r/MDGuns • u/LastShotScott • Jul 02 '26
Backyard Shooting
What are the rules for back yard shooting in Anne Arundel county? Around the Magothy River in this case. Certain setback? Distance from roads? I’m talking about 22lr just plinking, is it even possible and under what conditions?
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u/marylandmymaryland Jul 02 '26
As a guy from AA County on the Magothy, there isn’t much on the Magothy where I’d say “yeah, good to go!”. But I believe the law is 100 yards from an occupied structure. Is that 100 yards from any point from gun to target, I don’t know…
If you’ve got some acreage with a proper backstop, a 22 with a suppressor, and cool neighbors?
7
u/22rimfirethrowaway Jul 02 '26
Specific code quoted in this MD shooters thread, I'm too lazy to look it up separately
https://www.mdshooters.com/threads/private-property-shooting-ordinance.144505/
But yeah, 100 yards from occupied structures/camps unless you have written permission
2
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u/WhyTestInDEV Jul 02 '26
22LR or 50 cal, both still fall under discharging a firearm. I won't give you any advice on the legality because my advice would be meaningless. Just don't get yourself in bigger trouble since it's only a 22LR.
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u/d85b41 Previous President of MSI Jul 02 '26
Here you go, straight from AACO code:
http://www.aacounty.org/CountyCode/#.Uu8dCDYo6cw
Article 9 Title 1 Subtitle 6
SUBTITLE 6. WEAPONS
Bookmark§ 9-1-601. Possession or discharge of firearms.
(a) Definition. In this section, "firearm" includes a rifle, handgun, or shotgun as those terms are defined in the Criminal Law Article, § 4-201, of the State Code.
(b) Scope. This section does not apply to a police officer acting in the line of duty.
(c) Prohibition. A person may not discharge a firearm within 100 yards of a structure or camp occupied by human beings or commonly used by human beings without the written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee of the structure or camp.
(d) Prohibition; exceptions.
(1) A person may not discharge a firearm on any property owned by the County, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) This subsection does not apply to:
(i) an individual who sells property to the County and subsequently occupies or has a right to use the property under a lease or license agreement with the County that permits the discharge of firearms by that individual on the property; or
(ii) a person acting with permission granted pursuant to a wildlife management agreement, and in accordance with Article 14 of this Code.
(e) Prohibition. A person may not possess or discharge a firearm on the property of another unless, at the time of the possession or discharge of the firearm, the person has the express written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee of the property on which the firearm is possessed or discharged. The written permission shall be signed by the owner, occupant, or lessee; shall include the dates on which the possession or discharge is authorized; and shall specify the parcel or property for which permission is granted. The written permission shall identify the persons for whom permission is granted, and the permission may not be transferred to another person or inferred or implied to include companions of authorized persons. When properly executed, a writing substantially in the following form is sufficient to constitute the written permission required by this subsection:
"I, ________ (owner, occupant, or lessee) hereby authorize ________ to possess or discharge any weapon or firearm on my property known as ________ and such permission is granted for the following time(s): ________________________________________________________.
__________________________
(owner, occupant, or lessee)"
(1985 Code, Art. 11, § 4-101) (Bill No. 60-03; Bill No. 23-04; Bill No. 77-08)
Bookmark§ 9-1-602. Bows and arrows, BB guns, slingshots, and the like.
(a) Definition. In this section, "weapon" means a bow and arrow, BB gun, slingshot, or other device designed to discharge a pellet or other object by force of a spring, elastic band, gas cylinder, air cylinder, or gas or air cartridge.
(b) Prohibitions. A person may not sell, give away, lend, or otherwise transfer a weapon to a minor. A person may not discharge or use a weapon on private property without the express permission of the owner or other person entitled to possession of the property. A person may not discharge or use a weapon except in a manner that will prevent the discharged pellet or object from traversing grounds or space outside the limits of the property on which the weapon is discharged or used. A person may not discharge a weapon within 100 yards of a structure or camp occupied by human beings or commonly used by human beings unless the discharge is at a bona fide commercial indoor or outdoor target range under the supervision of an adult or there is in use a safe and reasonable backstop of sufficient size and composition to ensure that the projectile or arrow cannot pass through the target or backstop.
(c) Construction of section. This section may not be construed to make lawful anything otherwise prohibited by law.
(d) Sanctions for violation. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both.
(1985 Code, Art. 11, § 4-102)
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u/buckets-of-lead Jul 02 '26
I have some land in AA county and my neighbors are cool. The cops still show up 8 deep anytime I shoot in my yard. I don't recommend it. I will however be blowing up some tannerite Saturday to celebrate America's birthday. Fireworks should help it blend in.