Thread: NZDA requires FAL number

Originally Posted by Bush Basher

Very hard to police DoC land I’m afraid.

Greetings,
This may be true but remember that the Christchurch murderer belonged to a small group of people that used to shoot on an unofficial range in the pines. The law requiring clubs and ranges to be approved was to counter this and was passed in Parliament by most parties including National. It is not DoC but the Police that will be conducting any enforcement. I don't know how vigilant they will be and don't intend to find out. The non shooting public is not stupid and know the law so the chances of being reported are higher than you would expect.
There is a thing called a Risk Matrix which develops a risk rating based on the likelihood of an event occurring and the consequences of the event. The likelihood of being caught may be low but the consequences could be high, so a moderate risk. I belong to one of the NZDA branches in Hawkes Bay which does not have a range. There is another local 100 metre range that I used which is probably now closed. There is also a dedicated 300, 600 and 1000 yard full bore range that I shoot on and I have a casual sighting in range at home which I use sparingly. Outside that I drive to the Jack Dillon Range (Taupo NZDA) where I am a member. The round trip is a little over 300 km. I realise you may be being hypothetical but just in case please go along to Taupo NZDA and join up. They will welcome you and introduce you to 4 position shooting, metallic silhouette and running boar. The last of those is on this Sunday 10:00AM.
Regards Grandpamac.