I live in a rural green town in Worcester County and my home is on a large piece of property that I'd like to build a small range on. 15 acres. There are no local regulations in town that would prevent a backyard range and there are two other backyard ranges that I know of on my street.
My wife enjoys archery and I have been having a very difficult time finding a good place to enjoy my shooting hobby. We decided that we'd like to build our own range.
I want this to be as safe as I can possibly construct it. The backstop will be a large steep dirt hill approx 30 feet in height that is already part of the terrain. I plan on fencing off both flanks and the crest of the hill with rails from the trees dropped to keep anyone from wandering into the field of fire. I also will be clearly posting the property.
There is 1000 feet in every direction from the range to the nearest structure with the exception of my home and barn that would be at just over 500 feet. There is an 600 foot perimeter to the nearest abutting wooded property line that but that falls away from the line of fire.
I don't want to cause any unnecessary red tape for myself. I have had mixed responses from some of my friends on these questions. What is the opinion of the members here especially any LEO on these two questions...
Would it be wise to contact the local PD prior to constructing this or should I just build it?
What about when I plan on using the range.... should I call the PD so they are aware of what I'm doing in case there are any complaints?
My wife enjoys archery and I have been having a very difficult time finding a good place to enjoy my shooting hobby. We decided that we'd like to build our own range.
I want this to be as safe as I can possibly construct it. The backstop will be a large steep dirt hill approx 30 feet in height that is already part of the terrain. I plan on fencing off both flanks and the crest of the hill with rails from the trees dropped to keep anyone from wandering into the field of fire. I also will be clearly posting the property.
There is 1000 feet in every direction from the range to the nearest structure with the exception of my home and barn that would be at just over 500 feet. There is an 600 foot perimeter to the nearest abutting wooded property line that but that falls away from the line of fire.
I don't want to cause any unnecessary red tape for myself. I have had mixed responses from some of my friends on these questions. What is the opinion of the members here especially any LEO on these two questions...
Would it be wise to contact the local PD prior to constructing this or should I just build it?
What about when I plan on using the range.... should I call the PD so they are aware of what I'm doing in case there are any complaints?