Gopher Campfire Range Rules Reminder

Please forward this to any other members that you know that may not have read this. Thank you for your help.

With the 2007 hunting season fast approaching, I would like to address the rifle and slug shooters of Gopher Campfire. The majority of Gopher Campfire members are courteous shooters that obey the club rules and gun safety, but there are a few out there that do not.

Once you enter Gopher Campfire property, you, the member, are responsible for your actions and the actions of those with you. I would like to remind all members that the rifle shooting rules are posted at the shooting benches and I would like each of you to read them before you shoot the next time.

In the past we have had holes shot through the building, garbage such as TV sets, microwave ovens, computers, and paint cans shot and left on the range, even the lights have been shot out of the trap range. These actions will no longer be tolerated.

Gopher Campfire is requiring the following:

• Only shoot paper targets properly posted on the cardboard pieces between the 2x4’s.
• Do NOT shoot at the 2x4’s.
• Do not post your targets on the 4x4 uprights. Last spring there was nothing left to post targets on so the club had to replace all the wood structure for shooting.
• Do not shoot at spinner targets, milk jugs or anything else setting on the ground. This type of activity can result in ricochets.
• The garbage barrels are not targets. Please do NOT shoot them.
• Also refrain from shooting full metal jacketed bullets. These bullets do not mushroom and have the tendency to carry further for possible ricochets.

Everyone that is shooting at the range if over 18 years of age MUST be a member, it is everyone’s duty to ensure that all shooters are members, so ask them! If they aren’t members explain to them that they must be and they can pick up membership cards from any of the officers, the gun shop, or Schmeling Oil. If they refuse to leave just call the sheriff or one of the club's officers and we will deal with the individual. If you observe an individual or a group of individuals not following the shooting rules talk to them. If they are causing damage get their license number and call the sheriff or club officer do not try deal with them yourself they do have guns and live ammunition.

I am asking each of you to help police the range. Again no one should be shooting at anything other then paper targets, but if you see items on the range or garbage barrels full please help the club and empty them this also includes your brass. If each of us takes pride in our club we should have a long future of shooting fun at Gopher Campfire. If we can’t curb the misuse of the range, it will force us to close the range to all shooting except for designated shooting times with a range officer present to police the shooters. Shooters, it is up to you! The next few months will prove to us that ALL our shooters are mature enough to leave the range open without a range officer having to parent you!

Happy Shooting!

Keith Berwald
President of the Gopher Campfire Club

McLeod County Sheriff – 320-864-3134
Meeker County Sheriff – 320-693-5400