i had my first gun related experience today.
backstory: i was out in the woods carrying my moison nagant in a gun case to go shoot it in the woods. i was going to shoot it into a small vally that many people around marquette shoot at. in the area i was going to shoot at there are many snomobile and cross contry skiing trials. on my way there a trail official stoped to talk to me about shooting there. on my way back from shooting a state police officer stop to talk to me. here are how both converstions went
(on my way to shoot):
(pickup truck pulls up next to me and rolls down his window)
me: hello.
trail official(T.O): hi there, what are you doing out here?
me: im going to target shoot
T.O: were do you plan on shooting?
me: down by the vally a little ways up ther road.
T.O: you know that there are alot of ski trails out here and that shooting could be dangerus.
me: i am going to be shooting down into the vally and i am aware about the trails that run thought these woods. it is legal to shoot out here and i am not breaking any laws.
T.O: there are skiers out here what if you hit them. shooting here is dangerus and there have been alot of police out here trying to stop the shooting
me: i am going to be safe. i am shooting down into the vally. there are no ski trails down there or infront of were i am going to be shooting.
T.O: you shoudnt do that. people who are shooting out here are getting into trouble with the law. just last week someone was written a ticket for shooting glass bottles and littering
me: i am shooting a paper target and what i am doing is perfectly legal
T.O: alot of people out here have been bump fireing AK's and M16's.
me: i have a bolt action rifle so i dont belive that bump firering will be a problem for me today. sir i understand what you are trying to say to me but i am always cautious when i shoot and i do not plan on doing anything dangerus.
T.O: fine we will see about that
me: have a good day.
then he drives of and i go to shoot. now on my way back after putting about 30 rounds down range.
(michigan state police officer pulls up):
me : hello officer
him: hello. were you target shooting today?
me: yes sir . im just on my way back to my car.
him: sorry to bother you but i got a call about somone shooting and the caller was concerned
me: ya i was shooting so it was probly me. on my way here i talked to a trail official and explaned i would be shooting safley. i shot down into a vally and i picked up all my spent shell caseings when i was done.
him: as long as you are safe its perfectly fine to shoot out here
me: i always am safe.
him: i understand. the trail official is the one who called. im sorry to have bothered you i was just responding to a call. would you like a ride back to your car?
me:no its just another 100 yards but thank you officer . you have a nice day!
him: you too.
all in all i think this was a possitive experience with michigan state police. unfortunatly i dont think the trail offial was much of a postive experience but whatever besides im only doing whats legal