Winter 2010

 

       

 

CLUB hotline

            The club information line on 257-4368 to announces all events for the coming month.  Notices of special events, registered shoots, and classes will 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 E-MAIL

            The club has an e-mail address.  If you would like to send us a message, please use the address 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.  If added to this list you will also receive the club newsletter via email.  If you receive this newsletter by both email and US mail please let me know and I’ll take you off the mailing list.

 

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 their such as changes in the base security conditions.

 

CLUB HOURS

 The current club operating hours are on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 11:00 to 6:00.  In addition, the ranges are open Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 to 1:00.  On Wednesday we can throw practice trap doubles.  The ranges will be open all winter.

 

COMING EVENTS:

 

SKEET ACTIVITIES

            Registered shoots will begin in March. 

 

TRAP LEAGUE

            The trap league will start in May.

 

TRAP ACTIVITIES

            We will be starting the registered trap shoots again in March. 

 

 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

            The club will be open on Presidents day.

 

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

            Enter the base using Gate 16-A whenever coming to the club.  There is no need to go through any security checks.  Just follow the road around to the club.  There are no guest lists or ID checks to come to the club.

 

CCW PERMITS

As a reminder CCW permits are not valid on WPAFB.  Do not bring any firearms on the base unless coming to the club or hunting areas.  Handguns are not permitted on the base.  All firearms must be unloaded, in a locked case, and out of reach when brought on base.

 

HUNTER EDUCATION

These classes continue with dates of March 8-10 and April 8-10.  They will continue monthly through the spring.  They will meet on these days between 6:00 to 9:30 P.M.  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 handgun ammunition.  Prices are taking some huge increases, especially ammo.  It you need some you may want to get it before the next price increase in March.

 

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.

 

HUNTING ACTIVITIES

        The pheasant release program will conclude February 28^th.  Prices have remained the same as last year.  If you have any questions concerning this program please contact the club for details. 

 

FISHING ACTIVITIES

 There will be releases again this coming the spring. 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.

 

NON BASE EMPLOYEES

            The base hunting and fishing programs are limited to the base employees.  Contractors and non-base affiliated club members are considered guests and must be with a sponsor whenever hunting or fishing.  This guest status also applies to club members who are not base employees and want to hunt or fish on the base.

 

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.  Base Safety is getting concerned about the expended hulls left at the club.  Please help us out by either removing or trashing your empties when you have finished shooting.  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 open for practice.  We have range limitations imposed due to safety clear zone restrictions.  We must share the club facilities that we have open.  I know it would be nice to have a private range, but with over 600 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 personally.  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 is required.

 

SKEET RANGE SAFETY TIP

Only load the number of shells you are about to shoot, 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 TIP

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. 

 

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.  Sales can only be processed for club members.

 

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

        Club membership is extended to all base employees, active and retired, civilian and military.  In addition, members of the ATA and NSSA are eligible to join the club.  Bring your friends out to shoot with you next time.

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES

        Please note the expiration date on the mailing label.  If the date is before 12/01/09 (December 1, 2009), your membership has expired.  If the date is on or before 09/01/09 (September 1, 2009), 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 by email you can check the date on your card or call the club.  ***special note all members who have registration date Jan 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009 will receive a one month extension***.  Starting 1 March Dues will increase to $35.  If your membership expires after 1 March you may pre-pay before 1 March for the previous price of $30.

 

 

2010 Pheasant Release Schedule

 

DATE                         # of Pheasants                            

Sat. Dec 3                     0 (deer season continues)

Sun. Dec 4                    0 (deer season continues)

Sat. Dec 12                 40

Sun. Dec 13                40                   

Sun. Dec 19                40                   

Sat. Dec 20                 40

Sat. Dec 24                   0 (Christmas weekend)

Sun. Dec 26                  0 (Christmas weekend)

Sat. Jan 2                   40

Sun. Jan 3                  40

Sat. Jan 9                   40

Sun. Jan 10                40

Sat. Jan 16                 40

Sun. Jan 17                40

Mon. Jan 18               make up day

Sat. Jan 23                 40

Sun. Jan 24                40

Sat. Jan  30                40

Sun. Feb 1                  40

Sat. Feb 6                   40

Sun. Feb 7                  40

Sat. Feb 13                 40

Sun. Feb 14                40

Mon. Feb 15               make up day

Sat. Feb 20                 40

Sun. Feb 21                40

Sat. Feb 27                 40

Sun. Feb 28                40

     

Hours of hunting:

Daily hunting will be permitted in the licensed preserve between the hours of 1000-1400 only.  Daily fee on release days is $20.00.  Safety briefings to be conducted at check in each release day before hunting begins.  All hunters must check in/out at Bldg 892 when hunting on release days.  Check in will begin one hour prior to the hunting start time.  Daily limit is two birds per day.  Check in/out of the Rod & Gun Club on non-release days is not required.  Note: Pheasant hunting is only permitted during the above hours.  All pheasant hunters must be completely out of the licensed preserve area by 1400 daily.

 

 

 

 

Have a safe Holiday.

Shoot Safe and enjoy the sport!

 

 

 

                                                     Ryan Fausch