NEWS

 

 

Check here often for news pertaining to the BTA – Black Thorn Airsoft club!

 

Monday
Aug272012

UPDATE!!!

BEING PREPARED…

Ready or not, the hot summer will soon give way to cold wet fall weather then the cold Utah winter.

It’s time to start prepping your cold, wet, snow and foul weather kit!


Don’t let the elements and foul weather stop you from airsofting. Here are some tips to enjoy airsoft all year long…

http://blackthornairsoft.squarespace.com/seasonal-ops/

Scroll down to the Fall and Winter sections to start preparing now!

Meanwhile enjoy the last of the heat while you can!

Monday
Aug272012

ATTENTION!

BTA September Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • If you do not know the AO location, plan on being at the meet-up-point on time!
  • RSVP on Facebook “Going” to attend. “Not Going” helps, “Maybe” is useless and = “Not Going”!

 

BTA September Ops Schedule

09/01/2012 Op. “HEAT INDEX” @ “The Badlands” (Re-Scheduled)
 

&

 

09/01/2012 Op. “NOCTURNAL THREAT” @ Eagle Mountain (Night-Op!)

 

09/08/2012 Op. “TALL-GRASS TOO!” @ “Shadow Valley/The Highlands” (Re-Scheduled)

 

09/15/2012 Op. “HARDBALL” @ Silver City

 

09/22/2012 Op. “EM-XVII” @ Eagle Mountain-upper

 

09/29/2012 Op “SNIPE-O-RAMA” @ “The Pines”

 

Saturday
Aug112012

ATTENTION!!!

BTA RULE CHANGES!

 

There have been various revisions to the BTA Rules.

 

Make sure you take the time to read and understand the new BTA Rules before attending our next op!

 

New additions and changes will appear temporarily in red, until they become common knowledge.

 

Pay particular attention to page 1 entitled ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS.

 

Review the remainder of the document for a refresher and other changes.

 

These new rules are as a result of various recurring problems at BTA events.

 

Not knowing the rules is no excuse!

 

As always there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

Thursday
Aug022012

ATTENTION!!!


The official BTA web site registration is back up and running!

Those of you who have applied in the past few months will receive acceptance soon.

Any new registrations may take longer than a few days to process as there is a back log!

ADDITIONALLY…

From now on any incomplete registrations, and profile pictures that do not clearly show your face will simply be rejected! No more explanation e-mails!


Thursday
Aug022012

ATTENTION!

BTA August Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • If you do not know the AO location, plan on being at the meet-up-point on time!
  • On Facebook, choose “Going” or “Not Going”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

BTA August Ops Schedule
08/04/2012 Op. “HILL-2” @ Hill Air Force Base (**Closed BTA-Team Event @ Classified AO**)
&

08/04/2012 Op. “NIGHT-MOVES” @ “Cyanide Canyon” (Night-Op!)
http://www.facebook.com/events/457943117561181/

 

08/11/2012 Op. “RIVER-SIDE” @ Hobble Creek (Re-Scheduled)

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/323806361047240/


08/18/2012 Op. “LIMITED VISIBILITY” @ “Rattler Canyon”
http://www.facebook.com/events/457943117561181/#!/events/369893343083449/


08/25/2012 Op. “DRY-RUN” @ “The Pines”

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/501602493188052/

Tuesday
Jul172012

ATTENTION!!!

Lately there have been quite a bit of pictures and video being taken at BTA ops. Although players are requesting to see them, none have been posted!?

As it states on the BTA web site…

“BTA encourages anyone to take pictures and/or video at our events. All we ask for in return is you share the shots you take here on the BTA web-site.”

We would hate to have to restrict photos/video to only trusted team members!

 


BTA has always had policy regarding photographs and video at our events…

 

“For safety reasons “photographers/videographers” must still wear the BTA required eye-protection and need to at least wear a “blaze-orange” hunting vest. A hat, gloves, and/or a bandana to wave of the same color are also encouraged. Even though it is not permitted to intentionally shoot at “photographers/videographers” you must understand in the heat of “battle” it can and will happen from time to time.

 

All photos herein are the properties of BTA – Black Thorn Airsoft and/or the photographers who took them.

 

These photos are intended for the enjoyment of our private audience. Any commercial or news media usage of these pictures without written consent from BTA – Black Thorn Airsoft and the photographers who took them will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

Anyone taking pictures/video must upload what they shoot into a picasa.com album and e-mail the link to this web site. They are also welcome to post the link on the BTA Facebook wall. BTA uses picasa.com albums because it is free and allows the viewer to download files all at once instead of individually.”

 

See section 13 of the BTA policy here…

http://blackthornairsoft.squarespace.com/policy/ 

 

http://blackthornairsoft.squarespace.com/photographs/

http://blackthornairsoft.squarespace.com/video/

Monday
Jul022012

ATTENTION!

BTA July Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • If you do not know the AO location, plan on being at the meet-up-point on time!
  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

BTA July Ops Schedule
07-07-2012 Op. “NOCTURNAL REFUGE” @ “Cyanide Canyon” (Night-Op!)


07/14/2012 Op. “
SURVIVOR” @ Eagle Mountain-Upper


07/21/2012 Op. “MARCO POLO” @ Eagle Mountain-Lower (Night-Op!)

 

07-22-2012 **Closed BTA-Team Event @ Classified AO**


07-28-2012 Op. “MOUNTAIN-SIDE” @
“The Fields”

Monday
Jul022012

ATTENTION!!!

ATTENTION!!!

To everyone trying to register on the BTA web site… Your information is being received; we are currently upgrading things and are not able to process members at this time. We will post again soon when registration is back up, those who have registered simply watch for your e-mail acceptance coming soon!

 


For now feel free to join our Facebook page…

http://www.facebook.com/groups/304702434839/

Tuesday
Jun052012

ATTENTION!!!

It is that time of year, when BTA rolls back our operation start times in order to beat the heat!

 

Starting earlier means maximizing the cooler morning hours for game-time.

 

This means the meet-up-times have been bumped back as well.

 

So get your Zs and be there bright and early ready to do battle!

Wednesday
May302012

ATTENTION!

BTA June Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

* 

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • If you do not know the AO location, plan on being at the meet-up-point on time!
  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

 

BTA June Ops Schedule
06/02/2012 Op. “ENDLESS SUMMER” @ “The Highlands/Shadow Valley”
06/09/2012 Op. “BADLANDS V” @ “The Badlands” 

06/09/2012 Op. “BADLANDS V” @ “The Badlands”

&

06/09/2012 Op. “BAD MOON RISING” @ Eagle Mountain-Upper (Night-Op!)


06/16/2012 Op. “HIGH ALTITUDE II” @ “The Fields”


06/23/2012 **Closed BTA-Team Event @ Classified AO**

06/30/2012 Op. “REVENGE” @ Silver City

Monday
Apr302012

ATTENTION!

BTA May Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • If you do not know the AO location, plan on being at the meet-up-point on time!
  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

 

BTA May Ops Schedule
05/05/2012 Op. “SHOOTING STAR III” @ Silver City

05/12/2012 Op. “HIGH ALTITUDE” @ “The Fields”

05/19/2012 Op. “DIABLO” @ “Cyanide Canyon”

05/26/2012 Op. “SPLINTER CELL 2” @ “The Tunnel” - Night-Op!!!

Monday
Apr092012

ATTENTION!!!

Unfortunately, due to ownership changes, BTA no longer has permission to use the AO known as “The Mine”.

BTA now considers that location “OFF-LIMITS”, under no circumstances is anyone to use the site in the name of BTA.

Tuesday
Apr032012

ATTENTION!

BTA April Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this monthly scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.

  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.

  • Only ask for directions during the week before that event.

  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

BTA April Ops Schedule
04/07/2012 Op. “SAND SPIDER II” @ “The Outpost”

04/14/2012 **Closed BTA-Team Event @ Classified AO**

04/21/2012 Op. “
TRIPLE THREAT-2” @ Eagle Mountain-Upper

04/28/2012 Op. “NIGHT RAIDERS III” @ “Cyanide Canyon”   Night-game!!!

Monday
Mar262012

GET READY!

SPRING & NIGHT OPS

 

Spring is upon us, and the days are warm… when it is not windy and raining!

Very soon, the nights will be getting warmer.

And…

BTA will begin hosting Night Ops!

Below is a copy of the BTA/AIRSOFT 101 SEASONAL OPS page concerning SPRING/FOUL WEATHER and NIGHT OPS, read up on these ops and check the SAFETY RULES and ROE for more details.

 

Spring/Rain Ops

 

The days are getting warmer; the snow is turning to rain. Spring has sprung!

 

Here at BTA “We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow, or shine”

 

BTA Spring Ops are here.

  

It is time to get your rain ops kit in order.

 

Whether you are a seasoned wet weather fighter or a new player looking forward to playing regardless of the rain, here are some things to consider in the wet spring months…

 

 

  • Hydration: Always stay hydrated, rigorous activity robs your body of essentials needed to perform.
  •  
  • Layered clothing: Be able to adjust for the varying temperatures. A waterproof outer layer is a must in the spring rains.
  •  
  • Waterproof Boots: There will be wet and muddy conditions until the  summer heat takes over.
  •  
  • Maintenance: Learn how to dry and clean your guns immediately upon getting home.
  •  
  • Spare dry clothing: Leave the games warm and dry!

 

Night Ops 

 

Spring is upon us, and the nights are getting warmer.

 

Very soon, BTA will begin hosting Night Ops!

It is time to get your night ops kit in order.

 

Whether you are a seasoned nocturnal fighter or a new player looking forward to games in the dark, here is a list of what you will need…

 

  • A low power AEG (300fps or lower/310fps max with 0.20g BBs). With a tracer unit or mounted flashlight that you can turn on when firing.

And/Or

 

  • A semi-auto, 300fps or under (310fps max with 0.20g BBs): shotgun, GBB (Gas Blow Back) pistol, AEP (Auto Electric Pistol). Tracer/Flashlight not required in semi-auto.

NO Co2 PISTOLS!

 

NO SHOOTING OVER 300fps (310 max)!

 

NO FULL-AUTO AT ALL WITHOUT A TRACER/FLASHLIGHT!

(All AEGs must have a TRACER/FLASHLIGHT)

  • A RED chem-light or LED glow-stick for your “dead-light” (ONLY RED, OTHER COLORS WILL HAVE OTHER PURPOSES AT BTA NIGHT OPS.)
  •  
  • A flashlight.

 

 

Other highly recommended items are…

 

  • A training knife.
  • A headlamp.
  • A zombie mask! (Must be worn with eye-protection)

 

All other normal rules will apply. Games to be held on Friday or Saturday nights. Games commence at night-fall, approximately 9:00 p.m. usually we begin early to hold some higher fps daylight games beforehand.

 

Come out and join us while the “fair-weather-softers” are still staying safe at home!

Monday
Feb272012

ATTENTION!

BTA March Op Schedule!


We ask that all players check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this new scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.

  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.

  • Only ask for directions during the week before that event.

  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

BTA March Ops Schedule
03/03/2012 Op. “LEAP YEAR-2012” @ “Cyanide Canyon”

03/10/2012 Op. “EM-XVI” @ Eagle Mountain - upper

03/17/2012 Op. “IDES OF MARCH” @ “The Mine”

03/24/2012 Op. “BL-IV” @ The Badlands

03/31/2012 Op. “APRIL FOOLS” @ “The Outpost”

Monday
Jan302012

ATTENTION!!!

REQUIRED PROTECTION

 

Due to too many preventable injuries in the past few months, BTA has revised our personal protection rules.

 

Effective March 3, 2012 the following change will be made to the BTA Safety Rules…

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

It is irrelevant what you have worn at other group’s events or at BTA events in the past. The following are the BTA PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) rules, and they will be strictly enforced! NO EXCEPTIONS!

    1) All players must wear OSHA/ANSI Z87.1 rated FULL COVERAGE eye protection at all times!

 

    2) However, player may opt to wear steel mesh eye protection. Any player who wears steel mesh eye protection does so completely at their own risk! Only high quality mesh eye protection is acceptable (See #6 below). BTA recommends STAMPED STEEL mesh.

 

    3) Prescription glasses are NOT acceptable as safety eyewear unless they are ANSI Z87.1 standard. All prescription glasses must be brought to BTA command for verification of OSHA/ANSI Z87.1 rating, and must have side-shields or be a wrap-around design.

 

    4) All players under 18 years old MUST wear a full face mask or lower face mask/proper eye protection combination. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

    5) ALL HOMEMADE PROTECTION MUST BE BROUGHT TO BTA COMMAND FOR APPROVAL!

 

    6) BTA command reserves the right to inspect any players PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at our events. If BTA command declares any eye protection, cheap quality mesh, or homemade protection unacceptable it may not be used at BTA events. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

Additionally BTA strongly recommends the following readily available protective items that will help players to prevent injuries…

  • Lower face protection; face-hits can be very painful and leave scars, BBs can easily knock out teeth causing costly dental bills.
  • Boots (These should be common sense, and may become mandatory if we see too many more twisted ankles, nails through feet, or players suffering in wet muddy conditions!)
  • Gloves
  • Knee & Elbow pads
  • Head protection such as hats, helmets.
  • Shemagh/Scarf to help protect ears & neck.
  • Groin padding
  • Loose fitting clothing that covers exposed skin. (Players who expose their own skin do so at their own risk!)
  • All players should consider bringing extra eye protection to our ops.
  • All players should consider bringing a simple clear and/or shaded pair of eye protection for between games, especially those who wear mesh, goggles, and full masks.

 

**SPECIAL NOTE**

Sports Mouth Guards are not intended for protection from projectiles! Once you open your mouth to breath or talk you expose half your teeth. They do not count as required protection at BTA events!

 

 

One months notice is being given to allow players time to acquire the required protection. From 03/03/2012 these rules will be strictly enforced!

Saturday
Jan282012

ATTENTION!

BTA February Op Schedule!


We ask that members check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

*

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

*

BTA need your cooperation with this new scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.

  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.

  • Only ask for directions during the week before that event.

  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

 

BTA February Ops Schedule
02/04/2012 Closed BTA-Team Event @ Classified AO


02/11/2012 Op. “
11/BRAVO/2012” @ Hobble Creek


02/18/2012 Op. “
18/BRAVO/2012” @ “The Outpost”


02/25/2012 Op. “
25/BRAVO/2012” @ “The Badlands”

Tuesday
Jan032012

ATTENTION!

ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS!

 

With the new year BTA requires a new waiver.

 

Bring a newly completed and signed waiver to the next op you attend.

 

No waiver, no attending BTA events!

Tuesday
Jan032012

NEW YEAR!

2012

 

BTA - Black Thorn Airsoft welcomes everyone to another new year of Utah airsofting!

 

We have a lot of plans for this year…

 

All new airsoft AOs!

 

Monthly BTA-Team games!

 

All new scenarios and props!

 

More night-ops!

 

 

Looking forward to another great year with BTA!

Tuesday
Jan032012

ATTENTION!

 

BTA January Op Schedule!


We ask that members check the details of every week’s event, allowing you to prepare ahead of time.

 

BTA need your cooperation with this new scheduling format!

  • Please read each events page thoroughly before posting questions.
  • Only Post comments and questions on the page of the event you are asking about.
  • Only ask for directions during the week before that event.
  • On Facebook Please, choose “Attending” or “Not Attending”. Too many players always choose “Maybe” whether they come or not, this is no help to us when planning!

To request the following month’s AOs, feel free to contact the BTA web site by e-mail or Trooper Bta by message on the BTA Facebook page. However, we cannot guarantee we will meet every request.

 

BTA January Ops Schedule
01/07/2012 Op. “FIRST OP-2012” @ Silver City


01/14/2012 Op. “14/
ALPHA/2012” @ “Hitlers Bunker


01/21/2012 Op. “21/
ALPHA/2012” @ Cyanide Canyon

01/28/2012 Op. “28/ALPHA/2012” @ “The Mine”