WTF does that have to do with the OPs questions unless your duck blind is in your backyard on your property. And yes, the license does not say what you can shoot, but the migratory waterfowl laws are very clear about shooting times, what type gun must be used, and a host of other rules. Perhaps your blind may be different and the laws cease to exist there.
For reference the OPs post try reading it for comprehension this time.
"Does anyone know of the laws re: target shooting in one's own backyard? Is there a minimum distance from the next house? Minimum acreage? We mostly shoot a 9mm at empty bottles and a target."
Friday, August 21, 2015
Sheriff's Office Response to Target Shooting Inquiries
Recently, the Sheriff's Office has received inquiries from citizens regarding recreational target shooting with firearms on private property in residential neighborhoods.
On August 10th, Captain Edward Willenborg, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, met with State's Attorney Richard Fritz and Assistant State's Attorney Daniel White to discuss the issue and obtain a legal opinion.
SA Fritz advised there is no specific criminal statute, (state or local), preventing a citizen from conducting recreational target shooting with a firearm on his/her property. However, State's Attorney Fritz provided a civil statute 5-403.1 Private nuisance actions against sport shooting ranges found in the Annotated Code of Maryland that applies to Sport Shooting Ranges. It was the opinion of SA Fritz and ASA White that this statute could be used by a neighborhood to file a civil nuisance action against a property owner.
The Sheriff's Office would remind anyone participating in recreational or competition target shooting or hunting with a firearm to do so safely. Safety is the responsibility of everyone. ALWAYS follow the cardinal rules for safe gun handling:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
4. KNOW your target and what is behind it.
The consequences for the negligent handling of firearms can be severe. Potential CRIMINAL charges could range from misdemeanor Property Destruction and Reckless Endangerment to felony Assault and Homicide.
Although there is no statute governing recreational target shooting on private property in a residential neighborhood, the consequences for doing so negligently are very real.