. Almost all town and county ordinances are on the internet these days, so you can look at any applicable rules yourself. From there, contact your city attorney or county attorney (again depending on where you live) and ask for an opinion.

I doubt the bow's draw weight has much to do with whether or not it is legal to shoot. It is the act of discharging an arrow that would be illegal.

 

[texasred66]

Several people in my neighborhood have ranges in their yards. Some interesting impromptu tournaments occur when we are all shooting and take our targets to someone's yard. This frequently leads to burgers and ribs.