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There are different rules and regulations put in place by every state to control the use of firearms. Idaho is one of states with the friendliest gun laws. Anyone above the age of 18 can own a firearm as long as they are not prohibited by law.
As a state, Idaho ranks third in the United States in terms of gun ownership. As a resident of Idaho, having knowledge on how to use your firearms on your property can come in handy.
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Can You Shoot on Your Property in Idaho?
Yes, you can shoot on your property in Idaho provided it is within the statutes established by the state. The specific statutes vary in each county. According to the Frontier Carry, Idaho has generally friendly laws.
You do not need a license for either open or concealed carry and the permit for the latter has reciprocity in many states.
Most Idaho counties allow you to shoot on your property if you are protecting your property or your livestock, or inside the limits of a gun range. The top things to pay attention to are:
- Stand your ground statute
- Shooting of animals
- Setting up a gun range
Stand Your Ground Statute
According to Idaho News, Idaho has a Castle Doctrine that was last reviewed and updated in 2018. This, together with the stand your ground statute, allows you to defend your property with lethal force if necessary. You are not required by law to retreat first in case you feel threatened. You can stand your ground and protect your space.
The castle doctrine extends outside your home to your place of business or even your vehicle. However, the further away from your home you are, the weaker your claim on the castle doctrine is. You may have to prove justifiable cause beyond a reasonable doubt or face felony charges.
Shooting of Animals
Idaho has strict animal cruelty laws and thus shooting animals on your property may get you in trouble. According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center, Idaho prohibits cruelty of any animals unless it kills, wounds, or worries any livestock or poultry.
Thus, you cannot shoot a dog that is on your property unless you can prove you are protecting your livestock.
Failure to abide by this statute could lead being charged with a misdemeanor and other crimes such as ‘discharging a weapon at residence’. In Idaho, it is illegal to discharge your weapon in an occupied or inhabited house without a good reason.
Setting up a Range
If you want to set up a private shooting range in Idaho, you can do so. However, you need to make sure that you find out the specific restrictions of the city or county that you are in. This is because the state constitution allows every county to adopt decrees that regulate the discharge of firearms in its boundaries.
Although the State itself does not have any limitations as to which firearms can be used by gun owners, each county may have its own list. You may be restricted to shotguns and pistols in some areas. You also need to be on the lookout for the noise and how close you are to the property line.
According to the Idaho Noise Ordinance, anyone who maliciously disturbs the peace of any neighborhood is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Conclusion
While Idaho has friendly gun laws, it has given each county or city the mandate to establish its own firearm regulations. Thus, before you start shooting on your property, it is important to check that city’s rules and regulations. This is so that you don’t end up being charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
