Shooting in gravel pits? (Sanford, Augusta: live, fence, lawsuit)

[inthetrees]

How do I find a local spot to shoot? Can I call the local game warden and will they help me out? I would like to go deer hunting next year, however I would like to practice a good amount before then.

If the local pits are not posted no trespassing, and I pick up all my trash and casings, is it okay to shoot there? What about my town pit?

Went to the Augusta pits off Sanford rd the other day, and it was perfect however 35-40 minutes away one way; not really practical unless we are already going to Augusta.

[bigchuckie]

If its not posted I would. However if you see tire tracks or equipment look elsewhere

[MadJack]

Visit your town office, find a pit owner, and go knock on their door.
Join a local gun club.
Ask your town about shooting in their pit.

Not posted just go ahead??? Really? Great advice from out-of-state! (sarcasm)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Nearly all pits are private property. The town can tell you who the owner is.

[Submariner]

Any of the sand/gravel yard operators will likely manage a half-dozen pits.

Introduce yourself, and ask for permission.

[bangorme]

I'm very surprised that any gravel pit owner would EVER give permission for someone to shoot there. Not because they care, but because of the liability. ANYONE getting hurt in, or around that gravel pit would sue the owner. Why accept that chance?

[inthetrees]

Originally Posted by bangorme

I'm very surprised that any gravel pit owner would EVER give permission for someone to shoot there. Not because they care, but because of the liability. ANYONE getting hurt in, or around that gravel pit would sue the owner. Why accept that chance?

Maine has strict laws against sueing someone for getting injured while using others land, from what I have read its nearly impossible, so the landowner has nothing to worry about.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Maine has a law that anyone entering the property of another person for recreational purposes assumes his own risk. If a hunter trips over your barbed wire fence and stubs his lip, that's his problem. If a tree falls across your wood road and a snowmobile or ATV rider runs into the tree, that's his problem. If the injured person is foolish enough to sue the landowner, the state will defend the landowner. That's why we have 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails on private land in Maine. If a dirt biker rides up the slope in a gravel pit in Maine and the pit collapses, burying the biker alive, it's the biker's own fault. There is no liability on the part of the gravel pit owner.

Some states are sue happy. It's a lifestyle there. Maine is big on personal responsibility.

(inthetrees and I were writing simultaneously.)

[bangorme]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Maine has a law that anyone entering the property of another person for recreational purposes assumes his own risk. If a hunter trips over your barbed wire fence and stubs his lip, that's his problem. If a tree falls across your wood road and a snowmobile or ATV rider runs into the tree, that's his problem. If the injured person is foolish enough to sue the landowner, the state will defend the landowner. That's why we have 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails on private land in Maine. If a dirt biker rides up the slope in a gravel pit in Maine and the pit collapses, burying the biker alive, it's the biker's own fault. There is no liability on the part of the gravel pit owner.

Some states are sue happy. It's a lifestyle there. Maine is big on personal responsibility.

(inthetrees and I were writing simultaneously.)

So, how about if I'm shooting in a pit and the bullet goes over the pit and shoots John Doe in his backyard barbecuing? I'm not worried so much about someone hurting themselves.

[7th generation]

Originally Posted by inthetrees

Maine has strict laws against sueing someone for getting injured while using others land, from what I have read its nearly impossible, so the landowner has nothing to worry about.

It's not the lawsuit I'd be worrying about, it would be the ticked off landowner you'd have to deal with.
In these parts I'd much rather be sued.
Just ask permission. It's the courteous thing to do!