Question Of Legality.

[leetxor]

Simply Is it legal to engage in airsoft "events" or "battles" on state land(Land Owned By The State Of Michigan That is regulated by the DNR) Such as State Game Areas. Because where i live there is a shortage of fields but an abundance of State land.

If anyone knows i would appreciate it.

[cqbr]

I'm sure if you were to go way out in the boonies no one would care or find you, but anywhere remotely inhabited you'd probably be thrown in jail.

Not to mention if you do that during hunting season you may be shot by some Hillbilly that thinks the Michigan Militia is after his moonshine stills. (Moonshine is still the Hillbillys' drink of choice right?)

[SkyPilot]

Years ago this became a problem with paintballers. At first it was okay to play paintball on state game areas. Granted permission and informing the rangers were and has always been required first.

But as the years went on, the parks and rec deptment noticed the rocks and trees covered in paint. And the 'water-soluble' paint wasn't all that soluble.

Long story short, the State of Michigan classified paintballs as littering, and vandalism. Thereby banning the use of paintball on state land.

A few years ago, I inquired about this and the State said "NO", their fear was the that same issues would occur with airsoft. That a) bio-degradable BB's weren't 100%, and would leave the land littered with plastic. and b) People wouldn't use Bio-Degradable BB's.

I personally agree with the states second comment (b) that people will ignore the bio-degradable requirement. Yes, there are people whom would obey the requirements, however its the others that would ruin it for us.

[redknight]

the odd thing is that folks do trap and skeet shooting on state land and never ever clean up the refuse, yet they are not cited for littering. Have you ever seen how much of a mess is left after a skeet shoot? pieces of clay pigeon are usually spread out everywhere. I personally was unaware that playing on state land was considered littering and I was remembering the TFI event last year, with the campout. Lots of us went to that and no one apparently was aware of any issues with airsoft in the woods.

[Gunny87]

I know about 5 years ago myself and a group of friends that I played airsoft with found some state land in Washtenaw Co. way out in the middle of no-where and away from any residences and we used to have little skirmishes or what not. Never had any problems with running into any DNR officers or any run ins with any law enforcement.

But like CQBR said as long as you do it away from anywhere that's inhabited you should be fine and yes only do it during like the late spring and summer or any time that's not during hunting season for personal safety.

It may not be "legal" according to Sky's findings but you probably wouldn't have any problems like I did when me and my friends did it.

[slinky]

Just last year I was in a rec game in Goshen IN. the game went ok until I guess some people started to see a bunch of people dressed in BDUs and such that they called the DNR. Now take into account that we all thought that we were far enough from civis that playing there would be fine. Well the DNR officer comes up to my friend ( event host ) and they had a little chat on legality and such. Turns out it was ok to play there, its just they were informed of "military looking people at such and such road".
So the answer I guess would yes and no as I would check with local law enforcement and tell them your playing there.

There however been some cases were I was at the MOA field and we had the cops, SWAT and even a Helli above us thinking were the Michigan militia. They soon found out that it was airsoft and doc forgot to call ahead of time. Back in early April last year we had the Gear and such out in the driveway unpacking for the practice and once again the cops showed up but he was cool about it since he all knew who we were. He didn't even have his hand on the glock he was carrying. As of now we know all of the police there and they don't even investigate reports at his house anymore.
Bottom line is check with the police before your play.

[easy1]

Having thought about playing on state land(hunting area's) before I was able to obtain the schoolcraft field, I had made several calls to the local DNR offices about obtaining permission to play airsoft on the land. After each call I made, it was always the same answer,"NO". Every DNR officer I spoke with said even with bio bb's or not, it is still illegal to play on state owned hunting areas.

[SkyPilot]

Not to be bringing up dead threads, however I believe this one has some importance and should be brought to light.

I was able to locate the DNR law that makes Paintball/Airsoft illegal on State Land. As well as the entire law pertaining to state land. Based on the law, ANY DNR Officer will tell you it's illegal! ...unless you get a authorized permit allowing "Airsoft Activity" on state land.

Response (Scott Berg) - 02/18/2003 06:18 AM
There is an administrative rule that prohibits this type of activity. Please note the following, which is an excerpt of that administrative rule:


"R 299.922 Unlawful acts generally.
Rule 22. On lands owned or under the control of the department, it is unlawful for a person or persons to do any of the following:

...(i) To peddle or systematically solicit business of any nature; distribute or post any handbills or other advertising matter; post signs; paint or otherwise mark any tree or rock on any lands, waters, structures, or property; or use such areas for commercial operations".

With this administrative rule in mind, the painting or otherwise marking of a tree or rock is unlawful, which would include paint ball.

The DNR will extend the law of marking as if a BB knocks the bark off a tree. Yes...my thoughts too.

More State Land rules WILDLIFE & GAME AREA - STATE LAND RULES