target practice in the suburbs

[Sunbkpk]

What do you guys do to target practice in the suburbs with your bows? The law is ambiguous on this matter leaving the legality up to interpretation as I read it. Do you just go to a local range? That limits my shooting to about 2 times a month having kids and busy work. Not enough to make me happy.

I have room to shoot 20 yards with a large garden shed as a backstop that I trust. Couple of inches of rough cut pine boards for each wall 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Add some good straw bales and target and I would be set. Tempted to ask next door neighbors their permission but not sure I will get a straight answer. Only takes one to call and a different interpretation to get on the wrong side of a fine.

Any experience would be appreciated.

[steen]

Yes!  All it takes is a complaint from the nieghbors.  It has happened in Lynden  so if you have good nieghbors and they don't complain you're okay.  The young man that got caught up in it just got a warning but it could be worse.

[Sunbkpk]

Closest range for me to shoot is 14 miles. Not very conducive to regular practice. I live in Bellevue.

I used to work by North Bend and could get out at lunch to shoot, but not any more. Looking for a good alternative. Even tried asking the local pistol range to set up my target in their range. No dice as it is apparently legal liability issue.

[klikboom]

I was looking at the reg's today, I'm in Everett and I was trying to figure out if I could set up on a spot in any one of the large park lands (forest park) or gulch area??? I couldn't find any mention of bow or arrow in Everett municipality codes.

[mtbiker]

I would check the laws for Bellevue and if there is nothing specific about archery, then I would check with the neighbors that could be affected by the activity.  Note that even if there is no specific law and someone reports you to the police because they feel in danger, you can still be shutdown.  Explain to the neighbors what you're doing and the safety measures you've taken.  To help my neighbor relate I told them that it's my backyard "golf".  There was a bit of an 'ah-ha' moment.

I live in a sub-division in unincorporated King county, but have a Renton address.  The only specific laws that King county has is no shooting arrows in or into a park.  Renton has an explicit no archery law.  I had a run in with one of my neighbors which involved the police.  The sheriff was totally cool and saw no problem with my setup.  Also, he stated that there was no law about backyard archery in King county.  He only asked me to talk to my neighbor and attempt to calm their nerves.  I did so and worked out some shooting policies like no shooting while they are in their backyard.  Note that the direction I shoot is 180 degrees in the opposite direction of their house/yard.  These days I shoot sparingly in the backyard (up to 30 yards) and get to the range once a weekend.

So, it is possible to work something out, but ya gotta do your homework.  Also, keep in mind that no matter how safe your range setup is, you're still taking a liability risk with regard to others.

[Sunbkpk]

Bellevue City Code Section 10.41.230 references Washington state code RCW 9.41.230 with both having the wording of:
Aiming or discharging firearms, dangerous weapons.
(1) For conduct not amounting to a violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, any person who:

     (a) Aims any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being;

     (b) Willfully discharges any firearm, air gun, or other weapon, or throws any deadly missile in a public place, or in any place where any person might be endangered thereby. A public place shall not include any location at which firearms are authorized to be lawfully discharged; or

     (c) Except as provided in RCW 9.41.185, sets a so-called trap, spring pistol, rifle, or other dangerous weapon,

although no injury results, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

So in essence it is as legal as any unincorporated section of the state. You are at risk "where a person might be endangered". You are liable where ever you are including hunting in the woods. In the city proximity to others makes the risk higher thus a need for more precautions.

Anyone want to start a Bellevue/Redmond archery range? There is decent sized population with no close alternatives.

[pianoman9701]

I have a 40 yard range in my yard just outside the city limits in Vancouver. It's bermed up and I have plywood as a backstop. Having said that, I also talk to my neighbor about his comfort level with my shooting, as the range runs along our common fence. I Don't shoot when someone is in their backyard and he's fine with it. Communicate with your neighbor.

[mtbiker]

     (b) Willfully discharges any firearm, air gun, or other weapon, or throws any deadly missile in a public place, or in any place where any person might be endangered thereby. A public place shall not include any location at which firearms are authorized to be lawfully discharged; or

What!?!  I can't throw my missiles in a public place!?!  Well, this sure is news to me.   

[Sunbkpk]

Don't you love legal speak.

Is my kids fastball when we play catch a deadly missile? He can throw pretty hard when he wants.

We have a block party coming up in a few weeks. Should be a good time to talk to the neighbors.

[Wa hunter]

Closest range for me to shoot is 14 miles. Not very conducive to regular practice. I live in Bellevue.

I used to work by North Bend and could get out at lunch to shoot, but not any more. Looking for a good alternative. Even tried asking the local pistol range to set up my target in their range. No dice as it is apparently legal liability issue.

Is Kenmore in Bothel the closest range?

[Buckmark]

Something that works for me and may for you depending on your house/driveway setup is to shoot from the driveway into the garage, move the cars, put your target inside the garage at the back wall and go for it, pretty much an enclosed backstop and your not going to freak out the neighbors, lock or block the door from the house into the garage.

[klikboom]

That's a great idea! Can't see how anyone would care about shooting into your own garage.

[Swannytheswan]

I used to shoot in my backyard when I lived in shoreline with no problem just make sure you have a good backstop

[jechicdr]

I shot in the "common" area in my neighborhood.  My neighbor...who incidentally also tried unsuccessfully to sue me because my air conditioner was too loud...called the police.  Couple officers showed up and notified me of the complaint and made sure I was shooting safely and just recommended that maybe I change the setup to shoot toward my hillside instead of up in the forest.  Then one of the officers was salivating over my new Z7.  I think he had a Switchback.  Then about a week later, got a note from homeowners association about shooting in the "common" areas.  But I "think" shooting within my yard would be OK...but haven't tempted fate.  We have an archery range a few miles away, so I bought the membership.  Shrug.  Not sure if this was helpful to answer the question, but it was a funny story.

[Sunbkpk]

The closest public range I am aware of is Kenmore Gun Range. I do enjoy shooting there but it is tough to get to with a busy family.

I will talk to the neighbors and give it a try. I am on good terms with them. It is a quiet and friendly neighborhood where everyone but 1 rental house all know each other and regularly talk.

The garage idea is intersting except it is filled with toys and projects that do not move quickly. The cars get the driveway.

Thanks for the ideas.