Who to contact RE: Shooting Non-Restricted on Private Property

[youonlywish]

Hello CGN.

I have a private land owner of 15 acres willing to allow me to use his land and was wondering who I should be contacting in regards to usage, zoning, bylaws ect...

 

[Donnie]

In Ontario, I had the same opportunity. The farm owner didn't know 'for sure' whether I could shoot on his property legally. I went to city hall and confirmed there was no local restriction (other than dusk/dawn). I got the phone number of the person I spoke to, and in turn passed it over to the farm owner. He took my word for it, and I've been shooting on his farm ever since.

 

[Onagoth]

AFAIK, you just have to be sure you aren't breaking any anti-discharge bylaws. You should contact the city or municipal office in his jurisdiction.

 

[Mike Oxbig]

Yup, Check the local bylaws. Even doing that we had the OPP called on us once for a noise violation while shooting skeet at a buddies farm north of here. They reported "gun fire" So it depends a lot on the neighbors too.

 

[sunray]

15 acres isn't very big. One acre is approximately 208.71 feet × 208.71 feet. 15 acres is about 1043 yards by 1043 yards, if they were all square. You'd be ok with a shotgun, but not so much with any rifle. You have to know what is behind whatever you shoot at, out to several miles/kilometers. Even with a .22.
In any case, the Municipal Office will be able to tell you about by-laws. Most of 'em have their by-laws on-line too. A 'net search for the municipality will get you there. Then look for 'By-Laws' and search it.Otherwise, it's a phone call, during business hours.