Where can one go and do some shooting?

[shawnhu]

My cousin and I would like to do some shooting in the woods with our pellet rifles.  Just mostly target shooting and practice.

Is there anywhere that is suitable for this without bothering anyone or getting in trouble with the authorities?

[JosephA]

I don't know anything about pellet shooting in the woods. But If I want to go shooting there's one gun range in yonkers. I usually take my ar's and .22 ruger there and shoot all day. I used to have pellet guns too. lol I used to have .22cal big cats by gamo.. I wouldn't want to shoot any gun pellet or none pellet in public even in woods. They might think it's real..

[Nick]

i have airsoft fights with my friends in my front yard, i guess their like pellet guns.

[Biz-R-OWorld]

you best off plinking with a pellet gun in your yard.  If you go into the woods with it, make sure you have a hunting license since they will probably assume you are hunting chipmunks/squirrels.  Also, if I remember correctly target shooting on state land is prohibited.

what about your garage or yard?

[JosephA]

I agree with Biz. I remember i bought something from walmart to use as a target practice. They have it in sports authority too. It's like a styrofoam box and I used it in our garage as a target! Hey Nick i'm into airsoft skirmishes too but idk. where to find a good airsoft tournament place.

[Montrose]

you best off plinking with a pellet gun in your yard.  If you go into the woods with it, make sure you have a hunting license since they will probably assume you are hunting chipmunks/squirrels.  Also, if I remember correctly target shooting on state land is prohibited.

what about your garage or yard?

Shawn, steer clear of the yard.  A basement or in the garage would be best.

All airguns are technically classified as firearms in NYS and the same discharge rules apply.  Many municipalities have firearm discharge ordinances and the Environmental conservation law prohibits discharge within 500' of an occupied residence. 

If you can do it out of sight (indoors) you will have less of a chance of a problem.

As Biz mentioned, target shooting on state land is prohibited.

You could call the Westchester county parks to inquire if you could shoot airguns on the small bore range at the Blue Mountain park ranges.  Eye and ear protection will be required due to the real gun fire there though.

[shawnhu]

DEC and DEP seems to contradict one another a lot of times, and this is probably one of those cases.  I spoke to officers from the DEC, and they have no qualms against the use of lower and high powered air rifles for plinking and hunting provided you have a hunting license if you intend to hunt, and clean up after yourself if you intend on target practicing.

In regards to the DEP, they do not allow such activities in Westchester County.

I think this is very unfortunate, seeing that air guns are the preferred method of small game hunting and pest control.

I've been looking over some DEP maps online, and stumbled upon these 3 that are of interest.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/maps/Big_Peninsula.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/maps/New_Croton.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/maps/Muscoot_East.pdf

Could anyone give more insight on these areas and special attention to the Legend?

[KenH]

"In regards to the DEP, they do not allow such activities in Westchester County."

Shawn,
Not sure who you spoke to but DEC does not allow it either.
All rifles including 22 rimfire and airguns are not permitted for hunting
use in Westchester County.

Generally DEP allows hunting in designated NYC wastershed areas and their
rules go by the DEC rules.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/recreation/hunting_and_trapping.shtml

There are MUAs (multiple use areas) in Duchess where you can use 22 or air rifles fopr small game hunting.

[shawnhu]

Ken,

I spoke with Officer B. Toth assigned to Westchester County DEC.  He's pretty friendly, and encourages questions and safe shooting.  I mentioned to him that I would be interested in small game hunting and using an air gun to do so.  He didn't seem to have a problem with that, he actually encouraged practicing and plinking, provided the hunting rules are followed regarding the 500' etc.

I know that pellet and bb guns are allowed in Westchester, because they sell them in retail stores.  So the question is, are they not allowed in DEP owned lands, and ok elsewhere?

[ChrisM]

Anyone know if there other counties where it's ok to go shooting in the woods? I'd love to get a .22 for plinking, if anyone wants to sell one or trade for some fishing gear PM me...

[shawnhu]

Chris, this is a .22 cal air gun or rifle?

[Trout Stalker]

I know that pellet and bb guns are allowed in Westchester, because they sell them in retail stores.  So the question is, are they not allowed in DEP owned lands, and ok elsewhere?

That means nothing. They sell .22 rimfire rifles in Walmart's in Westchester but they are not legal to shoot unless you are at a range. However, shooting air rifles is not illegal in Westchester as long as you are 500' or more from any dwelling that you do not have permission from. Find some private property, get permission, be safe and have fun.

[ChrisM]

Rifle, rimfire or centerfire... Or a .223 preferably. Just want something for target shooting.

[Trout Stalker]

Chris,

Get yourself a Ruger 10/22 for plinking. You can't go wrong. Otherwise, step up to a Marlin Bolt Action .22 mag. Every one that I have is a real shooter!! They say that those new .17 calibers are nice also

[JosephA]

Yes! The ruger 10/22 is the best for plinking! lol and I modified mine to Ruger 10/22 Archangel! http://www.archangelmanufacturing.com/iriflestock556R1022.htm

Try using your pellet guns in here Shawn! http://www.coyneparkrange.net/index2.php
I go there a lot and you can also rent .22lr's in there if you want!