Nevada Focus: Paintballer readies complex for pigment games

Thursday, Aug. 20, 1998 | 1:43 a.m.

Sound like an environmentalist's dream?

Well, it is, but in this case the hunters are using paintballs to target their prey. And that prey may be a friend, relative or co-worker.

And at what a place. A premier paintball location is opening soon near Fernley, about a half-hour drive from Reno, as part of a 400-acre recreation complex.

Neil Herbert, president of Herbies Paint Ball Games, said his operation will be the only one of its kind in northern Nevada.

"I spent almost a year investigating land," Herbert said.

He ended up on Alternate U.S. 95, about three miles south of Fernley.

The complex, still in its infancy, will eventually boast a drag strip and a variety of race tracks - dune buggy, motocross, BMX bicycle, go-cart and monster truck. It is due to be completed in about 2 1/2 years.

Herbert said paintball is ideal for anybody striving to improve their accuracy with a gun.

But it doesn't stop there.

Ever feel like going postal with the boss?

Go ahead.

The facility can be rented out for company picnics at prices ranging from $28 to $50 per person, which includes all necessary equipment. He said paintball also has become popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Herbert said his guns will be calibrated to take the sting out of a hit. He also will use environmentally friendly compressed air instead of carbon dioxide.

Herbert said he noticed a large number of women participating during a recent visit to a paintball facility in California.

"They kept saying, 'We love shooting men,' " he said. "The first time I went, there were like six. It's just blossomed now. It's for young and old."

The object in paintball is to capture the opponent's flag without being "marked" or hit by a paint ball. Herbert said the game has been around since 1980.

His complex will open in mid-September with four differently themes fields ranging from two to eight acres. Themes include a Western town complete with building facades, deadman's gulch, bunker hill and speedball arena.

It will be open year-round with winter camouflage suits available. There is also a special winterized formula of paint for winter, just as warmer months have a unique formula.

Herbert is in the process of obtaining a special insurance policy which allows children as young as six years of age to participate. Children under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a release form. He said paintball parks are generally open only to those aged 10-14 and up.

"We're not into it to make a million bucks. It's a family oriented theme park," he said.

He will employ 13-20 people, all trained in gunsmithing, CPR and first aid.

"We're very safety-oriented. That is a must," Herbert said.