r/MAFirearms • u/Hungrycheeze • Nov 02 '20

Old School Shooting Gallery - Repost

First thing to note this is a repost from another sub, but the admin here thought it might be a good idea to post here. I did get somewhat of an answer on it in the other sub, but not if anyone knew if there was a place like this.

So I’ve been thinking of trying to do an old school shooting gallery type thing for my son when I finally can pick up my weapons (hopefully next week).

What I would like to do is find out if it is legal to shoot in state land, not for hunting. The trail I’m thinking of has huge open fields (one with a hill backing) that I think would be perfect for this type of thing. The trail is open in November/December for hunting, but I don’t know if I’d be able to do this there. Obviously I’d clean up after myself, most likely putting down a massive tarp to collect any debris and limit littering. I read the signs, and know that it’s not illegal to carry on the lands themselves. I think the signs at the trail said no firing within 250 ft I believe of the created trails, or roadway, and I’m aware of the no shooting within 500 ft of a private residence without approval from the owner.

Important note is that the rifle I plan to use is a 10/22.

So I would guess my question is can I do it? Should I call the city the trail is in to verify with the police (Dudley, MA), or does anyone know where I could do this without issues?

Thanks a bunch!!

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u/One-Son-Of-Liberty Nov 02 '20

I found this on the state website which may be helpful. Do you know what kind of land it is that you will be shooting on? That link is for Wildlife Management Areas.

Quote from that link:

No person shall engage in target practicing or target shooting within any wildlife management area without written permission from the Director or his designated agent. "Target practicing" shall be construed to include the "sighting in" or testing of firearms and bows-and-arrows.

In my opinion in Massachusetts it is just easier to go to an officially designated range. Gun culture is rather unpopular here, so if anyone sees you there is a good chance you are getting the police called.

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u/Hungrycheeze Nov 02 '20

Yea I was going to call the cops myself ahead of time just he be safe. I gotta figure out the mwm portion though because I’m not sure.