Range tidied after vandalism
Mess left behind by gun range users cleaned up by community
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, May 19, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
On the heels of Fort Simpson's spring cleanup, the local gun range had a mess of its own to deal with.
Lyn Anderson, left, Lynette Anderson and one of their colleagues made an appearance at the Fort Simpson gun range on May 12 to lend a hand in clearing up the mess left behind by other users. - photo courtesy of Charles Blyth
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Two weeks ago, Fort Simpson Rod and Gun Club director Chuck Blyth went out to the range, only to find the pallets used for hanging targets destroyed by slugs and buckshot.
The range was strewn with litter, including alcohol containers, and the site's garbage cans had been used for target practice.
Alcohol and guns don't mix, says club organizer
In frustration, Blyth took a photo of the damage and posted on social media about the situation, reminding gun range users not to mix alcohol and shooting, and also to clean up after themselves.
"It would be good if people using the range picked up their shells, picked up their casings and used the garbage cans we have there," Blyth told Deh Cho Drum.
"And if they destroy the pallets the targets are on, they should try to replace them."
Blyth's Facebook post reached the ears of Enbridge, and a week later three Enbridge employees, including Lyn Anderson and his daughter, Lynette, showed up on-site with new garbage cans in tow.
"It was a surprise. They said, 'We're interested in supporting the community' ... and I was just like, 'Wow. That's fantastic,' " Blyth said.
The new garbage cans are emblazoned with the gun club's name and come equipped with lids. They are also secured in place by chains, meaning they cannot be dragged downrange for target practice or stolen.
Enbridge's appearance on the scene pre-empted a planned clean-up of the range by community members. However, Blyth said anyone wanting to contribute to fixing up the range can still lend a hand.
"They're certainly welcome to (do that)," he said.
It has been just over one year since members of the Rod and Gun Club first met to discuss forming an organization.
After going through the red tape of incorporating with a constitution and a board of directors, club members now hope to secure the lease for the range and will set their sights on improving the site.
Currently the site is unsecured and open to everyone. Blyth previously told the Drum that the club's vision for the site includes a certified, secure facility with range safety officers present.
