Shooting water melons

[pookiemoon]

Going on a USA roadtrip later this year. My task is to shoot a water melon, perched on top of a cactus with a shotgun. Can i buy one there ( a shotgun that is ) and what are the rules to possession.

[Clanad]

Unless you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, you cannot bring in, buy, or even possess a gun without a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (tel. [phone]; www.atf.treas.gov); these take several months to acquire (the application is on the ATF website). There are a few narrow exceptions, such as team sports requiring firearms.

This is an unusual question.  I'm prompted to ask what you are going to do with the melon after the shooting?  Do you plan on mounting it as a trophy?

[jake-the-peg]

Pick a small cactus - some of those big saguaro ones that we see in the movies are 150 years old and take a long time to grow - they're 75 before they sprout arms - Oh and they're protected - certainly in Arizona

[newtron]

Target shooting in the desert--AAHH.  That brings back memories.  You can probably find someone who will take you out and let you use their shotgun.  As stated above, don't shoot the cactus.  Have Fun!!