Drizzt
June 2, 2003, 11:09 PM
The Press (Christchurch, New Zealand)
June 3, 2003, Tuesday
SECTION: NEWS Pg. 2
LENGTH: 444 words
HEADLINE: Lives put at risk while ranges shut
BODY:
SETH ROBSON
Big game hunters test-firing high- powered rifles in the Waimakariri River bed are putting lives at risk, say deerstalkers.
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association North Canterbury branch member Dave Hodder told the club's annual general meeting recently that more than $ 600,000 was needed to upgrade five shooting ranges at McLeans Island.
The ranges, built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games, were closed last April after private farm land behind them changed hands. The new owner withdrew permission for his land to be used as a safety zone for stray bullets from the ranges.
At the same time the Christchurch City Council created a savannah grasslands park on another parcel of land behind the ranges creating further safety concerns, Mr Hodder said.
Since then hunters had been test firing rifles in the Waimakariri River bed, a popular recreation area, he said.
One hunter approached by The Press admitted to almost shooting a couple near the river while he was firing at a target nailed to a tree 200m away.
"A couple of seconds after I fired they walked straight between me and the target without a care in the world," the hunter said.
North Canterbury branch president John McCormick said bullets from high-powered rifles used to kill deer, thar, chamois, goats, pigs, and wapiti could travel 3km.
"It is just not very safe with the number of users the river gets."
Canterbury Shooting Federation secretary Bill Wright said volunteers had worked on some of the McLeans Island ranges over the past year .
However, large earthworks and bullet stops must be built to meet police safety requirements.
"There is now limited shooting for the outdoor smallbore under somewhat less than ideal conditions. Safety enhancements made to the Handloaders 100m range has allowed this to become operational but in a restricted format."
The shooting clubs want financial assistance from the council to bring the other facilities up to standard, Mr Wright said.
If the ranges are not upgraded events such as the South Island Masters Games, due to be held in Christchurch in October, might be forced to drop their shooting competitions.
"The ranges have been operated and maintained by the clubs for nearly 30 years without any cost to the city. During this time we have hosted many council-sponsored events that have helped promote and fund Christchurch and the surrounding region," Mr Wright said.
June 3, 2003, Tuesday
SECTION: NEWS Pg. 2
LENGTH: 444 words
HEADLINE: Lives put at risk while ranges shut
BODY:
SETH ROBSON
Big game hunters test-firing high- powered rifles in the Waimakariri River bed are putting lives at risk, say deerstalkers.
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association North Canterbury branch member Dave Hodder told the club's annual general meeting recently that more than $ 600,000 was needed to upgrade five shooting ranges at McLeans Island.
The ranges, built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games, were closed last April after private farm land behind them changed hands. The new owner withdrew permission for his land to be used as a safety zone for stray bullets from the ranges.
At the same time the Christchurch City Council created a savannah grasslands park on another parcel of land behind the ranges creating further safety concerns, Mr Hodder said.
Since then hunters had been test firing rifles in the Waimakariri River bed, a popular recreation area, he said.
One hunter approached by The Press admitted to almost shooting a couple near the river while he was firing at a target nailed to a tree 200m away.
"A couple of seconds after I fired they walked straight between me and the target without a care in the world," the hunter said.
North Canterbury branch president John McCormick said bullets from high-powered rifles used to kill deer, thar, chamois, goats, pigs, and wapiti could travel 3km.
"It is just not very safe with the number of users the river gets."
Canterbury Shooting Federation secretary Bill Wright said volunteers had worked on some of the McLeans Island ranges over the past year .
However, large earthworks and bullet stops must be built to meet police safety requirements.
"There is now limited shooting for the outdoor smallbore under somewhat less than ideal conditions. Safety enhancements made to the Handloaders 100m range has allowed this to become operational but in a restricted format."
The shooting clubs want financial assistance from the council to bring the other facilities up to standard, Mr Wright said.
If the ranges are not upgraded events such as the South Island Masters Games, due to be held in Christchurch in October, might be forced to drop their shooting competitions.
"The ranges have been operated and maintained by the clubs for nearly 30 years without any cost to the city. During this time we have hosted many council-sponsored events that have helped promote and fund Christchurch and the surrounding region," Mr Wright said.