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Shoot is happening, just probably not at lovell canyon
Updated Info: See this post by deviant or directions on the shoot site for where the shoot will take place this year. It is in a different location than all previous years
<Preface; I'm just some guy, I don't run the shoot, anything I say is superseded by anything Deviant says>
Similar to last year there is a firearm discharge restriction[PDF] issued by the forest service that prevents us from shooting at the lovell canyon location we used to use prior to last year. This restriction is not related to a fire hazard (like it was last year) and is in effect until November.
We spoke with the US forest service area manager Don Christensen, who was nice enough to go through "what if" scenarios for 15 minutes, but the short version is there is no way we can acquire a permit to shoot there this year. Basically due to largely unregulated shooting that occurred previously, they received multiple complaints from non-shooters about bullets being shot or landing near them (almost certainly not due to our group, especially since we haven't been there since 2015). Because of that, they are drafting a "management plan" for multiple use of the area (which includes shooting). It will specify where different activities can occur, and what precautions need to be taken. However primarily due to the senior cabinet positions within the government changing over, they don't expect to have this management plan issued until November.
There are three exemptions to this order; 1. people with a permit 2. fed/state/local officer or firefighter while performing official duties 3. Legal hunting.
The only one we could fall under is #1, and I asked 5 different ways how we could acquire a permit: 'what if we hire a forest ranger to supervise, have double the RSOs, rent water trucks...' but he said there is simply no way they would grant one until the management plan is in place.
He did say once the management plan is in place (say for next year, or if it magically is completed 6 months early) we could apply for a permit by outlining our plans, and how we would meet any fire concerns, etc. This permit would remain valid and allow us to shoot even if they enact a new firearm restriction the day before (something to keep in mind for next year).
He also mentioned they will be soliciting the public's feedback once a draft is ready for review.
Options as I see them:
1. Use the clark county 'education center' range like last year. It has perks like bathrooms/AC/shade/food but also restricts 50cal and above. And fewer people might want to camp due to the temp/elevation unless we can get access to the larger building. Deviant mentioned he may try to find a compromise with them if we shoot high caliber firearms into some type of barrier we can setup. (This is not the same as the public clark county range, the education center is run independently). There's even a gun store across the street for ammo or whatever you need.
2. If you look at the map on page 3 of the ban, it only includes a portion of the area. I'm not familiar with the rest of the area, but it looks like we could shoot west of where we usually do. If anyone knows if this is practical, please comment and post pictures of alternative sites.
3. A different range. If you know of another range you recommend that can support 100ish people please do a little leg work by checking their availability during the dates and times we usually hold it, what fees they charge, and any restrictions they have. That's more helpful than "My friend told me about this one place but I've never been".
AFAIK the shoot is still on and this is not a major set back, we worked around it last year, this is just something to keep in mind.
<Preface; I'm just some guy, I don't run the shoot, anything I say is superseded by anything Deviant says>
Similar to last year there is a firearm discharge restriction[PDF] issued by the forest service that prevents us from shooting at the lovell canyon location we used to use prior to last year. This restriction is not related to a fire hazard (like it was last year) and is in effect until November.
We spoke with the US forest service area manager Don Christensen, who was nice enough to go through "what if" scenarios for 15 minutes, but the short version is there is no way we can acquire a permit to shoot there this year. Basically due to largely unregulated shooting that occurred previously, they received multiple complaints from non-shooters about bullets being shot or landing near them (almost certainly not due to our group, especially since we haven't been there since 2015). Because of that, they are drafting a "management plan" for multiple use of the area (which includes shooting). It will specify where different activities can occur, and what precautions need to be taken. However primarily due to the senior cabinet positions within the government changing over, they don't expect to have this management plan issued until November.
There are three exemptions to this order; 1. people with a permit 2. fed/state/local officer or firefighter while performing official duties 3. Legal hunting.
The only one we could fall under is #1, and I asked 5 different ways how we could acquire a permit: 'what if we hire a forest ranger to supervise, have double the RSOs, rent water trucks...' but he said there is simply no way they would grant one until the management plan is in place.
He did say once the management plan is in place (say for next year, or if it magically is completed 6 months early) we could apply for a permit by outlining our plans, and how we would meet any fire concerns, etc. This permit would remain valid and allow us to shoot even if they enact a new firearm restriction the day before (something to keep in mind for next year).
He also mentioned they will be soliciting the public's feedback once a draft is ready for review.
Options as I see them:
1. Use the clark county 'education center' range like last year. It has perks like bathrooms/AC/shade/food but also restricts 50cal and above. And fewer people might want to camp due to the temp/elevation unless we can get access to the larger building. Deviant mentioned he may try to find a compromise with them if we shoot high caliber firearms into some type of barrier we can setup. (This is not the same as the public clark county range, the education center is run independently). There's even a gun store across the street for ammo or whatever you need.
2. If you look at the map on page 3 of the ban, it only includes a portion of the area. I'm not familiar with the rest of the area, but it looks like we could shoot west of where we usually do. If anyone knows if this is practical, please comment and post pictures of alternative sites.
3. A different range. If you know of another range you recommend that can support 100ish people please do a little leg work by checking their availability during the dates and times we usually hold it, what fees they charge, and any restrictions they have. That's more helpful than "My friend told me about this one place but I've never been".
AFAIK the shoot is still on and this is not a major set back, we worked around it last year, this is just something to keep in mind.
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