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When was the last time you visited a shooting range? Perhaps you are familiar with the various safety procedures that one needs to follow when shooting at a range. There is protective equipment that needs to be worn and range rules that shooters are required to read and understand before they are allowed to shoot at the facility.
If you have been considering whether you can do target shooting practice on your own property, then it is important for you to be familiar with the local regulations within your area of residence so that you can implement the necessary safety measures to ensure that you are able to shoot safely.
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Can You Shoot on Your Property in Kentucky?
Yes, you can shoot on your property in Kentucky because there are no specific state statutes that prohibits residents from discharging weapons safely within their private property.
However, it is important for you to consult your local authorities so as to find out whether there are any specific city ordinances which restrict this activity.
Gun Safety Tips When Shooting on Private Property
Shooting on private property is a delicate undertaking. When properly planned, it allows you to enjoy your own backyard shooting range like the professionally available gun ranges in Kentucky. However, failure to adhere to the property safety guidelines can lead to terrible accidents.
For instance, an article on Fox 4 website outlines the unfortunate incident of a 14-year-old girl who was shot by a stray bullet which originated from a neighbour’s yard. In order to avoid such a situation, here are some guidelines that you should keep in mind when shooting on your private property:
Have a Sturdy Backstop
This is one of the most effective ways to prevent stray bullets and debris from escaping and causing harm to life and property.
Aim for the Right Target
It is always advisable that you should:
- Get commercial targets that can be found at your local gun store.
- You should never shoot at water or on hard surfaces since this increases the likelihood of bullets getting diverted and thereby causing injury to persons or damage to property.
- In addition, you shouldn’t shoot at living trees or glass bottles.
Use the Right Technique
Needless to say, when target shooting on your private property, you need to exercise maximum precaution when it comes to technique. You should never attempt to discharge a firearm while intoxicated and neither should you allow children to play with your firearms.
According to the USSCA website, open carry is legal in the state of Kentucky without a license for residents who are above 18 years of age. On the other hand, concealed carry is legal for individuals who are above 21 years of age.
Allow Sufficient Space
Despite all the measures you might have put in place to prevent a stray bullet from going to an undesired location, it is also advisable that you should shoot in a spacious and expansive location which is not crowded with clutter or close to any pathways.
An article on Realtree website states that rural homes with expansive grounds often make the perfect location for a backyard gun range.
Wear Protective Equipment
You should always wear the necessary eyesight and hearing protective equipment when shooting on your private property to ensure that you do not suffer hearing loss in later years.
Gun Laws in Kentucky
| Law | Handguns | Long Guns |
|---|---|---|
| State permit for purchase | No | No |
| Firearm registration | No | No |
| Assault weapon | No | No |
| Magazine capacity restriction | No | No |
| Owner license | No | No |
| Concealed carry permit | No | No |
| Open carry permit | No | No |
| Castle Doctrine | Yes | Yes |
Related Questions
Can You Shoot a Trespasser in Kentucky?
Yes, you can shoot a trespasser in Kentucky. Kentucky is a Castle Doctrine state which means you have a right to defend your home or in a self-defense situation at home.
Is Kentucky a Gun Friendly State?
Yes, Kentucky is a gun-friendly state. It’s one of the most gun-friendly states in the country and has few gun laws compared to other states.
What Self-Defense Weapons Are Legal in Kentucky?
You can use lethal weapons such as firearms are legal for self-defense in Kentucky. non-lethal weapons are also legal and include pepper sprays and stun guns.
Conclusion
Gun safety is an important issue that requires keen attention, especially in the setting of a backyard shooting range. While shooting on your private property can offer massive flexibility and ease of operations, it is important for you to adhere to the recommended safety guidelines so as to make sure that you, your family, and your property remain safe.
