Like to know the zoning laws for Dover, MA

[FishermanTim]

....regarding discharging of firearms in your backyard.

Went fishing yesterday afternoon on a stretch of the Charles River in Dover, and there were two people, probably father and son, doing some skeet shooting over the river.

My concern was not so much about the gun discharge ( I'm still concerned) as much as the disregard for the public and the environment.

They were shooting over the river directly across from a wildlife park frequented by the public, The "Charles River Peninsula"
Add to that the environmental impact from the sound and the shots falling in and around the water, and it had me wondering if these two had any clue regarding their actions.

I don't know what kind of shot they were using, but I can't believe it would be a benefit to the environment, specifically if it's lead shot.

Just wondering....

[Slipknot]

I wouldn't worry about it
500 feet from an occupied dwelling

Common sense says unlikely there are any canoes going down river this time of year but you never know I guess.

As far as sound goes, that is laughable, tell the liberals to allow the suppressor law to be passed so we can save our hearing. Noise pollution? I don't think so
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[FishermanTim]

I agree, no boaters were out, but they couldn't tell if anyone was hiking the area directly across from them.
The river at that area is 20-30feet across and the hiking path is a VERY short distance from that.

So besides the potential danger from a person and/or dog getting pelted with buckshot, there's also the pollution aspect.
They were shooting for at least a half hour, and had to be peppering the other shore and woods with a considerable amount of residue.

I'm not complaining about them shooting if it is legal, but just concerned about what they are leaving behind when they have finished.

[Slipknot]

many are concerned about lead, that is why there is steel shot and it is getting more widely used
lead comes from the ground anyway

I doubt it was buckshot
I have had birdshot land on me, it does not hurt it's more annoying than anything

you are right about knowing what is beyond your target, maybe they checked first maybe not

[Cool Beans]

the small shot is eaten by various migratory birds and is beneficial to them as it mixes with small rock in the gizzard and assists in their digestion of grains.

If it is steel shot it is doubly beneficial as the steel builds up in their system and assists their internal compass when finding north.

Lead shot builds up in their feet and helps them run faster. This is where the term lead foot comes from.

[tysdad115]

Ahh..the sound of restricted,limited and over regulated freedom..

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

Ahh..the sound of restricted,limited and over regulated freedom..

Ah, the sound of lead or steel shot in a waterway...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[FishermanTim]

There's something oddly soothing about hearing gunshots off in the distant woods, and many of my favorite fishing spots have nearby shooting ranges.

Now if I were to hear a gun shot on my street, THAT would be an issue!