BHPshooter
Member
Please see my earlier post in this thread for updated news. 
Wes
Wes
Utah Gathering - Let's plan a big one.
- Thread starter George Hill
- Start date
- Status
BHPshooter
Member
Ben,
A friend and I have been planning on going.
I've got to work that afternoon, but I'll try to go in the morning.All I know so far is that I'll be wearing one of Correia's Molon Labe caps.
I'll likewise post what I'll wear for easier identification.Wes
Well the hats went out this morning, so you guys should have them in plenty of time for the show.
I won't be able to make the show on the 17th. I'm teaching a CCW class at Lee Kay that day.
So what did we decide the official Utah Gathering date was? I've got to mark the calender.
I won't be able to make the show on the 17th. I'm teaching a CCW class at Lee Kay that day.
So what did we decide the official Utah Gathering date was? I've got to mark the calender.
Ben Shepherd
Member
The date is June 12th.
BHPshooter
Member
It's great to hear you'll be there, Correia. Have any favorite spots we could use? I suggested mine, but it turns out that it was private property, and I can't shoot there anymore. It's hard to find a truly sweet shooting spot.
Wes
It's hard to find a truly sweet shooting spot.Wes
When I shoot it is usually at the FARM, however that has to be scheduled by an organization with liability insurance, and that kind of thing, also most of the Saturdays for the rest of the year are booked by police departments or us. www.udpl.net
When I shoot for plinking or practice, I usually just find a spot south of Utah lake. I like the Bowl that George mentioned earlier, however you do need a 4x4 to get there, or you have to be absolutely insane and take a Chevy Caprice up there. Either way I think that it was getting too crowded with yokels. There are some other good spots south of Saratoga Springs, but you need to get them staked out pretty early.
I noticed that somebody mentioned WSA. Problem with WSA is that you need to have a WSA range officer with you at all times or you can't shoot. Anybody know if you can rent the PMAA range? It is a nice little range.
When I shoot for plinking or practice, I usually just find a spot south of Utah lake. I like the Bowl that George mentioned earlier, however you do need a 4x4 to get there, or you have to be absolutely insane and take a Chevy Caprice up there.
Either way I think that it was getting too crowded with yokels. There are some other good spots south of Saratoga Springs, but you need to get them staked out pretty early.I noticed that somebody mentioned WSA. Problem with WSA is that you need to have a WSA range officer with you at all times or you can't shoot. Anybody know if you can rent the PMAA range? It is a nice little range.
Ben Shepherd
Member
USMC, I'd be willing to help stake some stuff out. Let me know.
JamisJockey
member
Simpson Springs
Great date, my wife will be out of town with the little one. Just me and the dogs.
I know an awesome area that is little used, but I can't remember where exactly we could shoot out there. Off the Pony Express trail just SW of Dugway Proving Grounds, Simpson Springs Campground. If you've got a Utah Atlas & Gazeteer, its page 44 A1.
http://www.publiclands.org/html/explore/site.php?search=YES&back=Search Results&id=1413
Pros:
Way away from civilization.
Campground for those that want to spend a night or two. $2 per night per site. Water available, but its not potable.
There is a Ghost town not far away for additional entertainment
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ut/deathcanyon.html
I'm pretty sure we could shoot just south of the campground a little ways.
Cons:
Haven't been there in 3 years, don't remember where we can shoot.
Way away from civilization. Was almost a half tank in my Jeep from Lehi to there. I think there is gas available in Faust, Vernon or some other pisshole in that area.
Water isn't potable.
Campgsites can't be reserved.
I have to try and get that friday and saturday off from work.
Anyone with a 4x4 want to go out there and check it out? I'm going to be crunched for time this month, we're buying a house in West Jordan.
Edit: The BLM site shows hunting as an available activity, so I'm assuming that there is areas where we could get away with shooting up the hillside.
Great date, my wife will be out of town with the little one. Just me and the dogs.
I know an awesome area that is little used, but I can't remember where exactly we could shoot out there. Off the Pony Express trail just SW of Dugway Proving Grounds, Simpson Springs Campground. If you've got a Utah Atlas & Gazeteer, its page 44 A1.
http://www.publiclands.org/html/explore/site.php?search=YES&back=Search Results&id=1413
Pros:
Way away from civilization.
Campground for those that want to spend a night or two. $2 per night per site. Water available, but its not potable.
There is a Ghost town not far away for additional entertainment
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ut/deathcanyon.html
I'm pretty sure we could shoot just south of the campground a little ways.
Cons:
Haven't been there in 3 years, don't remember where we can shoot.
Way away from civilization. Was almost a half tank in my Jeep from Lehi to there. I think there is gas available in Faust, Vernon or some other pisshole in that area.
Water isn't potable.
Campgsites can't be reserved.
I have to try and get that friday and saturday off from work.
Anyone with a 4x4 want to go out there and check it out? I'm going to be crunched for time this month, we're buying a house in West Jordan.
Edit: The BLM site shows hunting as an available activity, so I'm assuming that there is areas where we could get away with shooting up the hillside.
Gatofeo
Member
I was at Simpson Springs Campground a few weeks ago. Don't know if there's much of an area to shoot there. Campground spots occupy the land between the road and the base of the hills. Also, there are currently sheep and cattle in that area; at least there was three weeks ago.
I'll try to get there this weekend and give it a look-over.
I don't know that the BLM would be thrilled about shooting in a campground area, even if it were toward the hills. You may wish to call the Bureau of Land Management office in Salt Lake City and inquire.
Ghost town nearby? Hmmm ... didn't know that. The closest "ghost towns" I know of is Gold Hill, which is about 60 miles west of that campground.
If you decide to have the event at Simpson Springs Campground, let the Security Force at nearby U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground know. Since the Sept. 11 attack, things have been antsy at the army post. As a matter of courtesy, you could let them know what the gunfire is about; they would be pleased that you advised them.
You cannot fire north from the campground, or your projectiles will land on Dugway Proving Ground. Not a good thing since you'd also be firing toward the administrative buildings some miles to the north.
On the plus side, this campground is rarely full; not even on Fourth of July weekends. I'm not sure about the availability of water. Be safe and bring your own. Also, ensure you have plenty of extra gasoline. You are not allowed to go onto Dugway Proving Ground to gas up.
There is a gas station/convenience store 25 miles south of I-80 (Exit 77) on the Skull Valley Road. However, it keeps odd hours and you cannot be sure it will be open. The same may be said of the store/gas station at Vernon.
By all means, top off your gas tank in Tooele or at the Tooele exit by Interstate 80.
Prior to the Sept. 11 attack we might have talked the Army into showing up with a couple of Humvees, landing a helicopter or even displaying an M1 Abrams tank but not today.
Let me allay any fears you might have about exposure to chemical or biological agents. It's just not an issue.
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground is the nation's premiere center for the testing of defenses against chemical and biological warfare agents. It tests items such as protective suits and masks, filtration systems, decontaminants, decontamination systems and so on.
International treaties, of which the U.S. is a signatory, ban the use of such agents outdoors, even for defense testing. All outdoor testing is done using simulants --- benign substances with characteristics very similar to the actual agent. Actual agents are used from time to time to test an item, in multiple-walled indoor chambers with redundant safety and air filtration systems.
Given its mission, you can understand why the folks at Dugway Proving Ground scrutinize what goes on within and around its borders.
If you decide on Simpson Springs Campground, I don't forsee that Dugway would have a problem --- as long as they were advised well before the event and didn't suddenly hear all this gunfire a few miles away.
I'll try to get there this weekend and give it a look-over.
I don't know that the BLM would be thrilled about shooting in a campground area, even if it were toward the hills. You may wish to call the Bureau of Land Management office in Salt Lake City and inquire.
Ghost town nearby? Hmmm ... didn't know that. The closest "ghost towns" I know of is Gold Hill, which is about 60 miles west of that campground.
If you decide to have the event at Simpson Springs Campground, let the Security Force at nearby U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground know. Since the Sept. 11 attack, things have been antsy at the army post. As a matter of courtesy, you could let them know what the gunfire is about; they would be pleased that you advised them.
You cannot fire north from the campground, or your projectiles will land on Dugway Proving Ground. Not a good thing since you'd also be firing toward the administrative buildings some miles to the north.
On the plus side, this campground is rarely full; not even on Fourth of July weekends. I'm not sure about the availability of water. Be safe and bring your own. Also, ensure you have plenty of extra gasoline. You are not allowed to go onto Dugway Proving Ground to gas up.
There is a gas station/convenience store 25 miles south of I-80 (Exit 77) on the Skull Valley Road. However, it keeps odd hours and you cannot be sure it will be open. The same may be said of the store/gas station at Vernon.
By all means, top off your gas tank in Tooele or at the Tooele exit by Interstate 80.
Prior to the Sept. 11 attack we might have talked the Army into showing up with a couple of Humvees, landing a helicopter or even displaying an M1 Abrams tank but not today.
Let me allay any fears you might have about exposure to chemical or biological agents. It's just not an issue.
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground is the nation's premiere center for the testing of defenses against chemical and biological warfare agents. It tests items such as protective suits and masks, filtration systems, decontaminants, decontamination systems and so on.
International treaties, of which the U.S. is a signatory, ban the use of such agents outdoors, even for defense testing. All outdoor testing is done using simulants --- benign substances with characteristics very similar to the actual agent. Actual agents are used from time to time to test an item, in multiple-walled indoor chambers with redundant safety and air filtration systems.
Given its mission, you can understand why the folks at Dugway Proving Ground scrutinize what goes on within and around its borders.
If you decide on Simpson Springs Campground, I don't forsee that Dugway would have a problem --- as long as they were advised well before the event and didn't suddenly hear all this gunfire a few miles away.
JamisJockey
member
I was picturing shooting south of the campground by maybe 1/2 to 1 mile.
JamisJockey
member
Well, I don't see how they can have any say so on what goes on outside the proving grounds borders, and I'd rather not tell them I'll be nearby and armed. Especially since that area is a known hunting ground. The Army has no authority outside the Proving Grounds. We'd have to make sure that everyone knew not to stray NW of the campgrounds, though.
I'm not thrilled about the idea of shooting in a campground area, either. I'm thinking a little bit south up against the hillside.
Its been awhile since I've been out there, and I've only made one trip that far. A scouting trip might be in order. Anyone think they can go check it out?
I think I'll leave the final decision on where to gather to George, just adding my $.02 to the kitty.
George Hill
Member
This place sounds pretty good... but the distance from a gas station or potable water and all that sounds like this would be a second choice. If we are looking that far west... why not look that far east? Strawberry has lots of camping and areas we could shoot... and a lake and streams... and fishin... and there is gas food and water not too far either. Just head east on HWY 40 past Heber... go up and over the pass and your there.
One advatage - trees - shade - cooler temperatures - runs for ICE for those camping over night.
Looking at distances it's sixes. Those in SLC can go through park city to Heber and those southwards can cruise through Provo Canyon. Prettier drive that out into the surface of Mercury. And we wouldn't have to notify a twitchy security force.
Thoughts?
I am liking the camping idea... Saturday and Sunday... That would be fun.
Not sure if you would want to see me when I wake up though...
One advatage - trees - shade - cooler temperatures - runs for ICE for those camping over night.
Looking at distances it's sixes. Those in SLC can go through park city to Heber and those southwards can cruise through Provo Canyon. Prettier drive that out into the surface of Mercury. And we wouldn't have to notify a twitchy security force.
Thoughts?
I am liking the camping idea... Saturday and Sunday... That would be fun.
Not sure if you would want to see me when I wake up though...
Ben Shepherd
Member
Does anyone know of a specific area by strawberry? I've been up there a few times, but usually just driving through. If someone knows a spot, I would come up and help stake out an area for us.
If we're doing this on June 12th, we better get it figured out in the next couple weeks guys.
If we're doing this on June 12th, we better get it figured out in the next couple weeks guys.
JamisJockey
member
Sounds good to me.
Is there an area near Strawberry where we could shoot with a good backstop? Been by there, never been there.
Strawberry has my vote. Have to be on call that weekend, but I am on call in Heber, so I wasn't supposed to travel too far out of Utah County (where i live)... but now I'll be even closer.
Strawberry is good... and much prettier than the "proving grounds".
If I was to retire anywhere in Utah it would be in a cabin at Strawberry...
Strawberry is good... and much prettier than the "proving grounds".
If I was to retire anywhere in Utah it would be in a cabin at Strawberry...
George Hill
Member
We'll have to have someone scout the area for the propper location/site. We have time to do it. I have been there shooting before... but it was a LONG time ago and I wasn't driving so I don't remember exaclty here the spot was.
BHPshooter
Member
Strawberry sure is a pretty place, but I don't know of any shooting spots near there. EDIT: George just said there are some, so I obviously don't know jack.
I found another place in the Tooele Valley, if anyone is interested. This one is just south of Stockton, and is a very big, very nice place. It's a gravel pit area with lots of backstops and plenty of range for rifles. The only downside I can think of is that it's occasionally windy (Stockton is at the hight of the Utah Wind Funnel).
It isn't too far from Tooele, so food, fuel, etc. is only about 8 miles away.
If this sounds appealing to anybody, I can draw up plans like I did before so that people can see if they want to make the drive. People camp near there, so that would be a possibility too.
Wes
I found another place in the Tooele Valley, if anyone is interested. This one is just south of Stockton, and is a very big, very nice place. It's a gravel pit area with lots of backstops and plenty of range for rifles. The only downside I can think of is that it's occasionally windy (Stockton is at the hight of the Utah Wind Funnel).
It isn't too far from Tooele, so food, fuel, etc. is only about 8 miles away.
If this sounds appealing to anybody, I can draw up plans like I did before so that people can see if they want to make the drive. People camp near there, so that would be a possibility too.
Wes
George Hill
Member
Shooting spots near Strawberry... There was 10 years ago. We will have to check it out.
Ben Shepherd
Member
Guys, sounds like Wes can do some scouting in Toole for us, but can anyone scout strawberry?
I would myself, but work is an absolute
right now, Monday through Friday 60 hrs/wk, and my 4X4 is down right now.
I will come help stake out space regardless of where we meet.
You have no idea how much crap I had to go through to get that Saturday off. I need the break badly.
Lets get this done!!!!
I would myself, but work is an absolute
right now, Monday through Friday 60 hrs/wk, and my 4X4 is down right now.I will come help stake out space regardless of where we meet.
You have no idea how much crap I had to go through to get that Saturday off. I need the break badly.
Lets get this done!!!!
BHPshooter
Member
Does anyone live near Strawberry that could scout for us? That would be a fun trip, but don't forget one thing when you're anywhere near there -- MOSQUITOS!
That's one plus to shooting at the place by stockton, not as pretty as Strawberry though.
Wes
That's one plus to shooting at the place by stockton, not as pretty as Strawberry though.
Wes
Gatofeo
Member
I think Strawberry would be best. Simpson Springs is a long haul for some, and not convenient for water, gas or groceries.
Atc1man ... I realize the Army has no authority at Simpson Springs Campground, since it is outside Dugway Proving Ground's fenceline. I only suggested letting the Army know as a courtesy, so some bubble-head didn't see a group of people with firearms and call in a gathering of terrorists or some other nonsense.
I know many of the folks at Security and Law Enforcement at Dugway. Many of them are very strong supporters of RKBA.
Again, I think Strawberry would be much better. It would certainly offer more recreation.
Besides, I'd just as soon not too many folks discovered the beauty and history of the West Desert area, rather enjoy it myself
Atc1man ... I realize the Army has no authority at Simpson Springs Campground, since it is outside Dugway Proving Ground's fenceline. I only suggested letting the Army know as a courtesy, so some bubble-head didn't see a group of people with firearms and call in a gathering of terrorists or some other nonsense.
I know many of the folks at Security and Law Enforcement at Dugway. Many of them are very strong supporters of RKBA.
Again, I think Strawberry would be much better. It would certainly offer more recreation.
Besides, I'd just as soon not too many folks discovered the beauty and history of the West Desert area, rather enjoy it myself
- Status
