Is this a safe setup for the backyard?

[wlgorman]

Im getting back into bowhunting/archery, wanting to do some 3d shoots and get on a lease next year hopefully. Just moved to The Colony from Angleton in 2010. I was looking at how to set up a backyard 'practice range'. I searched and found that you guys are using the stall mats to good effect for a backstop. Before I go get one of those and a target, I figured I'd ask a couple questions.

Shooting a 70lb Mission Eliminator II.

Option 1 (red line):
I can stand at my back yard (white circle) and shoot towards the front, but I have a metal (hurricane) fence, and the backdrop is the street, IDK how I feel about this, but it looks like the mat will stop an arrow from my setup. That will get me about 15 yards max.

Option 2 (green line):
Stand in same spot (white circle) and shoot with a brick backdrop (my garage) but only get just under 10 yds max.

Option 3 (teal line):
Set up a backstop and use the breezeway (gap bewteen houses, on my prop line, no obstructions) to shoot towards back alley. Backdrop is the neighbor behind my house's Garage/driveway/vehicle. If I used a stall mat as a backstop for the target you guys say an arrow wont pass through...

Or shoot the other way, stand in the alley and shoot towards the street...



What do you think? Set something up or just shoot at a local range when I can...

[txhunter817]

Go to a range. Not worth the liability.

[Twztid]

Just don't miss where you located?

[dbrock63]

I have been shooting in my back yard for the last 5 years with houses all around me. I have never missed the block or the full body deer at 20 or 30 yrds. When i shoot 40 and 50 yrds, I only shoot at center of block(been lucky on this too). Good luck!

[gonehuntin]

As stated above; go to a range, it don't look safe. Might even be against the law to shoot a bow where you live.

[JonBoy]

Not sure on the stall mat but as far as the 'range' goes it looks bad in any direction. I'm fortunate enough that my house backs up to a large wooded area so I shoot towards that...I wouldn't shoot towards ANY neighbors house or street b/c the liability is too high. JMO

[Speedgoat]

Yes.

[Zeeter]

Just don't miss, or make the neighbors mad. They may call on you

[wlgorman]

I'm in The Colony. I have been looking to see if there are any laws in place in the city regarding this, cant seem to find one. I prob wont do it, but I'd sure like to be able to just step outside and sling a few after work. I've got some wooded area within a minute or two drive I can go set up at, if I decide to, but it wouldnt be like stepping outside. I think the stall mat backdrop would be fine. But still, I prob wont do it.

[Cazador]

The only one that looks like a safe bet is shooting at your garage, the 10 yard set up. Make sure it's legal to shoot too, if it's not and you do it anyway use the set up that you are most likely NOT to be seen.

I shoot side to side in my back yard with a wooden fence and my neighbor's brick garage as the back stop. I don't think I would get through the fence and the garage is about 3 feet the other side. If they or their dogs are out I won't shoot. Cats are a different story!

[Cibalo Creek]

Please? Range

[Twztid]

Just hang a 6x6 back thick black rubber matt

[Swat791]

Look at the yellow lines...based off your green 10 yard line, you can shoot 10 to 25 yards if you shoot to the back wall of your garage.

Get a stall mat and hang it in your garage.

[Hawg Slayer 4]

get a big back stop for extra saftey i have one of those thick plastic sheds and i open one door and prop my back stop up where the door was and ive go 7'x7' of backstop with a fence behind it. I havent missed my target yet but its better to be safe than sorry

[ram6256]

Just remember, if anything happens, you will be liable. I have had D-loops break, nocks break/separate, physical problems resulting in errant shots that never came close to the target and 1 over the fence into the property behind....no house fortunately. Stuff does happen.
Roy