Thanks for all the replies, and apologies for the delayed response.
I finally obtained my NJ DL, so I now have easy proof of residence. Next on to the FID so that I can purchase ammo (and hopefully, more guns).
As for safe shooting: there is a ~30 foot high bank on my property, which I believe would make a good backstop. However, 75 feet or so after that is the end of my property. There are no buildings very close to that border. But from the point at which I would like to shoot, if I were to walk, say, 125 yards at 11 o'clock there would be a church, and say 100 yards at 10 o'clock there would be a home. Does this seem like a safe distance (remember, there is the ~30 foot bank in between us, but I want to be very safe).
If this is not safe, I could make a dirt pile at another end of my property at which I could shoot.