anyone shoot on state land? I belong to a range but sometimes it's fun to just go shoot on state land with a group of friends that might not be in the same range as you, or your range has a certain number of guests allowed policy. I've shot on state land in Ellenville, just was curious to know if people know of any other public areas to shoot in the woods, clean up our garbage, and leave.
State land?
- Thread starter Gardnaaa
- Start date
Acer-m14
.950 JDJ
you can target shoot on any state land unless it posted no target shooting .. check dec website for the areas and rules for that area of land ..
4excal
.338 Win Mag
Yup. As per DEC website I have. I ain't gonna lie, it's scary and you feel like a criminal lol. Kinda stupid to do too, never really know who's walking were...it ain't like proper backstops and shit..
Yes, I would be careful shooting on State land.
A couple of times, my buddies and I were bow hunting on State land (upstate) and a resident neighbor was hiking/walking his dog (no leash) in the woods. Came up right on us & had no clue we were there until we said something. Explained to him it was hunting season & not wise to be walking aimlessly through the woods. He didn't care, said he always walks the woods.
Other times, I hear repeated gun fire (what sounds like .22 target shooting) while I'm bow hunting on State land.
I've seen kids on dirt bikes/ quads from boarding homes ride in on State land.
Be careful, just my $0.02.
A couple of times, my buddies and I were bow hunting on State land (upstate) and a resident neighbor was hiking/walking his dog (no leash) in the woods. Came up right on us & had no clue we were there until we said something. Explained to him it was hunting season & not wise to be walking aimlessly through the woods. He didn't care, said he always walks the woods.
Other times, I hear repeated gun fire (what sounds like .22 target shooting) while I'm bow hunting on State land.
I've seen kids on dirt bikes/ quads from boarding homes ride in on State land.
Be careful, just my $0.02.
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Yeah true. I've only shot on state land in Ellenville. Trooper barracks isn't too far away, so sometimes they circle the quarry thing in their helicopter sometimes. Makes you uncomfortable when shooting ARs for sure. Just would like some land in the woods to just shoot on. Thanks for all your input
Target shooting on state land is allowed unless specifically prohibited. The same rules for hunting apply to target shooting (distance away from occupied dwelling, no shooting over roadways, ect.).
It can be scary, if you act like an idiot and shoot without any planning. However, if you do your research on the terrain and learn the ballistics of your weapon system you can find areas suitable, and safe, for target shooting. Good rules of thumb: shoot away from traveled roadways, waterways and trails; try to incorporate a good backstop (hill, quarry); allow for at least 1-2 miles of run-off to let stray bullets sink harmlessly into the ground (terrain type factors into this run-off distance).
There are other considerations as well. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and find another area to target shoot.
It can be scary, if you act like an idiot and shoot without any planning. However, if you do your research on the terrain and learn the ballistics of your weapon system you can find areas suitable, and safe, for target shooting. Good rules of thumb: shoot away from traveled roadways, waterways and trails; try to incorporate a good backstop (hill, quarry); allow for at least 1-2 miles of run-off to let stray bullets sink harmlessly into the ground (terrain type factors into this run-off distance).
There are other considerations as well. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and find another area to target shoot.
If you are a member of a range they should let you bring a guest or two. The only state land I would shoot on is out in Madison county but with that said, since i got a membership to a range i haven't shot anywhere but that range. Reasons for this:
1) safety
2) no surprise DEC guys lurking
3) no people wandering that will run into you bullets
4) no one will bother you and you can shoot in peace with peace of mind and as long as you want
1) safety
2) no surprise DEC guys lurking
3) no people wandering that will run into you bullets
4) no one will bother you and you can shoot in peace with peace of mind and as long as you want
stokes
.338 Win Mag
Back in the 70's & 80's we used to shoot in a sand quarry on state land in Mountaindale.Not sure what the area is like now,havent been there since the mid 80's.It was fairly safe with huge sand dune backstop.
dantrap
.177 BB
We used to shoot on state land in area 9P, in a quarry for many years. Very high backstop and a controlled entrance. Family has shot there for over 50 years. Well we had a group of 10-12 people several young kids ( teenage new shooters) and were aproched by a Trooper and DEC officer together. Ask to drop the weapons at gun point. I.D. Was collected from everyone while backup was called. Guns were unloaded, handguns collected along with pistol permits. everyone was called in to check for wants and warrants. Vehicles were checked etc. This went on for approx 2 hours. We were read the riot act about shooting on NY State land, which is specifically prohibited even if not posted as such. No one was issues a ticket or arrested, just had our balls busted. We dont bother shooting there any more, and did not follow up. We felt we would be better off just to drop it than fight it. They can always come up with something to jam you up on.
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I’m confused.
Is it allowed or not?
Is it allowed or not?
By default, target shooting is allowed on state land unless specifically prohibited. What Dantrap posted is incorrect, or perhaps the gouge he got from the DEC is incorrect. Or there could have been a rule change that he and his friends weren't aware of. I've shot plenty of times on state land within earshot of LE and never had a problem. Some pieces of state land specifically prohibit target shooting, normally by posting the appropriate signage. It's also a good idea to call ahead and ask if you are unsure. You can also look at the DEC's website for specific areas (WMA's, state forests, parks, ect.). Target shooters do have to abide by the same rules as hunters.
This was taken from the DEC's Q&A section of the 2017 regulations:
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Most places that I’ve come across on state land that has been used for shooting are shit holes. Most could give a shit less about policing their brass, shotgun hulls or garbage after they’re done shooting.
stokes
.338 Win Mag
There was one area recently closed to target shooting for this exact reason in Dutchess County.Somewhere near Pawling off Rt 55.Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.