Can I Archery Shoot Near a Residence?

January 18, 2019

Question: I am curious about the regulation restricting shooting within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling. Does that apply to archery-type shooting, where one would be shooting directly away from the dwelling? (George)

Answer: California Fish and Game Code, section 3004 (a) states: It is unlawful for a person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, while within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, or within 150 yards of a barn or other outbuilding used in connection with an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, to either hunt or discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon while hunting.

The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.” This means that no firearm or other deadly weapon such as a hunting bow can be discharged while hunting within 150 yards of the stated buildings without “express permission” (assuming you are not the owner or tenant of the property), and no hunting can occur inside that 150 yard zone without meeting the above requirements.

Shooting a firearm or bow for target practice would not be prohibited under section 3004 – but there could be city or county restrictions that apply, so it is incumbent upon you to check local ordinances. Section 3004 (b) also states that it is unlawful for a person to intentionally discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt over or across a public road or other established way open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner. This applies to any type of shooting with a firearm or bow that is shot over a road.