Hunting on a small farm- how far will shot travel?

[GJgo]

So I've got a 5 acre hay field out back bounded on one side by the house, and on the other 3 sides by the neighbor's 5-10 acre fields. We're pretty rural. Does anyone know how far shot will travel? I'm trying to figure out if doing a little hunting & bird control now & then would be safe. Obviously I'd be aiming at game on the ground, and not at anything airbourne or even horizontal where it could potentially travel off-property.

Sometimes geese come in, and I see pheasant & quail as well. Tasty. The other day I saw a big coyote in our field, looked like he'd make a nice rug. He was stalking some cattle, and that's what got the wheels turning..

 

[627PCFan]

Goose hunting w/ large shot would be your big issue. A lot of times your FOF and the wind dont agree with how you need to shoot. Id also be concerned about your minimum distance of hunting from an dwelling. It varies from state to state. I wouldn't want to be raining hevishot on the neighbors bimmer.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

Recommended drop zone for shot is 800 yards. In practice, 7 or smaller shot will fall at considerable less than that, but still 200-400 yards depending on load and conditions.

5 acres, perfectly round, is only 526 feet across, or 174 yards. If square, it is only 466 feet on a side, 155 yards.

 

[oneounceload]

If you use larger than 7-1/2, then your drop zone is further than the typical 300 or so yards

 

[wombat13]

I think the three previous replies assume that you are firing at birds in the air. I find it hard to believe that any size shot fired out of a shotgun at horizontal or downward angle is going to travel 300 yards.

You must check your regulations regarding occupied buildings. In NY you must have permission from owner and occupant of all occupied buildings within 500 feet.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

You must check your regulations regarding occupied buildings. In NY you must have permission from owner and occupant of all occupied buildings within 500 feet.

Several states have the minimum safety distance at 150 yards without permission.

 

[GJgo]

Correct wombat13, I'd only be firing at critters on the ground. I was planning on checking with the local SO to make sure it's legal, just thought I'd ask you guys too just to make sure I'm not off my rocker.

I was just over at Cabela's eyeing some Heavishot Dead Coyote, they sure are proud of their stuff! $$$

 

[Rembrandt]

 

[Grumulkin]

What I know is that near where I live is a shotgun range that I'm sure is no more than 300 yards from a road and airport. The shooters shoot toward said road and airport and to the best of my knowledge in the 10 years I've been around here and involved in the airport I know of no incidents of stray shot hitting anything it isn't supposed to.