Salutations from Schenectady!

[Criticalt]

are there any local ranges or any safe place where I could practice with a shot gun?

does anyone have any recommendations for any local ranges they like the best?

I dont know if there is any statelands near you but if there are no signs specifically prohibiting target shooting, youre good to go.
Around here, in Chautauqua all stateland is good for shooting. Dont mistake state land and state parks, you CANNOT shoot in state parks.
Look for the little brown and yellow signs that say stateland. Oh, and dont shoot trees.

 

[nortatoga]

Some Clubs have Trap/Skeet that is open to non-members! In your area two come to mind Iroquois Rod & Gun Club and Guan Ho Ha Fish & Game Club. My Club has Trap and 5 Stand on Saturday mornings about 40 min. north of you in Greenfield Center, Sara Spa Rod & Gun Club. I suggest this as a lot of Clubs have full memberships and it is a good way to meet people that may be able to have guests for other shooting disciplines! My Club will be opening memberships in the fall.

 

[timboy]

The 2 that nortatoga mentioned are the closest,there is another on 155 in the pinebush but the name escapes me,the road its on is named rifle range road.
I have been to Iroquis once to spectate a indoor defensive pistol match but I have never shot there,I did my concealed carry training at Guan Ho Ha,it's a nice looking place with a large indoor handgun range.