Operation: Pheasant Run

We all know the saying about March, It comes in like a lion, Goes out like a llama, Or something like that...

Sometimes you get it all in one day. The morning started out with well below freezing temperatures and dangerous ice covered roads. With a wonderful Snow Dog last month, and a busy April prepping for Field Day, It's understandable to let March go by the wayside. Not so for a small, dedicated group of patriots who came out to Camp Stasa. Those who came out witnessed the beauty of Michigan winter.

  This month, we had two new folks who wanted to see how the SMVM does things and hope to go home to western Michigan to start another unit modeled after us.  With the number of active militia units that have sprung up in the last year, and the growth of the already-established ones, this can only mean good things for our state.  Armed, law-abiding citizens willing to defend their homes, neighbors, and communities are the best way to keep this nation healthy.  An armed populace is the best deterrent to crime, tyranny, invasion, and terrorism.  But we all know this, Right? That's why you're here reading this.

  We also took the slower pace today to sight in some new weapons. The always aesthetically pleasing Thumper has come up with another rifle that looks as good as it shoots when he added a Tapco synthetic stock to his Yugo SKS.  I tried out my first shotgun. A Mossberg 500 Persuader. Our new friends from Western Michigan learned the lesson we’ve gone through before.  While the AK-47 is the most reliable rifle ever designed, it’s not horribly accurate. Add to that an aftermarket quick release scope mount that’s all TOO quick to release, then you have a recipe for frustration. Luckily, its owner is no stranger to guns and was unphased. I’m sure we’ll see a determined man come out next time and nail that target.

We then embarked on some silliness as someone “Function Tested” a smoke signal and others, a little unsatisfied by their MRE’s pondered picking off the five plump pheasants that hung out in the field oblivious to the gunfire on our range.

Next up, April 5^th where we trade our rifles for rakes, shovels and hammers to get our grounds ready for Militia Field Day 2008 on April 12^th. Plan to be there!

-Mad Hatter

p.s.  The Energizer gods smiled on me today when Snipes camera batteries failed as he attempted to document the fact that I got my Durango stuck at camp… Twice… In the same spot.