On several threads we have discussed trash left by other shooters and we seem to have a concensus that there is a responsibility for all of us to help clean up trash, our own and that left by others. We are joined in this effort by organizations such as the Good Gun Foundation and many others that enjoy this multiple use land of ours. ATV and 4WD clubs also sponsor cleanup events.

Near Phoenix at Table Mesa (a heavy recreational use area in pristine desert country) a cleanup drive is slated for March 31st, sponsored by Good Gun. They do this semi annually and last October 141 people joined in the effort. Free BBQ, door prizes and raffles were added attractions and I won a nice Ruger handgun! On March 31st two dozen people I personally know will be there and, I suspect, more will enlist. It is one of many things we can do to forestall any efforts to close this and other areas.

If you have similar litter issues in your area, organizing cleanup parties isn't too difficult. Perhaps, several on this list already participate in such efforts. The Good Gun Foundation can be an excellent resource for information and suggestions about proceedure or contact protocols.

Five of us spent December 26th cleaning up one specific area on Table Mesa. We collected 250lbs of brass/steel cases and 16 big garbage bags full of other trash and litter. We probably cleaned up 1/2 of 1%, but, it looked so much better.

If you have cleanup efforts ongoing in your area, please tell us about them and the methods you are using.

What a damn fine idea Handloader.

We have a similar Clean Up day over here in Australia, masterminded by one of our Americas Cup sailboat desugners.

It isn't restricted to recreational areas....it is for anywhere rubbish can be found. We have schools, Scout Groups, Girl Guides, Surf Lifesaving Clubs (they concentrate on beach cleanup), many types of recreational clubs and pretty well anybody and everybody who want to help. Canoeing, boating and Fishing clubs assist with cleanups in the rivers and creeks, even the military get involved (the Army help with removing old car bodies from the bush etc).

All in all it is a concerted effort on the part of many people to clean up after the grubby people who just don't give a damn.

Good luck with your clean up day.

Cheers, Vince

You know, I'm lucky that there's some places I get to go hunt that are pretty much untravelled by other people, up in the north-central part of the province. Still manage to run into some trash and old camp-sites occassionally. I take my grandson when I camp now, whether hunting or just a camping trip and I try to teach him the same way it was taught to me, leave it just a little better than you found it. If there's garbage we'll get rid of it and if it's one of those spots where you can tell others use it as a campsite as well, I try to leave a little split firewood, or maybe the pieces for a clothesline hanging from a tree. Help the next guy out a bit.

tracker;

Excellent bit of attitude. I try to do the same. Also, I fish on a Corp lake, I know some of the guys there personally. They often give me the very nice 'draw-string' litter bags to keep in my boat. I try to clean up a little more than my share... every time. Happy trails to all you guys.