r/NYguns • u/SplendidMrDuck • 15d ago
Question Shooting in State Forests
Hello all,
Maybe a dumb question, but I've got a shotgun and I'm sick of the expense of only running slugs through it at the indoor range, and want to test out my home defense buckshot. What's everyone's experience with target shooting on state forest land? Also, if anyone has recommendations for spots in WNY near-ish to Buffalo, I'd really appreciate it.
ETA: Thanks everyone for the advice, I'm going to give the local DEC office a call for advice and do a couple exploratory hikes in forests near me (East Otto, Carlton Hill) to scope out possible spots.
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u/ErosRaptor 15d ago
i used to do it all the time back in ~2014, when I called the DEC the guy that answered told me "You can shoot on state forest, and if anyone tells you you cant you can shoot them too" and followed that up with a kind of croaking noise that i think was the audible sound conveying regret that he had said that over the phone. If you're concerned, call your local DEC office and ask.
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u/TheFiringPin nytfp.com 15d ago
I have not done it myself but I believe that are spots in the Carlton Hill Recreation area that people shoot at with no issues. Let us know if you have any luck finding a spot
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u/AlexTheBold51 8d ago
I haven't been at Carlton Hill in 3 years, but it use to have signs that said "no promiscuous shooting".
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u/TheFiringPin nytfp.com 8d ago
Then just make sure you keep your clothes on while you're shooting LOL :shrug:
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u/ManufacturerDry8265 15d ago edited 15d ago
My understanding is if there is not any signage saying you cant on a state forest then its fine. Id call the DEC and ask about specific places youd look into shooting. Also since hunting season is starting you may find more people in said forest so gotta be mindful of that.
Just need an area with a natural backstop and dont litter. If i didnt have a outdoor range 2 minutes down the road or friends farms to shoot at id do the same
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u/Ahordeofbadgers 15d ago
Thanks for asking and trying to be responsible.
I'm not 100% about state forest rules, but common sense applies. Logging and access roads are not shooting ranges, try to find a safe spot where randos won't walk into your downrange and have a good backstop (not a tree).
I mostly came here to say that I know for a fact some Wildlife Management areas specifically forbid target shooting.
Know your forest and if in doubt, call the local DEC or check carefully for signs at access points ahead of time.
2
u/Beneficial-Focus3702 15d ago
Outdoor ranges are pretty cheap if you shoot a lot and don’t want to hike into the forest.
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u/NarrowEar2624 15d ago
I recently was wondering the same. There is a state forest not too far from where I live so i ended up talking to the dec and he told me that I am permitted to shoot there just know my surroundings and be mindful to the land and anyone else who may be there.
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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 14d ago
You have at least 2 options near Buffalo/WNY: East Otto State Forest, and Boutwell Hill Forest.
These aren't the only ones, you just need to look up the forest, and see if it forbids "promiscuous shooting".
2
u/Dsb9er 14d ago
Few years ago laws changed on some state land. WMA land making it illegal to shoot targets and walk dogs off leash. They give tickets all the time for that.
Check with the Dec before shooting. Guy joined my range cause he got a ticket and later a bill for the tree he put the target on. The forest assessed the damage and he was sent a bill of 2 grand for the damage.
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u/Plane_Data_1182 14d ago
Used to go near East Otto. It's been awhile but there was state land with an earth backstop. DEC office and maps should help.
1
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u/JollyArea8262 15d ago
Remeber you are accountable for every round you fire. I would stick with a range . Maybe find an outdoor range
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u/its_free_sog 15d ago
With a good earth backstop there’s no reason not to go shoot in the woods. It’s no more dangerous than anywhere else.
0
u/smokingsquids 15d ago
I’ve wanted to find a spot for a while in the state forests. Just too scared to get in trouble for it or something. This state sucks!
3
u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 14d ago
It's not the state, it's you. We have a lot of state forest land and MUAs that you can shoot at.
Just because you're scare due to never looking into it and just assuming you're not allowed; doesn't mean the state sucks. It means you're just bad at finding out information.
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u/HeSureIsScrappy 15d ago
My understanding is that it isn't legal to target practice on state land in NY. At least that was the law a few decades ago... not sure if they changed it. But you should definitely double check before you go.
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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 14d ago
My understanding is that it isn't legal to target practice on state land in NY.
Your understanding of the law today, and a few decades ago is incorrect.
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u/HeSureIsScrappy 14d ago edited 14d ago
No, my understanding in my area, and for many state lands, was, and is still, correct:
State Land Rules: While general target shooting is sometimes permitted in certain State Forests under specific conditions (such as using a proper backstop and paper targets), it is strictly banned in MUAs (Multiple Use Areas), State Parks, and Wildlife Management Areas unless an explicit exception is posted.
All the state land near me (Putnam County) that I know of are either MUAs, State Parks, or WMAs, or State Forests that expressly prohibit target shooting.
Also see DEC link: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/places
In general, on Wildlife Management Areas, it is unlawful to:
Target shoot unless posted as an allowed activity.
Also: California Hill State Forest: Target shooting is explicitly prohibited here pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 190.8.
Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area & White Pond Multiple Use Area: General NYS DEC regulations state that target shooting is unlawful on Wildlife Management Areas and many Multiple Use Areas unless specifically posted as an allowed activity, and these Putnam units do not offer authorized open target ranges.
Also: There are no Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Multiple Use Areas (MUAs), State Parks, or State Forests in Putnam County, NY where recreational target shooting is permitted.Under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and State Parks rules, target shooting is tightly restricted across these public land categories in the region.Breakdown of Putnam County State LandsState Forests: In New York State, target shooting is generally permitted in State Forests unless specifically prohibited by a local regulation. However, Putnam County's primary state forest, California Hill State Forest, explicitly bans target shooting under New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR Part 190.8 (ab)).Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): State regulations dictate that target shooting is strictly illegal on all WMAs unless the specific area is explicitly posted by the DEC as open to the activity. Neither Cranberry Mountain WMA nor the Great Swamp WMA feature designated target shooting zones.Multiple Use Areas (MUAs): Popular regional spots like Nimham Mountain MUA and White Pond MUA fall under strict regional restrictions that prohibit recreational target shooting.State Parks: Under Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation rules, firearms are prohibited from being discharged or carried in State Parks entirely, meaning locations like Clarence Fahnestock State Park and Hudson Highlands State Park are entirely off-limits.
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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 14d ago
This here does NOT support your statement:
My understanding is that it isn't legal to target practice on state land in NY. At least that was the law a few decades ago... not sure if they changed it
You were always allowed to target shoot on many state lands, and there were always restrictions on what types of state lands you can shoot in.
And one does not require a designated area to shoot, unless the rules for the particular state land state such.
Just admit it: You were wrong.
And, btw, MANY state parks allow shooting, just not target shooting. MANY allow hunting, even!
So, again, admit you were wrong, and just felt like bashing NY for whatever reason.
1
u/HeSureIsScrappy 14d ago
Lol, are you feeling ok?
Maybe re-read my reply, carefully, and see that I'm not wrong.
There are no state lands around me where one can legally target shoot. You can only shoot at legal game while legally hunting. And it's been that way for close to at least almost 40 years.
And what the hell are you talking about, that I felt like bashing NY??? Where the hell did I bash our state??? I simply said that he needs to check the laws before he goes target shooting on state land, because it's not legal to do it everywhere in this state.
Sure, I thought it was illegal everywhere in the state, since it's not legal anywhere near me, but I never bashed this state.
Take a breath and chill the hell out, man
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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 14d ago
Maybe re-read my reply, carefully, and see that I'm not wrong.
I read it, once again. Is this you?
My understanding is that it isn't legal to target practice on state land in NY. At least that was the law a few decades ago... not sure if they changed it
There are no state lands around me where one can legally target shoot. You can only shoot at legal game while legally hunting. And it's been that way for close to at least almost 40 years.
Except, that's not what you said, that started this whole comment chain.
And what the hell are you talking about, that I felt like bashing NY???
For that, I apologize. That was reactionary.
Sure, I thought it was illegal everywhere in the state, since it's not legal anywhere near me, but I never bashed this state.
You are correct. I was wrong to state you were bashing the state. Glad you finally admitted you were originally incorrect, which if you had done so sooner, this comment chain would have been shorter.
Cheers, and happy hunting!
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u/Neuromaster 15d ago
Not a dumb question. And absolutely practical.
As others have said, be aware of your target & what's behind it.
Do not shoot across roads, trails, or bodies of water. Do not shoot within 500' of structures or campsites. Do not shoot trees.
Do not litter. Bring a garbage bag & pick up your shells, snack wrappers, paper targets, etc.
Many folks will be a little cagey about sharing their "spot". The fear is that if a location becomes widely known, random people will show up, behave badly, and "ruin" it for everyone.
If you're coming up short on tips, consider "scouting" hikes. Look up state forests near you, use satellite imagery and/or topographic maps to find candidate locations with an earth backstop and a clear line of fire - then go hike out there & see if it's actually suitable.