Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - May 1, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, May 1st in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. By some devilry, it will be May and yet not 120 degrees, so come on our and play before the cedar trees start doing their best burning bush impression.

Primary scenario: SNIPER/COUNTER SNIPER

We'll play some of usual games and some infiltrator, but our scenario will be focusing on some small-team house clearing and sniper eradication. You will be using your 3-man team to take out an opposing team of snipers who will be preventing you from reaching your extraction point.

Special requirements: If you have a ghillie suit (and come on now, who doesn't?) this is a good time to whip it out. If not, your burlap sacks, camo netting, or that ill-conceived bigfoot costume you used once for Halloween would all be appropriate.

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing (water, camelback, etc.).

DUES Note!!! Our collections man is advising me that I need to give a reminder about team dues. If you haven't thrown in, please bring out $25 for the season or $40 for the year. We've burned through our war chest getting the field set-up with the new bunkers and need some donations for Phase 2 - outdoor speakers, badminton fields and live entertainment stage). =)

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - April 3, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, April 3rd in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. The weather is supposed to be sunny and mild. Looks like that stinkin' cold is behind us and we can get back to some respectable paintball weather. =)

Primary scenario: INFILTRATOR!!

You know you want it - full 360 degree Infiltrator!

If you've played with us for awhile (a long while), this is the game you have missed. If you haven't - this will blow the Dam Game out of the water.

We'll also be doing an Infiltrator egress scenario - from the fort across the field - avoiding the snipers

Special requirements: This is a great game for grenades. In fact I was just at the new Dicks Sporting Goods in New Braunfels and they carry some pretty mean looking BT Tactical Grenades. So if you are feeling grenade-ish and also like throwing $7 at your paintball friends (I dunno - Tax Refund?), maybe that's the way to go . . .

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - March 20, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, March 20th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. The weather is supposed to be sunny and mild. Looks like that stinkin' cold is behind us and we can get back to some respectable paintball weather. =)

Primary scenario: Sniper/Counter-Sniper!

Ok - boys (and girl) - it's time to break out the ghillie suits. We are transported back to the magical late 70s/early 80s in good ole Northern Ireland for the time of the Troubles. This isn't a short story by Liam O'Flaherty - it's the real deal action (or as close as we can get to it with paintball guns).

And nothing like Northern Ireland. =)

“Well, there is a literal connection.”

Special requirements: Well, ghillie suits obviously. What else? Camo netting, radios, and your paintball sniper rifles (LOL)

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - March 6, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, February 20th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. The weather is supposed to be cool and dry - but don't let that discourage you. =)

Primary scenario: INFILTRATOR!!

You know you want it - full 360 degree Infiltrator!

If you've played with us for awhile (a long while), this is the game you have missed. If you haven't - this will blow the Dam Game out of the water.

We'll also be doing an Infiltrator egress scenario - from the fort across the field - avoiding the snipers

Special requirements: This is a great game for grenades, also - bring your Talkabouts/Sport 7s if you have them

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - February 20, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, February 20th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. The weather is supposed to be cool and dry - but don't let that discourage you. =)

Primary scenario: Hunter

You have successfully bugged out of the city, but due to the chaos, you have lost your primary weapon. However, you do have some gear, including your back-up pistol, a knife, some rope, and water. Tired from your rapid egress, and bordering on hunger, you follow a small heard of deer into a dark valley. You take a shot a deer, but once you get close to enough to harvest the game, you realize you aren't alone . . . .

Special requirements: Paintball pistol, or pump rifle. If you have neither, you will be hand-loading your primary for this scenario.

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - February 6, 2010

Sorry for the late notice on this weekend's game. Our modem went down this week, so we got to reminisce on what life was like back in 1991 . . .

We will be playing this Saturday, February 6th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. The weather looks like it will be great - sunny and cool, but it should still be pretty muddy from the rains.

Primary scenario: INFILTRATOR!!

The fort is built and it's time to test it out.

For the first time at Orion Valley, we're going back to the OG - that's right (not the Olive Garden, Wiski!) - full 360 degree Infiltrator!

If you've played with us for awhile (a long while), this is the game you have missed. If you haven't - this will blow the Dam Game out of the water.

Special requirements: None (but the attacking team will be allow radios, so bring your Talkabouts/Sport 7s if you have them).

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Also bring out some leather gloves and whatever implements of destruction you need to affect changes upon the field.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - January 9, 2010

We will be playing this Saturday, January 9th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. It should be pretty cold, so come prepared to deal with the weather. We will be doing a little bit of work on the fields and then getting into the games.

Primary scenario: Hunter

You have successfully bugged out of the city, but due to the chaos, you have lost your primary weapon. However, you do have some gear, including your back-up pistol, a knife, some rope, and water. Tired from your rapid egress, and bordering on hunger, you follow a small heard of deer into a dark valley. You take a shot a deer, but once you get close to enough to harvest the game, you realize you aren't alone . . . .

Special requirements: Paintball pistol, or pump rifle. If you have neither, you will be hand-loading your primary for this scenario.

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Also bring out some leather gloves and whatever implements of destruction you need to affect changes upon the field.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - December 5, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, December 5th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time. So far it looks like it will be cold, but the rain from the previous evening should be dissipated, so that's a plus. =)

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - November 7, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, November 7th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

I am thinking about heading over to NB for WURSTFEST after we play.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - October 17, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, October 17th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you plan on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Dripping Springs - October 3, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, October 3rd at Dripping Springs. Be there and ready to go by 10am. We'll have our guest briefing at 9:45am.

If you are meeting up at the Dairy Queen - plan on being there by 9:15am. If you are caravaning up from my place - we'll be leaving there at 8:15am.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. We'll play until around 1pm and then I'll be heading over for some BBQ at the Salt Lick - so make sure to plan time for that if you can make it out.

We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play a few open-field games, and then move to some longer scenarios.

Right now it looks like sunny weather with a high in the low 80s, with a chance of rain, so it shouldn't be too hot. Just keep an eye on the weather and we'll go from there.

If you are playing as a guest or plan on bringing a guest along, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - September 12, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, September 12th in the Valley. Since this is the first game of the season, this will be a no guest's game. I'd like to get started earlier, due to the heat, so let's try to be ready to go by 9am.

Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. We'll play until around 12pm and then take a quick dip in the pool, so make sure to bring your bathing trousers, where applicable.

Right now it looks like a high in the low 90s, with a chance of rain, but we'll play rain or shine. Just keep an eye on the weather and we'll go from there.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - May 23, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, May 23rd in the Valley. This is going to be our last game for the season. We are going to do a get-together what-have-you at some point (likely later in June), but this weekend will just be a regular game. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please make sure they are there by 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over.

After we are playing, we'll probably jump in the pool for awhile, so make sure to bring your bathing trousers, where applicable.

Right now it looks like a high of 90, so it'll be pretty mild as far as summer games go. =)

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - May 9, 2009

Sorry for the late notice on this one, but we will be playing this Saturday, May 9th in the Valley. This is going to be our second to last game for the season. Our last game will be on 5/23 and will likely be our end of year party, etc. For this weekend, we'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please make sure they are there by 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over.

No chance of rain this weekend, but it will be effin hot.

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - April 25, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, April 25th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please make sure they are there by 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over. As of right now, it looks like there is a chance of rain this weekend, so make sure to bring kit for that.

We had a great time last session with the "Hunter" scenario and depending on interest and numbers, we may want to roll with that for part of the time as well.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - March 28, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, March 28th in the Valley. We'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am, so make sure you are ready to go at that time.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, please make sure they are there by 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over.

Note: we will be having a "Pistols and Pumps" scenario in the very near future, so let's discuss that - should it be during a regular game session or during a different time, etc.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Sportsman's Warehouse is going out of business

Just a quick head's up that the two Sportsman's Warehouses near us (Round Rock, San Antonio) are going out of business. Right now most of the stuff is marked down 10-30% (paintball stuff is 10%), but it will keep going down at the weeks go by. They are going to stay open until May, or until they sell out all of their goods.

Here's a highlight from the SA store:

Tippmann 98 Custom - $99
Spider eMarker - $99
Spider marker (standard) - $39

If you have been thinking about picking up a new marker or a second marker for back-up, it's a good time to pick one up.

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - February 28, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, February 28th in the Valley. If you would like to be a part of the drills/briefing segment, please plan on being out there by 9am. If not, we'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, just remember that they should be there no earlier than 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - February 14, 2009

We will be playing this Saturday, February 14th in the Valley. Yep, that's right - Valentine's Day. So expect lots of snuggles and special scenarios.

If you would like to be a part of the drills/briefing segment, please plan on being out there by 9am. If not, we'll get started with playing at 10am, with guest briefing at 9:45am.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, just remember that they should be there no earlier than 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. Like last time, we will pack down into the Valley and not come out until the day is over.

Please note, if you need directions they are posted in the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section. There will also be a games discussion for this weekend listed there as well.

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - December 6, 2008

We will be playing this Saturday, December 6th in the Valley.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, just remember that they should be there no earlier than 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them. Bring a ruck and what you need to sustain while playing. The weather looks like it will be perfect. We also have a game scheduled on 12/20, but I know that is getting really close to the Big Day (stockings, Grinches, woo-hoo!), so let's talk this weekend about whether or not we should cancel. I'd also like to do an Orion Camp in January, so please bring your thoughts on dates that would work for that event.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley - November 15, 2008

We will be playing this Saturday, November 15th in the Valley.

Bring plenty of water/gatorade, etc. The weather looks like it is going to be great, but there should be some rain this week, which can make it nice and muddy, so that should be fun.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, just remember that they should be there no earlier than 9:45am. And also please let me know in advance, so that we can have some gear put aside for them.

RSVP via email or Facebook . . .

See everyone there!

Update on Paintball this Weekend

Quick update here. Based on the response I have received from everyone about playing this weekend, we are going to go ahead and cancel the game.

Everyone have a fine Halloween and make sure to use your markers as nature intended - to defend your farms and homesteads from the hordes of semi-undead teenagers assailing your home and hearth with bags of flaming poo.

"Happy Halloween, ladies"
The Kurgan, Highlander

Paintball this weekend - Orion Valley

We will be playing this Saturday, October 18th in the Valley. Thanks to all that came out last weekend and helped get the land into shape. We have a good primary bunker and plenty of barricades to hide behind for at least a few scenarios.

Bring plenty of water/gatorade, etc. The weather has been nice and cool in the mornings, but we'll be going up and down a lot of hills. We'll also be having lunch at the Texas 46 after the game, so we can extend our discussions, etc.

If you had planned on bringing on someone as a guest this weekend, just remember that they should be there no earlier than 9:45am

Please note, this is a new location and directions will be posted to the forums, under the "Orion Raiders Paintball" section.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Enough on politics . . .


Here is a picture of Ranch Style Beans - the official food staple of all Orion Woods Brigade events.

More on everyone's favorite "Husband Pleasin'" bean.

Alas, Forums

The new forums are now online.

Less-crappy look and feel coming soon.

Paintball this weekend - Dripping Springs - Saturday, May 3rd

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, May 3rd at Dripping Springs. We are now officially in the hot times, so we'll get started by 9:00am. If you'd like to caravan up from SA, meet me at my place by 8am.

Bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around. I'll be bringing out the mortar and the rocket launcher, so we'll have a scenario or two based on those.

We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play field a few field games, and then move to some longer field games.

If you are playing as a guest or plan on bringing a guest along, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Sorry for the delay in getting this out.

I got delayed by some old school action.

Aw yeah - http://www.80sdos.com/legacyoftheancients.php

Paintball this weekend - Dripping Springs - Saturday, April 19th

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, April 19th at Dripping Springs. Plan on getting started by 9:30am. If you'd like to caravan up from SA, meet me at my place by 8am.

Bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around. We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play field a few field games, and then move to the damn dam area. The mortar worked out pretty well last time, so we'll likely try that again and maybe use the RL to defend against it. :)

If you are playing as a guest or plan on bringing a guest along, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Paintball this Weekend - Sunday Scenario - April 6, 2008

Looks like the vote is for a Sunday game, so we are going to run a tactical scenario on Sunday afternoon. Try to be there by 2pm and we'll get started at 2:30pm. Meet down by the barns at the Miller Ranch.

Here's the basic run down:

The Raider team is out on a recon operation and after suffering some casualties in a recent firefight, must now take the battle to their opponents. One or more guerrillas are hidden in a known location and must be eradicated prior to completion of the mission.

Everyone on this message will be a part of the Raider team. Since you are on a recon op, you would have the following gear - rucksack, rations, radios (FRS), spare pods, paint grenades, and plenty of water - so make sure you bring these items. Your team will also be carrying a mortar, which can be used in the engagement.

All other details will be given when you arrive at the scenario.

Due to the nature of the game, this will be a 'no guests' game.

Paintball this weekend - Former Miller Ranch - Saturday, March 22th

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, March 22nd at Miller Ranch. We'll take the average and plan on getting started by 9:30am, so make sure you give yourself enough time to be ready to roll by then. Just like last time, pull in and park over by the barns - we'll check out the old area and then mainly play on the backside of the property.

Once we get back from a few field games, we'll move staging back to the back field, so bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around.

I know its a holiday weekend, so we'll have a special Easter-themed scenario to get everyone in the mood for chasing eggs and bunnies on Sunday.

If you are playing as a guest, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Paintball this weekend - Dripping Springs

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, March 8th at Dripping Springs. We'll take the average and plan on getting started by 9:30am. If you'd like to caravan up from SA, meet me at my place by 8am.

Bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around. We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play field a few field games, and then move to the damn dam area. I want to discuss a time when we can get together for a marker work day at my place, so bring your schedule or at least a list of possible dates when you'll be free.

Please let me know if you need me to bring out a schedule. Hopefully by now everyone has a copy of it.

If you are playing as a guest, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Paintball this weekend - Dripping Springs

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, February 16th at Dripping Springs. We'll take the average and plan on getting started by 9:30am. If you'd like to caravan up from SA, meet me at my place by 8am.

Bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around. We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play field a few games, and then move to the back of the property. I want to discuss a time when we can get together for a marker work day at my place, so bring your schedule or at least a list of possible dates when you'll be free.

Right now it looks like the weather will be almost perfect, but please don't let that detract you from coming out. I am going to be handing out the new schedules for Spring 2008 and will be sending them out later in the week via email.

If you are playing as a guest, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Paintball this weekend - Former Miller Ranch

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, February 2nd at the former Miller Ranch.

Plan on getting started around 9am. We'll park in the same area, but we'll be playing in the back 10 acres of the property, which is pretty rough and could be a new experience for some folks. Bring your ruck, extra water, and gear like you'll be moving around. We'll probably stage initially at the cars, play the top of the hill and then move to the back of the property.

Make sure you bring out your schedules. I want to figure out a time when we can have a big marker work day at the house and would like to do that sometime in February. I will also be handing out the new schedules for the Spring - so make sure to clear some space on the ole' refrigerator.

If you are playing as a guest, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Paintball this weekend - Former Miller Ranch

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, January 19th at the former Miller Ranch. Plan on getting started around 9am. Just like last time, we'll start out around the barns (URBAN!) and then we'll move up the hill to the woods. We'll take a break around 10am to discuss the new season and some of the ideas that we've been throwing around lately.

Melissa's birthday is this Saturday, so I'll be ducking out early to get everything ready for that, but we'll keep the games going until the normal time.

Bring all of your usual implements of destruction, as well as a ruck to haul your kit. Per Alan's suggestion, I am also sending out an evite for this, so keep an eye out for that.

If you are playing as a guest, let me know ASAP, and we'll throw some kit together for you.

Miller Ranch Redux

We knew it was coming for awhile, but this past weekend Miller Ranch transfered hands to the new owners. Here is a shot of us taking down the old LJM Ranch sign.


I never thought it would really happen, but we certainly had our share of good times at the place - even hosting a rendezvous out there last spring.

The good news is that the new landowners say we are welcome to play in the back acreage until they decide what they want to do with it.

However, I think we'll still be calling it Miller Ranch.

At least for nostalgia's sake.

Paintball this weekend - Former Miller Ranch

It looks like the lease isn't up on Miller Ranch until the end of the month, so we'll be having paintball there this Saturday, December 8th at 10am.

This is our first game out there under "new management," so I'd like to see how that all works out. We'll play a few games in the lower field and then spend the rest of the time up around the campsite and then maybe make our way to the back side of the ranch.

If you are playing as a guest, please let me know ASAP, so we can put aside some loaner kit. Plan on bringing out your ruck and plenty of water. The weather looks great and it should a good time to get out into the woods.

Let's get outside and enjoy this cool weather.

Update on Paintball this Saturday - Dripping Springs - We're On!

We are on for paintball this Saturday at Dripping Springs!

It seems like a later start time is better for all involved, so we'll plan on getting started out there around 11am. That'll give plenty of time for you slacks to wake-up, dress for combat, and meet us out at the place.

If you are planning on meeting up at Orion Farm, plan on being there around 10am to head up the road. Grab your ruck and some water and we'll be ready to go.

See everyone there!

Paintball this weekend in Dripping Springs - Nov 10

We have a paintball game scheduled for this Saturday, November 10th in Dripping Springs. Because it's cooler weather (woo-hoo), we can get started a little later, so plan on being ready to go around 10am.

For those of you who were at the last game, we got the field set back up and had a great time playing in the tall grass. The dam was partially flooded, so it made for some good shenanigans for the Dam Game. Our own resident rock/country star Chris Kline came out with a double brace of grenades to add some color to that scenario.

If you are playing as a guest, please let me know ASAP, so we can figure out how to get some loaner kit to you. Plan on bringing out your ruck and plenty of water. The weather looks great and it should a good time to get out into the woods.

However, I may not be out this weekend. There is a rendezvous in La Vernia, TX (just down the road), so I may go for the day to compete in the blackpowder shoots.

Just let me know either way and we'll have some fun this weekend.

Paintball this Saturday - October 27th

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, October 27th at Dripping Springs at 9am. The weather dude says it will be low of 51 and high of 75 with sunshine. Holy crap! This will be the best weather we've had since - I dunno - last February??

Since it's so close to Halloween, we are going to have a few horror scenarios we'll be running, so be ready for some ghoulish action. I am also going to bring out the full battle load with mortar, bazooka, and everyone's soon to be best friend and worst enemy - depending on which direction the paint is flying - the heavy MG. That's right folks, a steadi-cam-like set-up can't be too far behind . . . 10 meters . . that's impossible . . . that's inside the room!

Let me know if you are planning on making it or coming out as a guest (gear is very limited).

Remember just because it is cooler, we still need water, so make sure to bring out your water and your rucks. We may also want to run some games with radios this weekend, so if you have one or more bring them out.

This is the best time of year to be out in the woods. Let's take advantage of it before it gets hot again - probably next game. :)

If you are coming up from San Antonio and want to meet up at my place to caravan up - we'll be leaving from the Orion Farm at 7:45am.

Paintball this weekend at Miller Ranch - 10/6/2007

We'll be playing paintball this Saturday, October 6th at Miller Ranch at 9am.

For those who have missed the last few games and/or have been living in a cave, this is likely the last game we'll get to play at the ranch before it moves over to the new owners. We'll be shooting some video and taking a lot of pics, so make sure you wear your hollywood-action-movie gear. :)

Let me know if you are planning on making it or coming out as a guest (gear is very limited). We ran some great scenarios last time and had a blast. If anyone is interested in running the paintball mortar and/or rocket launcher this weekend hit me up offline - I'd like to get these dusted off and get some paint on them.

Depending on how many folks show up, we'll probably run most of the games campaign-style, so bring your ruck and plenty of water. We may also want to run some games with radios this weekend, so if you have one or more bring them out.

Also - since the front of the ranch is under new ownership, make sure you come in on the Mitchell Drive side.

Paintball this weekend at Miller Ranch -
Saturday, September 15th

We're playing paintball this Saturday at Miller Ranch. I think the schedule says Dripping Springs, but since our time is really limited at Miller Ranch, I'd like to play there as much as we can. Last time we played it was really freakin' hot, so we'll plan on gettng started around 9am and try to avoid some of the heat.

Let me know if you are planning on making it or coming out as a guest (gear is very limited). It should be a great game this weekend, we're having a lot of folks in from out of town.

Depending on how many folks show up, we'll probably run most of the games campaign-style. I also want to run some games with radios this weekend, so if you have one or more bring them out.

Paintball this weekend in Dripping Springs -
Saturday, September 1st

We'll be playing our first game of the season this Saturday, September 1st at Dripping Springs. It's gonna be a hot one, so we'll plan on gettng started around 9am.

I know, I know it's Labor Day weekend, but this will be a good chance to get your sweat going before your trip out to the lake. If nothing else, it'll give you some good stories for the parties the rest of the weekend. :)

If any of the San Antonio crew want to caravan up, we'll be meeting at my place at 8am to make the trek out to the land.

Let me know if you are coming as a guest (gear is very limited) or if you need to meet out at the Dairy Queen before we get started. Make sure you bring plenty of water and a pack - we may run some games campaign-style.

Paintball on Independence Day - Miller Ranch - July 4th, 2007

I wanted to put out a call for a game at Miller Ranch on the morning of July 4th - since most of us civilized folks have that day off. I will be camping the night before and anyone is welcome to join who would like to spend the night before in the woods - maybe try out a night game, etc.

Feel free to bring out fireworks if you come out the evening of the 3rd, but I am personally on a 1-year explosives probation due to the "cannon incident" over New Years. :)

We'll get started with our normal games around 9am on the 4th and probably run most of the games campaign style in the woods - so bring your gear and plenty of water. We can jump in the pool afterwards and finish up with enough time so everyone can move onto their respective parades, picnics, and other activities of clean living.

Let me know who can make it out, so we know how to plan the games.

Hope to see everyone there.

Paintball this weekend at Miller Ranch - Saturday, April 28th

Due to popular demand, we are playing paintball this weekend, April 28th at Miller Ranch.

We will get started around 10am and then play until 1pm or we drop from heat exhaustion. We may end up playing this one campaign style, so make sure to bring out a ruck or bag for your extra paint and gear.

If you are a guest and need to borrow gear, please let me know ASAP.

I look forward to seeing everyone out there and shooting each and every one of you in the face.

Paintball this weekend at Miller Ranch - Saturday, April 7th

We are on for paintball this Saturday, April 7th at the Miller Ranch.

We'll get started around 10am and then play around the fields until 1pm or so. We may end up playing this one campaign style, so make sure to bring out a ruck or bag for your extra paint and gear.

If you are a guest and need to borrow gear, please let me know ASAP.

Be prepared for a special "Easter" scenario. Details are need to know only until op time.

Paintball this weekend - Sunday, March 25

It looks like the time that worked best for everyone this weekend is Sunday, March 3rd at 3pm. We'll meet up in Dripping Springs, so we can get started at that time.

It looks like there is a slight possibility of storms (30%), so we'll just play it by ear.

Bring a bag or ruck for some campaign style action. If you are coming out as a guest, let me know so I can get some gear ready for you.

Hope to see everyone there.

A new revelation on speedball . . .

Strictly speaking we are not a speedball team. To me, and I think most of the Raiders would agree, speedball is a game best left to field play and tournament paintball, the latter being the "predominant" version of the sport (officially anyway - I would actually differ on this point). So if we are truly a "woods" team, why do we even bother?

There are several reasons why speedball is a good way to start the day. After all, we did invest a lot of machete time and some money on building a speedball course in the middle of our home field . . .

Paintball markers work differently depending on temperature, air pressure, etc. Cold weather tends to make your marker less effective, and it is rarely the same type of weather from game to game. By playing in a more or less open field, you really get to see how your marker is working – at all ranges. It’s much better to figure this out in the start of the day, then during a really heated woods game.

My favorite reason for the open field speedball games is to get the “first” tag out of the way. I have always felt like I played better after I got tagged at least once. Sometimes the anticipation of the hit is worse than the actual hit, and once that is over – I am much more relaxed and ready to get into the day’s games.

However, we've always dealt with a few issues in our speedball games:

Keeping the teams even: It’s hard to divide up the teams in such a way that makes everyone happy. Too many “good players” on a team makes the other team unhappy, but experienced players tend to want to stick together

Keeping environmental factors to a minimum: No matter how we try to stack it, there is always one team that ends up looking a little more towards the sun, wind, etc.

Keeping it fun and energetic: If the name of the game is to see how your marker is working, what if you get tagged out before you fire a single shot?

Last weekend we tried something that we’ve done before a few times in the past and it really worked out great. In fact, I think this is going to be the new standard for our speedball games moving forward.

We only had 5 players, which makes it hard to divide up the teams for speedball (for woods games, uneven teams seem to work better – but that’s for another rant). Instead of putting 2 players on one team and 3 on the either, we put 2 on each side, with the 5th player on the side of the field. When the first player – on either team – was tagged out, the player on the side of the field ran in on that side. We continued the game this way until players ran out of paint (we played with hoppers-only, no pods).

The other rule we added into the game was having a “center line” for the field that neither team could cross. This also kept folks from rushing the opponent’s side of the field (which we all love to do) and kept us focused on the goals of the game - getting those markers and ourselves warmed up for the rest of the day.

I think this is going to be the new way we play speedball, no more than 3 players on each side and everyone else in a line on the side of the field – waiting to jump in and take the place of their fallen comrade.

It certainly makes for a more active game with less focus on worrying about getting out and more focus on getting that equipment in the zone.