Noise and safety complaints are common in residential areas.
If you live in an area near a school, there can be no playing of musical instruments outside of the designated hours for band practice. Neighbors can also have problems with excessive noise from barking dogs or even lawnmowers being used on weekends. But what about shooting bows and arrows? Is it okay to do so in your backyard?
That’s what we will discuss in today’s post.
Is Practicing Archery In Your Backyard Legal?
In most areas around the world, it’s legal to practice archery in a backyard. However, there can be some restrictions on where you can shoot your bow and how close it can get to another person or structure.
In general, arrows cannot cross over property lines. This means that if you are shooting at targets not located on your property, they must stay below the line of sight between yourself and the target area (usually about 100 yards). You also can’t aim any bows toward people’s homes or cars parked nearby even if those objects are across from your yard.
That’s because it’s not safe. For instance, someone could always walk onto their front porch while an arrow is being shot through the air which will make its trajectory unpredictable.
Those are the general laws around the world. To find out the local laws in your area, you will have to contact your town council.
Besides the legality of shooting a bow in your backyard, there’s also the matter of neighbor complaints. If authorities receive noise complaints related to outdoor activities, they can investigate. This can lead to a warning or even problems with your neighbors if you continue having disagreements about the matter. So it’s best to practice your bow skills quietly to avoid disturbing anyone nearby.
How Can You Build a Shooting Range In Your Backyard?
Building a shooting range can take some time and effort. But it can be done with minimal supplies.
There are many free plans online that can show you how to build either indoor or outdoor target ranges for practicing your archery skills safely indoors or outside in the yard.
If you don’t have enough time to read an extensive building plan, then here’s a summary of the most important things to keep in mind for building a safe shooting range.
First off, you need to build your range with safety in mind. You should place your targets far enough away from where anyone might stand (at least 100 yards). You should use hay bales as safe backstops behind each target to prevent arrows from going astray. Then place multiple targets at different angles. Doing so will come in handy in case you unintentionally shoot an arrow as the multiple targets will help prevent the arrow from going straight up into the air.
Furthermore, here are four more tips for building a safe shooting range in your backyard.
1. Keep Length In Mind
The first thing you want to ensure is that your structure is at least five yards longer than the distance you intend to shoot. Doing so will help you to properly draw and fire your bow without being hinged against one end of the wall. You may also set your targets downrange without encroaching on your overall shooting distance because of this longer length.
2. Factor In the Lanes
When building your indoor archery range, you must decide how many lanes you want. Will you be inviting friends and family over to join you? If so, remember to add an extra five feet in width for each additional lane.
3. Consider Nearby Structures
Generally speaking, you need at least five to ten feet of clearance between your range and any neighboring buildings. However, since building codes in different areas prescribe different distances between structures, the space you will need to keep may be more or less than five to ten feet.
4. Consult Your Zoning Office
Before you start constructing an indoor shooting range on your property, you should contact your local zoning office. A construction permit and maybe even an inspection could be required for this project.
What Should You Do If It’s Not Legal for You to Shoot a Bow In Your Backyard?
If it’s not legal for you to shoot a bow in your backyard, then the best thing to do is find an archery range near you. Archery ranges can be found all over the world, no matter where you live!
There are several benefits of going to an archery range, including the following:
- You don’t have to worry about setting anything up. It’s the job of the employees to set up everything for you.
- Compared to shooting at home or by yourself anywhere else, shooting at an archery range is a more diversified and intriguing experience.
- They provide shooting lessons, which are great if you’re a beginner.
- A chance to watch other archers, observe their skills, and learn from them. You can have a friendly competition with them as well!
Does all of that sound intriguing? Then you will be happy to know that finding an archery range near you is a piece of cake. All you need to do is google this phrase, “Archery ranges near me”.
One Last Piece of Advice
Shooting arrows is a lot of fun. It can often be mesmerizing and you can forget that although what you’re doing is exciting, it’s also dangerous. So don’t get too caught up in the game. Always be aware of your environment and keep an eye on the people moving around you. Only by being careful can you avoid easily preventable accidents.
