jmark

Thanks. I just called Blue Mountain. According to the very nice woman I spoke with (my experience is that everyone who works there is helpful and pleasant), they have a "patterning board" down by the skeet range. And you can pattern a shotgun any day/hour that they are open, you just have to check with the RSO. She also said it's ok to bring your own paper targets to attach. So I guess we'll be taking a drive up there soon. Will report back, but it sounds like this is a good (almost the only) option in our immediate area.

I can't remember specifically without looking, and I could be wrong, but I think it's basically a federal law/interstate commerce issue. May be in the GCA. I'm pretty sure any interstate transfers require FFL, even between family members. If you live in the same state - reside in the same state - I don't think the rule applies. But I think you have to both live in the state.

Thanks, guys. I will definitely check with Blue Mountain, we will probably be up there next week. The folks that work there are great. Sounds promising.

It's kind of ridiculous. Having grown up in NC, I just can't believe how insane this state is. All the ranges around here that even allow shotguns at all, limit you to slugs. The only place I know of that doesn't is Blue Mountain, and that's only on the skeet range. Anyone know anywhere in the Westchester/Putnam/Rockland areas where I could pattern a shotgun? I'd even drive to Dutchess or Orange if I have to. I suspect there may be places out in Suffolk, but I try to avoid the bridges... but open to suggestions. Help? Taking my son out for Spring Youth Turkey Weekend, and need to try out a new gun.

Add Soros and you've got the Triumvirate of NY A-Holes.

I think the transfers within family have to be to family in the same state, otherwise you have to do a NICS. I have this issue with my dad in NC, he has to send his guns to my FFL (except the C&R guns, which he can send to me).

I'm pretty sure it's global warming.

Thanks for letting me know about that, Paula. With a little luck, my son Miles (12) will be participating. He's very excited to try for his first turkey. jmark

Wow! I was away for a couple of days and just able to check back. What a great bunch of people here! Deeply appreciate all the offers of help. PM's going out shortly and thank you! Oh, and no, we haven't patterned the gun. In fact, it was a Christmas present from my dad to my son, and is at the gunsmith now having some work done. We're eyeing a few other possibilities in the event it isn't right (or ready in time). I've been assuming it's full choke from the factory. The boy will be thrilled to hear all this. Ever since he took the hunter ed course he's been interested in turkey hunting - I think the course made it sound like one of the most challenging kinds of hunting, which seems to have intrigued him. Will be in touch, guys, thank you. jmark P.S. Not sure why I said Marlin 60, it's a Marlin 90. Pic attached (next to my Anschutz).

Hi Folks, My 12 year old has pushed me to all kinds of new areas. He shoots competitive rimfire, and we enjoy time at the range together. Never did much hunting but have been dabbling (with little success). I know turkey hunting is a pretty serious effort, but it sounds really fun and challenging, and potentially very rewarding. What I was thinking is, trying to find someone who could sort of act as our "guide" for the junior weekend, in finding a location, in technique, etc. Obviously I would expect to pay for this. Somewhere south of Albany/east of Binghamton would be ideal. We would manage our own accommodations. He would be shooting his 1946 Marlin 60 (16 gauge), handed down from his great-grandfather (who purchased it in Asia at the end of the Korean War). If anyone has any suggestions or willingness to do something like this, please contact me via PM. Mods, if this is not an appropriate post, please do whatever you need to do, I will understand. jmark

Beautiful dog. 13 years is a good run for a dog in the lab family. She lived well and long. It's been 8 years since we've had to put one down, and it still breaks me up to think about. Please accept my condolences. Mark

I agree, Hyundai was by far the best one. But there was some strong competition. I liked the Audi one, too, despite the "politics" of it (as a father of a young girl, it's hard not to).

Chupacabra.

Thanks, bkln. I had read those, trying to get a little more specific info. Mainly re Orange and Putnam Counties, possibly Sullivan or Ulster. We were up in Sterling a couple weeks ago. The squirrels must have put out a memo we were coming, they all hid from us. Just wanted to try to get some local scoops or experience before parking on the side of the road and heading in with rifles. And yep, all too well aware of the Westchester rules. I live in the dreadful place. jmark

Hi Folks, I've been trying to get some reliable info on hunting on the NYC Water Supply Lands. I have an Access Permit, and the NYCDEP lists quite a few areas where hunting is allowed. I called them, and the guy who answered the phone seemed horrified that "hunting" (heaven forbid!) could happen on NYC properties. No help. Tried the DEC, they referred me to the NYCDEP. Called a couple of town offices, nice people but not real info. And for those who have the scoops - no worries, I don't plan to bring a busload of people every weekend. Just me and my kid once in a while to chase squirrels for a few hours. Thanks for any help. jmark

Actually they know everything at 14. At least in my house. Youth is wasted on the young. Alas.

Ah, yes. Mawidge. Wait.... CUT! No... this.... May you live long and prosper. jm

Anything by The Ronettes. Phil may have been a complete whacko, but he sure knew how to make good records. I had the pleasure of seeing Ronnie perform a couple of times at the old Village Gate at Christmas. Sat at a table with Paul Shaffer one time, literally "anyone who was anyone" was at those performances. Not that I cared, but it was a pretty cool thing to be there, and she sang amazingly.

Holy cow!! That is incredible! What part of Alaska?

Especially in the current environment. As the son of a "former cop", and being pretty familiar with how current cops are trained... most of what we see today reflects improvements in the profession. And in many cases, constraints that result from the lack of respect and basic understanding on the part of, well, idiots, frankly.

I'm glad it was at least dead. I've been trying to find these illusive cougars for years, with no luck. I'm thinking maybe they can smell old guys and run away....

I don't think there are many people who survived who could tell the "stories" I could tell about my experiences in the '70s and '80s. That's not bragging, I'm not "proud" of it. I shake my head thinking back on it. I'm lucky to have lived thru it all. But with time and age (59) has come, I like to think, a measure of wisdom, and some discretion in the things I say. Particularly to young people (and on public forums). "Times" have changed - but not in the sense suggested. There have always been idiots who guzzle beers (or smoke dope) while playing with firearms. And thankfully there has always been a more intelligent majority who handle and use firearms responsibly. My 12 year old son would be appalled at some of the comments I've read here - he has been taught to respect guns, and people. He's learned it well, and I'm proud of him for that. Internet forums seem to always have a few "trolls" who like to rile people up. I generally try to ignore them. I guess I'm violating my own rule right now. Oh, well. Moving on....

In my humble opinion, having a firearm in your hands, at all, while drunk should be a crime.

I took my son to a hunter ed course a while back, and they told us there is a point in time where they can retrieve the info and issue a new card, before that, no. So I think there is some date/year as of which, if you lost your card, they can give you a new one. I can't remember what year that was, I would call DEC.

I don't really want to get involved in this, as I know nothing about the subject - but you might want to note that the person you are arguing with IS a biologist.