ENHS Nature Trails February 2003 Article 4

Editor's Note: Outdoor Paintball
by Melody Clarkson

If you haven't heard much about paintball wars, you might peruse the net a little and discover what a market this sport--I say that with hesitation, but that's how it's classified by those who participate--has become. My nature note is first hand knowledge of the weekly war games recently introduced on a five acre parcel adjacent to my attempt at a bird and wildlife sanctuary, my backyard. These paintball, airball in my case--they shoot biodegradeable bb's-- enthusiasts wear camouflage clothing, serious boots, protective head gear and sport shiny, black guns about the size of sawed-off shotguns, and they're loud. These testosterone-crazed youth once ordered by their commander to attack, hunker down and creep around, probably moving in a similar fashion to Reida's salamanders. I only wish I could get Reid'as taxi service over here. Yes, they're probably nice kids, but 16 or 17 seems a bit old to be playing good guys/bad guys. Researching a little on the net, and realizing the extent of these activities, their detailed organization, in some instances including 20 to 30 guys on a team "bonding," a big word on these web sites, using private lands that have in some cases built small villages to add realism--I wonder if they include the women and children?--and using our national forests of course free of charge--they prefer old growth--maybe they can get a whole team behind a Sitka Spruce--and heavily wooded areas. I was impressed with one web site that expressed admonishment to any team that didn't pick up after its evening celebration and bonfire--that was how they were "responsible to the environment." I wonder if anyErythronium will emerge on that sight? Wisconsin is attempting to ban all such activity from public property. Apparently the full impact of the "sport" has not yet hit Oregon. I know this week I'm putting up a sign of a gentler reality, "Make Love Not War."

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