Long story short, I thought I bumped this on the outdoor board and didn't realize it was on History board instead.

Great history lesson here and was also curious about the legality of shooting guns down at Batt's ferry: http://texags.com/forums/49/topics/2004600

Here was the question I posted at the end of that old thread: Was thinking about wandering down to this crossing today to do some shooting-figured I'd research the legality of it-and ran into this old thread so thought id bump it. There is some really cool history here I had never ran into before!

I'm sure this could spark a lot of debate but I'm curious If anyone has discharged a few rounds down here before? Not looking to do anything to serious. Just wanted to fire my new gun a few times.

Before a few floats down the Brazos I have talked to fish and game who said as long as I was standing on the ground (not actively floating) that If I were to see pigs/deer whatever in season then I could discharge a fire arm essentially on the river. Furthermore that the bullet would technically need to land no further than the banks of the river.

They also specified (admittedly that it was a gray area) that the land was still considered part of the river up until the shore turned from aquatic river like terrain (sand, water plants and such) to terrestrial (where it became the land owners).

At any rate this would make me think that target practice on the river bank would technically be illegal while "hunting" would be more within the grounds of the law?

Not looking to get berrated here, just a few questions. I have seen countless people down there shootin. Kind of just wondering if they ever get in trouble or what-and if one were to get "caught" what's the worst thing that could happen If you immediately stood down and packed up and went home.

I go down there from time to time to relax and get away on a study break on a nice day. From all the litter and empty shells it sure looks like a lot of people like to shoot down there, but I haven't seen any myslef. I'd advise on not shooting down there but if ya do, at least pick up your shells. The place has gotten kinda trashed.

It's a pretty drive back there too

Always take back more than you bring!

We used to bring 3-4 contractor trash bags to the desert with us when I lived in AZ to pick up trash left by *******s. Several areas were ultimately closed to access by the state due to trash.

And people that litter and ruin a public area like that suck at life.

Is place somewhere around wellborn? I remember going to a place once at A&M with a guy I knew and we shot in the river. He told me it was legit and the place had casings EVERWHERE.

Find a range.

+1 for the trash pick up boys. I agree.

After doing some law investigation on TPWD, I think you are legal to shoot IF you go down to the bank of the river. If you stay up on top Id say it's a nogo.

Definitely not ideal at all for sighting in a gun cuz of mud and whatnot. But good for plinking. And not having to pay range fees which I absolutely hate.

Will post laws i found with explanation in a bit. Had no trouble there today though.

You are good to go. It is an old public right of way so a local land owner can't tell you not to be there. As long as you aren't shooting on or near the current roadway then you are good. Ive been shooting there for years with no issues and a ton of other foks do too. We even had a sheriffs deputy stop by and say we were good to go. Make sure to check the area for other people before firing though.

I took a photography class when I was at A&M and was randomly driving some back roads to find subjects for a landscape assignment when I stumbled across the end of Batt's Ferry Rd. All I really remember about it was the sewage smell and the shotgun/pistol/rifle casings littering the end of the road. It wasn't much of a place for a photo so I left.

I could see the allure in having a semi-public place to fire off some rounds into the opposite embankment, but if you do, please try to clean the place up a bit. Really seemed like a lot of people dumped trash out there, which was far worse than the shooting leftovers.

clean up there sounds perfect for a Big Event team or three

Completely agree. I've been riding my motorcycle down there with gun for shooting. But if I take my truck I'll be bringing a trash bag for sure.

And there's those old tombstones on the left at the top of the hill in a group of trees. Went up there in college to check them out. Totally trespassing I know. I don't remember how old they are, but are very old indeed.

Shot my brand new Kimber 1911 down there about 15 yrs ago. It broke a recoil spring on the 3 shot. I sent it back to the factory and never went back to the river.

I can't tell you all the things I've done at Batt's ferry and never been in trouble for. Played with tannerite for the first time there. Great place.

How many of you youngsters/2nd generation Ags were conceived out there?

I was shocked to see free public ranges in Montana. They were set up with concrete shooting benches with awnings overhead. Very nice. Can't have nice things like that in Texas.