Fall 2008

 

       

 

CLUB HOURS

The current club operating hours are for sales on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 6:00, and Wednesday from 11:00 to 8:00.  In addition, the ranges are open Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 to 1:00.              The skeet and trap ranges are open five days a week.  Starting in October on Wednesday we will be throwing practice doubles from about 4:00 PM till closing.

Starting on 1 November, when daylight savings time ends, we will be closing on Wednesday at 6:00 PM

 

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

            The club will be closed in observance of the Labor Day weekend on August 30, 31 and September 1.  The club will also be closed on October 13 for Columbus Day.

            The club will also be closed on September 20 due to the running of the USAF marathon.

 

CLUB hotline

            The club information line on 257-4368 is set up to announce all events for the coming month.  Notices of special events, registered shoots, and classes will also be on the message.  This feature is only turned on after normal duty hours.  For normal phone calls during open hours or to leave a message please call 257-3935.

 

CLUB WEB PAGE

            The club has a web page you may visit at http://wp_gunclub.tripod.com.  This page shows all upcoming events, including registered shoots, pheasant releases, and a calendar of upcoming events.  Special notices are posted there, such as base security conditions.

 

CLUB E-MAIL

            The club has an e-mail address.  If you would like to send us a message, please use:  RODGUN@wpafb.af.mil.

            We are compiling an email listing to send out club info and updates.  If you would like to be added to this list please send me an e-mail with the subject “Add”.  You will then receive club updates and announcements.

 

COMING EVENTS

Registered shoots:

Skeet: September 21 – 12/doubles

Trap:  September 14 - Ralph White Honor shoot

Trap League: The summer trap league will conclude in September. Final shoot dates will be September 3, 17, and 24. 

 

BASE SECURITY

            Please remember that WPAFB is a military installation.  The base is currently in Force Protection condition Alpha.  This is the normal security status of the base.  If you are requested to show identification on base, please be courteous to the guards, they are doing their job.  Also, a word of caution: the speed limit on WPAFB is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted. 

 

CLUB ACCESS IS EASY

            Remember to enter using Gate 16-A whenever coming to the club.  When you enter this gate there is no need to go through any security checks.  Just follow the road around to the club.  No more guest lists or ID checks to come to the club.

 

HUNTER EDUCATION

These classes continue with dates of Sept 8-10, Oct 14-16, and Nov 10-12.   They will continue monthly through the winter and spring.

They will meet on these days between 6:00 to 9:30 P.M. in building 891.  Call the club for details and registration.

If you would like information on any class held in Ohio, you can call the ODNR office in Columbus (800) WILDLIFE for dates on other locations.

This class meets the State of Ohio requirement for all “first time” hunters.

 

PRO SHOP SALES

            We try to keep a variety of the most popular items in stock but are limited to the amount of inventory we can handle.  If we do not have an item you desire, we should be able to special order it for you.  Hopefully, we can save you some money on your next purchase.  Some items are hard to get, especially handguns and reloading components, so start that Christmas shopping early.

            There have been constant price increases for the past couple of months and rumor has it by the end of year all ammo will go up about thirty-five percent!

 

PAYMENT METHODS

            In the event you do not have enough cash or a check with you when you make a purchase, the club accepts MasterCard or Visa. 

If you do use a credit card, please remember that the club pays approximately two percent processing fee on all non-Services issued cards.  Last year’s fee was almost $1,000.00.  It saves the club money if you avoid using these cards for your purchases

 

PREFERRED PLUS

I am sure that by now you have heard about the Services Program called Preferred Plus.  It applies only to members of the Officers or Enlisted clubs.  If you are a member of one of these clubs you are entitled to a $5.00 discount on annual membership fees.  You must show your club card when paying to receive this discount.  This discount will not apply to any other sales in the club.

 

RANGE HOURS

            As mentioned above, the hours of operation for the skeet and trap ranges are now five days a week.  At all other times the ranges are closed.  Please do not use the ranges at any other times. 

 

SKEET ACTIVITIES

            The last shoot for the target year will be Sept 9.  Schedules for the next year are being processed.

 

TRAP ACTIVITIES

            The final trap shoot of the year will be the Ralph White Honor Shoot.  This shoot will be held on September 14, 2008.  A beautiful silver plate will be awarded to the handicap champion.

            This will be the first shoot of the new trap target year.  Please have your dues paid up prior to the shoot.  If not they must be collected during registration.

 

RANGE COURTESY

            Please be courteous of your fellow shooters and help keep the ranges clean.  If you want your empty hulls please take them with you.  If you do not want them, please throw them in the trash.  With an increase of sales for the promotional loads, there is a huge increase in the number of empty hulls being left on the ground.  Also, when you are done shooting please fill the machines for the next shooter.

 

 

RANGE SHARING

Please remember that most of the time we have only one trap and two skeet ranges for practice.  We must share the club facilities.  It would be nice to have a private range but with over 500 members that is not always possible.  Besides, I would hope that the experienced shooters would like to share their expertise with the beginners.  Let keep the sport fun and growing.

 

RANGE SAFETY

            Range safety cannot be over emphasized.  Every range has a safety sign posted on it.  Please read and observe these signs.  Due to increased concern about the shot fall zone please read the safety signs on the skeet ranges.  If there is anyone in the background, i.e. joggers, bikers, or cars do not shoot; wait until the area is clear.  I realize that may slow down the shooting but it may also keep the ranges open.

            There are a few new shooters who come out and some of them are not familiar with proper safety policies.  If you see any safety violation, please bring it to the attention of the person; they probably do not realize it.  It is your club; let’s keep it safe.  If you have any questions concerning any safety rules, please ask.

            If you are criticized for your actions, please do not take it personal.  Remember that your best interest is our first.  Let’s all work to keep a safe club.

Items of special concern are the requirement for eye and ear protection by all personnel on the skeet ranges.  Please do not use any shells larger than 3 dram and 7 ½ shot.

If you are not familiar with the loading requirements of the trap and skeet machines, please ask.  Also, if there is someone loading the trap machine, please do not stand outside the house (the skeet shooters may be shooting in your direction).

If the machines are breaking targets, please come in and ask for service.  Do not keep throwing broken targets.  All that does is run up club costs and frustrate the shooter.  Sometimes just a minor adjustment required.

 

SKEET RANGE SAFETY

Only load the number of shells you are about to fire - after you are in the shooter's box.  Do not load you gun between stations or walk between stations with a loaded gun.

 

TRAP RANGE SAFETY

If you are go out to load the trap machine, please look to the left and check the skeet ranges before walking out in front of other shooters.  Also, if someone is in the house loading the machine please do not stand in front of the house.  That creates a safety hazard for the skeet shooters.

 

HUNTING ACTIVITIES

            The pheasant release program is scheduled to begin in November and go through February 2009.  The number of birds released and fees will remain the same as last year.  The complete schedule will be posted when available.  

 

FISHING ACTIVITIES

The summer catfish releases have been completed.

The contract for the trout releases in the fall is being processed.  Dates for the releases have not yet been determined.

A base-fishing license is required for anyone 12 or older.  A state license is not required to fish in the stocked lakes only if you fish in the creeks or river.

 

CCW PERMITS

As a reminder CCW permits are not valid on WPAFB.  Do not bring privately owned firearms on the base unless coming to the club or going to the base hunting areas.  All firearms must be unloaded and in a secured case when brought on base.

 

GUEST POLICY

            It is the policy of the club, that members may bring guests to the club to use the facilities.  If the guests are eligible for membership in the club, they are expected to join and pay the annual dues. 

            The sponsor should bring guests who are not eligible for base access to the club.  Sales can only be processed for club members.

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES

            Please note the expiration date on the mailing label.  If the date is before 09/01/08 (September 1, 2008), your membership has expired.  If the date is on or before 06/01/08 (June 1, 2008), this will be the last letter you will receive from the club.  If you would like to renew your membership please stop by the club for an application.  If you receive this newsletter by email the date is on your membership card.  If you are not sure, call the club, we will look it up for you.

 

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

            The club has customer satisfaction cards located in the club next to the cash register.  Please fill one out and drop it off.  That is the best way we have of your opinions on the club and its activities.  If you have a suggestion to improve your club, please make it known.

            You may also submit a comment via internet to the Interactive Customer Evaluation at: http://services.wpafb.af.mil.  Click on the ICE logo and select the activity you would like to comment on. 

 

CANS, CANS, CANS

            You can help keep the club clean and at the same time help the environment.  Please recycle your beverage cans in the bins located next to the coolers.

 

SWAP MEET

            If there is any interest in having a swap meet at the club we can set one up.  September 27 is a possible date -- any comments?  Call the club with your preference.

 

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

            Club membership is extended to all base employees, active and retired, civilian and military, and base contractors.  In addition, members of the ATA and NSSA are eligible to join the club.  Bring your friends out to shoot with you next time.  If they are eligible for membership and would like to continue to shoot here, they are expected to join.

 

Friends of the NRA Banquet

The Miami Valley Friends of NRA (FONRA) will hold its fundraising banquet on Thursday, September 11, 2008, at the Fairborn Holiday Inn.  All proceeds of the banquet will be used to further shooting sports on both the state and national level. Tickets cost $40.00 for a single or $70.00 for a couple. An Event Sponsor package is available for $200.00 and includes 2 dinner tickets, $160.00 of raffle tickets, and two FONRA Hats.  All tickets purchased prior to 1 September 2008 will be entered in an “Early Bird Drawing” for a Walther P22.  Contact Ed Waite (937-233-0613), Fred Unfried (937-429-0875) or Roger Supringer (937-274-2911) for tickets. 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                  Ed Hock

Ed Hock

 

The club will be closed for the Labor Day weekend.  Have a safe Holiday.

Shoot Safe and enjoy the sport!