bubblewhip wrote:
Hi, I am relatively new to the country recent immigrant from Canada.
I'm not sure how shooting works outdoors? I've been told where I can't shoot (city limits ect.) but I don't know where these city limits end, where they start, what constitutes a legal place to shoot, and whether or not I am allowed to discharge a firearm.
Can anyone give me some idea that an area is okay to shoot a gun in?
Thanks,
Hi bubble, Welcome to the site and the USA!
Your question is a big one and could take a while to explain! I'll try to keep it short n sweet... (but I doubt it!)
I am assuming you are asking for info on free to shoot public land target shooting, (not a pay to shoot developed range).
Usually rural areas are okay for shooting (counties), however I would suggest search your county website for something like target shooting or discharge of firearm in your county. You could also call your local county Sheriff's office to ask them. A big issue with rural shooting is the neighbors... noise! You'll get complaints unless you communicate to them that you're going to shoot.
Public land target practice generally applies to forest areas that are owned by either the state or federal (National Forests or Bureau of Land Management land) and might even include some county land here or there. Some privately owned timber lands could also be open for shooting but you gotta call and ask first. Each area has their own set of rules, however, most are all common to each other. And most of those rules are simply common sense things that any responsible gun owner would, (or should), know.
On state and federal lands, look up their websites for their rules and special closures. If you can't find info on the forest you want to go to, call a district office and ask. They'll be happy to help. Here's a link to most common rules, along with a couple links on that page to some forest agencies, that will get you started with typical requirements anywhere you go...
http://trashnoland.org/rules.htmlAs for how to tell where boundaries and property lines start and end, I would suggest a map app for your phone, like onXmaps Hunt. It costs about $30/yr for one state. It shows you who owns the land and where the property lines are. It uses GPS to locate you on the map so you can see who's land you are on. It can tell you lots of stuff like where the trails are, current fire activity and more. A good tool to have when you're in the woods. There are lots of videos online about onXmaps.
Once you have a base foundation of knowledge of where you can shoot and what the basic rules are, join up with someone who has experience and go shoot with them. Before long, you'll be an old pro!
I run a non-profit organization called Trash No Land. I'd encourage you to visit that website to learn more about responsible target shooting on public lands.
http://trashnoland.org/Enjoy, be safe and Trash No Land!
Bill