Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: aznboi3644 on February 25, 2011, 08:06:44 pm
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Was just outside practicing for a 3d shoot this weekend. After the first three arrows into the target bag I hear a
"Sir, can you put that down." (Police Officer in car pulling up)
"What down?" I replied
"The arrow. Can you put the arrow down. Not the bow."
"Oh. Ok." I said.
She got out the cruiser and we had a lil talk...Said she couldn't see the tip of the arrow(blunt) and thats why I had to put it down...She understood the sport and supported it. Said all her brothers bow hunt. But I guess I HAVE to take it to the woods now just to practice at 10yds.
Oh Well...just another walk than.
Just wanted to share my experience lol. Usually cops say put down the knife or gun. But hearing "Put down the arrow" surprised me haha.
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Y'know... I've been told I have a "problem with authority" in the past, by many different people.
I don't have a problem with authority - just with the people that think themselves worthy of the title.
When you say "was just outside..." do you mean on your own property?
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i know the feeling
our city has an ordinance about such things
we cant even shoot a bb gun in our back yards
if someone were to see it and call johny law,they could take said "weapon",fine you,possibly arrest and jail you for it
it doesnt leave alot of options of places to shoot,unless you belong to a range(we have very very few)
not even allowed(by law) to target/stump shoot on public land.
that ones says "no target or nuisance shooting allowed"
cant wait ot buy my 40 acres and get the hell out of town
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yeah I was on my property...just five steps from the front stoop. About 10 yards away from the building.
Funny thing is that the officer did not tell me that it was "illegal" to shoot outside at any point during the conversation. Just told me that it "wasn't safe".
I've also been told I have a problem with the authority...sometimes I open my mouth too much lol. But yeah some ppl think they are above all just because of a badge.
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LOL I was at a friends house one time on the edge of city limits (loosely city limits in the country). They were shooting skeet with shotguns. I walked around the front of the house and two cops pulled up. They got out and spoke to me asking about some shooting. And about that time they cut loose with the shotguns. Those cops hit the dirt and drew pistols. LOL scared they heck out of them. It was pretty funny.
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This is why I love living in the country. If I want to build a 10' tall fire and dance around it in my underwear while shooting a gun, ain't nobody going to say a thing. My neighbors/family already know I am "unique"
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Where I live it's about like Hooterville my mom had a squirrel problem she called city hall and got permission to shoot the little buggers with a shot gun, she then called me and I racked the little devils up.Ron
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I would check your local and state laws/ordinances. If there is nothing prohibiting it, I'd tell them to piss off, of course finding a kinder way of saying that might serve you well but the appropriate words presently escape me. Safety police ::) You'll put an eye out with that thing :o
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Man, I seriously held back from ranting in my post above ^^ but as I've calmed down now and have seen that others are like minded (I'm with you, Nate!!), I don't feel quite so worked up about it any more :)
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I agree that things have gotten out of hand. That said however, the story I will relate is true...
A young (pre or early teen) in the local bow club here was in his back yard practicing with his bow. UNSUPERVISED by a parent or any one else. Well he got careless and let loose an arrow that went over their garage that was the 'safety' backstop. The arrow went across the alley, punched through a guys glass sliding patio door and thumped him in the chest as he was reading the paper. Luckily no penetration but a good bruise and a hell of a scare.
In some respects we have brought this on ourselves. Unsupervised kids and some unsupervised adults do some pretty stupid things. Instead of just punishing the offenders, it is easier to simply outlaw the whole thing.
Bevan
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Bevan, you've touched on a couple of very valid points!
Firstly
In some respects we have brought this on ourselves. Unsupervised kids and some unsupervised adults do some pretty stupid things.
This is very true. People have become complacent in their way of living. They rely on the "Health & Safety Police" to ensure we all live in a sugarplum, rose-tinted world of dreaminess. If anything happens which steps outside the boundaries of this safe little existence - well there's always the option to sue the Hell outta someone... doesn't matter who.
I'm only 36 (he said, hoping it is still considered young...) and back when I was a kid, you saw a hole in the ground - you walked AROUND it!! You didn't need barriers and safety tape and warning signs, telling you to be careful and "don't fall in the hole!!"... we used something called "common sense".
To my ever increasing sadness, however, I'm finding out every day that "common sense" really isn't all that common any more. In attempting to "idiot-proof" our lifestyle, we've ironically given rise to an increase in the idiot population.
Instead of just punishing the offenders, it is easier to simply outlaw the whole thing.
Again - a very good point! I'm coming dangerously close to talking about politics here but it's a Helluva lot easier to generalise and have "knee jerk rections" to some small little occurances. Knife crime is on the increase in Ireland??? Ban all purchasing, selling and importing of "samurai swords". I mean really... Like that's gonna help matters.
Again - common bloody sense is nowhere to be seen!!
I'm going off now to take some happy pills to calm down... apologies if I get up anyone's nose with what I've said.
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At least your cop was aware of how a bow and arrow works...
Years ago, when I was even younger and even more naive, a couple officers came to the house to speak with my parents concerning issues with a neighbor. My parents were drinking, which made the situation a little uneasy, but being embarrased and frustrated with it all I went down in the yard (mind you we live out in the woods, or as close to it as you can get around here) about 60-70 yards from the house, and was shooting at the straw bales from about ten yards. Upon noticing me, the older officer told me to put the bow down and come up there. He caught me off gaurd and I responded, as a dopey kid would, with "huh?". He then reached for his pistol and told me again to put the bow down. Which I did of course. I asked about the arrows, on my belt in the quiver. I figured they didn't want me doing them or anyone any harm, and since the arrows had the points I figured he'd want me to put them down too. Nope, just the bow. So I went and sat on the bank with a quiver of pointy sticks on my belt, and he didn't take his hand off his gun until I was about thirty yards from the bow towards them. Not that I was intending anyone harm but that didn't seem any safer to me ???.
Although, I have to disagree HatchA... I don't think common sense even exists. It doesn't always mean the same to everyone, and the really big issues with "common sense" are more so an issue with a lack of Darwinism. Anyone can forget their keys in the car, even if it's common sense to grab them. But big stupid acts are just crimes resulting from our wonderful efforts to do away with the beautiful thing we call Natural Selection ;)
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You said a she cop?? was she pretty or a bow -wow? If she was a bow-wow you should have told her to go chase some more parked cars.......... >:D >:D
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When I was a kid way back in the'50s I hunted everywhere I could walk and of course had permission. That was in a small rural kinda town and everybody knew each other.
When my boys were small, in the '80s, they could shoot in the yard but I got calls from neighbors if they saw them elsewhere.
Now, I am sorry to say that I hate to see kids with bb/pellet rifles walking on my land or even just down the street. It just plain makes me nervous unless I know them.
Can't speak for anyplace else but around here very few people hunt small game (I get funny looks cause I eat squirrels) but mischief is very popular.
With that being said,anzboi3644 you are a better man than I am. I aint fool enough to mess with a cop but I would have made a fool out of myself. And pissed her off big time!
You did good.
Lane
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I'm glad I live out where I can shoot an AK in my yard without anybody complaining.
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My neighbors have yet to figure out what that "thwack, thwack, thwack" noise is coming from my back yard. But one neighbor is never home, and the couple on the other side are hippy stoners, so I doubt they would care, even if they knew.
But I'm glad the new fence I built last spring is over 6'6". A high fence makes for happy neighbors :) It's also good at catching stray arrows!
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Hey Rick yes she was a SHE cop...middle aged. Not a smokin gun.
Cops in my town think they are above all...there's only like 5-6 in Newburg. I've been harassed by them before so I don't take no more sh!t from them. Freedom of speech my friend. lol
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Hey Rick yes she was a SHE cop...middle aged. Not a smokin gun.
Cops in my town think they are above all...there's only like 5-6 in Newburg. I've been harassed by them before so I don't take no more sh!t from them. Freedom of speech my friend. lol
There you go! If she had been a hottie like the ones we have here maybe it would at least been tolerable! They do forget who they work for at times...............
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I was out front shooting from 10 yards again. Neighbor called the cops on me. Cops came after I went inside cuz I was only shootin for 5 minutes.
Cops were A holes as usual...harassing me again for no damn reason. I asked the cop if it was illegal to shoot a bow and arrow and he couldn't tell me that it was. But he made up some crap about next time he gets called I'm going to JAIL for CRIMINAL ENDANGERMENT or some bull he made up.
It was hilarious to see the look on his face though after I asked him if it was illegal and if there was anything he could do...which he couldn't. The cop looked pretty furious that he couldn't do squat to me. Called my info on the radio and it came back clear. Duh.
He even had the nerve to ask me to step inside my apartment to talk which I promptly told him hell no we can talk right here. Cop asked me why not and if I was hiding anything inside. I laughed in his face haha. Told him its my crib and I don't want him in there. The look on his face after that was even more PRICELESS.
I don't know how a call about someone with bow and blunt arrows turns into the cops trying to assume I'm a drug dealer with drugs in my house that they can't get do but want to.
Sigh....I'm seriously getting tired of all this bullsh!t.
end rant guys...just another run in with some swine.
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"I don't know how a call about someone with bow and blunt arrows turns into the cops trying to assume I'm a drug dealer with drugs in my house that they can't get do but want to."
A cop is almost always fishing for more. Good for you for not playing the game.
As far as calling him swine, well...I certainly get frustrated at the increasing police state but officers deserve a certain default level of respect. That officer had no choice but to respond to your home. He gets the call from dispatch and he is legally obligated to come to your house and find out what is going on.
Any time you start thinking cops are pigs, watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEvZBKwvE0k
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...and now you know the rest of the story! 8)
My Dad was a police court judge when I was growing up. He always told me to be respectful to the officer and if I had a bitch to take it to the judge! Respect needed there too! ;)
In my eyes police officers and school teachers are over worked and under paid. Keep the good ones, pay them well and get rid of the bad ones.
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Once you are cited Pat, You are right, the judge is where to take your complaint. Arguing with the officer is a moot point once you've been served. But there can be some reasoning done with an officer. They have discretion and most are willing to utilize it. In this case there is no citing being done, and therefore no judge to bitch too.
In this case I have mixed feelings. Unless there is actually law/ordinance on the books the officers need to lay off, and maybe explain that to the neighbor. But my background also makes me look at this from the eyes of the officer. My wife is a 911 operator and I was an officer. I can see it now, the dispatcher gets a call that some kid is playing with a weapon and shooting up the neighborhood, exageratted of course but that's what they do. The officer shows up and the kid is a little feisty right off the bat, being the officer you don't know what's going on except what you've been told, so when you show up and the person is defensive and maybe a bit hostile it's likely the officer would be a bit...forward.
Aznboi, it's time for you to be educated. Find out what the laws are. Unfortunately laws like reckless endangerment are written pretty loosely and can be articulated to be darn near anything. But find out specific to the use of bows and arrows. If there is nothing on the books then when they show up again respectfully explain to the officer that you are doing nothing illegal and unless he is going to cite you, you are going to continue engaging in a legal activity. Then if he cites you, you can bitch to the judge ;D Also I would start assesing your shooting lane and back stops etc so if a case of endangerment is attempted you have evidence to the contrary.
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I feel sorry for you all. In my town I shoot my bow at some times 30yards with broad heads and the cops just wave as they drive by. One time a cpo was looking for a guy on our street and called me over while I had an arrow on the string. And we have a no weapons shooting ordinance in our town.
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Nate, I was a bit vague. Your point is well taken. ;)
anzboi, you might try educating your neighbor also. Let them know you mean no harm but would like to be able to shoot your bow safely at home. And like Nate said be sure of the laws and your shooting set up.
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thanks guys...I'll look into the laws and ordinances furthermore.
One point I wanna make is that usually I'll give the police officer respect but if he comes at me with none he's getting none in return. Just what I've learned...want some respect than give it first.
As with the neighbor....I'll give it a shot to talk to them. I'm not sure how much it will do.
Around my neighborhood the kids actually like me...call me the "bow guy". Some kids and younger teens on the street actually have asked me to make them a bow. Which I'm happy about because no one around here likes bent sticks...but if I can get some young ones into archery I'll be happy. Just passing it on.
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One point I wanna make is that usually I'll give the police officer respect but if he comes at me with none he's getting none in return. Just what I've learned...want some respect than give it first.
I'm in full agreement with that!
As with the neighbor....I'll give it a shot to talk to them. I'm not sure how much it will do.
Around my neighborhood the kids actually like me...call me the "bow guy". Some kids and younger teens on the street actually have asked me to make them a bow. Which I'm happy about because no one around here likes bent sticks...but if I can get some young ones into archery I'll be happy. Just passing it on.
Not sure what talking with the neighbour might lead to. Go in with an open mind I s'pose and see how the land lies - they've already called the cops so you kinda know what to expect :S
As far as making bows for the kids in the area... As much as I admire you and the sentiment involved; if the "grown-ups" don't like bows, they might not take too kindly to having someone handing them about without prior consultation... if you get what I mean?
Fingers crossed for the best outcome, man.
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I know Pat mentioned talking to the neighbor what I meant is that the officer, if he knows there is no ordinance, should inform the neighbor of that so he can stop calling 911.
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I'm glad I live where I do. Right smack in the middle of town. My neighbors know I hunt and shoot bows. I live on a dead end street and when I want to practice at 40yds, I get in my neighbors driveway across the street and shoot up my driveway into the carport. I have good neighbors ;D. The last time Stickbender came over, I liked to crapped when he pulled out his Norinco 45 cal., And starting screwing on a suppresor. Then he said, "watch this", at 8 AM on a Sunday morning.
I have the police visit just to look at the bows, arrowheads , and just think it is all cool. The people that live around me are great, and we look out for each other and their place when someone is gone. I've had to go in more than one backyard and get an arrow that embarassedly missed the backstop.
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All my neighbors are old farmers. They figure you do what you want on your own property and you look out for each other. How America was 40-50 years ago when there were alot fewer lawyers. ' Frank
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I can't wait until I move outta here. Seems like I can't do anything without worrying about the cops being called.
When I lived at my parents place I could do whatever I wanted and the neighbors were all cool. They have 7 acres in the middle of the city. 10 neighbors down the right side of our plot at the edge of the subdivision.
I'll have parties up until 4AM with music so loud my dad calls and tells me to turn it down from his bed room. We'll throw the mortor fireworks in the firepit and all duck for cover...neighbors have never called the cops. We have some leverage though.
We had our land surveyed and turns out we own 40% of 7 neighbors back yards. One has a trellis on our property actually lol.