AK47 Target Shooting Trees and Water Near Campsite? New York Man Arrested

There are certain responsibilities that come along with gun ownership. According to Universal Gun Safety, some of these responsibilities are to know how your gun works, how to store the firearm and how to clean the firearm. Knowing how to shoot a firearm is more than pulling the trigger.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend a Capital Region man was arrested for shooting at trees and into a body of water, all near a campsite.

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On Sunday May 28th, according to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) press release, officers got a call regarding a shooting. The report didn't say that any one person was shot, rather they said someone was shooting the water near their campsite.

DEC officers arrived at the Saratoga County location to investigate. Following a series of interviews it was determined that a 24-year-old from Halfmoon, NY was allegedly using an AK47 rifle and a 9mm pistol for illegal target shooting.

DEC officers Hess and Poulton along with DEC Investigator Panipinto handled the investigation that resulted in the arrest of the individual from Halfmoon. The suspect was charged with the following;

• Misdemeanors of prohibited use of a firearm
• Reckless endangerment
• Firearms were secured
• The subject was processed at the State Police barracks in Wilton

New York State Law states, in part, that target shooting at designated ranges is considered a lawful and fundamental hunting activity. Most other public lands do not allow target shooting. In September 2022 there were some changes to the New York State Firearms Laws. For everything you need to know, check HERE.