Be aware, be safe, and be responsible

[Kileyhaz]

Old hat for many of you older players who have been in the sport for years but worth bringing up again for some of the new folks to the sport...

For those of you who missed this late last week:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/us/02 ... html?fta=y

more here:
http://www.kvoa.com/news/details-releas ... -shooting/

Basically, a Pinal county Sheriff deputy came across some smugglers transporting marijuana in the Desert near I8 and Gila Bend (Which is really not to awful far north of Sasco).  They were packing AK 47s, they got into a fire fight and the officer was wounded.  They were able to recover the officer and he survived but  I wanted to bring it up here for 2 reasons.

Reason 1, we often play in areas where we are likely to run into smuggling activity.  Sasco is a huge hot bed for smuggling as is Santa Rita.  If you run across anyone who looks out of place, mind your own business, get out of their way, and if it really stinks, call border patrol and/or the sheriff.  If you confront or investigate these folks you may end up in a potentially deadly situation.

Reason 2, this event is going to put LEOs on edge for some time.  If your ever approached by an LEO while playing airsoft DO NOT take it lightly.  You should immediately drop your rifle and put your hands in the air where they can be seen.  Obey all commands the officer gives you, even if that means your laying face first in the dirt. The key is to make the officer feel in control of the situation before you make any attempt to talk with them or even think about approaching them.  They have no idea your playing with toys and they will shoot to kill if that is what is needed to control the situation.

All in all we need to remain aware of our surroundings, be safe in our dealings, and be responsible about our conduct.  We are playing our sport in a desert that not only offers natural dangers but also man made ones.  We need to take ownership of our own well being and those of our friends and team mates and not do anything stupid.  I wish you all a safe and happy week.

[steyraug223]

the key is to make the officer feel in control of the situation before you make any attempt to talk with them or even think about approaching them. They have no idea your playing with toys and they will shoot to kill if that is what is needed to control the situation.

This is seriously incredibly important for anything. The fact is cops have to be on edge anymore, and we as law abiding citizens shouldn't give them any more reason to be on edge then we need to.

I strongly urge people to also start realising that we as airsofters need to keep an eye out for bad situations at places like sasco. I would hate to see a group of airsofters attacked for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. We can't carry our guns on us while playing, and I know that this puts a lot of us at a loss from normal.

Situational awareness is a must, be it during play or at the trucks. Pay attention always.

[Vince]

Stickied - good thread, Kiley.

[WOLFSPEC]

Excellent reminder for everyone!!!

Also, keep in mind of any wildlife that may be around you while playing...

This is true especially if you are playing at night. Snakes and other animals may be out while it's cool outside.

We were playing at Cowtown earlier this evening and someone stepped on a snake....

Yes, even though it's a regulated field, we are in the territory of all types of wildlife..

KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND STAY ALERT FOR EVERYTHING!!!NOT JUST BB'S FLYING THROUGH THE AIR!

STAY SAFE!!

[Kileyhaz]

Additional news to add to this:
http://www.azfamily.com/news/DHS-memo-A ... 69019.html

Basically, there are some bandits in the Vekol Valley area that keep raiding drug mules and the cartels are tired of it.  They have placed hits out on them and you can expect more illegals with more heat in that area.  This means that we need to be aware of both the LEOs who will be a high alert as well as the various illegal elements who will also be on high alert.  For those of you who don't know, Vekol Valley is not too far west of SASCO so the action is close and by no means is it only restricted to that valley so stay awake EVERYWHERE!

Again, just to reiterate...

All in all we need to remain aware of our surroundings, be safe in our dealings, and be responsible about our conduct. We are playing our sport in a desert that not only offers natural dangers but also man made ones. We need to take ownership of our own well being and those of our friends and team mates and not do anything stupid.

Stay safe out there!

[X3R0W07F]

ABSOLUTLEY!!! Even when we wernt tresspassing at abandoned industrial areas or closed downed asylums, I/we'd get the occasional run ins with the law. do not mess around or you will get shot! it happens. usually to kids that dont know better, or those under the influence of something or another. save the cold ones for the end of the day.

[Ganef]

This site is a place for individuals to find groups to play the sport of airsoft. This site supports following the law in regards to proper places to play and encourages individuals to learn what the laws are in their area and then to follow them.

So called "Backyard Airsofting" is something we have all done in the past but with the rise in the amount of players joining this sport and the attention this sport gets in the media it is ever more important that we stress finding out what the laws are and then following them.

Your specific area may be different, but using some common sense will keep you out of trouble. If any livable structure is close enough to your playing area that the occupant can identify that you are carrying a weapon, you are too close to habitable space. Stay off of property that you are not absolute 100% sure you are allowed to be on.

All game threads that have meeting places that we as veterans of the sport feel are inappropriate to play, will be deleted. Multiple listings will attract the ban hammer.

Not all games posted on this site cost money to play, we(I especially) encourage good free games hosted in appropriate places, we have plenty of space around us, there is no need to play with the risk of police attention.

I will not list out what the laws are for your area, they are different, find out for yourself and then follow them!!