Some shooting questions

[Irving]

I was recently reminded that I have 320 acres of land in my family. It is a rectangle plot that is 1 mile by 1/2 mile. Since I never really knew of a place to shoot that was longer than 100 yards, I had little interest in a long distance rig. Now that I may be able to shoot on this land, I've changed my mind.

Anyway, the property runs along Highway 14, North and East of Greeley. I know that I can't shoot across or toward a road; but what are the other requirements? 150 yards from the road and at a certain angle (away from road) are fine right?

Thanks for the help.

[GoldFinger]

If you have water on the property the first requirment would be to invite your fellow COAR15'rs for a duck hunt.

[Irving]

There is only a small water hole that collects during the rainy season. There are currently about 26 cows grazing there, but they always just hang out right at the fence (so you have to honk at them to even get on, jerks). There are some rabbits, more caterpillars and large grasshoppers than I've ever seen in my life, and a couple antelopes that are VERY good at hiding from you. I'm not allowed to shoot any of the animals though; I already asked. I figured it'd be littered with prairie dogs or something, but I didn't see any. I think I could get permission to hunt antelope, but I don't have anywhere to put any meat, nor a rifle to hunt one with, so I don't bother asking.

[gnihcraes]

you must be 50 feet from the center line of the road correct? and away from anything else of danger... otherwise you're probably good to go...

[Irving]

I thought is was 150 yards. 50 feet from the center line would be even better, because the fence used to be 10 feet from the road, then the state came and took another 10 feet (10 feet for a mile works out to 6 acres apparently) so the fence is now 20' from the side of the road. This would make it easier to try and shoot corner to corner for a distance of just over 1,900 yards.

[SSChameleon]

gnihcraes has the right answer. The 50 feet rule comes from the Division of Wildlife handbook. You are not allowed to discharge a firearm while hunting within 50 feet of the centerline or across the road.

As for target shooting, it's a good idea to follow the 50 foot rule (i'm not sure what the state law is, and it may be the same as for hunting) and make sure it's in a safe direction.

As for the antelope, if you can get them to put in for a land owner voucher I'll loan you the rifle. I even have a place you can keep the meat where you'll never have to see it again . Chicken fried antelope steaks and sausage is good.

[Irving]

Thanks guys, but Chameleon, you used both yards and feet. Can you clarify which it is?

[SSChameleon]

Sorry, it's feet.

[kwando]

lets go stu!

[motorep]

I'd check the county statutes, they're generally the governing body for land use. In unincorporated Jefferson, for example, the statute says you may shoot on your own property "as long as the projectile does not leave the property". If you're going to be hunting, then it's a state issue. Good luck.