Sighting in new scope in State Forest?

[BlakeLok]

Getting a new rifle soon, will need to sight in new scope. Thinking of doing it in one of the many state forests in NY that allow target shooting. Anyone have any experience or advice about this? Good enough to look at the DEC website for forests that allow target shooting or should I contact local ranger first?

 

[Tisto]

I think most of us would suggest that you go to a real range with an appropriate backstop, especially since it's hunting season right now.

 

[Mosinitis]

Go to the rifle range. You can use a laser bore sighter to get everything pre-adjusted or bore sight your rifle looking through the bore if your rifle allows it. This will make it easier to get your zeros at the rifle range and you will save some ammo.

 

[BlakeLok]

Go to the rifle range. You can use a laser bore sighter to get everything pre-adjusted or bore sight your rifle looking through the bore if your rifle allows it. This will make it easier to get your zeros at the rifle range and you will save some ammo.

Good point.

 

[BlakeLok]

What about target shooting in State Forests in general? Good idea? Bad idea?

 

[RedBreast21]

What about target shooting in State Forests in general? Good idea? Bad idea?

I would think that for those places that allow it, you should make sure you aren't shooting over, at or across and trail system. Also I would suggest shoot into a hillside that doesn't have too much rocks that would present ricochet issues. Then clean it all up when you leave. But for sighting in, go to a range.

 

[Bustedknees]

What about target shooting in State Forests in general? Good idea? Bad idea?

Its "our" land,,, "public land". Fuck asking permission!
With that said I wouldn't be doing it on opening weekend of deer season. Make sure of your bullet path and a safe berm to fire into and enjoy our public land.

 

[BlakeLok]

Who said anything about asking for permission? Some state forests allow target shooting, some do not. Im looking for a few hours of recreational target practice, not a few hours in a jail cell.

 

[TopShot]

Go to Blue Mountain in Cortlandt.
Depending on what type of rifle you have, rimfire or centerfire, you can go to either the small bore or large bore ranges.
They have benches, shooting rests and range safety officers that will be happy to assist you in the process.
It is an inexpensive place to shoot and most people are very friendly.
C.B.

 

[BlakeLok]

Go to Blue Mountain in Cortlandt.
Depending on what type of rifle you have, rimfire or centerfire, you can go to either the small bore or large bore ranges.
They have benches, shooting rests and range safety officers that will be happy to assist you in the process.
It is an inexpensive place to shoot and most people are very friendly.
C.B.

Im curious about shooting in a state forest, but obviously have to do research. Have to find an area that has an incline so I can use the ground as a backstop. And away from trails. Etc..

 

[TopShot]

Im curious about shooting in a state forest, but obviously have to do research. Have to find an area that has an incline so I can use the ground as a backstop. And away from trails. Etc..

Why a state forest ?
Something to hide ?
C.B.

 

[BlakeLok]

Why a state forest ?
Something to hide ?
C.B.

LOL, nothing to hide.

Shooting near other people is killing my ears.

 

[TopShot]

Shooting near other people is killing my ears.

How about some good ear protection.
C.B.

 

[Robin]

I tried sighting in on state land once, no matter what I did it shot left, too far left to make proper adjustment.
Robin

 

[thughes]

I tried sighting in on state land once, no matter what I did it shot left, too far left to make proper adjustment.
Robin

Opposite problem here....

 

[BlakeLok]

How about some good ear protection.
C.B.

I do plugs AND muffs, still too loud

 

[repete]

I do plugs AND muffs, still too loud

Spend more time shooting, try a few shots inside a building, that to loud feeling will quickly go away!

 

[Tisto]

Spend more time shooting, try a few shots inside a building, that to loud feeling will quickly go away!

Yeah...get into a firefight inside a ship if you want loud.

 

[BlakeLok]

Spend more time shooting, try a few shots inside a building, that to loud feeling will quickly go away!

Yeah, cuz I'll be deaf.

 

[BlakeLok]

Why a state forest ?
Something to hide ?
C.B.

Are you a Narc or something?

 

[pramaglia]

I target shoot in a NY State Forest all the time. As long as it is not posted as "No Target Shooting" it is legal to do so.
Q: Can I target shoot on DEC Lands and other public lands?
A: Target shooting at designated ranges and as part of organized shooting sport activities,
including biathlon, is considered a fundamental hunting activity, important for hunting preparation
and hunter education training, and is therefore lawful according to the new law. Target shooting
is lawful on State Forest properties unless otherwise posted and is allowed if specifically
designated as open to target shooting on Wildlife Management Areas. Most other public lands do
not allow target shooting. Be sure to check with the landowner or land manager before heading
afield to confirm whether target shooting is allowed on a particular public or private property.
Please take note that other restrictions regarding the possession or use of breakable targets
such as clay pigeons remain in place and are not permitted on State lands.

 

[BlakeLok]

I target shoot in a NY State Forest all the time. As long as it is not posted as "No Target Shooting" it is legal to do so.
Q: Can I target shoot on DEC Lands and other public lands?
A: Target shooting at designated ranges and as part of organized shooting sport activities,
including biathlon, is considered a fundamental hunting activity, important for hunting preparation
and hunter education training, and is therefore lawful according to the new law. Target shooting
is lawful on State Forest properties unless otherwise posted and is allowed if specifically
designated as open to target shooting on Wildlife Management Areas. Most other public lands do
not allow target shooting. Be sure to check with the landowner or land manager before heading
afield to confirm whether target shooting is allowed on a particular public or private property.
Please take note that other restrictions regarding the possession or use of breakable targets
such as clay pigeons remain in place and are not permitted on State lands.

Which Forest do you go to? How do you figure out which is the right place to do it do you review topographic maps first?

 

[pramaglia]

Which Forest do you go to? How do you figure out which is the right place to do it do you review topographic maps first?

Vernooy Kill State Forest in Wawarsing. Everyone was target shooting there since the 1950's in an old quarry. Then the DEC said no more because idiots made a mess of the place with trash. Now I just hike and look for a place with a decent shooting lane and set up targets on a portable stand.

 

[BlakeLok]

Vernooy Kill State Forest in Wawarsing. Everyone was target shooting there since the 1950's in an old quarry. Then the DEC said no more because idiots made a mess of the place with trash. Now I just hike and look for a place with a decent shooting lane and set up targets on a portable stand.

So you literally just hike around with your rifle and when you find a good spot, you shoot? That's not a horrible idea. I could sling rifle on my arm, carry around lightweight target until I find something good, save as a waypoint on Google Maps.

 

[Bustedknees]

So you literally just hike around with your rifle and when you find a good spot, you shoot? That's not a horrible idea. I could sling rifle on my arm, carry around lightweight target until I find something good, save as a waypoint on Google Maps.

Sorta like hunting but you need to bring the target.

 

[BlakeLok]

Anyone ever target shoot in state forests in the Hudson Valley? East of the Hudson River, preferably.

 

[Old Jalopy]

If you live in MA, why would you need to come here to NY to target shoot in our public forests?