Sons of Thunder Paintball Game Days are open to the public and we encourage everyone to come out and participate. Over the years we have hosted hundreds of games that players of all ages have enjoyed. We strive to provide a safe environment where everyone can enjoy the day and have fun. We expect every player at our field to follow the rules, and promote a safe, enjoyable game for everyone.
Our Game Days are free-to-play for anyone that supplies their own equipment. We do have rentals available for those that don't own equipment but would still like to come out and participate. We also have the essentials for playing, like compressed air and paint, as well as some food and drink options. We also take time midday to stop for lunch.
The Sons of Thunder is a Christian organization and we dedicate the first part of our Game Days to time in fellowship studying the Bible. Our gates open at AM for all that wish to join us in the Word and fellowship.
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - Proverbs 27:17
Our tables open after AM, to prepare for the games of the day. It is at this time that we take in waivers, setup rentals, fill tanks, and do any other tasks necessary to get players ready for the games. Typically play will begin around AM. Our games usually last until around PM, providing plenty of time to play over the course of the day.
Our events are subject to inclement weather, and may be delayed or cancelled in response. Any cancellation or alteration will be posted to our calendar and home page as soon as possible.
We ask that anyone coming to our field takes the time to read our rules completely. Please ensure your equipment is in accordance with our rules. A signed waiver must be filled out for each game day in order to play, minors must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver.
Our field lacks electricity and as a result we are unable to take payment via card or check, making it a cash-only operation. Please be prepared as the nearest ATM is a few miles down the road, in town.
First Time Players
The first time playing paintball can be a bit unnerving as many people aren't quite sure what to expect. We have had many first time players over the years, and it is not uncommon to see people unprepared or underprepared for the day. Here are a few things we think new players should know before coming out.
First things first, you should dress appropriately for the environment. Our field is squarely in the woods, and it can be wet, and muddy. The paint and dirt should wash out, but stains are possible so we recommend wearing clothing that can get dirty. Your clothing should also protect against the environment, in the woods its can be easy to to get scratches and scrapes on exposed skin. You should also dress for the weather conditions, sweat pants and a hoodie may provide good protection, but can pose a heat risk in 90°+ weather. Your clothing should also provide a good range of motion, as the paintball is an active game. The final thing to consider is footwear; make sure your shoes are comfortable, well fitting, and suited for wild terrain. And another thing, bring clean clothes for the drive back home.
Second things second, your will be active playing in the woods. There will be insects; mosquitos, ticks, and deer flies await. Remember to pack your preferred form of bug repellant, you won't regret it. Make sure to bring out water too, it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration and heat stroke are no fun at all, so avoid them at all cost.
As a first time player you will also be wondering what it is like to be shot by a paintball. The truth is it varies from person to person, as everyone has a different tolerance for pain. You know yourself best, and if you think it may hurt we would recommend wearing an extra layer or two to help cushion the blow. Loose fitting clothing also helps to cushion a hit better than a tighter fit. The most important thing to do though is to simply get into the game. Once you're into playing, the adrenaline starts and you will barely notice a hit.
The best thing you can do to prepare for your first time at the field is to go in with a good attitude, expect to have a great time and you will!
The Field
The Sons of Thunder operate a single paintball field located in Shiocton, WI. The field is located on roughly 30 acres of land. We welcome all to come and join us on the field during our scheduled game days. We do however ask that you refrain from entering the property outside these times as it is private property generously donated for use by our outreach. Given this situation we actively seek to respect and protect the land from damage.
The field is primarily a woodsball environment with primarily flat but varied terrain. The land features a variety of man-made waterways and ponds that help to maintain drier conditions and an abundance of maintained pathways and trails. These paths are cut through the woods and grass, offering easy movement throughout the field.
The field is almost entirely natural cover, with minimal man-made structures. Throughout the year this natural cover changes dynamically as seasonal foliage comes in and water levels shift to drastically alter sightlines and passability.
Our field is divided into two sections, the staging area and the playing field. The staging area is located at the main entrance to provide easy access and maximize the available playing space. We have exclusively on-street parking along the dead-end access road.
We consider player safety to be very important and have set field boundaries to ensure our staging area and playing area remain separate. We expect every player at our field to act in accordance with our rules to provide a safe environment for all players.
We look forward to having you out at the field!
For those in need of directions to the field, please use the following link, and Google can help with navigation. Directions
Rental & Sales Equipment
Rental Equipment
We offer high-quality rental equipment for first time players or regulars who forgot something at home. Our rentals are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and although we can service most rental demands there may be times we don't have specific items available. If you intend to come out with a large group of renters we ask that you contact us beforehand to reserve rentals. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee rental availability for large groups without prior reservation.
Rental Package - $30.00
Gog Enemy - A .68 caliber semi-automatic paintball marker.
48/3000PSI Air Tank - All Day Air fills are included.
Empire Avatar Goggle System - ASTM certified goggle system that protects eyes, ears, and face.
Allen Painball Barrel CAPP - Durable Barrel Sock.
500 Paintballs - Field Grade Paint.
Individual Rental Items
Gog Enemy - $15.00
A .68 caliber semi-automatic paintball marker.
Air Tank - $10.00
A 48/3000PSI Air Tank - All Day Air fills are included.
Mask - $5.00
An Empire Avatar ASTM certified goggle system that protects eyes, ears, and face.
Barrel Sock - $5.00
Allen Paintball Barrel CAPP.
Sale Items
The Sons of Thunder offer the essentials for our players. We offer the basic necessities for play through our rentals, as well as some additional items for sale. If you need something small we probably have you covered.
Sale Items
All Day Air - $5.00
3000PSI fills for Air Tanks. (Must be in Hydro and good condition)
Field Paint - $10.00
500 paintballs of SOT Field Paint.
9V Battery - $3.00
Barrel Sock - $7.50
Ninja Fill Nipple Protector - $1.00
Ninja Tank Thread Saver - $5.00
Fogtech Wipe - $2.00
Fogtech Bottle - $15.00
Bug Repellent Band - $1.00
Field Rules
Equipment Rules
Any commercially produced paintball marker in .43, .50 or .68 caliber is allowed on our field.
All markers must be chronographed under 300 feet per second.
CO2 powered markers must be chronographed under 290 feet per second.
All markers must be capped at 12.5 balls per second in All Firing Modes.
Response & Reactive triggers must also be in compliance.
First Strike rounds are permitted on our field.
Players using First Strikes must chronograph using First Strikes.
First Strike rounds may not be fired at a player from a distance of 25 feet or less.
Barrel socks are required for all markers present on the field.
Barrel socks may only be removed in the chronograph range and the playing field.
If it has a barrel it must have a barrel sock.
Barrel Plugs and other barrel blocking devices are not allowed, only barrel socks.
Commercially produced goggles that meet ASTM requirements are required at our field.
Goggles and lenses must be unaltered and undamaged.
Goggles must provide full face, eye, and ear protection.
Goggles must remain on AT ALL TIMES when barrel socks are off.
Goggles must be on at the chronograph range and on the playing field.
Any player caught removing their goggles may be ejected from the field.
Certain paintball equipment is not permitted on our playing field. This includes:
Law Rockets and similar exotics launchers.
Paintball grenades
Smoke grenades
Radio Jamming Equipment
Paintball Tools
During Play
Referees make the final call on the field.
Team armbands must be worn at all times.
Red team armbands should be worn on the right arm.
Blue team armbands shoudl be worn on the left arm.
Players are eliminated when a paintball breaks on either their body or equipment, leaving a paint mark at least the size of a dime.
Players wearing ghillie material are eliminated on the hit, not the break, for anything covered in ghillie material.
When you are eliminated, raise your arm, and clearly annouce you are 'Out'.
After elimination, clear out of the area, place your barrel sock on your marker, raise your hand, and head for the staging area.
Eliminated players are not permitted to talk about enemy positions or movement with their team. Dead men tell no tales.
Players may also be eliminated by a barrel-tag or one-hand touch elimination.
Barrel-tags may be completed with the barrel of the marker, or a one-hand touch.
When peforming a barrel tag, inform the eliminated player of their demise.
Players eliminated with a barrel-tag must be eliminated quietly, and should not announce their elimination.
You may also offer the option to surrender to a player within 15 feet, this is a courtesy.
A player is not required to surrender, and may freely test the odds of survival.
Players may request a paint check from nearby players teammates or otherwise.
If a player requests a paint check, perform the check and confirm or deny the hit.
If the players involved are on opposite teams, disengage before re-engaging.
Some games will have re-insertion available.
Specific re-insertion rules will be explained before the start of these games.
First time players have a bonus re-insertion in all games. These players will be marked with double armbands.
Field Rules
Do not go past the field boundaries, they are marked on field maps, as well as on the trails.
Players should also avoid cultivated food plots, please do not enter them.
In addition players should not enter or play on the hunting stands.
Be cautious of water, depth changes with the seasons and it may be deeper than you expect.
Non-playing persons may be present on the field. Do not shoot them or use them as cover.
This includes referees, photographers, and any other non-player.
Non-playing persons will typically be represented by a visibility vest or yellow armband.
Do not shoot the following, if accidentally shot please let us know as soon as possible.
Do not shoot wildlife.
Do not shoot referres, photographers, or other non-playing persons.
Do not shoot hunting stands, bird houses, signs, or other man-made structures.
Silhouette targets are placed on the main trails for shooting.
Help us respect and care for the field.
Please don't throw rocks or gravel into the pond.
Please don't litter in the staging area, trash and recycling cans are provided for your convenience.
New trees are being planted regularly, many have small cages. Please avoid damaging these trees.
Be courteous with the outhouse, and make sure to check for TP first.
We desire to play the game with honor and integrity. We ask that everyone do the same at our field.
Help ensure everyone has a good time playing.
Play with good sportsmanship for the fun of the game.
