law for shooting outdoors

[Adirondackjoe]

I live in onondaga county (central NY). I want to shoot my 12 gauge and other guns in the woods at targets but i'm not sure how legal it is. I'm not a fan of going to the range, I like to go deep into the woods set up targets and shoot for a while. What are the rules/laws for doing this. Is it illegal for me to shoot a 12 gauge at targets in the woods? I think I have heard 500 feet from house and you cannot be in a city or town, what else applies? thanks!

[NYBuckhunter]

General rule in NY is 500 feet from any building or house that you do not own. Also, the projectile should not cross over any road. Basically, just follow those rules, make sure you have permission to be on the land and watch your background. I live in Livingston county and shoot in my backyard all the time with no issues. You may want to check your town or village for any local ordinances that may prevent you from discharging a firearm in a certain area.

[Tenpoint]

To be sure, I would check with both your state Department of Natural Resources and with your local municipal by-laws. Although people will offer you advise on this site, it is no sbstitute for checking the laws yourself, to be sure you are in compliance. You can probably find this information online, or by making a few phone calls.

Tenpoint

[NYBuckhunter]

By general rule, I mean state law. Certain localities have no discharge laws, which I said should be checked.