Trump-Owned Shooting Range Rattles Hudson Valley Residents
In the midst of the latest Florida gun violence controversy, and with a few Hudson Valley school districts closing, Dutchess County residents were in for another surprise when the resonating sound of gunshots suddenly starting filling their backyards.
The Leather Hill Preserve in Wingdale, located in the town of Dover, is a private shooting range owned by President Donald Trump’s sons. Both Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are active hunters and have been utilizing the property since 2013.
The loud, unexpected booming coming from the location has many surrounding neighbors complaining. Mike Doherty, a native New Yorker living down the street from the preserve says, “It’s so bad, my dog goes crazy and it shakes the windows.”
Another resident who lives close to the property, is Elisabetta Berghold. She says, “It’s like you’re in a war zone.” Multiple other neighbors have witnessed large black and white SUVs parading through the entrance gates and that the secret service accompanies the shooters who use the range as well.
The 171-acre land is inclusive to relatives, friends and invited guests only, with its license expiring in April. Building inspector for the town of Dover, Donn Anderson, looked into the preserve and concluded by saying, “no complaints about the property have been lodged.” He said also mentioned that the chapter of the town’s code on noise makes no mention of guns, shooting or target practice.
Jeffrey Ferraro, the company organizer and money manager from Connecticut refused to answer any questions about the property, but gave a reasonable response shutting down the constant complainers.
“Guns make noise,” he said, “that’s all I can tell you.” Ferraro rightfully obtained a shooting license from New York state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, which allows the preserve to be non-commercial.
Ferraro followed up by saying, “Who I bring and what I do on my private property, as long as it’s within my legal rights, is not a story for anyone.” He also defended the Trump family saying they are “private citizens just like anyone else.” The Trump Organization, Eric and Trump Jr. did not respond to any comments or questions asked.
Owners of the land beforehand, Joe Kleinman and his wife, Jocelyn, knew they were selling it to an anonymous buyer, but had no idea the Trumps were behind it. They sold it in August 2013 for $665,000.
The Trump family is active in Dutchess County, mainly because of the wildlife activities they easily have access to. Donald Trump’s brother, Robert Trump reportedly resides in Millbrook with his family owning the Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley in Hopewell Junction.
