Can You Shoot on Your Property in Texas?

Are you a gun owner in Texas looking to set up your own backyard shooting range? Well, many gun owners aspire to have their own backyard shooting ranges since it provides ample space and an opportunity for them to carry out target shooting practice in an uninterrupted way.

If you would like to set up your own backyard range, then this is the right article for you. The first aspect that you need to consider is whether it is legal for one to shoot on their own property in your state.

Can You Shoot on Your Property in Texas?

Yes, you can shoot on your property in Texas. However if you live within city limits, then it is important for you to inquire with the local authorities since the state law allows municipalities to regulate the discharging of firearms within city limits of any city whose population exceeds 100,000 people.

Restrictions for Discharging a Firearm on Private Property

With over 1.5 million gun permits issued in the state, there is no doubt that Texas has one of the largest populations of gun owners when compared to other states. According to the USSCA website, Texas is a shall-issue state where the Department of Public Safety is charged with the responsibility of issuing concealed weapon licenses.

Both open carry and concealed carry are legal for residents who possess a Texas License to Carry (LTC).

There are additional restrictions which limit how and where one is allowed to discharge their firearms on private property in Texas. These restrictions include:

• Section 42.12 of the Texas Penal Code states that it is a criminal offense to recklessly discharge a firearm within a city whose population is more than 100,000.
• At the same time, it is important to note that different municipalities are allowed to come up with their own laws concerning this issue, hence the implementation of the matter will vary depending on which city you reside in.
• If your property is divided by a public road, then shooters are not allowed to fire across the public pathway. Similarly, shooters who intend to discharge shotguns and other smaller weaponry need to be at least 150 feet away from neighbouring residences while those looking to fire traditional guns are required to be 300 feet away.

In short, backyard shooting needs to be undertaken in a safe and secure manner at all times.

Cost-Saving Tips for Setting up a Backyard Shooting Range

If you would like to set up your backyard shooting range but you are concerned about the cost implications, here are some ingenious ways in which you can save money when constructing your home range:

• Check for discounts: When it comes to the purchase of targets and target stands, you should regularly check your local gun store for discounts on these items. The best deals usually roll around at the beginning of the hunting season. The Home Defense Gun website also has great tips on how to make your own DIY targets.
• Ask for used railroad ties: If you have a railroad near your residence, then you can inquire from the local authorities whether they have some used railroad ties which they would be willing to get off their hands. You can either purchase these used railroad ties at a discounted price, or if you are lucky enough, they might even give them to you for free.
• Do the work yourself: So as to save on labour costs, why not gather some of your mates and construct the entire thing yourselves? It might take some extra time, but it will save you a lot of money in the end.

Conclusion

Shooting is a fantastic sport that has grown in popularity over the years. If you would want to move to the next level in your expertise, then setting up your own backyard shooting range is a great idea.