Can You Shoot on Your Property in Iowa?

Iowa is one of the states in the US that control the possession and use of firearms. In fact, all residents must complete a full training course on guns before they can be deemed fit to acquire an Iowa permit to carry the lethal weapons. Not to mention the age limit of 21 years and older.

This, however, is about to change come July 1^st 2021. From this date, the state of Iowa will become a constitutional carry state for residents above the age of 21. This means that just like Alaska, Arizona and several other states in the US, you will no longer require a permit to carry your weapons.

That said, the question of the day is, “Can you shoot on your property in Iowa with all these regulations in place?” Keep reading to find out.

Can You Shoot on Your Property in Iowa?

Yes, shooting on your own property in Iowa is permissible by law. With there being no legal violations when it comes to possession of firearms on a person’s property or place of business, you can definitely shoot on your property in Iowa.

Nonetheless, there are some restrictions set to ensure that you do not become a nuisance to the neighborhood or harm the people or animals around you.

You cannot shoot within 200 yards of any occupied building without consent to discharge from the owner of that building. If you find it difficult to comply with the minimum requirements of shooting in your backyard, you can shoot in gun ranges around Iowa as well.

4 Gun Facts You Must Know Before Acquiring a Gun in Iowa

My guess is you wouldn’t want to be accused of violating any laws including the gun laws in the state of Iowa, right?  Resident or not, here are a number of gun law facts that you must keep in mind at all times while in Iowa:

• It is unlawful to carry a firearm within the city limits – The rights to carry laws shall be effective from the 1^st of July 2021. But until then, Iowa laws require its residents to acquire a permit to carry handguns within the city limits.
• No permit is required for you to be armed at home – In as much as the state controls the possession and use of firearms, no permit is required to carry a firearm at your place of business, or on your own property.
• There are individuals who are not allowed possess weapons in the state – If you are convicted of a felony and/or violence-related crimes, you will definitely be banned from acquiring any weapons in the state.
• It is illegal to be in possession of any automatic firearms – Automatic weapons like machine guns are referred to as offensive and highly explosive weapons. That said, you will be held accountable if you are found to be in possession of such a weapon in the state of Iowa.

Are There Places Where Weapon Carry Is prohibited?

Yes, without a doubt. As I know, guns are known to be very dangerous. There are specific places in Iowa where you are not allowed to carry a firearm. You cannot carry a firearm to any of these places;

• While on school grounds
• While in any school vehicles
• Within or around any federal facilities
• Within or around any Post office
• Within or around any secured sections of an airstrip

Conclusion

Possession and use of firearms is a huge responsibility and if not respected, it can lead to serious harm including loss of lives. Do not be too quick to discharge your firearm unless you have good reason to believe that your life is in danger. Only use deadly force when defending life or protecting property.