Posted: 1/20/2007 6:53:38 PM EDT
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I was at the Pit today (Saturday) doing some shooting. I was cold and only two other guys were there. The DNR showed up and I chatted with the officer a bit. I explained that we tried to keep the place clean and did clean up shoots a few times a year. I also showed him all my Forms 3's as he asked to see them, and of course I had them as I brought my HK33 et al. (Be Prepared). He was very cordial and we exchanged business cards. I asked if he would keep me advised of any proposals for the property coming down the DNR pike and he said he would include my contact information in his report. He took some photos and except for some junk piled in front of the DNR sign (Oh Great) the place looked pretty good. He discussed the balance that needed to be struck between neighbors and shooters, and options to turn the pit into an official manned shooting range, though this would be a big cost item that was not budgeted. He suggested that designated markers on the each side of the hill to the left and right might be considered to prevent shooters (aka morons) from shooting cross range and toward the sides. He also thought that state law would have to be changed to regulate target practice on state land if there was a push in that direction. He was not saying there was a push, but that this is what would have to happen to acheive such a result. We discussed noise and I told him that the dragway was pretty loud too and we had a good laugh about that. We discussed "reports" of shooters blowing up propane tanks which DNR takes very seriously and is a huge no-no. We also discussed "reports" of shooting at night which again is asking for DNR trouble. I explained that any Class 3 or machine gun shooter at this range went through a super background check, etc, had guns that cost more than their vehicles and were, therefore, highly unlikely to be engaging in such actions. So the upshot is that DNR is looking at this site and trying to fix some problem. This tells me that they still think there is a problem to be fixed, that perhaps additional posted regulations may be coming about hours, explosive targets, and field of fire. We would be well advised, in my opinion, to should work with DNR to acheive these goals. Thats my report and thought. Yours? |
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I went out there sat morning ( around 9 30 am ) and took a look. Didnt look to bad, when there is a nice blanket of snow covering all the garabage. I think a good idea might be to get some garabage cans ( wire style ) and chain them some place. I am sure some ahole will steal them, but its worth a try. I can atleast apperciate the garabage by the sign. It shows that people are atleast picking up and putting it in a common area. Sometimes I go up there in a 02 firebird and there is nowhere to put extra garabage that I usually pull out of there with my 1 ton truck. So atleast with people picking it up and leaving it in a designated area is better then them just leaving it behind out in the range area. The other two guys that where probably out there came from the store and I hope they atleast cleaned up what they brought with them. I stressed to them that it needs to be cleaned and they seemed like somewhat responsible guys? |
So, private funding for an overhal and a change in state law would be a proposal? Which one do we do first? 
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| Well, we have to oppose any changes in state law because those changes would only mean no automatic fire on state land. And to have the site turned into an official range would mean single load or five or six rounds in the mag with no rapid fire--again a bad option. So the best result here is to post another sign about exploding or burning targets, hours of shooting and line of fire and hope that does it. DNR is on the good side of this, so far. |
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i agree we need to take action before we leave the state to take action, we should all pitch in for materials for somone to make some big wire trash cans, and maybe make a sign even though it wont have any backing reminding people to be considerate of the neighbors and a quick list of donts.... not to shure what we could really do... but we need to work on something.... like somone said markers for where the open range would be great, we really dont need any new laws on regulating shooting on state land, except, no shooting after dusk like with hunting... thats the only sanctuary i know for shooting full autos or how you want, rapid fire or practice how you would like, holster draws and everything... |
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Slow down guys.......... Remember that this is state land. No matter how well intentioned our trash cans or signs may be, we could still be ticketed (littering) for attempting to leave them in place. We, as users of the pit, really can't take the kind of proactive steps we would like to. Sucks doesn't it? |
| lumpy there is a procedure for everything, if we went to the dnr and offered to put trash cans out there... and maintain them, and ask to post a sign about what is propor conduct that would only work as a reminder and have no real legal standing behind it mgiht help out the situation of people being stupid out there..... the idea is to do something before the state decides they need to do something.... kinda like how all the hollywood actors put them self in rehab before court and get let go one probationa nd so on... i reai doubt they would really have a problenm with the cans but thats a start in the right direction, but like i said there is a proper procedure for everything... like when ya take a piss anything more than 2 or 3 shakes is just playin with it... |
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I will take some of the blame for the trash pile in front of the sign. When I was there Friday (19Jan07) with some friends we policed the range and picked up what we could see, we did leave the wood that was out there due to the fact when we tried to pick it up if was frozen to the ground, and the clays up on the berm since we figured that someone else may want to use them as targets. We where the same group that back at the end of Oct, hauled off about a dozen bags of trash and left some cardboard boxes lined with trash bags for people to dispose of their trash in. We are talking about doing a spring shoot out there and making sure we have a couple pick-up trucks to haul off trash. |
| who is we? ive been looking for some local guys to meet up and go shooting with, i usualy just got out with a friend or two. havent really been out there for a whole day, most of the time the ammo runs out after a hr or so. it would be kinda cool to meet up with some people and see a little larger varieity of toys out there. |
Where in the law does it state you have to posses the "Green" registration card with your pistol?????hinking.gif |
I was there Sat. with a friend from noonish to about 3. Had some fuds and a few guys who looked like they were comfortable around weapons when we showed up but it eventually became our range. Got to break in my new Robinson XCR-L..... The trash was there as mentioned. I can't help but think people put it there thinking it was the right thing to do, but that shit has to stop.. Range looked good other than that, but who's to know what could be under all that snow.... 
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The law does not require you to carry or present your green card--safety inspection card. I carry my card as prima facia evidence of lawful ownership to avoid hassle. Its like insurance. Its like going to the pit with an orange cap on and a small game permit. Probably not required but the next guy doesn't know the law and he doesn't want to be educated, so its just "Look, here it is, thanks for your thoughtful inqury" [Now go away]
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I`m the same way.I keep my green cards right in my pistols cases when I go out and shoot them.Bout a year or so ago,I was out at my brothers with my AR pistol,getting some lead out.Soon as I was done with the mag,I looked and there was a DNR officer walking up to me.I asked"is there a problem sir"he said"no,i was just over checking out some land alil ways away and heard a bunch of shots being fired and decied to come check it out."He asked if the pistol was mine and whatnot.I showed him my ID and my green card.He ran the #`s and whatnot.And then we stood there talking for a good half hour.He said it was the first time he ever seen a pistol like that is why he wanted to check everything out.I told him if he wanted he could fire off a few rounds,but he declined as he had to go check out some other land in the area.All in all,he was pretty kool bout it all. I`ll also never forget the look on the ladies face at the sheriffs office when I took it in for"inspection" deffenetly priceless |
MadMathew are you the same MadMathew over on the Zombie Squad forums? And yes we are the "Zombie Hunter" guys. Right now we are in the process of planning a spring shoot, the projected date is some time in April. |