Places to shoot outdoors in NH?

[cronuss]

Hey everyone,

I came across this forum the other day and was surprised I hadn't known of it sooner. This place seems great, and I'm glad to be a member now.

I've lived in NH my whole life, and have always loved everything from BB/pellet guns to real firearms. I just finally purchased my first rifle, a surplus Mosin Nagant 91/30. I love it, but I wish I had a place to let it loose a bit more.

I've fired it at Manchester Firing Line, and I also went as a guest to the Nashua Fish & Game club briefly. The indoor range is stifling for such a weapon, and the Nashua Fish & Game (and similar clubs) appear to be prohibitively expensive for me.

I want to find a place where I can relatively safely/legally plink some targets with my rifle with some degree of freedom. Perhaps a sand pit or remote area in the woods where I can just shoot some bottles or whatnot. I remember shooting various firearms here and there in NH, be it at sand pits or remote areas in the forest, but I don't know of any currently.

Anyone know of some places around the NH area that I could take my rifle to?

Thanks!

 

[Mr_Irritating]

I tried asking this question when I first found this forum. I'm an honest, decent American with a job, family and absolutely no criminal record. There were many replies but no answers. Apparently, places to shoot are like that briefcase full of money you just found, you don't tell anyone...

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

I tried asking this question when I first found this forum. I'm an honest, decent American with a job, family and absolutely no criminal record. There were many replies but no answers. Apparently, places to shoot are like that briefcase full of money you just found, you don't tell anyone...

You are correct. Keep in mind that if someone told everyone he knew, that place would be packed! In what area you guys looking at to shoot? I may be able to help.

 

[noddaduma]

If you own property that abuts conservation land, just walk out your back porch and blast away..

Other than that, since you sound like you're near Nashua area, try Pelham F&G, Monadnock F&G, etc. etc.

 

[glockstones]

The other reason people don't speak openly of places to shoot that aren't ranges would simply be, if the "wrong people" where to find out they may say "But my kids play 5 miles from there!!!!!think of the heat seeking ricochets that could cook them without even hitting them!!!!!!". And then you can no longer shoot there.

 

[Mr_Irritating]

Most WMA's, state parks and the national forest allow shooting. Check the new hampshire wildlife website. They have a long list of WMA's and maps of the national forest land.

On a related note, the land, with regards to shooting, is primarily intended for hunting. While target shooting is not prohibited, we need to help to keep it that way by not leaving casings, targets, beer cans, televisions and other garbage behind. Be clean, be respectful and don't leave much trace that you were there and I'm sure shooting will be allowed indefinately.

I recommend looking at satelite images of land you intend to shoot on. It's helpful in making sure you know what's behind your target, roads, houses etc.

 

[Boghog1]

not sure where either of you too that are looking are from but it would help, depending on location I may have contact information about a land owner that lets people shoot in his pit on weekends, but he is also very picky about who he lets shoot there so if you leave a mess don't even think about coming back

 

[dixidawg]

Most WMA's, state parks and the national forest allow shooting. Check the new hampshire wildlife website. They have a long list of WMA's and maps of the national forest land.

WMA's in Mass do NOT allow target shooting:

(j) Target Shooting. Target shooting or target practice on any WMA without the written permission of the MassWildlife Director or his agent. Permits are issued only for the target range at Martin Burns WMA. Contact Northeast Wildlife District. This restriction does not pertain to the use of firearms with blank cartridges for the purpose of dog training;


http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulations/plain_language/wma_regs.htm

 

[cronuss]

You are correct. Keep in mind that if someone told everyone he knew, that place would be packed! In what area you guys looking at to shoot? I may be able to help.

I live around Manchester/Hooksett area, but would be willing to drive quite a ways just to do some casual plinking.

 

[cronuss]

Most WMA's, state parks and the national forest allow shooting. Check the new hampshire wildlife website. They have a long list of WMA's and maps of the national forest land.

On a related note, the land, with regards to shooting, is primarily intended for hunting. While target shooting is not prohibited, we need to help to keep it that way by not leaving casings, targets, beer cans, televisions and other garbage behind. Be clean, be respectful and don't leave much trace that you were there and I'm sure shooting will be allowed indefinately.

I recommend looking at satelite images of land you intend to shoot on. It's helpful in making sure you know what's behind your target, roads, houses etc.

I was looking at the site the other day. Sounds like you can basically hunt in any forest in NH unless it is posted otherwise... but couldn't actually find any info on actual places to go.

 

[Mr_Irritating]

I was looking at the site the other day. Sounds like you can basically hunt in any forest in NH unless it is posted otherwise... but couldn't actually find any info on actual places to go.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/WMA_index.htm

 

[xtry51]

Another vote for Monadnock.

 

[M1911]

Go to a fishing web site and ask the folks where the fish are biting. See how much information you get.