Is it Legal?

[dmac]

Can I shoot everybody that knocks on my door tonight? I mean....they are on my property uninvited; it is after dark; they are trying to take my candy without paying; they are also engaging in terrorism with their "trick OR treat" threats. You know... I think it's okay... I just want another opinion.

[joe817]

No dmac if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, you may not shoot the trick or treaters. That's not very nice, and is no way to make friends. Besides, that is very rude. If you do, I'll send you upstairs without dinner, and you may not talk on the phone, play computer games, or watch TV.

[USA1]

It depends on what they're dressed as .

[srothstein]

I don't recommend shooting trick or treaters. The last guy to do that started an international incident.

[dmac]

bummer

[Shorts]

Only if they want more than one piece of candy

[joe817]

Not to get off topic, but one thing I really did notice last night when answering the door for trick or treaters, is that my sense of awareness was GREATLY increased. I was carrying for obvious reasons, and when bigger kids rang the doorbell, I found myself in condition yellow.

One group of kids, about 4 or 5 came to the door, I opened it, then ANOTHER bigger kid(taller than me), who was shielded from my sight, jumped into my sight, said BOO!. I have to admit my hand dropped to the grip of the gun, when I noticed him coming into view. I recovered very quickly when the boo guy stood firm without further movements about 5' from me.

My gun was never drawn, or even uncovered, so all went well.

[USA1]

Not to get off topic, but one thing I really did notice last night when answering the door for trick or treaters, is that my sense of awareness was GREATLY increased.

And then you yelled "GET OFF MY LAWN!!!"

Seriously though , I was extra vigilant too . I had on all my gear , including my "tactical" flashlight .
You just never know , someone might look at Halloween as opportunity to gain access to your house .

[joe817]

Not to get off topic, but one thing I really did notice last night when answering the door for trick or treaters, is that my sense of awareness was GREATLY increased.

And then you yelled "GET OFF MY LAWN!!!"

Seriously though , I was extra vigilant too . I had on all my gear , including my "tactical" flashlight .
You just never know , someone might look at Halloween as opportunity to gain access to your house .

What's that old saying "birds of the same color all go to the same place?"

I had my 3D Maglite within arm's reach myself.

[karder]

Isn't there a trick or treat cut off age? I don't remember exactly what it is, but it has to have been around 11 or 12. What is it with all these 16 and 17 year old trick or treaters? And it is not like a bunch of 17 year old girls dressed as sexy witches either. It is pudgy 17 year old guys wearing hockey masks. Don't look like they need any more candy either. Maybe your neighborhoods are different than mine.

[USA1]

I had my 3D Maglite within arm's reach myself.

That could be a weapon by itself .

I have a 6D Maglite that you could play baseball with .

[joe817]

I had my 3D Maglite within arm's reach myself.

That could be a weapon by itself .

Yes it could. It's a very good defensive weapon. It can be used as a baton with great effect, if necessary. That's why years ago, all the LEO'S had 3D and 4D maglites on their belts.

[Kevinf2349]

Well the last of the 'trick of treaters' has just managed to escape from the traps I set and not a single piece of candy left the homestead. I love Halloween, I love the annual battle of setting candy out and then trying to stop the little devils from getting any of it by scaring the living daylights out of them!



I can't help wondering how many little tikes lives I have changed forever by making them fear scarecrows, clowns, the dark, witches and zombies. I just think of it as an unpaid public service.

I think all the zombies must have been somewhere else because I didn't get to shoot any last night, but I will keep the shotgun handy in case that is part of their ploy to get me offguard.

I did notice last night that my motion detectors worked well and that my dog is a great home defence in her own right. It is surprising how fast kids can run when the dawg runs her mouth!

Stay safe out there, the zombies have to be somewhere.

[Beiruty]

I hand over unfired shinny 9mm bullets with each candy. I hope the parent get a clue.

[Crossfire]

Isn't there a trick or treat cut off age? I don't remember exactly what it is, but it has to have been around 11 or 12. What is it with all these 16 and 17 year old trick or treaters? And it is not like a bunch of 17 year old girls dressed as sexy witches either. It is pudgy 17 year old guys wearing hockey masks. Don't look like they need any more candy either. Maybe your neighborhoods are different than mine.

Our rule on trick or treaters is, if you are taller than 4 feet, you don't get candy unless you sing a song. We don't care what song - any song.

You would be surprised how many teenagers leave our door empty-handed because they just can't believe we would make them DO something to get candy! And then, occasionally we get entertained by those who come up with something really good on the fly.

I love Halloween.