Hypothetical: Getting hunting license just to target shoot in woods?

amusante · March 3, 2013, 12:16 PM

Hi Guys,

So the basic premise here is, I would get my hunting license, go to approved hunting areas when allowed, and just set up targets to shoot. I don't actually want to kill any animals, as I don't find it fun and wouldn't use the meat, but I want to get out of the restrictive nature of shooting ranges. Would this even be allowed? I am in CT if that makes any difference.

terzmo · March 3, 2013, 12:27 PM

if using a long gun...shooting target,at least in NY, doesn't require anything except age restrictions for young shooters and all shooting in a safe lawful area. No hunting license required. If a handgun...then permited holders and My opinion, if at a range or on private property, a non permitted person can shoot as long as a permitted person is supervising directly.

Mike38 · March 3, 2013, 12:36 PM

You may “T-off” a few hunters if you’re blasting away during season. Also, be extra careful of your backstop. If during season, a hunter stalking game may wander into your line of fire.

As for legality, well, your state may vary, but here in Illinois if you are caught in the timber with a high powered rifle or a handgun during shotgun deer season, expect your gun to be confiscated, maybe your vehicle confiscated, and a fine.

Check your local and state laws before hand.

amusante · March 3, 2013, 12:50 PM

The problem is I don't have any land to shoot on, so I'm not sure where I would go. It was just an idea, but probably not worth the unintended consequences.

sigcurious · March 3, 2013, 01:12 PM

I suspect, that even with a permit, you would not be authorized to target shoot in an otherwise hunting only area.

sunaj · March 3, 2013, 01:28 PM

Its always appropriate to respect hunters in the field during the hunting season, but off season target practise in the woods is allowed (at least here, in Ca)
sunaj

terzmo · March 3, 2013, 01:32 PM

I'd like a dollar for every sighting in shot, fired from a shotgun the few days before shotgun opener but during archery season. (DEER SEASON)

FrankenMauser · March 3, 2013, 02:52 PM

When I was younger, I was always told it was illegal for me (non-resident) to shoot on public property (other than a shooting range) in Idaho, without a hunting license.

To avoid any issues, we would simply jump the border into Utah or Wyoming.

I have never looked into that 'law' though. It may have just been a bunch of BS.

However...
Around here, it IS illegal to target shoot in some hunting areas, during big game seasons (and some other species). Licensed to hunt, or not, you aren't supposed to be popping off rounds for recreational purposes.

So, I would definitely dig a little deeper into CT law, before trying anything.

wally626 · March 3, 2013, 02:58 PM

This would not be allowed in VA on public land. No target practice except at approved ranges.

62coltnavy · March 3, 2013, 06:08 PM

Federal restrictions on firearms on federal property have been significantly loosened in the last few years, but if you are in the woods during hunting season, I believe that there is a presumption that you are hunting; and without a license, the Warden has PC to seize your firearms. However, there are many designated target shooting areas on federal lands where there will be no hassle.

Ruger480 · March 3, 2013, 06:26 PM

Keep in mind that people post and check trail cams regularly as well as just go for a walk in the woods in public land hunting areas. Just because nothing is in season doesn't mean folks aren't out there. Be safe.

Dave P · March 3, 2013, 06:56 PM

Um, are there not any shooting ranges nearby?

Evan Thomas · March 3, 2013, 11:24 PM

Amusante, if you're in CT, the short answer is -- no, you can't do that.

From the Hunting Laws and Regulations page of the DEEP website:

Trap or target shooting on any state property or public hunting area is prohibited unless the area is a designated shooting range.
There are four state owned public shooting ranges available for target shooting, patterning shotguns and sighting in rifles.

So unless you can get permission from a private landowner to shoot on his property, you'd be be breaking the law, license or no license.

That website is your best resource for answering such questions, or for finding out whom to ask.

kilimanjaro · March 3, 2013, 11:31 PM

Quite a few states will not let you carry a rifle or shotgun during hunting season without a hunting license on your person, except at a designated shooting site or facility. The reason is to cut down on poaching, I suppose.

amusante · March 4, 2013, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Does anyone know off hand how much land someone has to own to be able to shoot on it?

Tickling · March 4, 2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the info guys. Does anyone know off hand how much land someone has to own to be able to shoot on it?

I don't think it's the "how much" but the where.

CowTowner · March 4, 2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

I don't think it's the "how much" but the where.

Dallas and Tarrant counties in Texas require a minimum of 10 acres along with some other restrictions before you can hunt or shoot on your property.
Not including private and some public shooting ranges.

Tickling · March 4, 2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Dallas and Tarrant counties in Texas require a minimum of 10 acres along with some other restrictions before you can hunt or shoot on your property.

Is that normal across the U.S.?

**Aguila Blanca** · March 4, 2013, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amusante

Thanks for the info guys. Does anyone know off hand how much land someone has to own to be able to shoot on it?

You're in Connecticut. Connecticut has 169 municipalities, 168 of which have their own zoning regulations. Many of them also have at least a few firearms ordinances, which may or may not be (but probably are) more restrictive than state law.

IIRC, CT state law doesn't allow you to discharge a firearm within 300 feet of any occupied structure or other person who is not a member of your party. This effectively means you have to be 300 feet away from any house or garage and 300 feet away from any street or property line.

An acre is 43,560 square feet, which in very round numbers is "a bit" more than 200 x 200. So to be 300 feet away from every side, if the parcel is a perfect square you'd need slightly more than 9 acres. Round it up to 10 acres as a starting point. (And then hope your municipality isn't one of the ones with more restrictive ordinances.)

RonR6 · March 4, 2013, 06:53 PM

I don't know about your state , but in Pennsylvania you are not allowed to shoot at random during the hunting seasons.

Mezzanine · March 4, 2013, 06:56 PM

Check your local laws. In MN and WI it is illegal to target shoot on public land.

Evan Thomas · March 4, 2013, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila Blanca

Connecticut has 169 municipalities, 168 of which have their own zoning regulations. Many of them also have at least a few firearms ordinances, which may or may not be (but probably are) more restrictive than state law.

Indeed. And any municipality that's rural enough to allow the discharge of firearms at all probably has someone at the town hall who knows the zoning regulations and is willing to answer questions. When in doubt, ask -- it's a good way to stay legal.

And with that, I'm going to close this. The OP's question has been answered, and other states' laws aren't relevant to that question.

March 3, 2013, 12:16 PM	#1
amusante Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2013 Posts: 12	Hypothetical: Getting hunting license just to target shoot in woods? Hi Guys, So the basic premise here is, I would get my hunting license, go to approved hunting areas when allowed, and just set up targets to shoot. I don't actually want to kill any animals, as I don't find it fun and wouldn't use the meat, but I want to get out of the restrictive nature of shooting ranges. Would this even be allowed? I am in CT if that makes any difference.

March 3, 2013, 02:52 PM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	When I was younger, I was always told it was illegal for me (non-resident) to shoot on public property (other than a shooting range) in Idaho, without a hunting license. To avoid any issues, we would simply jump the border into Utah or Wyoming. I have never looked into that 'law' though. It may have just been a bunch of BS. However... Around here, it IS illegal to target shoot in some hunting areas, during big game seasons (and some other species). Licensed to hunt, or not, you aren't supposed to be popping off rounds for recreational purposes. So, I would definitely dig a little deeper into CT law, before trying anything. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 3, 2013, 06:56 PM	#12
Dave P Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,346	Um, are there not any shooting ranges nearby? __________________ I think this country is screwed.

March 3, 2013, 11:24 PM	#13
Evan Thomas Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 5,631	Amusante, if you're in CT, the short answer is -- no, you can't do that. From the Hunting Laws and Regulations page of the DEEP website: Trap or target shooting on any state property or public hunting area is prohibited unless the area is a designated shooting range. There are four state owned public shooting ranges available for target shooting, patterning shotguns and sighting in rifles. So unless you can get permission from a private landowner to shoot on his property, you'd be be breaking the law, license or no license. That website is your best resource for answering such questions, or for finding out whom to ask. __________________ Never let anything mechanical know you're in a hurry. Last edited by Evan Thomas; March 4, 2013 at 01:57 AM.

March 3, 2013, 12:27 PM	#2
terzmo Member Join Date: December 16, 2012 Posts: 97	if using a long gun...shooting target,at least in NY, doesn't require anything except age restrictions for young shooters and all shooting in a safe lawful area. No hunting license required. If a handgun...then permited holders and My opinion, if at a range or on private property, a non permitted person can shoot as long as a permitted person is supervising directly.

March 3, 2013, 12:36 PM	#3
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	You may “T-off” a few hunters if you’re blasting away during season. Also, be extra careful of your backstop. If during season, a hunter stalking game may wander into your line of fire. As for legality, well, your state may vary, but here in Illinois if you are caught in the timber with a high powered rifle or a handgun during shotgun deer season, expect your gun to be confiscated, maybe your vehicle confiscated, and a fine. Check your local and state laws before hand.

March 3, 2013, 12:50 PM	#4
amusante Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2013 Posts: 12	The problem is I don't have any land to shoot on, so I'm not sure where I would go. It was just an idea, but probably not worth the unintended consequences.

March 3, 2013, 01:12 PM	#5
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	I suspect, that even with a permit, you would not be authorized to target shoot in an otherwise hunting only area.

March 3, 2013, 01:28 PM	#6
sunaj Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2013 Location: California Posts: 84	Its always appropriate to respect hunters in the field during the hunting season, but off season target practise in the woods is allowed (at least here, in Ca) sunaj

March 3, 2013, 01:32 PM	#7
terzmo Member Join Date: December 16, 2012 Posts: 97	I'd like a dollar for every sighting in shot, fired from a shotgun the few days before shotgun opener but during archery season. (DEER SEASON)

March 3, 2013, 02:58 PM	#9
wally626 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2009 Posts: 642	This would not be allowed in VA on public land. No target practice except at approved ranges.

March 3, 2013, 06:08 PM	#10
62coltnavy Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2011 Posts: 356	Federal restrictions on firearms on federal property have been significantly loosened in the last few years, but if you are in the woods during hunting season, I believe that there is a presumption that you are hunting; and without a license, the Warden has PC to seize your firearms. However, there are many designated target shooting areas on federal lands where there will be no hassle.

March 3, 2013, 06:26 PM	#11
Ruger480 Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2013 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 720	Keep in mind that people post and check trail cams regularly as well as just go for a walk in the woods in public land hunting areas. Just because nothing is in season doesn't mean folks aren't out there. Be safe.

March 3, 2013, 11:31 PM	#14
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	Quite a few states will not let you carry a rifle or shotgun during hunting season without a hunting license on your person, except at a designated shooting site or facility. The reason is to cut down on poaching, I suppose.

March 4, 2013, 02:41 PM	#15
amusante Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2013 Posts: 12	Thanks for the info guys. Does anyone know off hand how much land someone has to own to be able to shoot on it?

March 4, 2013, 06:53 PM	#20
RonR6 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2013 Location: South Eastern PA Posts: 108	I don't know about your state , but in Pennsylvania you are not allowed to shoot at random during the hunting seasons.

March 4, 2013, 06:56 PM	#21
Mezzanine Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 103	Check your local laws. In MN and WI it is illegal to target shoot on public land.