New bow hunter (soon)

[at2smithjason]

I am buying a PSE Brute X from a friend of mine that I work with and I would like to shoot it with out going to an archery range.  I have heard that it is legal to fire a bow pretty much anywhere as long as I have plenty of space with out people and a decent backstop.  I was wondering if what I was hearing was true.  Next to my house is a nice large field that I don't see a lot of kids playing in.  There are a couple of houses around, and I would just go and knock on a few doors to let the families know that I was taking some practice shots.

Thanks!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

You can shoot just about anywhere, I have done it inside and outside, large fields are good places, except that you are thinking about flight, not backdrop.
If you can find a side of the field with a solid backdrop (area that will stop arrow flight) and will not allow someone to cross through BEHIND target, you will be fine.
Practice at short ranges, paper tune your set-up, and work on consistency.
Then work on extending your range.
Indoor target ranges are set up with an arrows length behind target to curtain, and the same behind curtain.
If you think about safety first, there really is no reason for neighbors to object.
Also lost arrows can get expensive, and they WILL dissapear even in an open field !
Dont be surprised if the neighbors come see what you are doing, but as long as you are ready to explain how you have considered safety first they might just join you !

[steeliedrew]

I often shoot at ten yards and use my house as the backstop. I shoot quite a bit at the kenmore archery range but I enjoy practicing the close shots at home just to keep my form and release in check.

[Peskadot]

STIKNSTRINGBOW, Couldn't have said it better..

[at2smithjason]

The island county sheriff's and Coupeville Marshalls say that within Coupeville limits I cannot fire a bow, that I would have to goo outside of city limits.  Is there somewhere that I can look so that if they ask me why I am shooting in city limits I can show them in writing.

[LeviD1]

I shoot to my back fence. Inside my fence I can get 25 yards but if I open the gate I can shoot through my carport and get out to 50 yards at the sidewalk  . I have had people walking by watch me and neighbors look to what I am doing but no one seems to mind. If you have a garage just shoot toward that and buy a couple straw bails since your new incase you miss.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

332-52-145
Firearms and target shooting.


(3) Where is target shooting permitted?
(a) Persons may target shoot in:
(i) Developed recreation facilities specifically designed for target shooting; or
(ii) Areas with an unobstructed, earthen backstop capable of stopping all projectiles and debris in a safe manner.
Persons shall not target shoot in any other location.
(b) Persons shall not shoot within, from, along, across, or down roads or trails.
(c) Persons shall not shoot on, at, across, along, down, from, or within five hundred feet, of:
(i) Recreational facilities that are not specifically designed for target shooting;
(ii) Residences;
(iii) Businesses;
(iv) Structures;
(v) Other areas as restricted;
(vi) Areas designated or posted as no shooting.

Unfortunately, if the Sherrif says it is prohibited inside City Limits, maybe you need to build a range ?

[zwickeyman]

Although I have done it many times, it is usually illegal to shoot in any city limits. It's basically discharging a weapon. Depending on your neighbors and how safe you have things set up but I have never had a problem

[at2smithjason]

Thanks for the info.  That's what I was thinking that I just need to head to a range every once in a while.  He also said that I can use privately owned land to target shoot.  My in-laws have a couple of acres that I might be able to use.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Maybe contact landowner for permission ?
Just makes me wonder...
As a Basic Archery Instructor Trainer in the National Archery in the Schools Program I teach and certify elementary through high school teachers how to set up archery programs at their schools.
Both indoors and outdoors.
These schools are in city limits.
 

[BlacktailBowhunter]

My wife and I shoot 10 yards down our hall way.

[Seahawk12]

Fort Ebey State Park is only about ten minutes away. Why not go scout it out and see if there's a good spot there to set up a small practice/target area? Look for the things already mentioned like a good back stop.
Give the park a call and ask nice at 360-678-4636.
There are a ton of decent looking areas over there outside of city limits. Just need to look around to get a good spot.

[Fullabull]

Just look up you city ordinances, they will tell you what you can do. I cannot shoot within city limits but I can shoot in my backyard. Same with air rifles in my city. Each city will be different. If you can't find them on line. Call your localcity police officer.

[at2smithjason]

My wife and I shoot 10 yards down our hall way.

What to you have on the end to make them safe to shoot indoors?

[LeviD1]

My wife and I shoot 10 yards down our hall way.

What to you have on the end to make them safe to shoot indoors?

My gues he shoots into a block and sheetrock as a backstop?  just dont miss

[at2smithjason]

Yeah, if I shot in the house my wife would have a cow.  That I couldn't hunt for.  I really think that shooting in the house is a no go for me.

[JohnD]

I live in Everett and called the local police to ask the same thing. The officer told me that it is illegal but then he whispered that if they don't get a complaint and I'm smart about it, all will be fine.
So, I spoke with my neighbors and now I can take a 15 yard shot in my back yard and nobody cares. (I can't be seen from the road and my backstop is my garage.)