I need your help
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- Опубликовано: 7 окт 2024
- As many of you already know, the Zoning Board of North Hopewell, PA has accused me of “Operating a shooting range” at My Duelist’s Den property.
The ordnance they are applying to me is clearly intended to regulate commercial shooting ranges, or large gun clubs. They do not seem to be intended for an individual land owner, shooting on his own property.
They are doing this to me despite the fact that only I shoot on my property…no guests.
And despite the fact I only shoot there about once a week, during the warm months, and that I almost always shoot in the middle of the week, when people are working, so as not to disturb anyone.
The Acting Zoning Officer told me he didn’t care if I only shot there once a year. He would still close me down.
Since all my neighbors also shoot and hunt, this seems like a targeted action, specifically aimed at me, and I am determined to fight it.
I retained a law firm that specializes in municipal law, and they are preparing my appeal.
Because they are specialists, they are very expensive. My life savings is rapidly depleting, but I do not want to go down without a fight.
Ken Hill has graciously set up a Go Fund Me page to help with my legal bills.
I hate to ask for help, but I can’t do this on my own.
I would be very grateful for any help you can provide .
Thank you.
Go Fund Me link:
gofund.me/a9ad...
Mike upon hearing your story my immediate thought was "Targeted Action".Someone has got it in for you and want to make life difficult.
Yeah mike, you need to find a lawyer, and submit this video to him and his firm. this is clearly a personal attack using the "law" as a shield. The person doing this is the worst kind of a coward, and if confronted will most likely crumble. Either way, this heinous attack should not stand.
the anti gun bozos strike again.
@@bunkstagner298 indeed, this is a constant battle, and if we slack, we get what happens in Britain or Australia.
@@mattparker9726 Why is it I cannot see @Bunk Stagner comment ??? Apparently he is being filtered??
When the smoke clears you'll uncover a anti 2A bed wetting liberal with an agenda that is a transplant and not a local resident.
Why would having a house on the property (paying more property taxes) exempt you from "operating a shooting range"? Hmmm...something doesn't smell right here.
Sounds like either someone wants your range cheap, or a paid move by a rich anti-gunner. I think the weasel that signed your order has personal gain in mind. Thank you for being interesting Mike.
This is an attack on your liberty as an American citizen!! Mike, I’d sue the shit out of your county, state and whoever else is in charge of making these decisions!! You’re one of the most informative, kind, and amazing individuals on this entire platform!!! This is in no way, right at all!!! You’re gonna beat this fork in the road!!! You’re just that damned cool!!
As a fellow PA resident
I support you 100% Mike. I'm tired of politicians thinking that they can do whatever they want. I myself and many others have enjoyed watching your videos for year's and it's an absolute shame that this has happened. I pray that my contribution helps.
Thanks!
The only law that would apply to you is the safety zone law, and if you are more than 150 yards away from an occupied home, no one can say or do anything to you. Not the township, for sure. This is official repression and illegal.
Time for a lawsuit!
That zoning official is nothing but a no-good arrogant communist SOB. Talk to an attorney. When I hear about those communists I just want to grab them by the throat and smack some sense into them. They've got no business living in america as far as I'm concerned.
Mike I got started shooting cap and ball from a friend back in the mid 90s.i lost connection with him so I stopped.when I came across your videos I bought two more revolvers and learnd more about shooting black powder.thank you for the good work u do and good luck with everything.God speed.
I despise the power hungry little weasels in small town government. I made a donation and I wish you the best.
This must be extremely stressful Mike. Hope the lawyers treat you well and it is resolved quickly in your favour. I have contributed $50 from Canada. I have watched your videos every week for 10 years since retiring at 66 and getting into muzzleloading. You have been an inspiration and a wealth of knowledge. Best wishes and thank you.
The zoning officer I just talked to said she has recused herself from this and it’s all the guy who signed your letter, don’t give up!!! I will be sharing your go fund me
thanks!
That’s huge right there.
You seem like a man that doesn't ask for help lightly. Glad you asked on this one. Donation on its way.
Donated, from a gun loving neighbour from the great white north!
Thanks!
They tried that crap with me years ago... I'm a PA Resident... I'm in the Hershey Area...What I found out is that it's a Private Property... You can do with it whatever you please as long as there is no commercial operation... Post it Private Property, No Trespassing, go from there... Take it to Court if you must... I think someone is just trying to be a thorn in your ass....
Sounds like the Acting Zoning Officer needs re-education. This is another example of petty bureaucrats trying to legislate.
Amen Brother!
The zoning "officer" needs his ass beat with a bamboo cane.
Pushed past 50K as of today Mike... Good luck... Thanks for all your Informative and educational videos...
I'm a pa resident to and this does not surprise me at all. for a pro gun state they sure make everything a hassle. attempting to join a range here is a nightmare of hoop jumping. the fact all gun stores have to use the same line to do checks is stupid. being on hold for 8 hours really does it for me. for a big state everything is owned. there's no leaving city limits for a little target shooting here. everything is becoming a bureaucracy of paperwork and shit.
I was under the impression PA was anti gun big time. I'm open to being wrong on that but, Philadelphia especially is very anti gun. PA will not recognize a KY license to conceal carry nor will they issue a license to out of state people. In Kentucky, you don't even need a license to conceal anymore. It's suggested to avoid the state completely unless you're willing to go without your gun.
My dad used to shoot rats with a .22 in the trash dump in Philly when he was a kid (1930s). I had Mennonite friends who got hassled from New York City neighbors in Bucks County back in the 80s for hunting pheasant, while their German Shepherds would chase the Mennonite's sheep.
@@tomcurran8470 My grandfather would target-shoot on his farm in Washington DC in the 1940s. Yes i said DC. One time a turkey got loose from his property and flew down the street near Pennsylvania Ave (where the White House is located). He duly got his rifle and shot it out of the tree, to the cheers of the residents. That’s how much has changed.
@@nicklewis7291 that's wrong. Pa has reciprocity with Ky. Pa has more than 2 mil CCW holders, takes 15 days to get and costs 25 dollars for 5 years. No other costs or requirements, shall issue. Castle doctrine and stand your ground and open carry (except Philly) without permit since 1776.
@@HD-J.R. Roger that, just Philadelphia. Good to know.
I am incredibly angry over this, and I am extremely glad you have the spine to stand up to these tyrannical monsters. I have been spreading the word about the fund and I contributed what I could--I hope to be able to contribute more later. Never apologize for asking help on this, because when one man beats a tyrant the rest of us all win, too.
Thanks Hugh.
@@duelist1954 my pleasure.
I am unable to donate but I am behind you 100% .We need to protect our right to bare arm's against this kind of tyranny.
@@jacksober2113 I appreciate your support. Thanks Jack.
Donated. You do great work Mike. You are a victim of the process being the punishment. They are using your tax dollars to go after you, while you have to use your own money to fight them. Hope you get the help to fight this obvious injustice.
Thanks!
@@duelist1954 theres msgs in your comments i believe an imposter using your name...through telegram??? Ive see same formatted responses...on other channels the just change the user name to march yours. To make it sound like its you replying...
@@duelist1954 Mate this is outragous even here in Australia you can shoot on your own property ! can you tell us this persons name and what council he belongs to ?
Thanks for taking a stand Mike! This brings to mind the security cam footage of the bureaucrat dancing in glee as she shut down a business during covid.
If it can happen to you in PA. It can happen to me in Ohio it's just a matter of time. That kinda stuff has a habit of moving if it's successful. It shouldn't be your problem alone, so don't worry about asking for help. We should help because it could happen to any of us. Thanks for your content. I have always learned a lot from your channel.
Thanks!
That’s why I moved to the state in between Ohio and PA- WV. They don’t care what or how much you shoot on your own property.
Not unless the Ohio state legislature drastically change the laws.
Donated from myself and the husband. Fight the good fight, Mike. Prayers and best wishes from Michigan. (Edit: Over double the goal! Amazing! Your friends here have your back.)
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Donated. Your lawyers should be able to sort this out.
Thanks John!
Hang in there Mike. We’re behind you. Donation sent.
Donation sent! Time to take a collective stand and support Mike's good work! "If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools" -Plato
Yup!
The Pennsylvania legal definition of a shooting range does not fit the township action.
I donated! I hope you beat these anti-gun bureaucrats! I know what it feels like to lose my personal shooting range, and I wish you good luck Mike.
I’ll be calling the township I hope everyone else does as well
The outpouring reflected in the gofundme is beyond encouraging! God Bless America!
Personally, I’m amazed.
The best of luck to you Mike! justice must be done. Donated already, best Regards from Argentina. We've leanred so much from your videos and enjoyed them as well, the least we can do is give you some help now when is needed.
Thanks!
Just donated I hope everything works out I can't stand petty shit like this
You have a local admirer. Thanks for all you do, Mike! Funds sent.
Thanks!
@@duelist1954 More coming as I can afford it.(retired)
Mike, Thanks for everything you do for our sport. This government overreach is out of control! I will support you with what I can, and get the word out. I would reach out to local news in regards to this if possible.
Thanks!
Fight the good fight. Good luck Mike. I hope you are able to come out on top and they never bother you again.
Thanks!
Have your attorneys make a detailed public records request to find out who complained. When you sue the municipality be sure to name the acting officials personally as well. Drag everyone involved into this to be made accountable.
♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏 praying for you brother. This is so unfair. God bless you!
You've helped me for years with all the education and entertainment. You're actually why i'm a black powder shooter. I'm more than happy to try and help you keep duelist's den open.
Sounds like they trespassed on your property as well.
Mike I seen this on Thursday and seen you were at just over 50% of the way to your goal. By the time I got to work that after noon you had smashed through the goal. I think I made my donation Thursday as it was yet to hit $20K. It warms my heart to see the out pouring of support you received in such a short time.
I am absolutely amazed! I never expected that to happen. Thank you for your support.
@@duelist1954 Now go give 'em hell.
Harassment, never thought stupidity would prevail at every level of our govt.
All politics is local friend.... These certain criminals who occupy many of our local public servant positions across America have a clear and significant part in the agenda of ultra left wing communists hive.
@@ctbob7635 Yes very correct my friend!
Take them to court. You are in my prayers.
Can you sue for legal fees if you win your case
Yes, and a smart lawyer will make sure they are included in the lawsuit.
Donated. As a veteran of the US Army, it's American patriots like you that make me proud I served this great Republic. And thats not a feeling I get often these days. We are with you, Mike.
Thank you!
@@duelist1954 Thank you, sir.
All I can say is Mike had gotten this man back into 1851 shooting after a 30 year lapse.
Thank you Mike
Glad to be of service!
Done and done Mike. Good luck bringing the good fight to them. Nothing gets under my skin worse than petty local tyrants. Godspeed my friend! 🙏 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you!
When you win this fight... don't stop there. Make it your mission (fundraise more) to have that zoning board members removed from office.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant. I will absolutely contribute, but also spread this far and wide.
I remember you spending quite some time with me working on a solution for me to even hear your videos (back before all the camera gear was stereo). It's only right I return the favor.
Mike I have watched many of your videos over the years for general interests and for help with a Colt Navy and a Schofield in 44 w.c.f the one true caliber. I am happy to help and see that so many others are as well to help with your pursuit of justice.
Thanks!
This is either targeted because someone doesn't like you or somebody has an eye on that property...
Stay strong and vigilant Mike
the nine most terrifying words are, "i am from the government and here to help" this sort of garbage is our fault! we allow these worthless crumbs to do this to us! we have got so comfortable with gov. taking control of our lives and allowing them to do it, we the people" have forgotten that THEY WORK FOR US! "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." the lawyers always win!
I had a science teacher my senior year warned me of those words
Funny. I bet you dgaf when they take rights away from women, or gays, or trans, or ban books.....
Sad story Mike. I have my own private range 1/2 mile from a town boundary and I worry about this possibility.
I have enjoyed your articles from way back in early 2000s from Guns of The Old west. Was happy to find your channel. And I am happy to help you out so that you can continue to bring the great content to everyone.
Thank you!
Glad to help Mike. Also shared a few places. So happy to see the shooting community come together and help support one of our own.
Thank you.
We absolutely love what you do and we are here to help support you and your fight against the wrong.
Thanks!
You are crushing it Mike, glad to see the gofundme is doing well. Keep up the good work.
Good luck to you Mike fighting the dictating tyrants of today. I wish you all the best.
Contribution sent and thank you for the great videos over the years.
Who do I call 1:00 min and I already am searching for the township city hall number
Done!
G’day Mike,
I’m from Down Under and unfortunately this disease is here too! Stick it to em and don’t hesitate for a second to ask for more help!
Thanks Doug!
I only subscribed recently when I became interested in an 1851 Navy and was looking for information. I've shot several powder charges at civil war reenactments but so far have never put lead behind it. That's about to change if I can find some dang percussion caps for my new to me pistol. I sent a little money your way. I hate to see anyone in government use their power to push a good guy around. I hope the black powder guys help you to shoot it out with them in court and stops them dead in their tracks.
Donated. Mike, thanks for all you do for us, your viewers. It is great to see you giving regular live fire demonstrations of historic firearms.
Thank you.
My donation is from my wife and I (Gus and Louise) keep us all posted. Good luck on your quest!
PS thank you for including a link because occasionally you have a scammer in the comments.
Thanks!
Just donated.Thanks for all the great content.I left New England years ago and moved west for the lack of places to shoot.
Thank you!
As a fellow PA man and shootist I am disgusted this is happening to you and equally worried for the state of the second amendment in this country it seems an awful lot like an elected public official has decided to abuse their authority to target you on what essentially the grounds of a personal level the right thing to do would be to contest this legally the problem is they make it very expensive to push against them. There has got to be a legal loophole that will send this corrupt official packing they should he brought to bear in court for the stress this has caused. Pennsylvania law also has it's own provisions and protections for our right to exercise our second amendment "it shall not be questioned" commonwealth or otherwise.
The zoning guy is UNELECTED, I guess. If they were elected, like our sheriffs here in NC, they WOULD be beholden to the people.
Yep government big and small are coming after us everyway they can. Don't feel bad asking for help from the community. We need to have each others backs now more then ever and you've provided your viewers with plenty of knowledge, info and entertainment so we now have the opportunity to give in return. Good luck and Godspeed.
This is a very unfortunate position to be in, and as you stated "someone has complained" we had the same thing happen in a small bush range where people sighted in hunting rifles. The list of requirements for an approved range were onerous, and even included a handicapped parking space. I will contribute what I can.
Thanks!
We'll be helping spread the word.
Mike, sorry to hear about all the rigmarole you're having to go through.
The thing that gets me is that it is YOUR PRIVATE PROPERTY you should be able to do whatever you want with that without the government, no matter how large or small encroaching on your rights.
The way it sounds to me is that somebody either doesn't like you shooting out there on your property or somebody's got a bone to pick with you on the zoning board on the township council.
That's what it sounds like to me as well.
The southwest corner of the township has been flooded with urban expatriates. Most don't know what it's like to live in the country.
Glad to see u have 3x your goal!!!!
Hi Mike! Love your videos. Built a flintlock kit from Track of the Wolf using your videos as a tutorial. Came out beautifully. Keep up the good work! Thanks for everything. Donation sent.
Thanks!
I'm so proud of the outpouring of support you received. Let's you know how many people you've made happy sharing your knowledge
Last I looked, the Gofundme donations were doing very well. 3X what the original goal was.
Good luck Mike! I was happy to donate to your cause! As a member of a local planning board, I wonder if you can put up a deer stand on your property or attach a portable climbing stand to a tree on your property and declare you bought the property for hunting purposes (which I assume from your video is legal. Any shooting you do is simply practice for the upcoming hunting season.
As another fellow Pennsylvanian, I will help you out with what I can. This state is out of control and these elitists on power trips need to be brought down a few notches. This is just another instance of infringement, harassment and not minding your own business, also, they are wrong about the having to have a house or camper on that property to do what you're doing. Fighting this is the absolute right thing to do and I'll do what I can to help because I've enjoyed your content very much over the years and I want it to continue. This is nothing more than a power trip. Good luck to you, Mike, and keep fighting!! We got your back. 💪
Made a donation to help you. About 15 years ago our local zoning office came after me. The woman in the zoning office was very disrespectful of myself and the citizens of our county. Her exact phrase was that she was “Going to clean up her county” Luckily for me our township president was on the zoning board and I was able to talk to him to get her off my back.
Thank you!
So sorry to hear what you are going through. That is terrible. I’m not sure what I would do if someone told me I couldn’t shoot on my own property.
9:51 I would countersue. If the township thinks it can get money from people like this, this cowardice on their part will continue. And it seems like this is about money indeed.
We are looking at that. One step at a time though.
The NRA, the NAGR, the PAFOA and others need to support this man in any way they can.
Donation sent. Mike, please keep us in the loop. We're all in this fight together.
Mr Mike- did you ever think you would receive this level of support? I'm SO happy for you and just shows how many people you've touched. Now go stick it to them!
2022 Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - GAME
Chapter 25 - Protection of Property and Persons
2507 - Restrictions on shooting.
«Target shooting shall only be lawful when it is
done:
(i) Upon property owned by the shooter or by a guest
of the property owner.»
So you're shooting legally. It is explicitly allowed.
I just donated what I could, Mike. We’re all behind you in this. Go get ‘um!
Thank you!
I used to work for John Martz, Luger Carbine maker when he was extant; he is now deceased. He had a shooting range on his property in Lincoln, California and we test fired his Lugers for years however, when more neighbors began moving in and building homes he began to have problems. Mike when you mentioned neighbors that's where the problem has begun. Neighbors are too close to you.
I'm disabled and get paid disability but , I will go to your go fund me page and help.
Watching your videos got me interested in black powder. I learned so much about black powder shooting from watching your videos that I finally tried it and have never looked back. Such a fun sport. I am happy to donate to help you in your time of need. Hope you prevail in court.
Good luck Mike. Thanks for the videos which got me back into muzzleloaders. A small donation from the other side of the Pond.
Thanks!
Rise of the bullies! It’s happening here in theUK. I certainly will not be bullied to do or accept something that I know to be wrong and will speak out against it. Lots around say just keep your head down. I counter with the phrase “bad things happen when good men say/do nothing!”
A bit of advise, should you have any more one on one chats with the local official pls record the conversations. You can be assured he will deny saying anything to you, esp his threat’s to rid you of the area and “shut” you down..
I built a range on my property about 5 years ago and with all the new construction around me I'm worried something similar may happen. Keep up the good fight!
Sorry to hear about your struggles on this issue. Thanks for the videos.
Unelected "Public officials" know that the best way to punish a citizen is to run them through "the process." It can cost a person huge amounts of time and money that they often don't have. On the flip side, if a citizen is able to successfully sue the government agency that is attacking them, the individuals in that agency won't lose a dime of their own money, it's the taxpayers that will foot the bill. And in the middle of the battle sits the attorneys, grinning form ear to ear while they get rich. What a racket!
Stand on your principles, Mike.
Mike, you have done so much for the Blackpowder community we can’t thank you enough. I wouldn’t know half of the information I know now about 18th and 19th century firearms if it wasn’t for you. I pray these donations you receive will be exactly what you need to be successful. God bless you Mike.
That truly sucks! There are a lot of other words that I could use to describe what’s happening, but this channel being family oriented I’ll refrain from doing so. I’m 61 and just bought some land so that I can do what you’re doing, minus the videos and with more shooting including some at night. I’m building on my land, but the people around me are all fine with me shooting, even at night as long as I’m using night vision gear and not being dangerous. Anyway, I contributed and passed your video off to a friend that has a daily podcast.
My God this is insane. Our local councils in my country would never be allowed to do this in any situation. But I wish you all the best. I hate bullying. God bless you!
donated. Give 'em hell Mike. Never surrender to the tyrants
As a life long Californian I can sympathize with your situation, fight the good fight stay healthy and try not to let it get to you to much. God bless you while you stand for justice!
I'm donating. I would like to see the NMLRA have a fund or a division for this. Their motto is to promote the blackpowder shooting sports. Time for them to pony up for someone who has done that in spades. When you win I hope to see several videos on the Gatling gun. ;)
Thank you!
Maybe, GOA, USCCA?? Hard to believe they can tell you you cant, on your property?
@@duelist1954 you're welcome Sir. That didn't take long to surpass your goal. It's a testament to you and what you do for the Blackpowder/Muzzleloading community. Hopefully they see this and realize it's going to cost the township a lot of money because you have a lot of supporters.
You are a authority in my mind when it comes to presenting our American history in its practical grit and honest hard fought goodness. Sadly, some folks do not like being reminded of this comfort.
I've been watching your videos and enjoying what you do for years. I'm glad you have the spirit to fight what they trying to do.
Good morning, I've enjoyed your videos on and off for years. I just started watching again. I'm glad I did. I'm happy to help out. Hope everything goes as it should, and you can get back to normal asap. Looks like the GFM is going very well. That's excellent to see!!
I’m on social security and don’t have much money, i wish i could have given more. Praying that you win this quickly and favorably.
I appreciate it.
I feel your pain, we recently had to shut down our home range after almost 40 years of shooting here due to the encroachment of what they call civilization but I call it a blight on the planet.
They're always trying to find a way to squeeze the life out of shooters and firearms in general.
I wish you the best of luck in your battle.
I would hope that you win this appeal, however, my bigger wish is that the judge awards you "costs" for your defense against this obvious malicious charge. Hopefully this will all fall back in the lap of the "official" , and perhaps get them fired.
LOL. Oh you're serious.
If more of these bureaucratic tyrants would Lose their jobs it's because of asinine stunts of this nature the world would eventually become a better place to live in!!!! 🤠👍
Donation sent....glad to help you Mike..fight like hell.
Thank you!