Target Shooting (Plinking) on State Game Lands? Updated Statutes

[appleorangefish]

I know that you used to not be able to plink or target shoot on state game lands. However, I recently checked the PA Code and regs appear to have been updated:

§ 135.41. State game lands.
(c) Additional prohibitions. In addition to the prohibitions contained in the act pertaining to State game lands and § 135.2, except with the written permission of the Director, it is unlawful to:

(15) Target shoot with firearms, bows and arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles, unless the person is in possession of a valid hunting or furtaker license signed by its holder. Exercise of privileges shall be done in a manner as to not cause injury to persons or property, or on areas not otherwise posted closed to those activities.

Does this mean you're allowed to target shoot now on SGL's as long as you have a hunting license?


Of course there would still be a seasonal restriction where you can't target shoot during big game season

§ 2507. Restrictions on shooting.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person during the open season for the taking of any big game other than turkey to:
(1) Shoot at any mark or target other than legal game or wildlife with a firearm of any kind or a bow and arrow.
(2) Discharge at any time any firearm or release an arrow at random in the general direction of any game or wildlife not plainly visible for the purpose of routing or frightening them.
(3) Discharge at any time any firearm or release an arrow at random or in any other manner contrary to this section.

[57springer]

Good question, what about a backstop, I am sure you cant use trees, .................. ???

[Nickel Plated]

I would really like to know this. Not many good ranges by me. Being able to just go into the woods and do my thing would be sweet.

I live a couple miles from some sizable game lands. No ranges that I know of within hearing range. And most plots around here are not big enough for people to shoot on. Hear what sound like gunshots on a relatively regular basis. So maybe someone is already doing it. The shooting usually starts after dark so don't know what to make of that.

I am in the Poconos which some consider kinda ghetto. So maybe that explains the late night gunfire 😛

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

I always enjoyed a good walk in the woods always having my Ruger 10-22 , If it is legal to do on SGLs I will check further with out local PGC Officer Gildea in Monroe County and get the word from the horses mouth so to speak.I will give the details of conversation here on this site. I will add I have my Hunting license,LTCF and Good Character for what it is worth.

[cdi]

That would be great. Let us know how it works out for you.
We'll start a go-fund-me campaign for your bail.

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

I always enjoyed a good walk in the woods always having my Ruger 10-22 , If it is legal to do on SGLs I will check further with out local PGC Officer Gildea in Monroe County and get the word from the horses mouth so to speak.I will give the details of conversation here on this site. I will add I have my Hunting license,LTCF and Good Character for what it is worth.

NINE,NINE,NINE ! NYET,NYET,NYET,Same answer in all three languages , NO !

[Noah_Zark]

NINE,NINE,NINE ! NYET,NYET,NYET,Same answer in all three languages , NO !

.

It’s “nein” in German.

Noah

[God's Country]

NINE,NINE,NINE ! NYET,NYET,NYET,Same answer in all three languages , NO !

That doesn't mean much without some context. Many game wardens probably still think it's illegal to have a semi handgun with an LTCF.


The summary says the following, which would seem to contradict each other, so without
further evidence to the contrary I will assume the first statement is referring to the lawful taking or attempted taking of game
with the lawful firearm for that season, and properly licensed.

It's confusing.

Game Lands users may not:

• Target shoot with firearms, bows and arrows, or devices
capable of launching projectiles, unless the person is in possession
of a valid hunting or furtaker license signed by its holder. Exercise of
privileges shall be done in a manner as to not cause injury to persons
or property, or on areas not otherwise posted closed to those
activities.
• Except as provided on established shooting ranges, discharge
any firearm, bow and arrow or device capable of launching
projectiles that is not a lawful device to hunt game or wildlife.
Shoot clay birds anywhere except areas designated by the Executive
Director by signs stating that clay bird shooting is permitted.

[RockIsland]

.

It’s “nein” in German.

Noah

A German fräulein was cornered in an alley by a dozen Polish men.

She yelled, "Nein! Nein!" and three of them left.

[57springer]

A German fräulein was cornered in an alley by a dozen Polish men.

She yelled, "Nein! Nein!" and three of them left.