FORT SILL, Okla.-- Safety is the main concern when we are putting people out on the range for recreation. Safety of the folks we are putting out as well as the safety of others using the range.
As we all know, the primary purpose of Fort Sill is to train Soldiers; at times there are a lot of them running around out there. If we can work around that training, then we put folks out to enjoy some recreation.
Lately there has been some discussion about what type of weapons can be used at certain times of the year. One of the discussions is about the use of .22-caliber rimfire pistols and rifles. Many folks like to use these weapons when hunting small game such as squirrels and rabbits, and hogs. So what specifically do the regulations say?
Fort Sill Regulation 200-1 states: Legal weapons for hunting include shotguns (firing legal shot) no larger than 10-gauge, .22-caliber rimfire rifles and pistols, muzzleloading guns (firing legal shot), and bows and arrows. The sportsmen overlay map shows areas, which exclude .22-caliber weapons.
Since the change in how our safety map is displayed, we no longer have the areas directly on the overlay map. They are now shown on a small map just to the side of the full-size map. This map makes it very clear where .22-caliber rimfire can be used. But, just because the map says the area is open for .22-caliber use it does not mean it is always open.
It also states it is prohibited to hunt with any rifle, including .22-caliber, within 600 yards of any troop activity. That means that if troops are scheduled to be scattered across a hunting area that .22s are not allowed in the area. Six hundred yards from any troop is a long ways and definitely needed for safety.
It also states it is prohibited to fire a weapon within 440 yards of any dwelling, structure or area containing personnel or domestic animals. Notice it doesn't just say rifles, it says any weapon. That means you aren't suppose to use a gun (including shotguns and shot) within one-quarter mile of houses or structures. Think houses along Fort Sill's boundaries. Think training complexes.
It also specifically states that shooting any weapon into or across any pond or lake is prohibited except for authorized hunting activities. Discharging firearms, except on an approved range, is prohibited unless done as part of normal hunting activities. This means that there is no going out and plinking just anywhere you want or shooting turtles while you fish. If you want to just shoot your weapon to sight it in or just have fun shooting you are required to go to one of the ranges available. The private owned weapons range is a good place for rifles, pistols and shotguns with slugs, while the skeet range is a good place for busting a few clay pigeons.
It would be good for all hunters to read the memo concerning .22-caliber rimfire weapons in the memo book in Sportsmen Services. Also, all hunters must follow weapon restrictions in Fort Sill Regulation No. 190-1, Appendix B, Privately-Owned Firearms and Other Weapons. If you are going to bring a firearm on Fort Sill, be sure you have read this regulation as it covers a broad range of requirements. One of the most important to hunters is all firearms must be registered. There is an exception for guests participating in sporting events, but if you're going to hunt on Fort Sill, you need to get them registered.
For those of you who are new to the area I want to point out that everyone who uses Fort Sill rangelands for recreation need to take the Sportsmen Safety Class. The next class is Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Natural Resources Classroom in Bldg. 1465.
There is also an Oklahoma Hunter Safety Class, March 1 from 6-9 p.m. and March 2 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You must attend both days. The class is at the Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 W. Lee Blvd. in Lawton. For more information go to www.wildlifedepartment.com.
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