I live on a one-acre lot in a sub-division within the Agricultural Reserve section of Montgomery County, MD. I want to practice traditional archery in my backyard. Naturally, I will deploy a heavy-duty backstop and use a carefully planned target orientation. I am 99.999% confident that no arrow will ever leave my property.
However, my yard is visible from the main neighborhood entrance, and I am certain that numerous nosy neighbors will spot me shooting in no time.
I am not a lawyer, and I am not asking for legal advice, but I wanted to solicit comments and discussion from fellow members.
As I see things, I do not need to worry about the 50-yard distance from my neighbors' homes, attaining written approval from my neighbors, or an elevated position requirement, per DNR regulations, as I am not hunting. Thoughts? Do broadheads change the calculus?
Continuing, I believe I am within the narrow confines of the Montgomery County weapons law summary (see page 2, paragraph 2) as my arrows will not leave my property, cross roads, or hit any vehicles, animals, etc. Thoughts?
Does anyone have experience practicing archery at home in MoCo? I ask because of hearsay that individuals in more populated parts of the county have been dinged for weapons offenses; I do not know the specific circumstances accompanying said hearsay events (perhaps someone put an arrow through a neighbor's window n Rockville?). Any comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I will likely reach out to MoCo police (with low expectations for usefulness) in the future, but I wanted to hear from my peers first.
However, my yard is visible from the main neighborhood entrance, and I am certain that numerous nosy neighbors will spot me shooting in no time.
I am not a lawyer, and I am not asking for legal advice, but I wanted to solicit comments and discussion from fellow members.
As I see things, I do not need to worry about the 50-yard distance from my neighbors' homes, attaining written approval from my neighbors, or an elevated position requirement, per DNR regulations, as I am not hunting. Thoughts? Do broadheads change the calculus?
Continuing, I believe I am within the narrow confines of the Montgomery County weapons law summary (see page 2, paragraph 2) as my arrows will not leave my property, cross roads, or hit any vehicles, animals, etc. Thoughts?
Does anyone have experience practicing archery at home in MoCo? I ask because of hearsay that individuals in more populated parts of the county have been dinged for weapons offenses; I do not know the specific circumstances accompanying said hearsay events (perhaps someone put an arrow through a neighbor's window n Rockville?). Any comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I will likely reach out to MoCo police (with low expectations for usefulness) in the future, but I wanted to hear from my peers first.