Recently, several brass shell casings in 7x57 Mauser were found in the grass on the backside of one of the trap houses. This is a good indication that someone was there discharging a high powered rifle.
By club rules the discharging of any rifle or pistol with a contained cartridge, other than a muzzle loading rifle or pistol on the muzzle loading range, is not allowed.
If the guilty individual is inclined to break club rules, please do not be so stupid to leave evidence laying in the grass.
Also, the door on the low skeet house was broken up. There is nothing in these houses worth stealing.
Sunday, May 20th, the Hope Rod and Gun Club will sponsor trap shooting for the students of McFarland High School. Those students interested in shooting or learning the fundamentals of shooting trap are invited to attend.
The next membership meeting will be Monday, JUne 4th at the clubhouse.
Starts at 7:30 sharp. Please try to attend.
The May meeting was held at the clubhouse on
Monday May 7th
Seven new members joined the club. Welcome to:
Jimmie Blanchard, Dan Brinkman, Derek Dent, Scott Pavel, Lucien Steinbeck, Brandon Thompson, and Mike Vilbrandt
The fishing contest is open..
The turkey contest is on. See Russ Jenkins about entering the contests and the rules.
Ron Sam brought news to the members about the McFarland High School youth shoot on May 20th. It was voted on and approved to provide the clay birds for the shoot and sell ammunition at $5.00 per box.
Hunters Safety class will again be held July 9th thru July 13th. Hours being 9am to 1pm. Contact Bob Schneider for further information at 608-873-3610.
The construction of the pistol range is in motion.
A letter to the Members of Hope Rod and Gun Club. February 7, 2012
I sincerely wish to thank all of you for placing your trust in me. When contemplating the idea of running for the Presidency of Hope I kept asking myself “what do I have to offer?” What makes me think I can be successful following the footsteps of the many previous individuals who have guided this organization to the high level of success it has enjoyed over the last half century? I’m certainly not smarter, no harder a worker, no more able in my creativity than they. Hell, I can’t even shoot as good as they can! I thought long and hard. I wanted to do it, but I needed something to convince myself of at least an even shot at success. The one personal asset I could identify that many previous Presidents didn’t have was time. In my life situation I am able, and willing, to devote as much time as necessary to accomplish my goals. But that just raised another question – what are my goals? I realized I needed a plan. That’s how I came up with an agenda, which allowed me to make a decision - to ask not only for the opportunity, but your support in this endeavor. All too often in the past it has been the work of a few that is enjoyed by the many. Think what we could accomplish with hard work by the many! My request to each and every member of this club is to put forth, within your abilities, the work and effort required to make this the Best Little Gun Club in Dane County! Hence, my Hope Rod and Gun Club Agenda:
1) Range Management Plan/Environmental Stewardship Plan:
It’s time to update our post World War Two management plan!! We need to create a written plan utilizing the existing By-Laws, along with best practices, to facilitate the safe and successful operation of Hope Rod and Gun Club. In addition, Environmental issues MUST be addressed in this day and age. It’s one of those things that looks more daunting than it actually is, but is a strait forward process to:
Assess physical property and administrative operations to identify potential environmental issues;
Determine any areas of potential concern;
Describe site-specific management techniques to address these areas; and
Provide an ongoing process to evaluate and document the success of management efforts.
2) Future Land Issues:
We must gain permanent control of an area immediately to the south of our berm if we are to insure our long term existence. The time to act is now. I’m no real estate expert, but I would think with today’s economy and interest rates now may be a good time to pursue something. However, this will only come at considerable expense. We need creative ideas!
3) Woods Clean-up/Preservation Project:
Our Club consists of 14 acres of some of the most beautiful land in this area. Roughly half (7 acres) is wooded. Unfortunately over the last 50 years these woods have deteriorated due to overgrowth of undesirable species. One needs only to see the area of our black powder range to see the results of hard work and a dream! This project should also include the archery range.
4) Pistol Range:
There is great desire among members to establish a safe short (25 yard) pistol and .22 rim fire range. We have the space and location to accomplish this. This will require some expense to accomplish, but utilizing the skills and equipment of or many members it should be very affordable. In fact, it has the potential for generating some income to the club, for example, by offering open shooting as we now do for trap and skeet.
5) Clubhouse Interior Improvements:
Again, like our woods, the clubhouse is in need of some tender loving care. With a bit of clean up and some carpentry this will be a resource of enjoyment and pride. There is also opportunity for generating some income through rentals and fund raisers.
I challenge each of you to think about this list and ask yourself “what do I have to offer?” When you have an answer give me a call or drop me a line. I have in fact already received a call from one of our members offering a great idea and resources that will get some wheels turning! I’m looking for another 150 calls! Let’s get some plans formulated that the members can agree on and then get to work!
Thank you,
Tom Downs
The next club membership meeting will be held on Monday, May 7th at the clubhouse.
On this site you'll find information about our facilities and activities. Throughout the summer we have open trap and skeet shooting, as well as league trap shooting. Singles and doubles.
Also there is a rifle range for muzzleloader use only. Special events to be held in the summer will be posted on the Club News page.
Our president, Tom Downs, still wants to collect email addresses. If you have an email address and have not given it to the secretary, please do so. By sending the news electronically, the club saves money. Click HERE to email Tom
There is no minimum or maximum age and parents are urged to enroll. Anyone born after January 1st, 1973 must have a hunter education certificate to purchase any Wisconsin hunting license. Residents of Wisconsin must be 12 years of age to purchase any hunting license, including bow hunting. Young students certified will be able to purchase a license and hunt alone (with parental permission) when they turn 14.
Students successfully completing the course will receive a basic hunter education certificate, good in any state.
