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Main Boards => Hunting Legislation & Policies => Topic started by: Captain*Kirk on June 09, 2016, 12:51:00 PM
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After backyard shooting for decades, I recently found out that there is an ordinance prohibiting such activity within city limits, even on private property with a fenced in yard as I have. (Oops!) Has anyone else run into this, and how did you deal with it? (ignore, comply with, etc?) Has anyone ever had a bow confiscated by LEO's as a result of complaints, etc?
I would hate to have a run-in with LEO's...we have a bunch of new neighbors and you never know how people will react.
From the code of city ordinances, verbatim:
No person shall shoot or fire an arrow, dart, spear or other sharp projectile by means of a bow, crossbow or other like instrument.
How would you deal with this issue?
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Yes; I live in City limits and can't shoot in my yard. My neighbors back yard however backs up to where City limits ends, he lets me shoot there. I am still shooting in city limits but haven't had any problems so far.
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I'd put blunts on my arrows and argue that I was not shooting a "Sharp projectile". That's also why I live in the country, and I can't imagine a cop confiscating a bow over an ordinance violation.
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Our village forbids discharging a firearm within village limits. New York State considers bows firearms. NY state also forbids discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, unless you own it or have permission. And BB guns are firearms in our state.
So I am careful where I shoot. Fortunately I have plenty of areas to shoot. :archer2:
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Originally posted by Biathlonman:
I'd put blunts on my arrows and argue that I was not shooting a "Sharp projectile".
You make a very good point! Not sure an LEO would buy that, but if you went to court over it you could certainly use it as an argument for the defense. However, since "wrist rockets" shooting ball bearings (which are also arguably, 'blunt') are also prohibited, you would very likely lose the case.
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As a footnote, I always assumed shooting a recurve was sort of a 'backyard family activity' (much like playing Jarts, which are now illegal in most municipalities, BTW!)and had a sort of "no harm, no foul" air about it. Now that I know, however, it becomes a much bigger white elephant in the room to wrestle with.
"Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law"
..but then again,
"Ignorance is bliss"
Which door would you choose...Door Number One or Door Number Two?
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Technically,you are not supposed to break the law to uphold the law.
And that one goes out the window every day in every state by eight a.m. at the latest..
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Kind of funny... Up here, where bowhunting is illegal, a bow isn´t considered a weapon and can be used everywere except in public places.
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Unless someone complains I'd keep shooting and also keep my mouth shut with other people about it. Maybe cover the target up and have the surrounding neighbors over for a cookout and some beers to build goodwill.
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Tall fences make for great neighbors!
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Just shoot inside your house .
I'm sure your wife won't mind . :knothead:
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Keep shooting and do it safely. Make yourself some blunts from field points so you aren't using a sharp object by any stretch. Don't let anybody know about it or move, I love archery too much to not be able to shoot at my home. I also live in a neighborhood and shoot in the backyard daily. I have plywood barriers set up and super high-quality high fence
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Thankfully, where I live, I don't have to worry about that but if I did live within the municipal limits that ban it, I would most likely break the law but do it safely. Enjoy this stuff so much I couldn't bear not shooting.
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Wives have a knack for finding out when you've been shooting inside the house...
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I work for Country government, and part of my job is the interpretation and application of County ordinances and state statutes to their respective situations.
Being aware of the existence of several no-projectile ordinances in our metro area, when the time came I bought a house where I could legally shoot in my yard. I also spoke with the Sheriff before shooting there, and even had an officer come to my house and discussed it with him. I also cleared it with my neighbors, and now all is well.
I would recommend NOT breaking the law, and instead finding another way to shoot legally. You can try to get the law changed, or perhaps find an exception clause... but if you do shoot illegally, you are putting yourself in a bad situation. Any errant arrows, or angry neighbors, or accidents, or injuries may result in legal problems for you.
I had to call the Sheriff once, when a crazy ex-jailbird on drugs walked into my yard and tried to get my bow away from me while I was shooting. (That was CRAZY.) I had no problems with the officer when he showed up, and am glad I was on solid ground with respect the law.
Those laws may be unwelcome, but consider that we live in a society where in many neighborhoods there are people (mostly youths) who would cause real problems with slingshots and BB guns and bows & arrows. Those ordinances are to deal with all of that... blowgun darts and potato guns and pellet guns, etc. Sadly, when too many people refuse to exercise self-control, the only way the government can try to maintain order is to exercise its own control, and then good people lose their freedom.
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Archie, I think you have a good perspective on the issue.
I live in the sticks and it ISN'T an issue, but seeing the whole picture, and setting a good example, is always a good thing.
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Sage counsel, Archie. My inclinations tend toward the "Don't Tread on Me" direction, and would possibly lead me down the road of a poor decision. If ever confronted with such a situation, I hope I have a clear voice of reason such as you have provided. Well stated.
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I would be proactive with neighbors, bring you bow and a bottle of wine and ask them if they are comfortable with your shooting, explain you do not shoot in their direction etc.
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Sometimes the letter of the law and the spirit of the law are two different things. I'll continue to shoot in my backyard.
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Problem is: most times the laws are not enforced until there is a complaint. Were my friend lives he can shoot his bow in his yard only if the target is against his own house.
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If your city has an ordinance, and you choose to shoot, you are taking the risk of getting the ticket. They won't come out and bother you unless someone complains, so if I were in your shoes, I would feel my neighbors out to see if any would care, or just go find a range to shoot at.
Bisch
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I live in an incorporated county parcel within the city limits. I've shot archery in my backyard during the 19 years we've lived here. After the ordinance was passed, I discontinued shooting in my backyard. I purchased a membership to a local archery club and drive there daily to shoot.
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Never asked, so I don't really know. Nobody has ever complained, even when I took the shotgun to the fox that was taking my cats. The police have driven by a lot of times when I was shooting the bow in the yard, and they never have said anything.
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Illegal here but, I just do it anyway.
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It's illegal here, but I shoot in my backyard anyway. Both neighbors know I shoot in my backyard and have no problem with it, and I would imagine it's not the kind of violation the police would care about unless someone complains. What that means is that I have to be very careful to make sure that my targets are all well backstopped, and that no arrows ever go into my neighbors backyards or the street. Actually, there have been arrows that have gone into my neighbors' backyards, and they have been very nice about it, but I'm sure there is a limit to how many times that could happen before they stop being nice about it, and I don't want to find out what that limit is. So I have built up my backstops, and never shoot if they are in their backyards, hoping that will never happen again. And when the grandchildren come over, we drive out to the range to shoot. Letting the grandchildren shoot in my backyard is how the last arrow went over the fence.
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Originally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
I live in an incorporated county parcel within the city limits. I've shot archery in my backyard during the 19 years we've lived here. After the ordinance was passed, I discontinued shooting in my backyard. I purchased a membership to a local archery club and drive there daily to shoot.
That an option. I live 7 miles from an indoor 3D range; the one I usually shoot on all winter.
The problem(s) with that are several:
1) Cost. $10.50/half-hour, $20.00/hr. Not gonna break me, but it does limit shooting to once a week or every couple of weeks, where I used to step out back after dinner and shoot as long as I felt like nearly every night. I could shoot different bows, change up stuff all I wanted.
2) Time. The local range closes at 8 but last sign-in is 7pm. That means rushing; I don't like to rush.
3) Distance. The 3D range is limited to 20 yards. Period.
4) Security. The range is attached to a mall (!!!) so carrying in your tackle requires a TSA-like going over, applying zip-ties to your bow case and arrows, having them removed by the sign in desk, and the same exit strategy on the way out. Like I'm gonna go banzai in a mall with a trad bow... :archer2:
Backyard shooting was more than a hobby; it was my relaxation and my "mental floss". Not sure where to take it from here.
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Is it a long drive to some public land ? Like a game area ?
Also do you have a gun range near you ?
They usually don't mind if you shoot Bows on there pistol range . And I'm sure you would shoot black powder guns there , so you could kill two birds with one stone .
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Originally posted by Graps:
Is it a long drive to some public land ? Like a game area ?
Also do you have a gun range near you ?
They usually don't mind if you shoot Bows on there pistol range . And I'm sure you would shoot black powder guns there , so you could kill two birds with one stone .
Remember, Dale..I'm from the Land O' Lincoln (rhymes with "What was I thinkin'!??")Nearest BP/outdoor archery range is 45 minutes to an hour away...in WI...$30.00 for the day. It could be done, yes. But not like stepping out the back door.
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Originally posted by Captain*Kirk:
Originally posted by Graps:
Is it a long drive to some public land ? Like a game area ?
Also do you have a gun range near you ?
They usually don't mind if you shoot Bows on there pistol range . And I'm sure you would shoot black powder guns there , so you could kill two birds with one stone .
Remember, Dale..I'm from the Land O' Lincoln (rhymes with "What was I thinkin'!??")Nearest BP/outdoor archery range is 45 minutes to an hour away...in WI...$30.00 for the day. It could be done, yes. But not like stepping out the back door. [/b]
How close to Rockford, IL are you?
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Same here but the schools have archery out doors. I have had police in yard to tell me to stop. I told them to snap their gun in the holster if they wanted to talk to me. Yes I was a jerk to them, shame on me. I still shoot in back yard but not when people are around. My yard is 100 yards deep with tracks at back. Welcome to life.
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The day I can't shoot in my backyard is the day my house goes up for sale.
I used to be a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. In general, most things, aside from building regulations are complaint driven. Be a good neighbour, stay safe, don't do anything foolish.
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Originally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
How close to Rockford, IL are you?
An hour and a half to 2 hours depending on traffic/time of day.
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I shoot in my backyard but we don't have any ordinances against it. I have a 6' privacy fence, and I have a wooden chicken coop in front of that, and put my target in front of the chicken coop. Worst case scenario if I miss I have fried chicken for supper.
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I feel for you guys. It must be tough to deal with restrictions on your shooting.
I'm fortunate to live in a semi rural neighborhood. I can take a flight shot or a pee off my back porch and no one would care. I can't imagine a scenario that would get me to move any closer to town.
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I would keep shooting, if anything is said just plead ignorance.
i know that's breaking the law, but you ever go over the speed limit? That's assuming that you are absolutely sure it is safe.
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I actually shot two times in my yard. Live in a subdivision outside of town, but within city limits. I've got a 6' vinyl fence too. One day I thought, when my son is playing in the yard, would I want my neighbor shooting on the other side of that fence? Not worth the risk for me. I feel confident at 15yards, but I could never again sleep at night knowing "it was my fault" if anything ever happened to harm someone/something else.
That being said- if it's safe and you've triple checked that it is; go for it!
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"No person shall shoot or fire an arrow, dart, spear or other sharp projectile by means of a bow, crossbow or other like instrument."
If you were to interperet this litterally as written you could say that you were shooting "targets" not arrows. Just don't get caught burning broken arrows or getting any Robin Hoods!
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I'd reinforce the area of the fence with Advantech and get a large target. You already have the high fence, so keep the gate shut and keep on doing what you already are.
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Seen too many threads about arrows being where they shouldn't be or intended. Some in this thread. If you live where an arrow can reach a neighbor and you don't trust your shooting to have your target with your own house as the backstop, you should not be shooting there.
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Not sure where you live in Illinois but I live in NE Illinois, Wauconda. Chain of Lakes state park has an archery range, look on their website for the information. Also Midwest Cimmarron is in Richmond and there are some awesome clubs just over the border including Big Foot archers, Waukegan bowmen, Racine Instinctive Bowmen, Kenosha Bowmen and Bucktrail archers. May not be the best solution for your issue but may be good options.
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For one, it's illegal.
More than that, unless you live in a place where a stray arrow can travel hundreds of yards without doing any damage...why is it even a consideration?
Anyone who has been shooting for any amount of time has had an accidental release, glanced off a target, etc. You've had arrows that wound up a long way from where they were intended to go.
You may get away with it, you may not. Is it worth possibly injuring (or worse) your neighbors dog, or cat, or kid, etc.?
Shoot inside your home (or shop if the arrow can't penetrate the walls).
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In my yard I only shoot at hay bales and have done so since mid 70s. Never had a wild arrow - never had an arrow bounce off - this would be a concern with a 3D target but I never shoot at them. I have never had an "accidental" release. I don't even know how that could happen with a stickbow. If kids or a pet are around I do not shoot and this occasionally happens. If I see neighbors with company I do not shoot that day. Even when I see neighbors just more active than normal in their yard I pass. This doesn't happen often. Most days though it is safe and cool to shoot and neighbors see me all the time - never a worry.
It is legal in my town - the city reformed many old laws to favor bowhunters and bowhunting about 10 years ago - field dressing and stuff in your yard. I had been shooting and hunting in the neighborhood anyway so it was good to see the town catch up to reality.
I have had zero conflict with neighbors but I guarantee it is because I shoot stickbows and in the yard I only shoot a safe lane which is "backed" by my shed. This lane is a 25 yard shot and this has probably helped a great deal in neighbors accepting. Very seldom I will shoot pine cones with a judo and never had an errant arrow.
Things have changed quickly since the compound crossbow was legalized as a bow here in NC and our town tightened up laws as soon a guy shot his buddy by accident.(that happened in another part of the state)Now to hunt you need 3 acres inside town - before there was no restriction on hunt location.
If it became illegal - and this will likely happen in the future - I would move immediately. I would not live where I could not shoot for at least a few minutes 5 days a week.
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I'd have to find a new house, outside town/city/corporate limits.
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Wow, didn't know this, but it makes sense. So far I have been lucky. My side of the duplex I live in is surrounded by an embankment with woods all around. My neighbors can't even see me, and the neighbor I have next door in our unit loves that I shoot a bow. She calls me Merida, lol.
(http://i.imgur.com/K0qKPsc.jpg)
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Interesting responses, on both edges of the spectrum.
FWIW, I have never been approached by an LEO about shooting nor issued a citation. In fact, I've shot back there since the early 90's completely oblivious to the fact it wasn't legal until I found the ruling on the books. BTW, it is also illegal for children to fly kites within 5 statute miles of our local airport. This makes me a Really Bad Man because all four of my boys flew kites at the park near my house and I aided and abetted...
There are towns where it is a violation to eat ice cream on Sundays as well. Just sayin'...
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I had a friend start shooting a few years ago, and he followed my lead, shooting in his yard. The first day, he called me and said, "Hey, how far do these arrows go?"
He had accidentally shot an arrow OVER his house and off into the subdivision. I feared the worst for him, but he never found the arrow, and never heard from anyone.
A few years ago I was shooting broadheads and had a 3-blade plane off-target, and lost it in the grass. I have nearly 3/4 acre, and could shoot up to 80 yards safely if I wanted to, and was shooting the broadheads in a pretty safe setup. But I have had arrows slide through the grass into the neighbor's yards at times, and it was of extreme importance to me to find that arrow before anyone else did. After 2 hours of fruitless searching that night -- by flashlight after the sun went down -- and 2 more hours at dawn (before I had to get to work), I found it. Now I only shoot broadheads from the end of my driveway into the back of the garage.
Accidents DO happen, and lots of stories and pics are here on TG attest to that. Weird releases, skipping off the top or sides of targets, nocks breaking at release, bowstring catching on clothing and arrows flying weird... that's bad enough when you're NOT breaking the law. I know how it feels to push the rules and get burned bad, and those ordinances are a pain and some are rarely enforced... (I mean, should we really need to get a permit to install a new water heater?) But if something bad happens, or your neighbor's mother-in-law stops by and complains because she thinks you're endangering her grandkids, and a LEO with a bad attitude rings your doorbell... you're going to be at the mercy of the system, and the consequences won't be up to you.
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Originally posted by Archie:
I had a friend start shooting a few years ago, and he followed my lead, shooting in his yard. The first day, he called me and said, "Hey, how far do these arrows go?"
He had accidentally shot an arrow OVER his house and off into the subdivision. I feared the worst for him, but he never found the arrow, and never heard from anyone.
A few years ago I was shooting broadheads and had a 3-blade plane off-target, and lost it in the grass. I have nearly 3/4 acre, and could shoot up to 80 yards safely if I wanted to, and was shooting the broadheads in a pretty safe setup. But I have had arrows slide through the grass into the neighbor's yards at times, and it was of extreme importance to me to find that arrow before anyone else did. After 2 hours of fruitless searching that night -- by flashlight after the sun went down -- and 2 more hours at dawn (before I had to get to work), I found it. Now I only shoot broadheads from the end of my driveway into the back of the garage.
Accidents DO happen, and lots of stories and pics are here on TG attest to that. Weird releases, skipping off the top or sides of targets, nocks breaking at release, bowstring catching on clothing and arrows flying weird... that's bad enough when you're NOT breaking the law. I know how it feels to push the rules and get burned bad, and those ordinances are a pain and some are rarely enforced... (I mean, should we really need to get a permit to install a new water heater?) But if something bad happens, or your neighbor's mother-in-law stops by and complains because she thinks you're endangering her grandkids, and a LEO with a bad attitude rings your doorbell... you're going to be at the mercy of the system, and the consequences won't be up to you.
That being said....
You live in Illinois as well. Your avatar pic shows you shooting in a backyard setting with a stockade fence as a backdrop.
Are you in city limits, and what are the ordinances in your locale? Just curious.
EDIT: Nevermind. I see your response on page one.
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Although my town has an ordinance against shooting bows I talked to the chief of police and he came to the house to see me shoot and my backstop. I have the target against a brick fireplace on a two story house. I talked to my neighbors who had no problem with me shooting and for 25 years have been doing so with no issues. I will say though a brick wall will stop an arrow.
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The city moved out to us in Lakeworth, FL the last 32 years. Have only 1.3 acre off a dirt road about 20 minutes from the West Palm Airport, but do have a natural pine tree/palmetto lot out back with no fences and a 40 year old 10ft tall pile of native sand I use for setting up a target.
My other small house in NY is in the center of Westport, a small town of 2,000 summer residents off Lake Champlain. I plan to set up a target in front of a an 1860's old stable/storage barn out back this summer using stall mats. Will have a limit of only about 35 yards though, but good for the summer.
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My primary residence is in a large city in northern New Jersey where unfortunately shooting anything other than a Neff or water gun is illegal.
Fortunately I do have a cabin in the Catskills of New York state. I have a couple of acres in a very rural area so there's no issues shooting my bows. However when I first bought the place in the late nineties folks use to shoot any and all firearms freely. That came to a swift end when we got a new guy in the area who would call the troopers every time someone would get the itch to site their shooting iron. The trooper would try to enforce the 500 foot within dwelling ordinance which was mostly applicable in many cases. They also got pretty nasty with the offenders since the barracks was over twenty miles away.
Nobody likes the new neighbor but that doesn't seem to bother him.
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I cant imagine you'd get any more than a warning if someone did complain.
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Originally posted by jt85:
I cant imagine you'd get any more than a warning if someone did complain.
That may be true if the only reason they're complaining is because they don't like the idea of you shooting an arrow in your backyard. However....if there is property damage or injury to a human or animal from one of your arrows, it would be a completely different story. Make sure that you have a big enough backstop, like the side of your house or an empty field way behind your target, that that could never happen, because if it ever does, not only will you regret doing it, but the law and the neighbors may make you regret that you were ever born.
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I don't want to just come across as a wet blanket, but I hate getting in trouble, and I don't enjoy watching others get in trouble either.
If I were you, I'd try to have the ordinance modified, and here's what I'd do...
Figure out what governing body has the ability to change the ordinance. Then figure out who represents your district or ward or village or whatever.
You might get a chance to make a 3 minute public comment at a board meeting, and in a nice way, express to the board your dilemma. Pass out a Google or GIS map of your property, and a listing of the costs and drive times for going to a range since you can't shoot on your own property. Highlight how you are a responsible, law-abiding, working citizen who pays taxes, and how this backyard sport is less dangerous (statistically) than golf. Show them how safe this can be, using your overhead map. Tell them thanks for listening.
At the same time, rally some support, ideally from others who share your point of view who are represented by the same person or body. Draft a nice, well-done document -- you might even want to get an attorney's counsel -- and have your group sign it. Call the government rep and have a nice conversation with him/her and try to get them to sponsor your bill for board action. They will already be familiar with your plight, since you already made a great impression with your public comment previously.
Those board members have a lot on their plates, with all the legal, financial, economic, and social problems that face governments these days. And they don't want to alienate any constituents by voting for "crazy" bills, so word your proposal wisely and carefully.
Anyway, you get the idea.
Thats just my $0.12.
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It's been many years (50+) since I shot in my backyard in IL. No, it was not allowed even then. But we kept it close and I shot into the garage.
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We have a similar ordinance here, I shoot in my garage for form when I can't get to the local range. This is one of the reasons we are looking for a place in the country.
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No problem for me shooting my bow or guns on my 3 acres. Southern Maryland still has a few redeeming values.
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Just curious, what town is this? I am also in Illinois.
Jeremy
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Originally posted by J. Holden:
Just curious, what town is this? I am also in Illinois.
Jeremy
Waukegan.
We are in the outlying 'burbs, very quiet neighborhood.
I have a feeling the majority of all villages, cities and towns in northern IL have similar laws on the books. Look at our politicians....
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Yeah, I wouldn't shoot anything in that town. I'm pretty sure the cops won't cut you any slack. I grew up just West of you in Gurnee and my wife is from Waukegan. Not saying the cops are bad or rude. Just that I think they would need to enforce that policy based on other "firearm" related issues within that town. Zero tolerance sort of thing.
I also read someone's post regarding trying to change the ordinance, good luck. Pretty sure they wont care either. Not trying to sound pessimistic just realistic.
It's a drive from Waukegan but there is a free, outdoor range, in Antioch. It's part of the Chain-O-Lakes SP. They open it from May 1 thru October-ish sometime.
It's a nice range for the price. It has an elevated platform and a course you can walk also. Although the skeeters are usually pretty thick in there. I'll p.m. my number if you're interested. I can give you directions.
-Jeremy :coffee:
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WOW!This post made me look into the issue. I live in a small hamlet village in NY on 3/4 of an acre. I'm about 50 minutes north of NYC by train. My property backs up to a wooded area. I shoot in my yard about 3-4 times a week. I just checked to find there is a village ordanence stating - there is no discharging of any type of projectile by any means within the village limits.
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Originally posted by PeteA:
WOW!This post made me look into the issue. I live in a small hamlet village in NY on 3/4 of an acre. I'm about 50 minutes north of NYC by train. My property backs up to a wooded area. I shoot in my yard about 3-4 times a week. I just checked to find there is a village ordanence stating - there is no discharging of any type of projectile by any means within the village limits.
Sucks, don't it?
Now you're in the same boat; Is you Is,or Is you Ain't a criminal? :archer2:
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I find these posts interesting to see how limited some people are in doing what they enjoy. I'm lucky that I live on a farm and can shoot anywhere I want including some of the neighbors property. And that includes rifles, pistols, shotguns.
I feel for you guys.
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Originally posted by dnovo:
I find these posts interesting to see how limited some people are in doing what they enjoy. I'm lucky that I live on a farm and can shoot anywhere I want including some of the neighbors property. And that includes rifles, pistols, shotguns.
I feel for you guys.
We can't all live on farms (sigh). Those choices are made in your early years of family and career for most of us. Had I known I may have made it work differently, but as it is I'll be lucky to pay off the mortgage before before I croak. :dunno:
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Since I posted this, I am at an uneasy truce. I have refrained from shooting in the backyard but I'm not happy with that decision. Daily shooting used to be my therapy, my release and even a few arrows shot over 15 minutes was like a breath of fresh air. Gone is the fiddling, bareshafting and tuning aspect...who wants to blow expensive range time on that?
I fully and completely understand the safety and legal aspects of why I and others should not shoot in a backyard setting within city limits, but it really smacks of government intrusion into one's private life and personal liberties. I feel rusty, out of shape, and out of tune with my gear and it does not make me a happy camper at all.
At this point, I'm not sure how or if this issue will be resolved, if at all. I can't imagine going through an entire summer not backyard shooting on my own land.
At the moment, moving is out of the question, so...I guess I will have to continue to either play the PC game or rebel and go back to doing what I was doing, and "damn the torpedoes!" :archer2:
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I just reviewed Waukegan's ordinances... Fun fact, it is also against the law to advertise fortune telling services, sell "dangerous toys," and sell "Mexican Jumping Beans."
With that said, the prohibition against shooting does not apply to the discharge weapons upon a shooting range authorized by the city council. So, perhaps you may have a solution to your dilemma.... that is, if you know any members of your city council who would be willing to say that your backyard is an "authorized" shooting range...
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Our local codes are strange. You can have a pet duck but not a chicken. You can have a pet pig but not a goat. And you can have a colony of bees in your wall or tree but not in an actual hive. I talked to my local councilman one time about getting the codes modified. His response was something along the lines of, "Look, I don't care if you have a rhino in your backyard. As long as nobody complains, I don't think you're going to have a problem."
I bribe my neighbors with eggs & honey. I did have an arrow miss my backstop once and it put a hole in my neighbor's garage wall. After apologizing profusely & offering to fix it, he simply said, "Nah, that's the least of the damage it's seen over the years." Never happened again -- I make sure of it. I've got great neighbors.
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The high school and middle school have archery outside so I push the ordinance saying shut down the schools and I will comply. They haven't arrested me yet but it has gotten heated.
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me and my buddy regularly shoot our bows off my porch and sometimes well into the night .. With a light lol people just drive right on by so thankful to live in Mayberry
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Originally posted by evgb127:
With that said, the prohibition against shooting does not apply to the discharge weapons upon a shooting range authorized by the city council. So, perhaps you may have a solution to your dilemma.... that is, if you know any members of your city council who would be willing to say that your backyard is an "authorized" shooting range...
I like the way you think. I guess anything is worth a shot, but our "city" likes to think of themselves as a baby Chicago, politics included, so changing anyone's mind would take a truckload of doing. Maybe I could shoot after dark using lighted nocks and nobody would notice...
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Keep shooting or school the city on the right to privacy if it becomes a problem.
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There is a saying; "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission" Rear Adm. Grace Hopper
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Captain not sure if you already know, looks like Chain of lakes state park which was mentioned and Waukegan bowmen are the closest to you. Waukegan bowman is actually in Bristol Wi. just over the border west of 45. There are numerous shoots at a lot of the southeast Wi. clubs all of which promote each other. You can go to a different one almost every weekend from spring to fall, all within an hour to hour and a half of you, not like the backyard but lots of fun and they all have cold beer.
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Originally posted by Mark R:
Captain not sure if you already know, looks like Chain of lakes state park which was mentioned and Waukegan bowmen are the closest to you. Waukegan bowman is actually in Bristol Wi. just over the border west of 45. There are numerous shoots at a lot of the southeast Wi. clubs all of which promote each other. You can go to a different one almost every weekend from spring to fall, all within an hour to hour and a half of you, not like the backyard but lots of fun and they all have cold beer.
Yes, I'm aware of both, thank you for the reminder, though! There is also an indoor 20yd 3D range at the Bass Pro in Gurnee 10 miles away, however all of the above come at a cost, both monetary and in time/driving invested when shooting in the privacy of your fenced-in back yard is both convenient and free! I guess it's becoming more an issue of invasion of privacy for me than anything else at this point...although nobody has actually threatened any action or even notified code or law enforcement. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose, and I was fat, dumb and happy in my ignorance until I found out what the actual city codes stated. After all, we are talking about a traditional recurve here drawing 45# or less, not a compound pushing 300fps. Incidentally, I feel the same about backyard shooting of entry level air rifles. What ever happened to the 'ideal of American liberties' (safety and personal responsibility taken into full consideration, of course!)?
I realize people do stupid things in pursuit of their own personal enjoyment, sometimes with bad consequences for themselves or others. However, I'm not a fan of a 'nanny state government' and never will be. A little common sense goes a long way rather than simply passing 'cover-all' laws.
I guess I will step off the soap box and stop ranting and look into finding a convenient range that will accommodate me...but it sure is sapping the enjoyment out of my hobby. :dunno:
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I shoot in town, and although I haven't been able to find in our city ordnance whether it is illegal or not, I have heard from others that it isn't allowed. I just built a large arrow backstop and try not to shoot when any of the neighbors are out. Nobody seems to have any issue with it. This is one of those things were I think that common sense should dictate it more than a rule. Our yard backs up to a somewhat wooded opening where the next house is about 80 yards past the edge of our yard and slightly uphill. Even if I do somehow manage to miss the target, my arrow is going to hit the dirt of a tree long before it comes anywhere near the other house. Thankfully I've never had to find out how far it would go.
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I’d just do it anyway but, that’s me. I also drive my motorcycle above the speed limit almost daily.
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NYC and Nassau County in NYS consider releasing an arrow from a bow "discharge of a firearm". Also carrying an arrow with a broadhead attached could get you arrested. With a broadhead tipped arrow, it violates the "4 finger" rule of a blade. Any pocket knife, whose blade is longer than 4" is illegal to carry within NYC, and they consider the ENTIRE arrow's length in their reasoning.
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Any pocket knife, whose blade is longer than 4" is illegal to carry within NYC, and they consider the ENTIRE arrow's length in their reasoning.
I guess the old saying rings true; "You can't fix stupid". How did a great country like America get burdened with legislators that couldn't cut their way out of a wet paper bag with a sharp knife?
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I'm in the same pickle....can't shoot anywhere now