SO, lil Huck has to do a "charity event" as part of school work, and raise money for a charity. We are (hopefully somebody comes) hosting a game at New Hatfield the morning of March 2, with any donations appreciated. No set fee, all proceeds to go to "Smile On Seniors", and are tax deductible. (their TIN is 86-0441056). Amount of money we raise is less important than simply organizing and participating in a charity event. Usual rules for New Hatfield, just hope to have fun.

How about that bright pink plastic stripping, they use on surveyers stakes? Tie a bow around bushes, rocks, whatever about every 10 feet down the boundary, then take it back with us when we leave, for re-use next time. Just a thought.

Oh yes, it absolutely is true. I've defended multiple people charged with "Armed Robbery, a Dangerous Offense" because they robbed somebody with a "BB" gun. The courts relied on the definition of expanding gas projectile to establish the "dangerous" element. Also, I know the guys at Gearbox well. They will not contradict me. I don't know who you talked to at the courthouse, but I'll bet they aren't a member of the Arizona State Bar. One of my "mentees" (a younger lawyer) once had a case where his client was charged with Agg. Asslt. Dangerous, for merely pointing a paintball gun at somebody. Yes, that means he was charged by the county attorney with that felony. We managed to get it resolved without that result, but not before he went through hell.

Arizona defines "firearm", in the criminal code as, "...any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of expanding gases, except that it does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition."

SO. if anybody ever decides to charge you, then guess what? You get to go to court and argue your case before a judge. (Just as I suggested we do regarding permits and state trust land). Hopefully you will have an experienced lawyer, and the judge lets common sense prevail. If not, then I understand the food at DOC isn't too bad these days.

Awesome news Bambi-Troop. Any chance we can have a "Hatfield West" game up and running this Sunday? My son is finally available to go again, and I was hating to have to break it to him that we were "shut down" on his one free Sunday.

Freznel, don't be so anxious to knuckle under. First a preface, I am a senior criminal defense attorney, and have handled every case from Possession of Marijuanna (POM) to 1st Degree Murder.

Just because the government has over-reached in their law writing, doesn't mean these things stand up in court. There are many unenforced laws on the books in Arizona and every other state. If we get a "permit" to waive at any law enforcement officer who shows up, 99 out of 100 will just go away when they assess us as "harmless". Harmless with permit pushes that to within decimal points of 100%. In all likelihood, the exemption of paintball and airsoft, is so that people don't try to play airsoft up on Squaw Peak, or in one of the State Parks in the urban areas. It scares the hikers.

Now, should we happen to draw "Officer Asshat", who not only has a "hate on" for airsofters, but has carefully researched state land use permits, then he may (horrors) write us a ticket. At that point we can go to the courthouse to discuss the issue with a judge. I'd be happy to represent us at no charge, it's my sport too. With the permit in hand, and my explanation that we all use bio-bb's, so there isn't even any litter, the judge will likely dismiss the ticket. If we get a bad judge, the worst thing that happens is we pay a tiny bit of money into the state's general revenue fund. Think of it as a use tax.

If we want to keep using Hatfield, there is absolutely no reason to give up so easily.

I'll be there with Huck Jr.,a nd one more, fighting for Tanistan.

I should be able to return with my son, so +2, playing for Tanistan this time looks like. If I can talk him out into the 100 degree heat... :oops:

Our hobby, airsoft, places us in the crosshairs for anti-gunners, nanny-state do-gooders, and crabby old people who want everything that wasn't invented before 1950, outlawed.

It is changing here, and few people realize how much. You wouldn't believe how many average folks I've seen charged with felonies, for actions that weren't even crimes 20 years ago...10 years ago even. Certainly things that no one would have dreamed of actually charging in another (more sensible) jurisdiction.

Most peoples conception of the law is stuck in the 1970's "Deathwish" world, and reality is that the accused have precious few rights anymore. They've disappeared with each court ruling since then. It's really pathetic to listen to clients crying about all the rights they think they have, from watching TV. Their trial is a rude awakening moment. My point being, don't think "the law" is on your side, and don't think "common sense" rules the day, when you get entangled in the Maricopa criminal justice system. It's far more "Kalifornia" than most voters know. The laws give tremendous discretion to the police and prosecutors, who are no longer "Andy Griffith" or "Barney Fife". Nowdays, it's more "Robocop", and you have 20 seconds to comply...

Be cool, like somebody said, put the toys on the ground, and always talk about how "harmless" and "fun" they are. Keep our more detailed knowledge of rare potentialities to ourselves. You can seriously hurt yourself with a sharp stick, but they can't easily ban those.