Family-Friendly
SHO
RANGE
TING
PHOTO AND STORY By JOAN HASSKAMP
O
perational since 1954, the Lakeshore Conservation
Club initially attracted mostly men, but in the past few years, women and children have also flocked to this family-friendly club.
Membership now exceeds 600 compared to only about 100 in 2006. The surge in family memberships is a result of many more women and kids joining the club, says secretary treasurer/membership chair, Penny Stumvoll. “Boys and girls and women have really taken an interest in the outdoor sports shooting activities we offer.” Formerly known as the Lakeshore Rod & Gun Club, the non-profit organization offers trap, skeet, rifle and pistol shooting and archery facilities. Located across the road from Mount Ski Gull on County Road 77, the club also spon-
sors and promotes sporting events and programs geared toward youth education and family oriented outings. “We encourage families to enjoy the club together,” Penny said. The club offers a number of mixed adult leagues and youth leagues in both trap and skeet. The club also sponsors and serves as the host facility for the Brainerd, Pillager and Pequot Lakes high school trap and skeet teams. About 100 kids participate on the three co-ed teams. In 2014, the Minnesota State High School League recognized trap shooting as an official sport. This spring over 8,600 kids participated statewide making it the fastestgrowing high school sport in Minnesota. Clay target shooting now has more par-
Nancy Schroeder (left) and Penny Stumvoll, members of the board, believe that the growth in membership of the Lakeshore Conservation Club has been the result of more women and children joining.
ticipants than boys’ ice hockey. According to Nancy Schroeder, board member, the sport appeals to boys and girls who might not want to participate in traditional mainstream sports. It provides an opportunity for kids to be part of a team and earn athletic letters. Because no one rides the bench, everyone contributes to the team score and feels like part of the team. Nancy’s son, David, was the top shooter for the Pequot Lakes team this past spring. Pillager’s Kaitlyn Luksik was the top female shooter. “Girls love clay target shooting because they can shoot as well
Lakeshore Conservation Club
www.LakeshoreGunClub.com 18 18 Fall 2015 | her voice
218-963-4003