Public Use and Responsibility

[ltzgolf]

Here is an interesting article on the use of public lands. It doesn't call out anyone group in particular. But you can see the way it leans. I myself am disgusted with the people who go out and target shoot but cant seem to take what they brought. I always come home with more than i take.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-culture-clash-over-guns-infiltrates-the-backcountry/ar-BBlQh0v

[j15w]

Responsible shooters outnumbered exponentially by the irresponsible ones. Who in their right mind target shoots without a backstop, especially when they are aware of hikers/ATVs/etc in the area?

[71MUSTY]

The problem usually starts with trash dumpers. People too cheap to pay for a trip to the dump. Then along comes the shooter and "Well I've never shot a TV before, might be fun, since someone dumped it here"

And of course there are more dumpers in a bad economy.

You can't see the fingerprints of the dumper but you can see the bullet holes. Thus we get the blame.

[Calif Hunter]

That may happen sometimes, but I don't buy that most of the trash at "shooting spots" like Hodge Road are from dumpers and not shooters. Trashy shooters are just that, and give us all a bad name and result in areas getting closed to shooting. JMHO.

[CoopsDad]

Last time at Steel Peak, I brought home a 10 by 5 trailer with 2 foot tall sides full of trash, including TVs, microwaves, computers and a water heater. Plus 4 big lawn and leaf bags full of bottles, cans and cardboard.

I got there well before dawn and started dragging junk to the Jeep while my buddy raked crap into piles. When other shooters came and the sun came up, we finished loading the trailer and started our morning of shooting, too. But even while I was cleaning up, people still walked away from stuff they'd set up as targets.

We are our own worst enemy sometimes.

[stix213]

Sounds like they are exaggerating the situation a bit. I have seen some irresponsible shooting from campsites though. I always pick up my trash. I'm sure I miss some casings, but if I couldn't find them they are at least not in obvious view and I did make my best effort.

[TheSierraDrifter]

This thread hits a note with me. I really respect the guys and gals that coordinate and participate in the range clean-ups. I leave the range with plenty of stuff I didn't bring - tires, old furniture, coolers, used targets, wood scrap, and general trash. Yes, it takes just a little effort, but is well worth it to keep the place clean. Also, so there isn't an excuse for the powers that be to shut it down due to the mess. It's not just target shooters at the range I frequent, but they are the vast majority. I've had a couple of rangers thank me for picking it up. They said they don't normally deal with that sort of mentality. It would be so easy for everyone to pick up their own trash.