Firing Safely: Your Guide to Private Gun Ranges in East Texas

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — With more East Texans moving onto rural land, interest in private gun ranges is growing but so are the questions.

From Smith to Cherokee to Rusk County, landowners want to know:

How many acres do I need?

What kind of guns can I use?

Is it even legal?

TXAN 24 News did the digging to help clear up what’s allowed and what could land you in legal trouble.

WHAT TEXAS LAW SAYS ABOUT PRIVATE GUN RANGES

Texas Government Code § 229.002 protects your right to fire weapons on private property — as long as certain conditions are met.

• 10 acres or more: You can shoot shotguns, air rifles, air pistols, BB guns, and bows/arrows — but only if you’re more than 150 feet from any neighbor’s house or occupied structure and your rounds stay on your land.

• 50 acres or more: You can legally fire rifles and pistols, but the firing point must be at least 300 feet from other homes and properly secured with a backstop or berm.

These laws apply inside city limits or extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs). In unincorporated county areas, you generally have more freedom — unless the county has passed specific ordinances restricting use on parcels under 10 acres.

Here’s what we found on local regulations for private gun ranges in East Texas:

Smith County:

• If you’re outside city limits, there’s no specific county ordinance restricting backyard ranges.

• The Smith County Sheriff’s Office encourages safe setup, using high earthen berms and notifying nearby neighbors before you build.

• Noise complaints may still apply if you’re near subdivisions, so stay smart with layout and hours of use.

Cherokee County:

• County government follows state law and hasn’t passed additional restrictions.

• If your property is inside an ETJ (like near Jacksonville or Rusk), you may fall under municipal ordinances. Check with city planning or zoning.

• While legal, officials advise you document safety steps — including range orientation, barriers, and signage.

Rusk County:

• No county ordinances found that prohibit shooting ranges.

• Law enforcement asks residents to use common sense and maintain good relationships with neighbors.

• Local law may still come into play if someone reports reckless endangerment — so staying within 10+ or 50+ acre limits helps avoid conflict.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD A LEGAL PRIVATE RANGE IN EAST TEXAS

Acreage: Under 10 acres

Allowed Firearms: Allowed if county permits; risky legally

Setback Requirements: Use caution; no state protections apply

Acreage: 10+ acres

Allowed Firearms: Shotguns, BB guns, airguns, bows & arrows

Setback Requirements: Must be 150 ft from neighbors’ homes

Acreage: 50+ acres

Allowed Firearms: All legal firearms (pistols, rifles, shotguns)

Setback Requirements: Must be 300 ft from neighbors’ homes

TIPS TO STAY LEGAL AND SAFE

• Build a solid earthen berm behind your target.

• Set up your firing line to avoid shooting toward roads or homes.

• Post signage marking the range and safety rules.

• Keep shooting during daylight hours to avoid noise complaints.

• Document your layout and safety measures in case questions arise.

TXAN 24 News is reaching out to sheriffs in all three counties for official comments on private ranges and whether new ordinances may be considered as rural growth continues.

Bottom Line: If you own 10 or more acres in East Texas, chances are you’re within your rights to set up a small private range — but it’s on you to keep it safe, legal, and neighbor-friendly.

Want to show off your safe backyard range?

Email newsroom@txan24news.com or tag us on social with #TXANGunRange.