APR 2013 VOL. 34 NO. 4
$2 Archery - Canoeing - Fishing - Highpower - Hunting - Pin & Plate - Pistol Shooting - Trap - Skeet - Smallbore - Sporting Clays
Junior Rifle Shooters in Tewksbury by Michelle Y. Siudut, Editor As a youngster in the late seventies, trailing my father’s unabashed dedication to defend the Second Amendment, I met a young couple who were like-wise committed and active in supporting firearms ownership. On a warm evening this past March, I had the pleasure of visiting with old friends Lori & Dana Crowe, to talk with them about the junior rifle program they run at the Tewksbury Rod & Gun Club. The junior rifle program has been a part of the club for at least 35 years. Dana, who has been coaching for 23 years, is now teaching the children of some of his first students. The training sessions are held twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from October to May. Any youth aged 12 to 18 is welcome to join. Signups are limited to a maximum of 24 members throughout their season (which fills very quickly), with an average of 20 shooters showing up each session. The program is primarily self-funded. The $5 per week fee covers all equipment including rifles, eye protection, ear protection, mats, spotting scopes, targets and ammunition. Those who have their own equipment are welcome to bring it. It is safety first at this club, so each new shooter must go through the First Steps safety program before heading to the range. Like most smallbore rifle programs, the shooters are instructed in all 4 positions of prone, sitting, kneeling and offhand. To start, each athlete is given a DCM target and assigned a lane on the range. If they get an 80 or better on that first target, they receive a medal. With as many as 20 shooters attending each session, they must take turns on the 10position range., but are allowed to shoot
as much as they want during each session. There are on average 6 - 8 coaches and assistants at each session. Some I met that evening included Brad Stevenson and his wife Martha; Theresa and Patrick Logue. Gerry Keefe and Doug Grant also help out, as does the Crowe’s son Ian when he is available (he is now at college). Lori teaches the safety portion of the program. When she is not teaching safety, she fills in as needed - scoring targets, giving advice or helping on the range. All coaches are NRA certified and licensed by the state of Massachusetts. Although there are some attendees who are serious, competitive and willing to obtain better equipment, such as wellcrafted shooting jackets - for most it is simply a fun night of shooting. They don’t hold junior matches at the club or travel as a team to compete, but some juniors do attend matches outside of the program. Parents must stay onsight while the junior goes through the initial safety portion of the program, but after that shooters can be dropped off at the 6:30 pm start time and picked up after cleanup is completed, usually between 8:30 and 9 pm. Of course, it may be a little longer if anyone has earned badges. And oftentimes, the instructors bring some other types of firearm to show the participants, exposing them to more than just smallbore rifles. For their last session in May, they take to the outdoor range where they shoot trap and are able to try a variety of highpower caliber firearms. This is thanks to their coaches, who generously provide the variety of guns. As I observed the coaches, the juniors and the parents, I could hear valuable tips being shared: don’t eat caffeine before coming to the range, wear comfortable shoes, wear a shirt with some texture rather than a smooth, silky shirt that will be harder to keep the gun in position. The program has seen five of its shooters earn Distinguished Expert badges - Andrew Hazelton, Ian Crowe, Kate Stephenson, John Ings and Roy Hawes. Andrew Hazelton was also a silver medalist in 10M air pistol at the 2010 National Junior Olympics . I talked with Lori about the obvious popularity of their program. She told me the club holds a Field Day in September, which is often when interest in the rifle program begins. She said there are not a lot of programs available for juniors in their area, so theirs fills quickly. And since participants do not have to be members of the club, that makes the program Shooters of the junior rifle program on the line at Tewksbury Rod & Gun Club. even more attractive. But they
Dana Crowe assists a junior in attaining the proper offhand position.
are limited to 24 shooters in the eightmonth program, with former participants given preference. Lori was proud to tell me they have had several alumni come back to visit, giving credit for many future accomplishments to their involvement in shooting. They affirm that shooting taught them discipline and enabled them to better focus in other areas of life. There are over 600 members at the Tewksbury Rod and Gun Club. In addition to the junior rifle program, the club also has a junior shotgun program, affiliated with the SCTP. The club
facilities include the indoor range, a trap range, an archery field and a 100 yard outdoor highpower range. They have a lovely clubhouse, which on the night of my visit was filled with members dining and celebrating St Patricks Day. The club is located at 79 Chandler Street in Tewksbury. Their website is www.tewksburyrodandgun.org. If you are interested in learning more about the junior rifle program contact Dana Crowe 978-663-3024 or Bradley Stevenson 978658-5488 or send an email to jrleague@tewksburyrodandgun.org. ★
From left are Theresa Logue, Lori Crowe and Martha Stevenson, talking safety, scoring targets - and checking out the latest issue of The Outdoor Message.
Have You Moved? Chapter 140, Sections 129B(11) and 131(l) of Massachusetts state law requires holders of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) and a License to Carry Firearms (pistol permit) to notify certain authorities of any change of address. You must notify - by certified mail, in writing and within 30 days - the authority who issued the card and/or license, the chief in your new town of residence and the Executive
Director of the Criminal History Systems Board (200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150). Failure to notify of any change of address is cause for revocation of the Card or License. If you haven’t yet done so, we also urge you to re-register to vote. A mail-in form can be obtained by calling 1-800462-VOTE. ★
Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Joins with Midway Foundation The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is pleased and proud to have partnered with the Midway Foundation to raise money for shooting teams. The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is participating in The MidwayUSA Foundation’s latest fundraising promotion in of youth support shooting. The program is a raffle entitled The “Our Family Legacy” Rifle Set. Each person who participates in this raffle will receives a set of “Our Family Legacy” Browning pocket knives handsomely displayed in a commemorative tin depicting Potterfield hunting scenes across the years - just for purchasing a ticket! One lucky raffle participant will win a matched set of
Browning A-Bolt rifles chambered in .257 Roberts and featuring gold inlaid engraved bolts with engraved floorplates, rosewood fore-ends and grip caps. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these rifles goes to the Scholastic Shooting Trust, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting the growth of scholastic shooting teams ultimately securing the legacy of shooting and hunting in A m e r i c a n families for generations to come. *** T h e primary mission of The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is training, and the education, advancement of the shooting sports through related junior programs in all standard shooting disciplines.
Since the establishment of the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation (formerly The GOAL Foundation) in Medallion: adjustable trigger, detachable box magazine, 42 1/2” length; 13 5/8” length of pull, 22” barrel length. Micro - Medallion: adjustable trigger, detachable box magazine, 39 3/8” length; 12 1/2” length of pull, 20” barrel length.
1990, the Foundation has raised and spent over $500,000 on Education and Training programs and financial support for juniors all across the state. Hundreds of gun owners and non-gun owners have contributed to our cause. There are now junior shooting programs in twice as many clubs as there were only 10 years ago and they aren’t just for .22 caliber guns. The SCTP shotgun program has begun to grow and both high power and
Maspenock Jr. Rifle League Final Match Results
air gun shooting with both rifles and handguns are everywhere. The Foundation is tax exempt under the IRS code as a 501(c)3 corporation, making donations fully tax deductible under the law. The Foundation is overseen by a board of directors that establishes policy and ensures that the mission of the Foundation is carried out. It is not controlled by any other entity. ★
by James Lee The final match on the 4 match season was held March 2, 2013 at the Southborough Rod and Gun club. In total 48 competitors from Harvard Sportsman Association, Holliston Sportsmen’s Association, Marlborough Fish and Game, Maspenock Rod and Gun Club, Maynard Rod and Gun and Southborough Rod and Gun Club participated. The large number of participants kept the firing line occupied from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm to complete all 8 relays. Each of the competitions consisted of three concurrent matches. Newer competitors shot only in the prone (lying down) position while more advanced competitors fired a three-position match firing from prone, standing and kneeling. The scores of the top four shooters on each team are added to get the team score. This scoring format allows as many competitors as would like to try a chance to have their score help their team.
In the prone-only match there were 13 competitors representing Holliston Sportsmen’s Association, Marlborough Fish and Game, Maspenock Rod and Gun Club, Maynard Rod and Gun and Southborough Rod and Gun Club. First place in prone went to Natasha Arseneau from Marlborough with a 279 out of 300. Kelsie Phaneuf of Southborough took second with a 245 and Marcus Mojica of Maspenock took third with a 243. In the three-position match, Ryan Darrow of Maspenock took individual first with 275 Tyler Lefebvre of Southborough second with 272 and Abby Monique of Southborough, third with 269. Across the 4 match season a total of 71 youths had a chance to represent their club with 11 from Harvard, 9 from Pictured left to right are: Tyler Lefebvre (Southborough), Abby Monique Holliston, 22 from Marlborough, 11 from (Southborough), Colton Valchuis (Marlbrough) and Haley Dickenson (Harvard). Maspenock, 7 from Maynard and 11 from Southborough. Each of the clubs had many more participants who chose not to have goals of competing awards levels in their marksmanship program or training participate in the matches. For the team scores Maspenock took for state or national level competitions THE first with 1006 based on the scores of over the summer. Several of the league competitors will Ryan Darrow 275, Dan Reynolds 249, Chris Rooney 248 and Laura Kacir 234. be going on to college this fall opening up Second for this match went to positions in many of the clubs. The clubs New England’s most active outdoor people Southborough with a team score of 946 in the league all will restart their programs The Outdoor Message (USPS 790-980, ISSN 027-8053) with the scores from Tyler Lefebvre 272, in the fall. If you have a child aged 10-18 is published monthly by the Outdoor Message Cooperative, MEMBER GROUPS: Rhode Island Abby Monique 269, John Renzoni 217, consider contacting one of the clubs in the Inc., 37 Pierce Street, Northborough, MA 01532. Rifle & Revolver Association, Holyoke and Joel Gardner 188. Marlborough summer or fall to participate. No Periodicals postage is paid at Northborough, MA and at Revolver Club, The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, Maspenock Rod The edged out Harvard for third with a 928 vs experience is necessary; each of the clubs Outdoor additional mailing offices. A subscription to & Gun Club, South Fitchburg Hunting Harvards 926. Marlborough’s score was is staffed with credentialed coaches who Message is available through membership in one of the & Fishing Club, Independent Sportsmen’s Club, Standish based on AJ Carmody 264, Gianna teach safety, fun and marksmanship. member groups, through single subscriptions by postal mail for $10 annually or via electronic means for $6 annually. Sportsman’s Association, Hanson Rod Ferrecchia 229, Colton Valchuis 221 and Acceptance of participants in the program & Gun Club, Wrentham Sportsmen’s Permission is hereby granted to reprint material in this Association, Woodville Rod & Gun is up to the individual club and is based on Will Aube 214. publication that does not contain a byline as long as credit Club, Cape Cod Fish & Game For the league trophy the final team space and the maturity of the potential is given to The Outdoor Message. Written permission Association, Uxbridge Rod & Gun standing are: Harvard 3695, Maspenock participant. Club, Ayer Gun and Sportsmen’s Club, must be obtained from the author to reprint articles with a Fitchburg Sporsmen’s Club and Barre Participation in a Jr. Rifle program is 3583, Marlborough 3521, Southborough byline. Sportsmen’s Club. 3155, Maynard 2682, Holliston 2583. In safer than all other youth sports. All the Publisher: Michael D. Yacino the past few years, Maspenock and coaches teach safe fire arms handling Editor: Michelle Yacino Siudut Harvard have both been battling for first practices as the first lesson. While a The editorials and articles appearing in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of all subscribers or place, but with many of the experienced typical hockey, football, soccer, baseball contributors. Although sportsmen, in general, support each others views, they may occasionally differ over certain controversial issues. Each group’s articles reflect that group’s own position. team members graduating from the or other sports practice can see cuts, bruises, sprains, concussions or broken program, next year is open to any team. POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to The Outdoor Message, PO Box 306, bones, this season as most youth rifle The final event for the league will be Northborough, MA 01532. seasons was injury free. the awards banquet held at Marlborough ISSUE COPY DUE DATE The Many thanks go out to the head in April. The banquet will be attended by May April 8 the team members, coaches volunteers coaches of the teams, the assistant June May 8 and their families. Although the league coaches and volunteers and especially the EADLINES July June 8 matches have finished for the season, the Southborough kitchen crew who kept To request advertising information or to submit materials to The Outdoor Message mail to clubs will continue their training and coaches, competitors parents and other 37 Pierce Street, PO Box 306 Northborough MA 01532; phone 603-642-4628; fax 603-642practices through May (the program start volunteers well fed with breakfast and 4327; e-mail editor@theoutdoormessage.com. Information is available at and end dates are determined by each club lunch. ★ www.theoutdoormessage.com. individually). Many of the participants
Outdoor Message
Outdoor Message D
Page 2
The
Outdoor Message
April 2013
2013 Junior Air Rifle Sectional by Bill Dutton
The 2013 Junior Air Rifle Sectional came to a close at the Hudson Fish and Game Club on Saturday, February 23rd. Sectionals are the NRA ational Indoor Championship for rifle and pistol disciplines. All individual match scores are compiled by the NRA and the results are published with rankings on a national scale. The range was packed to capacity with 24 highly skilled Juniors from New and Massachusetts. Hampshire Attendance was more than double from the previous year’s sectional. The sectional was limited to Juniors born 1993 or later. Age categories are broken into Sub Junior (born 1999 or later), Intermediate Junior (born 1996 or later) and Junior (born 1993 or later). Teams were categorized based on the eldest shooting member. The Intermediate category had the most members (15), Juniors (6) and Sub Juniors (3). Because there were too few Sub Juniors (a minimum of 5 are required), they were merged with Intermediate Juniors for category award purposes.
The course of fire was 40 shots standing with precision air rifles at 10 meters. International rules applied. Team scores were compiled from each individual’s scores (unfired match). There were seven teams representing four different area clubs. Taunton Marksmanship Unit Maroon (Intermediate Junior) represented by MacKenzie Martin, Brendan Whitaker and Tyler Lefebvre, turned in an outstanding score of 1138 taking first place. To put the score into perspective, the 2012 National Intermediate Junior rifle champion team score was 1133. Five (5) points LOWER than the Taunton Team Score! Ferry Brook Gold (Junior) represented by Joe Nikiforakis, Lacey Hamelin and Andrew Solomonides, took second place amongst teams with a solid score of 1111 points. The Hudson Fish and Game Club (Sub Junior) team, represented by Elizabeth Dutton, Zach Wambsganss and Liana Squeglia, put in an outstanding effort for a Sub Junior category team. They posted a score of 1091… just one point less than
the 2012 National Sub Junior Championship team score of 1092. Rounding out the teams were: Maspenock Precision (Junior) with a score of 1071, Ferry Brook Silver posted a score of 1055. Ferry Brook Bronze with a score of 1017 and Ferry Brook Copper with a score of 798. In the individual awards, MacKenzie Martin of Fairhaven MA, a favorite to win the match, held off a strong push by Joe Nikiforakis of Swanzey NH. MacKenzie edged out Joe for the top spot shooting a 387 to Joe’s solid 386. Brendan Whitaker of Bridgewater MA continued to impress with another solid performance finishing third overall with a score of 378. Rounding out the other top award
winners were Tyler Lefebvre of Uxbridge, MA taking High Intermediate Junior/Sub Junior (IJ/SJ) with a score of 373. Elizabeth Dutton of Derry NH was 2nd IJ/SJ with a score of 369. Andrew Solomonides of Gilsum NH was 3rd IJ/SJ with a score of 368. Christopher Rooney of Bellingham MA was the high Junior with a score of 359. The match was a success due to the volunteer efforts of the Hudson Fish and Game Club Junior Rifle Team Coaches and Parents. Without them these events would never happen. If you know of a child interested in learning more about the precision shooting sports, contact Bill Dutton (bill@williamdutton.com). ★
Sectionals Held At Taunton R& P by Sid Martin, Match Director
On March 2nd, the Open International Air Rifle Sectional brought in shooters from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Congratulations to Brendan Whitaker who shot a 580 to win the event. Brendan finished after challenges in a tie with Sonya May and the NRA tie breaker was applied as the highest last target. MacKenzie Martin finished in Third Place with a 574. Alexa Aguiar finished with a 568 to be high Master. These top shooters are all part of the Taunton Marksmanship Unit. Since this NRA event is new to shooting at the Taunton Rifle and Pistol club many of the shooters did not have a classification or similar classification so we had a large number of Master Unclassified. Thus, only the Master Classification award could be given. The Taunton Rifle and Pistol Club did offer various awards including $5 discount cards to the Dr. Alan Goldberg Mental Toughness seminar sponsored by the Niantic Club held later in the month. Once again the 14 and younger crowd shot very well, with Elizabeth Dutton led with a performance. In a “class”ification by himself was Bill Dutton. Bill was the only representative of the Open “set” and it was great to have him shooting. I especially want to thank all the great help we had. Kevin Winters called the line. Todd, Joe, Tom and Eric Flanders helped score. Barbara Flanders cleaned up all the brass for our shooters (its an air match). Ana and Barbara did great work in keeping us well fed. Everyone who sets up helps in a great way. I’d like to mention a great observation at this match. Every coach, from every team present, were pulled together by Manny from Maspenock to help a junior (not a member of his team) with the sizing of her rifle coat. Each coach offered a helping hand (and the occasional opinion) to make her coat fit better. Truly, this is the value of these events: to bring us together to help progress the junior (and senior) shooting sports. As Match Director (and I’m sure anyone who has put on a match agrees) there’s so much going on that you don’t get to communicate with everyone present like you want to. I really enjoy listening in on the conversations and hearing the
April 2013
juniors talk about the sport they enjoy. *** The Open International Smallbore Sectional was held on March 10th. The Match Winner shooting an 1135 was MacKenzie Martin. Second Place with 1111 went to Sonya May. Third Place with an 1102 went to Brendan Whitaker. The high Master/MU/Expert/ Sharpshooter was Beck Gerritsen. Maggie Flanders (13 years old) was high Marksman with a 1078. Maggie also won high prone with a 391 and smoked her team mates with her prone performance. MacKenzie Martin was high Kneeling and Brendan Whitaker shot a great offhand. Both of these sixteen year olds are having a great season. First IJ was Beck Gerritsen. First SJ was Elizabeth Dutton. Once again, certificates were given as additional prizes, to offset the cost of the Dr. Goldberg seminar. We want to thank everyone who helped in this match. Kevin Winters did an excellent job calling the relays, Nicole Panko traveled from Connecticut to score and help run the match. Also thanks go to Todd May and Joe Lefebvre for scoring. Ana Aguiar and Barbara Flanders did a great job in the kitchen and thanks to everyone else who helped make the event flow smoothly. *** On March 16-17th, we hosted 21 shooters in the Junior Precision 3P Air Rifle Sectional and ten shooters in the Open Precision 3P Air Rifle Sectional. The NRA Air Position sectional was fantastic, with the juniors and the adults giving great shooting performances. Congratulations to our winners: Junior Sectional: MacKenzie Martin (592) Open Sectional: Eric Sloan (587) In the Junior Sectional second place went to Brendan Whitaker who shot a 587 and third place went to Sonya May shooting a 585. In the Open Sectional second place went to MacKenzie Martin who also shot a 587 to tie, the tie breaker went to Eric Sloan who tied the national record in kneeling (199) and shot a 100 in the last string of 10 shots. Third Place went to Brendan Whitaker (582). I want to thank Kevin Winters for The
Match director Sid Martin (right) stands with Open International Air Rifle (OIAR) Sectional, Open International Smallbore (OIS) Sectional and 3P Air Rifle (3P) Sectional Match winners - and TMU team members, from left, Mackenzie Martin (OIAR third, OIS first, 3P first), Brendan Whitaker (OIAR first, OIS third, 3P second) and Sonya May (OIAR second, OIS second, 3P third). Photo by Todd May
running the line and Todd May who helped in scoring. Food was provided by Ana Aguiar for a great breakfast and Barbara Flanders made a delicious lunch. We certainly appreciate their efforts. This match was shot in the Taunton Rifle and Pistol Club’s new pistol and rifle range. We set up the range for air rifle. The lighting in this range is superb. Though the range still needs some finishing touches (we rushed the volunteers to support this match), the leadership of the club really worked to make this event a success.
Lots of awards were given out especially to our Sub Juniors who are putting up some high numbers. Top SJ shooting a 574 was Maggie Flanders in the Junior sectional. Top IJ was Alexa Aguiar with a 577. I want to thank those who helped the matches run smoothly and helped clean up after everything was all done. I appreciate the parents who come and stay, and those who may leave but do what they can to get their children to our events throughout the season. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. ★
THIS MONTH in The Outdoor Message
SP EC IAL A RTI CLES
2013 Junior Air Rifle Sectional . . . .Page 3 Legislative Docket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Maspenock Jr. Rifle League Final Match Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Mass Junior Conservation Camp . . .Page 7 Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Joins with Midway Foundation . . .Page 2
MSF Offhand Target Competition . .Page 5 Northeast Regional Field Target Championship at Crosman . . . . . .Page 5 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits May 3-5 in Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Range Money for Clubs . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 Sectionals Held At Taunton R& P . .Page 3
Classifieds ..........................................Page 23 CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection News.....Page 10 Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide...............Page 15 Hap’s Corner ......................................Page 6 Hipshots & Hangfires ........................Page 4 Hunting Around New England ..........Page 9 In Pop’s Pantry...................................Page 7 Just an Opinion ..................................Page 4 Maine Fish & Game Department
News ...............................................Page 11 MassWildlife News............................Page 9 NH Fish & Game Department News.Page 10 Notes from the Little Cabin...............Page 5 RI Department of Environmental Management News .........................Page 10 The Sportsman’s Calendar.................Page 25 Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department News ...........................Page 11 What’s In America’s Backyard? ........Page 7
Ayer Gun & Sportsmen's Club . . . . .Page 18 Barre Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 Cape Cod Fish & Game Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . .Page 17 Hanson Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . . .Page 13 Holyoke Revolver Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Independent Sportsmen’s Club . . . . .Page 22 Maspenock Rod & Gun Club . . . . . .Page 24 Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver
Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Standish Sportsman’s Association . .Page 16 The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . .Page 23 Woodville Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . .Page 12 Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association .Page 16
FEATUR E AR TI CLES
The
Outdoor Message
Outdoor Message
IS THE
OFFICIAL NEWS PUBLICATION
FOR:
Page 3
Just An Opinion: A Picture Has Many Parts by Paul J. Kress
One of the reporters on a TV news program wondered about the significance of the clip showing President Obama shooting skeet. She was interrupted by another member of the panel who said they shouldn’t be wasting time on trivia when there were important issues to discuss. I disagree. The picture of Obama shooting an over-under at clay pigeons is intended to send a message. Presented to
the public early in the gun control debate, it is telling gun owners not to worry. See, your President also enjoys the shooting sports. It is important to recognize that this is one of a series of staged events calculated to sway public opinion toward favoring more and “better” gun control. At one of the President’s stops on his tour around the country, the audience was packed with law enforcement officers in
Hipshots & Hangfires by Mike Yacino
“These guns and ammo are going out the door in armloads. Some people can hardly walk, they’ve got so much stuff”. So said Paul Snider, organizer of a gun show in Idaho. He said it was the largest crowd in over 32 years. “I don’t think they are panicking yet, but they are very concerned about what might come down the line.” And there you have it. America is arming itself and I really don’t think the people causing the commotion realize how serious it is.
dress uniforms. Law enforcement is fully in favor of more gun control? At another time when the President spoke of the school shootings, four small children were seated directly behind him at the podium. Two girls and two boys. One of the boys was black and wearing a nice suit. Should we laugh or cry? Then Vice President Biden got into the act. He told us that a double barrel shotgun is much better for home protection than an
“assault rifle”. The shotgun is easier to shoot and makes a louder noise. What do these events mean in the big picture? One thing is clear. Collectively they go far below the surface of gun control. They are an all out attack on our individual rights. Sounds like an overstatement? Perhaps, but remember a brick wall is made of many pieces. Take out one key brick and the entire wall is in jeopardy. ★
Shooting Gallery Michael Bane announced all filming sessions for Shooting Gallery, The Best Defense, Rapid Fire, Gun Stories and special projects for Down Range Television have been moved out of Colorado. You can read Mr. Bane’s letter to Colorado Senator Steve King at <http://coloradosenate news.com/Downloads/MichaelBane.pdf>
Every magazine you read these days has a sidebar with tips for its readers. Some are about cooking, or life lessons or ✦ ✦ ✦ CNN’s David Frum stated that “the others go into buying products that will Education and proper training in the safe use and handling of firearms should start gun lobby doesn’t want you to know the last longer. Well here is mine: “Have as soon as possible in the young shooters life. Junior Conservation Camp instructor truth about whether guns make you safe.” plenty of gold and silver either as bullion Sarah MacLagan teaching at the BIG MOE. I know that when the data is fairly or coins, lots of food and clean drinking every four years, it’s every day.” Therein guns owned by Americans has soared.” acquired and presented exactly the water, and a sufficient supply of guns and lays the nucleus of a true athlete and That came from the Washington Post. opposite is true but he won’t accept the ammunition to defend them from enemies ✦ ✦ ✦ indeed any person who wants to be information. Moreover for the tens of both foreign and domestic.” you Rhode Island and southeastern All ✦ ✦ ✦ successful in whatever they do. To thousands of potential victims who have Massachusetts folks might like to tune I have been out speaking a lot lately on achieve your goals there has to be a used a gun to avoid being harmed… Daria Bruno on Lock, Stock & Daria, into behalf of the Massachusetts Shooters dedication and realization that nothing clearly, they know the truth. heard live on Talk Radio 920am WHJJ out Foundation and am regularly asked who ✦ ✦ ✦ worth achieving comes easy. Never quit of Providence every Saturday morning How about the Swedish study that to vote for in the NRA elections. I served and never lessen your resolve to do great between 11 am and noon. I was privileged found sewer treatment plants discharge on the board and a number of NRA things and live a positive life. Let your into waterways doesn’t always remove all committees for over 15 years and still talk example extend to others and your world to meet with the lady and believe she can the psychiatric drugs that go downstream with some of the members. will be a better place, not necessarily do just about anything. She runs a “ladies only” night at Fall River Rod & Gun Club On the ballot this year is one person I and are consumed by fish. As a result they perfect, but a better place. and if you have never tried shooting a ✦ ✦ ✦ found that fish eventually eat more have always respected, Jim Porter. Larry handgun give her a call at 318-235-3603. Consumer reporting shows that the aggressively and that could alter the entire Craig constantly stood his ground on our The cost is $15 and she provides hunting community increased its spending water specie populations and the humans behalf in the congress and Ollie North everything needed. She also runs a variety by over 55% in 2011 adding $87 billion to provided a healthy supply of information that eat the fish. Is that deep or what? of classes which you can view at ✦ ✦ ✦ our economy and supporting nearly about how the government really worked. Henry Rifles are back in production. Susan Howard presented a woman’s 700,000 jobs nationally. News reporters <www.sticktoyourgunsradio.com>. Daria reminds me that women are an Their plant was devastated in hurricane perspective with grace and sincerity. are actually starting to tell our story with integral part of the survival of not only Sandy but once again those rifles are back less rancor and when all is said and done Then there’s Ted Nugent, whom I only on the line. Brownell, the world’s largest met once. Like him or not he has the guts the Northeast is where much of the benefit our gun rights, but the core principles of this country. More gun companies are supplier of gun parts is doubling its space to tell young and old “you may not like to our gun industry has taken place. building products that suit the needs of a ✦ ✦ ✦ in their facility in Iowa. Charter Arms reality but you can’t deny it.” I have Speaking of foolish moves by female - from clothes to training classes, went from 8,000 to over 28,000 square always found that to be the same with the politicians, Minneapolis Mayor Rybak it’s obvious that one size does not fit all. feet of space. And most of the optics simple truth, something my detractors And as you see by the shooting results tops the list with his extortion scheme outfits are growing very rapidly especially have a hard time telling. At any rate I am directed at gun makers. He tried to we keep reporting on the pages of this those making night vision equipment. sure there may be some others qualified to leverage police municipal contracts to get publication (like those on page three), the Crimson Trace, American Technologies be directors but I’ll stick with the ones I concessions on gun laws and the whole men are playing catch-up in every match. Network <www.atncorp.com>, Bushnell, have listed. Of course you could throw a ✦ ✦ ✦ thing exploded in his face as rank and file Sightmark, Night Force, Aimpoint and vote to Willie Robertson of Duck April 1st begins an entire month of police said they didn’t like being used as Pulsar are all in full production mode. Dynasty… I would vote for Si. Can you jokes and surprises, so beware. There are ✦ ✦ ✦ pawns in his agenda. Give him the big “I” see him and Nugent debating Schumer two birthdays that you could acknowledge If you watch a lot of TV check out to wear around his neck for a while. and Feinstein? That would be comedy! starting with Kendra Ouimette who steps ✦ ✦ ✦ American Airgunner hosted by Rossi ✦ ✦ ✦ One last item about whether more guns out of the teen years on the same day your Morreale. You can get info on where it Here’s a thought for the month: When mean less crime. According to ACTUAL taxes are due! Michael MacLagan (at 4:03 may be appearing by going to the final result is expected to be a RECORDS “The drop in deaths from PM) will be 26 on the 22nd. He fixes <www.AmericanAirgunner.com>. They compromise, start from the most extreme firearms and in slayings overall…over the problems…with your car or truck, that is. say look for the Pursuit Channel and on position or it may end up a massacre. Patriots Day is the 19th, although past two decades, homicide declined 80% Dish its 240 or Direct TV on 604. ✦ ✦ ✦ in the District of Columbia and 75% in celebrated on the 15th this year. That’s the In response to Colorado’s passage of At the Olympic Training Center there New York City. And it comes even as the day a handful of radicals made a stand new restrictions on firearms, author and is a saying on the entry doors that reflect economy has tanked. Yet the number of that brought us to here. They became the host of the Outdoor Channel Show on one’s competitive efforts, “It’s not first American veterans. The new moon is the 10th and the full moon arrives the 25th just before turkey season. And if you want some real trivia... had Thomas Jefferson lived this long he ● 200 Modern & Muzzleloading Firearms in Stock would have been not only disappointed in “The East’s largest stocking ● Over 150 Bows & Related Accessories in Stock the performance of the crew in DC but he dealer of Shiloh Sharps Single Shot ● Custom Made Traditional Archery Equipment, Long Bows, Recurves, would be 270 years old. Rifles and Accessories!” ✦ ✦ ✦
Traditional Archery, Muzzleloading Firearms & Accessories ●
Quivers, Cedar Arrows, Videos, Books, Feathers, Etc. Dealer for Zebra Archery, Wheeler Long Bows, Buffalo Creek, Howard Hill, Damon Howatt Quality Custom & Semi Custom Muzzleloading Firearms, Related Accessories & Building Components Historical Clothing & Garment Quality Buckskin, Buffalo and Elk Leather
HUNTERS RENDEZVOUS BOWHUNTER’S DEN ● ●
(978)433-9458
Exit 31 off Rt 495 HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am - 6 pm ● 11 miles West on Rt 119 Pepperell, MA Tuesday Call Ahead ● Saturday 10 am - 5 pm ● Sunday 1-5 pm Look for the Log Cabin -- Headquarters for the Traditional Hunter/Sportsman and Historical Reenactor --
Page 4
The
Outdoor Message
Take a friend fishing or turkey hunting or just to the range to have some fun. Never forget that our cause is just, our roots are strong, and our determination to sustain our traditions and customs must never be sacrificed. Loyalty to those to whom loyalty is deserved. Semper Fi. ★ ✦ ✦ ✦
April 2013
Notes from the Little Cabin: The Little Cabin from the Beginning by Paul Kress
It was part of a long abandoned farm in the foothills of the Green Mountains. The neatly stacked flat rocks that marked the foundation of the settler’s house, endless stone walls, and land that sloped continuously to the West River valley a mile away told of the courage, tenacity and eventually the heartbreak of those who spent their lives attempting to farm this thin soil. But I was not interested in farming the land. I was just looking for a piece of good wildlife habitat outside of suburbia. Water, food, shelter for a variety of critters. I made mental notes as we walked the boundaries with the owner and his agent. A small but strong running brook ran across a corner of the place. Fruit-bearing wild apple trees, a dozen or more, were scattered around. Several big wild cherry trees, a patch of blackberries. Best of all, a two to three acre grove of mature beech, and squirrel size cavities in several dead trees. Then the frosting on the cake - we flushed a grouse from a brushy patch and caught a glimpse of a big woodpecker on its galloping flight. The city girl was not along just for the
walk. She pointed out the perfect spot with a view into the mountains where we would someday build a camp. No discussion. She had decided - just build. It was remote, a plus but also a minus. The half mile of overgrown access road needed the work of a bulldozer, truckloads of crushed rock, and a culvert where the brook crossed. Fortunately, that made the place affordable. In September 1958, we took possession of what the deed called 38 acres “more or less” of Vermont. The following summer, after the mud season was over, the road was built. With the help and advice of a sympathetic Vermonter who owned a bulldozer and who knew how to build a country road, we soon had a firm ribbon of crushed rock that went up the steep hill, across the relatively level stretch of the old road, over the brook and onto our property. A building was still a year or two away. No matter. I had purchased a big used tent,
The Northeast Regional Field Target Championship (NRFTC) hosted by Crosman, is now open for registration. The event, on July 12-14, will be held on the campus of Crosman Corporation in Bloomfield, New York. "This will be our fourth year hosting the NRFTC and we expect upwards of 70 air rifle and pistol shooters to participate," said Mark DeBoard, Shooting Services Manager for Crosman. The rifle event takes place over two days with competitors taking 60 shots each day. Those with the highest number of "hits" will be named winners. Competitors shoot in a variety of
divisions and classes based on the equipment they use, taking both their airgun and support equipment into consideration. The event is governed under the rules of the American Field Target Association. Visit Crosman's website <http://www.crosman.com/nrftc> for additional information. ★
Northeast Regional Field Target Championship at Crosman
How Well Do You Shoot Off Hand?
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is inviting juniors to participate in a unique contest with their air rifle, air pistol, smallbore .22 rifle or smallbore .22 pistol. Those who choose to use an air rifle or air pistol should place the target at a distance of 33 feet. If shooting smallbore .22 cal rifle or a .22 cal pistol, the target must be shot at 50 feet. All shooting is to be done in the off hand or standing position ONLY. No resting. Pistol shooters can use two or one-hand hold. Targets should be mailed to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, with Entrant Info completed. Scorers will review them and select the five best for each month. Shooters may also submit a photo taken of the junior and the target. By submitting photos, shooters give permission for its use in this publication or on the MSF website. Targets will be printed in The Outdoor Message each month from now through August. In order to be eligible for the contest, the targets must be originals, cut from The Outdoor Message, not a reproduction. Please submit only one target per month. If friends or team mates are interested in participating in the contest, subscriptions can be obtained online at <http://www. theoutdoormessage.com/Subscribeform.html> Certificates and decals will be awarded and the five overall best scores in the 6 month period will receive an invitation to attend the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Awards banquet in October. Their banquet ticket will be free and recipients will be recognized at the event. We would like to announce the winner in the first month of competition. Congratulations to Isabel Macaulay - Age 14 for submitting the high-scoring target in March. Check out her winning target on page 15. Have fun & happy shooting! ★
April 2013
two war s u r p l u s blankets, and an old air mattress. We were ready for our first overnight. Well, I was. The city girl looked on it as an adventure. I think she saw herself as a pioneer woman. All that was missing was a team of oxen and a covered wagon. She was obviously impressed with the fine supper I fixed for us the first evening. Franks and beans, crusty bread, and a bottle of cheap wine. We slept late the next morning. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the Little Cabin. It actually took a couple of years, a bit at a time. We made a good start with a ten by twenty pre-fab the manufacturer called a shed. The city girl referred to it as “the shack”. I sold the tent, stretched the budget and bought a Franklin stove. It took many trips to our town dump to furnish the Cabin. It is
amazing what valuable things people throw away. A kitchen table with only a few minor scrapes. Four nice wooden folding chairs. A couple of big throw rugs that the dogs loved, with only a few holes. A nice cabinet and some shelving that the city girl painted a bright color. I watched the sales and bought enough big sheet pine paneling for the walls. Then the finishing touch: I trucked up lumber from the mill and built a porch the length of the cabin - another 10 by 20 room. With the leftover timber I built a bunk in the corner by the stove. A bunk big enough to sleep two adults and one dog, or one adult and three dogs - a proven fact, not a theory. We finally had it all. The land, the road and the Little Cabin. The city girl and I could just sit back, relax and enjoy our good fortune. That first weekend I created a fabulous supper. Steak cooked medium rare on the grill over applewood coals in the Franklin. Tomatoes from our home garden. Crusty bread. A bottle of expensive champagne. We slept very late the next morning. ★
Join us for the 142nd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center in the heart of downtown Houston, TX, May 3-5, 2013! With over 550 exhibitors covering over 400,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, educational seminars, celebrities, and fun filled special events, bring the whole family- there will be something for
everyone! Spend the day exploring the products from every major firearm company in the country, book the hunt of a lifetime in our exclusive outfitter section, and view priceless collections of firearms in our gun collector area. You'll also see knives, wildlife art, shooting accessories, hunting gear, ATVs, and much more! ★
NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits May 3-5 in Texas
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Entrant Info
Name ________________________________________ Age _____ Address ________________________________________________ Club ___________________________________________________ Adult Witness ___________________________________________
Massaschusetts Shooters Foundation 37 Pierce Street - Northboro MA 01532 www.massshooters.org
The
Outdoor Message
Apr2013
Page 5
Hap’s Corner: Between The Idea And The Reality… by Hap Rocketto
With the 2012 National Smallbore Position Outdoor Championship coming to its end I had come to a fork in the road of my shooting career. I had just won the geezer Three Position Championship the first time I was eligible to compete. Did I go out in a blaze of glory as the national Senior Champion or try to better the legendary Fred Cole’s record number of senior titles? While not a believer in omens, several things happened to help me make up my mind. The first occurred as I was settling in for my last string of kneeling in the team match, perhaps the last 20 shots I would ever fire in position at Perry. My right shooting boot felt loose. Not wanting to get up and reset my position, a summer of shooting kneeling and 65 years of avoiding exercise was taking its toll, I went ahead and shot. My last bull was a 50X50 and my last shot was an X. As I struggled to my feet I looked down at my boot and saw that I was much like Pap, Huckleberry Finn’s father, whose boot had, “… a couple of toes leaking out of
the front end of it.” In spite of the wardrobe malfunction the Digby Hand “Young At Heart” Team of Len Remaly, Ernie Mellor, Tom McGurl, me, and Coach/Captain Charlie Adams - all of us card carrying members of Medicare - had just established two new senior National Records in four man three position competition. After the omen in kneeling I brought my position rifle to 10 Ring Service for its annual physical. When I arrived to pick it up two days later it was still in pieces on the bench. Thinking this could not be good I soon found out I was right. Lisa Lovelace, who has succeeded her late father Steve Moore as president of 10 Ring, told me the rifle itself was in great shape. However, she pointed to the stock where a longitudinal crack in the rifle’s bedding extended into the wood. Thinking I might get an aluminum replacement I soon found that no one on Commercial Row had one in stock. Things started to add up, a national individual title, a final bull that was perfect, boots that had disintegrated in the last match, two team National Records,
36 Fern Hill Road - Palmer, MA 01069 413-283-9975 Gunsmithing since 1974 Free Estimates 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
and a broken stock with no replacement readily available. My mind drifted back a half of a century to my freshman year in high school and Miss Moore’s English class. We had studied Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and across the years I dimly recalled a passage concerning augury: “Plucking the entrails of the offering forth, They could not find a heart within the beast.” Caesar did not heed the warning of the soothsayers and we all know how he ended up. A day or so later I ran into Bill Wolfe, an icon in New York State smallbore shooting, who lives, serendipitously enough, on Winchester Avenue. I have known Bill since the mid 1960s when we both ran summer camp rifle ranges at opposite ends of Gardner’s Lake in Salem, Connecticut. Bill worked at a private establishment while I was on the staff of Camp Wakenah, a Boy Scout facility. Several times each year we had a rifle match between the camps after which we would share a meal in the host camp’s dining hall. Bill’s kids inevitably won. His campers were long term, four to eight weeks, while mine were usually staying for just a week. Shooting is not a skill one picks up quickly and easily in just five days, no matter what United States folklore would have you believe, but the kids had fun and a change of diet. Attired in his usual Camp Perry garb, dark slacks and a white Hawaiian style shirt which hung outside of his trousers and was stretched snugly across his retired gentleman’s pot belly, Bill stopped me outside of Hough Auditorium.
Leaning heavily on his walking stick he offered a congratulatory handshake and then fumbled with a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Simultaneously striking up both a conversation and his smoke he absentmindedly scattered cigarette ash over our shirt fronts as he told me he couldn’t wait to get home and tell Fred Cole I had won the senior title. I was flattered. As mentioned earlier Frederick W. Cole Jr., “Old King Cole,” is a legend in the smallbore community. He was named a rifle All American at Columbia University the year I was born and has been beating me pretty regularly ever since. Bill quickly came to the point of the needling. In his gravelly Yonkers accented smoker roughened voice he growled, “Ya know what Fred is gunna say when he hears ya won?” “No,” said I. Hacking out a plume of smoke he rasped, “Freddy’s gunna tell me to tell you not to get too comfortable. He says he is coming back next year and wants point 90, the same as his age.” I know Fred Cole, I am friendly with Fred Cole, but I am no Fred Cole and could never match his legendary run of senior victories. comment, seemingly Bill’s inconsequential, tipped the scales. “Bill,” I replied, “Fred spent his career teaching English and he will know what I mean when you tell him that I reject T.S. Eliot’s Hollow Men. I am going out with a bang, not a whimper. You are the first to know that I am now officially retired from position competition at Perry.” ★
A MERICAN F IREARMS S CHOOL
Massachusetts’ premier indoor shooting and firearms training facility
5 John Dietsch Square North Attleboro, MA 02763 (508) 695-5869 Fax (508) 695-3971 www.AmericanFirearmsSchool.com
Massachusetts’ premier indoor shooting and firearms training facility We offer: • • • • • • • • •
Full Retail Store (2) Shooting Ranges (Pistol & Rifle) Open 7 Days a Week Basic Firearms Safety Course NRA Instructor Courses New Shooter Programs Personal Instruction Group Rates And Much More!
For more information, please call 508-695-5869
To visit us, follow Route 95 to exit number 5. At the end of the ramp, bear right. Take your first right and we are the second building on right. Page 6
The
Outdoor Message
April 2013
What’s In America’s Backyard? by Sierra Taylor
Greetings from America’s backyard – specifically from New Hampshire. This month, we are going to learn about some western animals – the Bison and the Mountain Lion. American Bison are 7-12 feet long with a 1.5 to 2 foot tail. They stand between 5 and 7 feet tall at the shoulders. Their impressive horns can grow up to 2 feet long! Both the females and the males sport these dangerous horns. Bison weigh between 900 and 2,250 pounds. At one year old, they may already be 400 pounds! Even as formidable a creature as he is, the bison is an herbivore. He feeds on grasses, herbs, shrubs and twigs. They will regurgitate their food and chew it a second time before they fully digest it. American Bison live in the western part of the United States. They are making a comeback since their mass killings. Mature animals will breed June through
September with the most activity happening in July August. and During this time the males (bulls) vie for breeding rights to the females (cows). Luckily for the losers, these battles rarely result in the death of a bull. Nine months from breeding, a cow will give birth to a single calf. These calves are able to run in just a few hours. They are weaned from their mothers at seven to twelve months. From then on, they are on their own and will live up to 20 years in the wild. Bison are quite amazing animals.
by Michelle Kirouac, Camp Administrator Not only are all camp spaces filled but we currently have about 25 boys and girls on our wait list! For clubs who have not submitted campers’ names for spots they have reserved, please do so as soon as possible. If spots are unable to be filled, we are able to take a name off the wait list. Also, if you are a club and reserved spots but did not specify any female spots, please note that NO female spots are available! There seems to be some confusion with this every year. When the initial paperwork goes out to the clubs they are asked how many male, female or unknown spots they would like to reserve. If your club selects unknown, this can only guarantee male spots. You must reserve female spots in order to guarantee those spaces. With only 20 female spots open each year there is great demand for these spots and therefore we can only hold spots that have been specified for females. For those parents who have already received a first set of paperwork from me, please complete the paperwork and return it to the office as soon as possible. If you are waiting on a physical exam, you may
submit all other paperwork with a note that the physical exam form will follow. I will be sending out a second set of paperwork in July which will include as directions to the camp, arrival time, a packing list and contact information for the camp. This packet will also include an optional days form. There are two optional days at the camp. The campers get to select in order 1,2,3 which options they would like to take on those days. These optionals have limited space and are filled on a first come first serve basis so you will want to have your child complete and return those as soon as possible. We will do our best to get campers into options they have selected. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at camp and looking forward to the warmer weather! We would like to say thank you to our most recent donor - Stream & Forest Club of The Boston Globe. All donations to the Camp are tax deductible, to a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions may be sent to Mass Junior Camp, PO Box 306 Northborough MA 01532. ★
Mass Junior Conservation Camp
Like the MASS JUNIOR CAMP on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mass-Junior-Conservation-Camp/537591036286089?fref=ts
Range Money for Clubs by Michael D Yacino
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, in cooperation with the Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, will host a public information seminar on range grants on Thursday, April 18th, 2013. Speaking at this function will be Tom O’Shea, assistant director of Mass Wildlife. The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife allocates $50,000 in grant money each year for “range development and improvement of activities in order to provide public access for hunter education and shooting sports purposes.” Mr. O’Shea told me very few clubs request consideration for a piece of those available funds. By attending this meeting, club officials can learn how to apply and get answers to any questions they might have. So if you’re club needs money for range improvement or range access or shooting programs, the Division may be able to help you find some. The seminar will take place at the Standish Sportsman’s Club, 1 Burr Lane, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts at 7 pm
April 2013
on April 18th, 2013. Please contact Michelle Kirouac at Foundation Headquarters, 508-393-5133 to reserve spots. There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be available. ★
Despite being large, cumbersome and a bit bulky – in fact, they are the largest land mammal in North America – they can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. They are also great swimmers. So are mountain lions, also known as pumas and cougars. Let’s learn about them now. The mountain lion is a very large cat. The female is 3-5 feet long while the male is 3-6 feet, and both possess a tail that measures between 20 and 32 inches. At the shoulder, mountain lions are 24 to 28 inches tall. Weights of males can vary between 145 and 230 pounds while the females are a smaller 75 – 130 pounds. Mountain lions are carnivores that eat mammals, birds and insects. These cats have a very large range that spans through both of the Americas. They inhabit all but a very small portion of the South American continent and Mexico, as well as parts of Florida and much of the western US. Every two years, females will seek out males during mating season. This time period varies in length and placement depending on the location of the lion. Pregnancy lasts 90-95 days, after which the female will give birth to 1-4 babies. These cubs stick around for two years before leaving, after which the female will go in search for another mate.
In Pop’s Pantry
Like the bison, the life expectancy of a mountain lion is roughly 20 years. Mountain lions are just as amazing as bison. They have the proportionally longest legs in the cat family, which allows them to jump 15 feet in just one bound. His eyes give him binocular vision. And he has the greatest distribution of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Impressive! That’s all you get from this month’s article. But we look forward to next month’s edition, where you will learn all about the Spotted Skunk and the RedTailed Hawk. Have fun backyard watching. Maybe you will even spot an animal featured in What’s in America’s Backyard? If you do, send me a photo in care of The Outdoor Message, PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532 or email it to editor@theoutdoormessage.com. ★
Although the snow on the ground in New England might indicate otherwise, the calendar tells us it is now officially spring. So this month’s recipe was chosen to bring a colorful and fresh side to your dining table - and the promise that warmer weather is truly on the way. We hope you have enjoyed the recipes In Pop’s Pantry. If you would like to submit your favorite recipe, we would be happy to share it with our readers. Enjoy! ★
TriColor Edamame Salad
Serves 8 1 bag (12 oz) frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans) 2 cups corn (either fresh or frozen will work) 2 red bell peppers, diced 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons orange juice 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon salt Ground black pepper Cook edamame in boiling water according to package directions. Two minutes before draining, add the corn. Cook 2 minutes then drain under cold running water. Set mixture aside. In a medium bowl, blend the remaining ingredients with a wire whisk. Add the edamame and corn and chill until serving time.
GUNS WANTED
If you cut this out, it will fit nicely on a standard recipe card.
We Buy Guns - “Active Cash for Idle Guns” Any and all types of guns: shotguns, handguns, antique guns, target guns, hunting guns, European guns, military guns, World War II guns, and helmets, Civil War guns and swords. One gun or entire collection.
Peter G. Dowd Fully Licensed and Insured
Peter G. Dowd
At home appointments may be arranged.
(508) 366-1999 The
Outdoor Message
30 Years Experience NRA Life Member GOAL Life Member Page 7
The Legislative Docket
It would be impossible for one publication to report on every piece of legisation currently pending before state and national legislative bodies. There are certainly many other outlets in which you can keep track. However, we have highlighted a few topics here, which may be of interest to you. If you choose to correspond with legislators - and we strongly recommend you do - please always remain polite and respectful.
Massachusetts...
Bill Would Allow Animal Rights Activists to Sue Sportsmen
http://www.ussportsmen.org Massachusetts State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) recently introduced a bill that would allow private individuals to file a lawsuit for the “protection and humane treatment of animals.” This is of great concern for all sportsmen, farmers, and dog owners. Animal cruelty is already a crime in Massachusetts just as it is across the country. Animal cruelty laws are enforced by experienced law enforcement officers, including local police forces and animal control officers, who are trained on what is and is not animal cruelty under the law and how to spot it. Senate Bill 767 would end this proven system and instead give private citizens the ability to sue animal owners over what they perceive to be “animal cruelty” under the law. “Under this bill, animal rights activists would be able to sue anyone – including sportsmen, farmers, and dog owners – whenever and wherever they think animal cruelty is being committed,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s Director of Government Affairs. “This could force sportsmen and women who have done nothing wrong to spend thousands of dollars to defend themselves against animal rights zealots looking to take them to court.” For example, if an animal rights activist thinks common dog training practices—such as using a shock collar or
Like
The
Outdoor Message!
tethering—are inhumane, they would now be able to sue the sporting dog owner or trainer claiming animal cruelty. Likewise, an activist that disapproves of certain farming practices could sue farmers for the practices they consider cruel. Even if a judge ultimately throws out the case, the animal’s owner will likely have had to spend a good deal of money and time fighting the bogus lawsuit. “Enforcement of animal cruelty laws should be left in the hands of trained law enforcement officers and not be given to animal rights activists to harass lawabiding animal owners and private citizens,” said Heusinkveld. Massachusetts sportsmen and dog owners should contact their state senators and tell them to oppose this dangerous bill. Use USSA’s Legislative Action Center to find your state senator’s contact information. Current Status: Referred to Committee on the Judiciary
H.2145 An Act relative to non lethal self defense spray
Currently, Massachusetts law requires a person to have a Firearms Identification Card in order to possess defensive sprays such as mace or pepper spray. H.2145 would eliminate that requirement, allowing for any lawful person aged 18 or older to purchase, possess, carry and transport defensive sprays. Current Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Establishing a commission on GPS locators in firearms
Sen Petruccelli is proposing the formation of a commission “for the purpose of making an investigation and study relative to the feasibility of placing Global Positioning System (“GPS”) locators in firearms.” Considering the make-up of
The Mass Junior Pistol team held a two day raffle at a recent gun show in Mallboro. They had great success, selling a total of 500 tickets. The winners had a choice of several different guns or an iPad, which were donated from the manufacturers and also a benefactor. The kids had lots of fun at the event and were able to sell a total of $5000.00 worth of tickets, plus received a matching grant of $6.00 to $1.00 for the first $2000, raising a total of $17,000. Most of the money raised ($14,000) was put into an endowment, so current and future shooters can continue in this great program. Thanks to all who helped by puchasing the tickets. A special thanks to those who gave us the Items to raffle. If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please contact Coach Russ Doucette 508-561-2327.
this suggested Commission, the end goal would be tracking devices on firearms. Current Status: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bills Requiring Background Checks on Candidates
A citizen has submitted language for two bills to be filed, which would require candidates running for office - either state positions or town positions - to supply the appropriate elections office with a recent, completed background check, with costs to be incurred by the candidate. Current Status: No bill numbers have been assigned to these proposals.
Rhode Island:
Registration and Gun Tax Bill Would Dismantle Gun Ownership in Rhode Island
http://www.nraila.org Legislation introduced in Providence last week represents one of the strongest attacks on the Second Amendment in Rhode Island in years. House Bill 5573, sponsored by representatives Linda Finn (D-72), Edith Ajello (D-1), Maria Cimini (D-7) and Christopher Blazejewski (D-2), would require all firearms in the state of Rhode Island to be registered – both pistols and long guns. Current law specifically prohibits the keeping of such a list, and this legislation would directly overturn that law. Criminals do not use registered guns, and this bill would do nothing to address crime or public safety. Registration is a dangerous and costly practice that has proven to be a failure in other states and countries. The bill would also require fingerprinting, and incredibly, gun owners would be required to pay a $100 fee for each gun registration! This amounts to a tax on a constitutional right. And because registration schemes typically cost much more than proponents claim, those fees will undoubtedly increase significantly. Failure to comply would result in a prison term up to 3 years and a fine up to $3,000. HB 5573 also requires that sold guns be “equipped with a safety device designed to prevent the unintended discharge or discharge by unauthorized users.” This vague requirement would put dangerous obstacles in the way of self-defense. Under current law, if a NICS check fails to disqualify someone after 30 days, the transaction is approved. HB 5573 would completely reverse that and block the sale. This bill represents one of the most egregious assaults on the Second Amendment that we have seen in Rhode Island in years. The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing. Your immediate action is required. Please contact your legislators and let them know that you oppose this outright assault on your Second Amendment rights. Please Contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and strongly urge them to Oppose HB 5573. Current Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
Town of Exeter
Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication Prototype l Production l Engineering l Consulting
Judy Candage
jcandage@cericfab.com www.cericfab.com Page 8
70 Nemco Way Ayer, MA 01432 T: 978.772.9034 F: 978.772.3012 The
On March 11, 2013, the Town Council in Exeter, Rhode Island passed a resolution asking the state to exempt it from a law that gives Rhode Islanders the right to go to their own town administration for a concealed carry permit. The danger is two fold. When the town processes gun permits, it is on a shall-
Outdoor Message
issue basis. If the process is turned over to the Attorney General, which is what the resolution requests, the AG is not under the shall-issue guideline and it is likely licenses will be much harder to come by. One of the reasons the town has made this move, is the claim they can’t afford or have the manpower to process licenses. Well, in this economy, any other town could claim the same thing, turning all licensing over to the AG and the possible result of little or no licensing at all. As I understand it, State Rep. Larry Valencia (D-District 39) now has the chore of bringing the resolution to the State House of Representatives for consideration - or not. Rep. Valencia might appreciate hearing from Rhode Islanders, asking that the resolution not be brought forward. He can be reached at rep-Valencia@rilin.state.ri.us More on this topic can be found at <http://www.rigunblog.com/2013/03/12/l awyers-guns-and-money-exeter-downon-its-luck/>.
Vermont:
Unnecessary Gun Control Bill Unveiled in Montpelier
http://www.nraila.org House Bill 335 and House Bill 336, both sponsored by Representative George Till (D-Chittenden-3), were introduced this week in the Vermont House of Representatives. These bills do nothing to address public safety or crime, and they represent yet another attack on the Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners. House Bill 335 would impose a 48hour waiting period on the purchase of a firearm. After completing a NICS (National Instant Check System) check, the firearm would be held at the dealer’s shop for 2 days. The waiting period would apply to all firearm purchases, including pistols, rifles and shotguns. Waiting periods have no impact on public safety or crime. On the other hand, waiting periods compromise the personal safety of individuals who may be facing a specific threat and are in need of immediate protection. Criminals do not used legally purchased, registered firearms. The vast majority of states do not have waiting periods because they have been wholly ineffective. Because this legislation imposes a waiting period on both pistols and long guns, it would be one of the strictest waiting periods in the country. House Bill 336 is also a flawed piece of legislation. It prohibits the “pointing or aiming” of a firearm at another individual and imposes a fine and jail time. It does not make an exemption for individuals acting in self-defense. Anyone who uses a firearm to legally defend themselves from a criminal attack would be subject to criminal prosecution. Also introduced is House Bill 341 Sponsored by John Moran (D-WindhamBennington) that would allow the legal use of suppressors for all people lawfully using a firearm. This would allow hunters and recreational shooters alike to help protect their hearing and lessen noise complaints. Your NRA-ILA will keep you informed of this legislation when more information is available. Both HB 335 and HB 336 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee but have not been scheduled for a hearing date. Please contact the House Judiciary Committee members and ask them to oppose HB 335 and HB 336 NRA-ILA will continue to post updates as information becomes available. Current Status. Both bills have been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary ★ April 2013
GUNS AMMO ANTIqUE WEAPONS RELOADING EqUIPMENT ARCHERY SUPPLIES
The Powderhorn
210 BARNSTABLE ROAD HYANNIS, MASS. 02601 508-775-8975
April 2013
HOURS: Mon- Fri 9 am to 5 pm Sat 9 am to 5 pm The
Hunting Around New England
Please be sure to verify dates and daily limits in the state regulations or on the individual state websites. Waterfowl hunting dates can also be found on websites.
CT
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is announcing to conservation commissions, planning boards, land trusts, environmental organizations and agencies, and others involved in conservation land protection, planning, and policy that updated BioMap2 Town Reports are available online at <http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/ dfw/nhesp/land_protection/biomap/bioma p_townreports.htm> and through the BioMap2 Map Viewer at <http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/dfg/bio map2.htm>. Hard copies of town-specific BioMap2 Town Reports, along with an accompanying wall-size BioMap2 town map, have been mailed by postal service to conservation commissions in the 349 Massachusetts towns which contain BioMap2 Core Habitat and/or Critical Natural Landscape. BioMap2, a joint project between the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, DFW’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program and The Nature Conservancy, is designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts over the next decade by focusing land protection and stewardship on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of state-listed and other native wildlife and their habitats, natural communities, and a diversity of ecosystems. The BioMap2 maps and Town Reports are non-
MASS
BioMap2 Town Reports Available Online
MAINE
Beginning in mid-February, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, through Novi Systems, a third party online survey company, has been sending out an electronic hunter survey to approximately 32,000 licensed hunters. The survey is designed to understand hunter effort and preferences and to collect important local "on-the-ground" information for managing game in the Commonwealth. The survey takes approximately 5-15 minutes to complete and all responses will remain anonymous. Identifying information such as email and IP address will not be recorded. Within the next few weeks any sporting or hunting license holder with an email address in the MassFishHunt system should receive an email invitation from Novi Survey with a link to the invitation. Surveys are being sent out in batches through the end of March to prevent them from being treated as spam. Hunters should check their junk or spam folder for any emails from Novi
The 2013 MA Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping omitted information regarding bag restrictions in the spring turkey season. The printed version did not include a reference to the bearded bird requirement in the spring season. The correct bag limit is: (a) 2 bearded birds in spring season (1 per day) with NO fall bird allowed, or (b) 1 bearded bird in spring season, and 1 bird of either sex in fall season. No hunter may take 2 birds in the fall season. The bag limit information has been corrected in the online 2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping at <http://www.eregulations.com/ massachusetts/huntingandfishing/wildturkey/> .
NH
Fill Out The Electronic Hunter Survey
Turkey Bag Limit Clarification
regulatory and designed for planning programs for land acquisition projects purposes. “Protection and stewardship of incorporated elements of the first BioMap BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical and Living Waters plans, and now include Natural Landscape is essential to BioMap2 elements, into priority ranking safeguard the diversity of species and systems. Towns have incorporated the their habitats, intact ecosystems, and information into Open Space Plans, and resilient natural landscapes across state agencies, land trusts, and other Massachusetts,” said Sarah Haggerty, nonprofit organizations have used the DFW’s Natural Heritage Information information in their natural resource Manager. Haggerty noted that the planning and habitat management BioMap2 Town Reports are designed to decisions. ★ provide local biodiversity information to municipalities and conservation organizations to aid them in their conservation efforts. BioMap2Town Reports replace the original BioMap and Living Waters Town Reports from 2004 and are the best sources of local biodiversity information to assist in specific conservation efforts at the town or regional level. The Town Reports include information on the important species, natural communities, habitats and landscape elements of BioMap2 found within a specific town and its surrounding area. Electronically, readers can access hyperlinks to fact sheets describing the various elements of biodiversity in the town, links to the online BioMap2 Map Viewer, and links to the BioMap2 Summary and Technical Reports. Since the development of the first BioMap in 2001 and Living Anna Deveno (right), requested the assistance Waters in 2003, the NHESP of Benjamin LaPage to hold up the 4lb biodiversity conservation plans largemouth bass caught she caught while ice fishing at Beaver Pond in Franklin, MA. Sixhave been widely accepted and year old Anna said the fish was “too big” for used by conservation planners her to hold! The ice fishing gear will soon be across the state. Several funding traded for open water rods and reels.
RI
Eagle and other wildlife enthusiasts are asked to save April 5, 2013 to participate in a new statewide spring eagle count. This effort will include a concentrated survey of the major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the Commonwealth. Organized by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) the survey will be conducted by agency staff and volunteers. Teams will be checking known eagle territories and exploring areas with potential eagle habitat to try to locate “new” eagle nests. If inclement weather prevents the survey on April 5, the backup date is April 12, 2013. Additionally, the Division encourages anyone to submit eagle sightings throughout the year by email to <natural.heritage@state.ma.us> or by postal service to “Eagle Survey”, MassWildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583. The new spring Bald Eagle Survey will replace the Division’s long-standing Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. “Although MassWildlife has participated in the winter eagle surveys for over 30 years, the federally administered Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey was designed to monitor the North American population of Bald Eagles,” said Andrew Vitz, State Ornithologist. “Now that Bald Eagle numbers have greatly increased and have been removed from the Federal Endangered Species List, the need to monitor nationwide populations has been reduced. At the same time, as the number of eagles has increased across the Commonwealth and a spring eagle count meets the Division’s need to more closely monitor eagle breeding status and distribution in Massachusetts.”
Survey. The link is specific to each email address therefore hunters should not forward the invitation others as it can only be filled out once. A reminder will be emailed to those license holders who have not responded within a week. Division staff thanks those who have already taken the time to fill out the survey. In order to receive future surveys, anyone who does not have a email address entered in their customer profile in the MassFishHunt system is urged to log in to <http://www.mass.gov/massfishhunt> and provide their email address.
VERMONT
New Spring Eagle Count In Early April
Mail: 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston MA 01583 Phone: 508-389-6300 Email: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us Website: www.MassWildlife.org
Phone: 860-424-3011 HTTP://WWW.CT.GOV/DEP/CWP/VIEW.ASP?A=2700&q=323414&DEPNA V_GID=1633 COYOTE, WOODCHUCK: Open through Apr 23 TURKEY: Apr 23 - May 25
Phone: 508-389-6300 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulations/abstracts/abstracts.htm No closed season on ENGLISH SPARROW, STARLING, CHIPMUNK, FLYING SQUIRREL, RED SQUIRREL, WEASEL, PORCUPINE, SKUNK, SNAPPING TURTLE, WOODCHUCK CROW: Open through Apr 10 TURKEY Zones 1-13: Apr 29 through May 25 TURKEY Youth Day, Zones 1-13: Apr 27 (special restrictions apply)
Phone: 207-287-8000 http://www.eregulations.com/maine/hunting/ No closed season on COYOTE, WOODCHUCK, PORCUPINE, RED SQUIRREL COYOTE night hunt: Open through Aug 31 CROW WMDs 1-6: Open through Apr 15 WMDs 7-29: Open through Mar 31 TURKEY WMDs 7, 9-26, 28: Apr 29 through June 1 TURKEY Youth Day: Apr 27
Phone: 603-271-3211 http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/pubs/hunting.html No closed season on COYOTE, WOODCHUCK COYOTE: Night hunting Open through Mar 31 CROW: Mar 16-31 FOX (Red and Gray), OPOSSUM, SKUNK, RACCOON: Open through Mar 31 MINK, MUSKRAT, WEASEL varies by WMU: Open through Apr 10 SNOWSHOE HARE varies by WMU: Open through Mar 31 TURKEY Youth Hunt: Apr 27 - 28 TURKEY: May 3 - 31 Phone: 401-222-6800 http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/index.htm#FandW No closed season on COYOTE (private land only) CROW, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only: Open through Apr 15
Phone: 802-241-3700 http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Calendar_of_events.cfm?eventcat=hunt&date range=future No closed season on COYOTE CROW: Open through Apr 30 MUSKRAT: Open through Apr 19 TURKEY Youth Hunt: Apr 27 - 28 ★
Outdoor Message
Page 9
Workshops On Proposed Fishing, Hunting and Falconry Regulations
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold public workshops in Tiverton and Exeter in early
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908-5767 http://www.dem.ri.gov 401-222-6800 April to discuss the proposed 2014-2015 freshwater fishing seasons, 2013-2014 falconry season, and the 2013-2014 hunting season and bag limit regulations. Public workshops will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club located at 1529 Fish Road in Tiverton, and on Wednesday, April 3 at
Connecticut Department of ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL
Youth Fishing Passport
If you are under 16 years of age, get your YOUth Fishing Passport now! It’s your ticket to great fishing activities and giveaways in Connecticut It's free and it gives you access to a wide variety of fun events. On-line signup available. (Get
parental/guardian permission before you register.) Find detailed instructions to get your YOUth Fishing Passport at <http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/ care/YOUth_Fishing_Passport_instructio ns.pdf> The YOUth Fishing Passport is your invitation to many great fishing
The winners of New Hampshire's 2012 Trophy Fish Program have been announced by Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist and Trophy Fish Program Coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The program gives fishing enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to receive recognition while providing biologists with important information on the state's fisheries over time. All successful applicants receive a "Trophy Fish" shoulder patch. Then, each February, the person who caught the largest fish in each species category is presented with a special certificate. There are 22 freshwater species and seven saltwater species categories for both kept and released fish. All ages and all legal methods of angling are represented. The Trophy Fish Program was created in the 1970s, although the state's record fish information dates back to 1911. "Over the years the Trophy Fish Program provides us valuable data on fish populations not normally reported to us," Don Miller noted. "And almost every year, a new state record is reported, which says a lot about New Hampshire's fisheries."
Concord, NH Biddeford, ME Augusta, ME
Concord, NH
And 2013 is off to a great start with the verified new record northern pike caught on February 16 of this year. Kevin Phelps (pictured) of Monroe caught a 26 pound, 9.44 ounce pike (44.5 inches long) at the Moore Reservoir on the Connecticut River. Congratulations, Kevin! Fourteen categories of "catch and release" species and eleven categories of
DiPrete Promotions, Inc. 2013 GUN SHOWS
Biddeford Ice Arena 14 Pomerleau St I95, Exit 32, Rt 111 August Civic Center I-95, Exit 112S or 112A-N Everett Ice Arena I-93 Exit 14 East
Show Hours: Saturday 9-5 Sunday 9-2 Page 10
Three state records were documented in 2012. Andrew White of Vernon, Vermont caught a 30 inch long, 11 pound, 6.88 ounce channel catfish out of the Connecticut River in Hinsdale. Earlier that same month, White had caught a 10 pound, 3.52 ounce channel catfish in the same waters, which measured 30.75 inches. Timothy Moore Jr. of Portsmouth caught a record grey triggerfish weighing 2 pounds, 1.12 ounces and measuring an impressive 15.5 inches in length. Marc Schloss of Northboro, Massachusetts, caught a 9 pound, 0.06 ounce, 21.25 inch long tautog (or blackfish) in Hampton Harbor for a new record in that category.
Everett Ice Arena I-93 Exit 14 East
4 at 7 pm in the Warwick Police Department's Community Room at 99 Veteran's Memorial Drive in Warwick. Copies of the draft regulations will be available at the public workshops and will be posted on DEM's website, <www.dem.ri.gov>. ★
destinations in Connecticut. By registering for free in the CT DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System you will be issued a lifetime Conservation ID number and be able to print your Passport. Passport holders will have the opportunity to participate in fishing activities specifically designed for them. In
addition, passport holders may receive a variety of benefits from supporting organizations and participating stores. Learn about the fishing rules before you go fishing. Online Angler's Guide at <http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a =2696&q=322688&deepNav_GID=1630 > ★
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 Phone: 860-424-3000 http://www.ct.gov/deep deep.webmaster@ct.gov
N.H. Fish and Game Department Headquarters 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 info@wildlife.nh.gov 603-271-3211
v
2012 NH Trophy Fish Winners Announced; New State Record Set
PROTECTION
the Education Center located within Arcadia Management Area at the former Camp Ehuntee, located at 1B Camp Ehuntee Place in Exeter (see directions below). Both workshops will start at 6:00 pm. A public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held on Tuesday, June
Apr 13-14
Apr 27-28
Aug 24-25
Aug 31 - Sep 1
www.dipromo.com 603-225-3846 The
"kept" fish were represented in New Hampshire's 2012 Trophy Fish Program. In 2012, three lake trout were caught and registered over 20 lbs. in size, quite a remarkable feat. Of the 83 entrants in 2012, 11 anglers (or 13%) were under 15 years old. And these kids are serious anglers! Justin Learn, an 11 year old from Hillsborough, caught a 14 pound, 5.76 ounce northern pike at Pierce Lake to win his category. Thirteen-year-old Drew Dunlap of Meredith just missed the win in the largemouth bass catch-and-release category with a very respectable 24-inch largemouth caught on Lake Winnipesaukee. Nine-year-old Liam Hemmerling of Enfield, ten-year-old Wyatt Lumsden of Milton, and two seven year olds, Katy Nowell of Braintree, MA, and Dominic DeClement of Hollis, N.H., all caught and released excellent largemouth bass from lakes around the state. Samuel Bennett, age 15, of New Boston, caught and released a 15-inch black crappie. Congratulations to all the entrants and winners for 2012. Grab the kids and get fishing for 2013! A complete listing of all entries, plus links to application forms, rules, records and past winners can be found at <fishnh.com/Fishing/trophy/2012.html>.
BOW Intermediate FlyFishing Weekend: May 3-5
Registration is open at <www.nhbow.com> for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Intermediate Fly-Fishing Weekend on May 3-5, 2013, at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, N.H. Participants should have some fly-fishing experience. Applications may only be submitted by mail. "The goal of this course is to help attendees move towards independence as fly-anglers," said Karina Walsh, who coordinates the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let's Go Fishing Program, which teams up with BOW to present the program. The event begins with registration on Friday evening, May 3, and concludes at 2 pm on Sunday, May 5. The cost for the weekend is $295, which includes all meals, lodging, instruction and materials.
Outdoor Message
Participants will stay in Rochambeau Lodge (two persons per room) at Alyson’s in Walpole, N.H. Orchard <www.alysonsorchard.com>. Linens will be provided; baths are shared. Meals will be served family-style in the lodge dining room, with bag lunches provided for the two days afield. The course will cover the finer points of casting, such as accuracy, timing and shooting the line; reading the water and then picking a proper fly and knowing how to cast it; what to do when you catch a fish – playing and releasing; and angling ethics. Participants will have the opportunity to fish both still and moving water. Attendees must supply their own rod and reel. A fishing license is not required during scheduled class time. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs in New Hampshire are cosponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation.
Outdoor Adventure Talks
Get inspired for outdoor adventures this year at a series of Wednesday evening talks at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required. The talks start at 7 pm. Admission is free. The series includes a range of topics on New Hampshire wildlife and outdoor recreation. In honor of the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program's 25th anniversary observance this year, several of the talks explore efforts to restore endangered and threatened wildlife: April 3, 2013: Restoring New Hampshire’s Brook Trout Habitat April 10, 2013: Selecting a Kayak or Canoe April 17, 2013 – Kayak Camping April 24, 2013 - Black Racers and Blandings May 1, 2013 - Road to Recovery - New England Cottontails/Karner blue butterflies May 8, 2013 – Mosquito Eaters: Bats and Dragonflies For information on each session visit < h t t p : / / w w w. w i l d l i f e . s t a t e . n h . u s / Newsroom/2013/q1/outdoor_talks_all.ht ml> ★ April 2013
Moose Permit Lottery Open
It's simple to apply for your Maine Moose Permit and you get instant confirmation of your entry into the lottery! Online applications <www.mefishwildlife.com> must be completed by May 14, 2013. If you applied for a moose permit last year or the year before, your information is pre-filled into this year's online application. Please review your personal data and make any necessary changes. Once you've filled out and paid for your application, you'll be able to print out a confirmation page. An email confirmation will also be sent to you. Permit winners and their subpermittees will be able to hunt in one of the department’s 25 wildlife management districts (WMDs), which cover more than 21,000 square miles. Bonus points are awarded for each consecutive year the applicant has applied for the lottery since 1998 without being selected and each bonus point gives the applicant an additional chance in the drawing. Bonus points are earned at the rate of one per year for years one to five,
two per year for years six to 10, three per year for years 11 to 15 and 10 per year for years 16 and beyond. Legislative changes put into effect last year have given long-time lottery applicants who have never won a permit a better chance at winning. Starting in 2011, applicants can skip a year and not lose their bonus points. So if you applied in 2011 but not in 2012, you still have your points if you apply in 2013.
2012 Deer Harvest Up 13% in Maine
The 2012 deer season ended with a total harvest of 21,365 deer, representing an increase of 13% over the 2011 harvest of 18,839. Increases in the harvest were seen in all wildlife management districts. The highlight of the 2012 season, and testament to the recovering deer numbers, was the jump in the overall harvest of bucks between 2011 and 2012. A total of 15,271 adult bucks were harvested this past season, representing an increase of 2,473 deer (19%) over the 2011 season.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Vermont’s Spring Trout Fishing Opens April 13
Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season opens Saturday, April 13 this year, and anglers are looking forward to spring fishing for brook, brown and rainbow trout in the Green Mountain State’s lakes and streams. Until then, eager anglers can capitalize on year-round catch-andrelease trout fishing opportunities on nine river sections. Black River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the Lovejoy Dam in Springfield. Lamoille River - From the Lake Champlain boundary (top of Peterson Dam in Milton) upstream to the top of the hydroelectric Dam at Fairfax Falls. Lewis Creek - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the State Prison Hollow Road (TH #3) bridge in Starksboro. Ompompanoosuc River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Union Village Dam in Thetford. Otter Creek - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to top of Center Rutland Falls in Rutland. West River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Townshend Dam (Townshend) to Connecticut River boundary. White River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the bridge on Route 107 in Bethel. Williams River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the dam at Brockway Mills Falls in Rockingham. Winooski River - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the Bolton Dam in Duxbury and Waterbury. “We know anglers are keen to wet a line as early as possible,” said Vermont Director of Fisheries Eric Palmer. “If weather conditions cooperate, these river sections will provide a great opportunity to do some catch-and-release trout fishing with artificials between now and the traditional start of trout season in April.” Vermont is known for excellent fishing opportunities for wild trout, and some of
April 2013
Maine Fish and Game Department Headquarters 1284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0041 (207) 287-8000 http://www.mefishwildlife.com Indeed, the overall buck harvest increased within all 29 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs), including WMD 3, which experienced an overall buck harvest of 203 animals, the highest level of harvest seen in that District since 1963. Governor Paul R. LePage commended MDIFW on its management of the deer population and the results. “Maine has a long tradition of hunting, and I am pleased at the growth of the deer herd,” he said. “Hunting offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to participate in one of Maine’s time-honored traditions, as well as the chance to enjoy our state’s natural resources.” There was an increase in the Expanded Archery Zone harvest in 2012. Youth hunters also saw an increase in their overall harvest. Despite a soggy opening day, Maine’s youth harvested a total of 567 deer, representing a 5% increase over the 2011 season. Their harvest consisted of a total of 226 adult bucks, 223 adult does and 118 fawns. Youth hunters were allowed to harvest antlerless deer without needing an Any-deer Permit in WMDs
where permits were issued. A strategic allocation of Any-deer Permits allowed the Department to control deer population growth while balancing the number of bucks and does. Because of the exceedingly moderate winter and the 2011 decrease in AnyDeer-Permits, MDIFW determined that an increase in the number of permits in 2012 was appropriate for specific WMDs. The 2012 permit allocation resulted in a slight increase in the harvest of adult does (6% over 2011 season), and overall population growth. Conversely, the fawn harvest dropped by approximately 8%. On the heels of another winter that didn’t significantly stress the deer population, the state should expect to once again see an increase in Maine’s deer population for the 2013 season. As in years past, Maine will continue to offer numerous opportunities for hunters whether they choose to use a rifle, bow or muzzleloader, in their pursuits. Maine hunters should look forward to increasing opportunities for tagging one of the state’s whitetail deer in 2013. ★
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department License Center and Temporary Office: 542 US Rte 302, Berlin VT 05641 Email: fwinformation@state.vt.us Phone: 802-241-3700 Mailing Address: 10 South, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
the biggest brown and rainbow trout are caught during early spring in many rivers throughout the state. “Willoughby River steelhead provide a popular spring fishery in the Northeast Kingdom at the Village of Orleans,” said Palmer. “These steelhead are on their spring spawning run from Lake Memphremagog, and they always attract a lot of interest, partly because they can be seen jumping the falls in Orleans.” As an added bonus, Vermont’s catchand-release bass fishing season in lakes starts the same day as trout season on April 13 and continues through June 7. Only lures and flies may be used, and bass must be immediately released. The Fish & Wildlife Department is cautioning anglers that the use of feltsoled boots or waders in Vermont waters is prohibited in order to prevent the spread of the invasive algae called didymo. Anglers also are reminded to use sinkers that are not made of lead. It is unlawful to use a lead sinker weighing one-half ounce or less while fishing in Vermont. Weighted fly line, lead-core line, downrigger cannonballs, weighted flies, lure, spoons, or jig heads are not prohibited. Planning a Vermont spring fishing trip is easy. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has a 2013 Vermont Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws and Guide that includes maps showing lakes and streams as well as fishing access areas and public lands. It also lists the fish species found in each body of water and it includes fishing regulations. Copies are available where fishing licenses are sold, or from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. You also can download sections of the publication from their website at <http://www.vtfishandwildlife. com/lawsdigest.cfm>. The Vermont Outdoor Guides’ Association offers help in locating fishing guides and some overnight facilities on their website <http://www.voga.org/>. Additional help in finding a place to stay overnight can be found at <http://www.vermontvacation.com/>. Fishing license fees are $25.00 for The
adult residents, $8.00 for residents 15-17 years of age, $50.00 for adult nonresidents, and $15.00 for nonresidents 15-17 years old. One, three and seven day fishing licenses also are available for nonresidents. Children under age 15 do not need a fishing license in Vermont. Licenses are quickly and easily available on Fish & Wildlife’s website <http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com> and at agents statewide.
Governor Shumlin Hosts Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt Event
In an effort to promote youth hunting in Vermont, Governor Shumlin is hosting a Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt this spring. The governor is scheduled to attend a luncheon on Sunday, April 21, at the Waterbury Fish & Game Club, where he plans to lead a discussion on the importance of the hunting tradition in Vermont. The following weekend, the young hunters will take part in a guided turkey hunt to coincide with Vermont’s youth turkey hunting weekend on April 27-28. Interested youth hunters are required to submit a completed application along with a letter explaining why they would like to participate in the event. Applications are available on the Fish & Wildlife Department website <http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/calen daritems/2013_NWTF_Governors_Hunt.
Outdoor Message
pdf> and must be submitted by April 1. The event is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and is open to any licensed hunter under the age of 16. Previous hunting experience is not required to participate. “Youth participation in hunting across the country, including Vermont, has been on the decline,” said NWTF chapter president Don Isabelle. “We hope our inaugural Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt will help reverse this trend and entice young people in Vermont back to hunting.” “Governor Shumlin is an ideal leader for this program. As a lifelong hunter, he understands the importance of this tradition,” said Isabelle. “The youth turkey hunt is a safe and fun way to get young people into hunting,” said Fish & Wildlife Department turkey project leader Forrest Hammond. “Between the excellent mentors and the hunt occurring before the start of regular turkey season, young hunters stand a very good chance of hearing turkey calls and seeing birds, and a high success rate is likely.” An initiative of the Vermont State Chapter of the NWTF, the Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt coincides with this year’s Jakes’ event, an annual youth turkey hunting event held by the NWTF to educate youth about wildlife conservation and stewardship of Vermont’s natural resources. Each youth hunter will be provided a guide from the NWTF. ★
Page 11
WOODVILLE ROD & GUN CLUB
Est. 1927
Meetings
Members’ Meetings held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month, at 8:00 pm. **New Membership interviews held on the 2nd Thursday of the Month, at 7:00 pm.
Club Website
www.woodvillerodandgun.com
Calendar of Events 2013
(New Events! Texas BBq in May and Pot Luck Dinner in November) Comedy Night 4/13/2013 4/20/2013 Trout Derby 4/21/2013 Meat Shoot 4/27/2013 Club Cleanup Greg Montalbano Day 4/28/2013 5/4/2013 Margarita Night 5/11/2013 Kids Fishing Derby 5/18/2013 Texas BBq Seafood Bake 8/3/2013 8/24/2013 Club Cleanup 9/8/2013 Chicken BBq 10/5/2013 Comedy Night 10/26/2013 Adult Halloween Party
252 Wood Street ~ Woodville, Massachusetts 01784 508-435-4148 ~ www.woodvillerodandgun.com
10/31/2013 Kids Halloween Party 11/23/2013 Pot Luck Dinner 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving 12/14/2013 Adult Christmas 12/15/2013 Kids Christmas Trap shooting is every Sunday at 1:30 pm.
Condolences
Our deepest condolences to the Broderick Family, the Sora Family and the Jackson Family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
New Members
Welcome Christopher Daniels, Paul Martin, David Wong, Shaun Smith and Jim Boroczky.
Ice Derby Raffle Winners
Even though we were unable to fish this year, as Mother Nature was not very cooperative, we did pull the raffle tickets as promised. And the winners were: 1st prize: Brenda Hunter 2nd prize: Ed Dangelo 3rd prize: Kyle Stevens
Club Cleanup: 4/27
We start at 8:00 AM… We will have Dave's famous porketta sandwiches. We have had a great turn out for the last two years. Good time for new members to get involved and meet fellow members. We will find something to do for everyone who shows up.
Trustee News
Recently, we had one of our Trustees decide to resign from his position. In order to replace Frank Wiley, we held an election on March 5th. Lee Wright has been voted in as the new Trustee. We would like to thank Frank for his services and contributions during his time serving as a Trustee. Thank you for your support during this time of transition.
Activities
Corn toss is still in full swing, and the card players have been dropping by on Thursday nights. There’s still plenty of room if you’d like to join in.
The Outdoor Message
notify Karen Remillard Please (karen.remillard@emc.com) if you are interested in obtaining The Outdoor Message via email. This will save the club money. If you have already responded to my original email then you are all set. The printed, mailed version of The Outdoor Message will still be available to those who do not have internet access or who simply prefer having a paper in hand.
Pictures
Do you have any pictures you’d like to have put in The Outdoor Message or on our website? Please send them over to anyone on the Website Committee, Gary shulg@msn.com, Karen Schultz Remillard karen.remillard@emc.com, Heidi Schwarz hschwarz@netexposure.net or Kim Clark kimba57@comcast.net; you can send them with captions or without. Or send them to The Outdoor Message committee, Cherryl Barrett cherryl_b@hotmail.com, Phil Goodwin phil-sheila@comcast.net, Tom Marcone tmarcone@comcast.net or Karen Remillard karen.remillard@emc.com.
Reminders
• If anyone knows of a member who is sick or hospitalized, please let us know. You can leave a message at 508-4354148. • Please remember to lock the gate behind you if you are the last or only person on the range on any given day. Please be considerate of others and pick up after yourself. • Trap Shooting - Come on down and bring a friend, weather permitting. Trap starts at 1:30 pm on Sundays. The public is welcome. • Trap Shooting on member meeting nights from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, if enough interest to open the range.
Scholarship
The club offers a $500 scholarship each year. Call the club, email David Laquidara at oct31st@comcast.net or go to our website for more info. Many local students have benefitted from our scholarship over the years.
Clothing
If you’re interested in club clothing see Cherryl Barrett, or send an e-mail: cherryl_b@hotmail.com
Hall Rentals
The hall is available for rentals. Please contact Kim Clark at kimba57@comcast.net or leave a message at 508-435-4148. ★
re u t u f depends The
Find your Fort Knox safe at
Eastern Security Safe
on the young.
Many Models in Stock ● In-home delivery available Open in two locations!
Page 12
eak k a
T
13 Bosworth Street West Springfield MA 413-781-1048
The
Outdoor Message
id shooti ng
!
23 Providence Street Mendon MA 1-877-644-7233
April 2013
HANSON ROD AND GUN CLUB
Davis Road - PO Box 101 Hanson MA 02341
President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer:
Phone 781-293-9872
April Meetings
Please be advised that the next scheduled Business Meeting will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, April 11th, 2013. The April Executive Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on Thursday, April 25th, 2013.
The Winner of the Free One Year Membership Is…
Congratulations to fellow club member Dan Hunter! Dan sent in the extra five dollars for this special raffle with his membership dues for 2013. At the February business meeting his raffle ticket was drawn making him the winner. Too bad the stock market can’t turn a $5.00 bill into $150.00 value that fast!!
Club Clean Up Day
All members are reminded to help “pitch in” during the upcoming club clean up day. Let’s face it, folks. We have had a rough winter and the club grounds could use a little extra fix up. All members are asked to watch this space for further details as the plans and timeframe for this event have yet to be finalized.
Stove Wanted
Any member who knows of a standard, 30 inch wide, kitchen stove in decent condition is asked to contact the Executive Board. We are anticipating the addition of this extra equipment to our kitchen department will enhance club dinners etc.
I, state your name…
At the February Business Meeting our club accepted and initiated 43 new members into our organization. All new members are reminded that your club membership experience will be far more enhanced if you get involved with the club and be an active member. Join a committee and participate. Attend meetings! Come to family day! Attend the Christmas Party. Try one of our many different shoots and activities! Join us for Sunday morning breakfast!
Police Range Usage
Paul Casper All members are reminded that the police cadets will be training on our outdoor high power range facility for the first two weeks of April. Members should make a note on their calendars that this time period will encompass the dates of April 1st through April 5th and from April 8th through April 12th.
CMP
Please be advised that the time and dates for the April’s CMP shoots are 9 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2013 and 1 PM on Sunday, April 21, 2013. Interested attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a bench.
Old Fashioned 22 Shoot
Mary Hurney All members are reminded that this year’s Old Fashioned 22 Shoot is scheduled from Noon to 4 pm on Sunday, April 28th, 2013. The format will be a line up for senior members as well as a line up for junior members. Sorry folks, peep sites or iron sights only! After all, we did say “old April 2013
www.hansonrodandgunclub.org
Justin Jerome Bob Preston Bob Sullivan Bob Martin
fashioned,” therefore, no aim point devices or scopes will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Executive Board: Dave Gonsalves Greg Williams Rick Zadrozny
Angelo Nuby John Coyman Barbara Dunn
Junior Archery 6 PM! Monday Night Adult Archery 7:30 PM!
To Those Who Work Behind The Scenes
Junior Rifle
Rick Zadrozny We would like to give credit to Wednesday Nights on those unsung heroes who help the indoor range at 6:30 make our organization PM is the timeframe of function! If you should run into our Junior Rifle any of them on the club Program. Juniors grounds please extend a warm between the ages of 10 thank you!! and 18 are urged to try out this program. Over Club Interior Decorator & the years our club has Furniture Tester - Fitz Matush produced a number of Assistant Club Decorator champions and these Pictured above, left to right, are outgoing Treasurer (Emeritus) Bill Wilma Buttfit kids have gone on to Segalla, President Mike Dunn and Secretary Mitch Soroko. All three Staff Accountant - Count shoot competitively at past club officers were recognized at the February Business Demoney national events. This is a Meeting for their time and effort throughout their terms of office. Assistant Staff Accountant great way for a kid to get Imelda Cheque introduced to the sport of competitive threat. We should ban all doctors before Budget Coordinator - Costa Grand target shooting. Members are urged to this gets completely out of control. Out of Air Traffic Controller - Ulanda bring their kids and/or grandchildren to concern for the public at large, I have U’Lucky this event. In return they will have a lot of withheld the statistics on lawyers for the Auto Body Specialist(s) - Rusty Steele fear the shock would cause people to fun for not a whole lot of bucks!! & Denton Fender panic and seek medical attention! Assistant Range Officer, Twice Oh, and by the way, Trap is shooting removed - Don Fuller Round Wednesdays at 6 PM & Sundays at 1 PM! Assertiveness Training Supervisor John Coyman Please join us! Steem Lois All members are reminded that Ladies’ Plumbers Crack Apologist - Lucy Night is scheduled for the Tuesday Lastic Evening of April 16th, 2012. Participants Accounts Payable Supervisor - Dasha attending this event will learn the fine Chekhov points of firearm safety as well as an Mike “Fuzzy” Hurney Air quality Monitor - Carmine introduction to handgun shooting. The Please be advised that Sunday, April 14th, Dioxide action begins at 6 PM and the cost is $10 2013 is the date of our club’s next 3D Anger Management Department for the evening. Reservations are limited Archery Shoot. Help is needed to set up Kirsten Hollered to 20 people each evening. For details the course on the immediate Saturday Bad Joke Interpreter - Nadia Geddit please contact John at any club meeting. before each of these shoots. Additionally, help is also needed late in the day of the shoot to help break down the course and put the targets away. Work hours are Mitch Soroko Please be advised that this month’s NRA available. Please be advised that Saturday, The club would like to thank John & Basic Pistol Course will begin on April 13th, 2013 will be the date where Monica MacLellan and their children Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 8 AM. Anyone help will be needed to set up the course. Lydia, Nolan and Eva. It seems that John interested in taking this course so they can Please see Fuzzy for details! Please and Monica are raising their own little ascertain their Massachusetts License To remember each week, Monday Night family style Carry Firearms (LTC) or their sportsmen’s club Firearms Identification (FID) card entirely on their own. are encouraged to contact Mitch All three kids, despite Soroko at any club meeting. their youthful age, have become great fans of our annual youth fishing derby. A donation of $50 has been sent in on the Dan Grant behalf of Lydia, Nolan Please consider the following and Eva. This has been statements: received and recorded The number of doctors in the by our Club Treasurer United States is about 700,000. Bob Martin and will be Accidental deaths caused by added to the budget of doctors per year are 120,000. this year’s fishing Accidental deaths per doctor is about 17.14 %. Statistics: Courtesy derby. Your club thanks of the U.S. Department of Health & you and is appreciative Pictured on the left is Trap Chairman Dan Grant and on the right of your contribution!! Human Services. next The number of gun owners in is Jameson Dwyer, who recently achieved the prestigious level of Until the United States is 80,000,000 Distinguished Expert in the NRA Shotgun Qualification Program month…Bob P. ★ for trap shooting. Photo by Dan Grant (yes, that is 80 million!) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, for all age groups, is 1500. The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW 0.001875%. Statistics: Courtesy of the ~~~~~ FBI. FAMILY & ELDER LAW CONSUMER & MILITARY LAW So statistically, doctors are MEDICAID & ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE approximately 9,000 times more REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS dangerous than gun owners! Remember ~~~~~ guns don’t kill people! DOCTORS KILL 781-963-6337 PEOPLE!! 10 MAZZEO DRIVE, SUITE 211 Fact: Not everyone has a gun, but RANDOLPH, MA 02368 almost everyone has a doctor. Please alert your family and friends to this alarming
Ladies’ Night
3D Archery Program Scheduled for April 14th
NRA Basic Pistol Course
For The Good Of The Order
World Famous Hanson Claybusters
KAREN L. MACNUTT
The
Outdoor Message
Page 13
THE MASSACHUSETTS SHOOTERS FOUNDATION 37 Pierce Street ● PO Box 306 ● Northborough, MA 01532 Phone 508-393-5133 Fax 508-393-5134 Web www.massshooters.org Email foundation2012@verizon.net
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Junior Smallbore Postal Matches
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation runs conventional smallbore postal matches to promote the shooting sports among young people. Any Massachusetts boy or girl who had not yet reached their 20th birthday by December 31st of 2012 may compete. Clubs or organizations submit the scores once a month to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation. When submitting Junior Postal scores, in addition to the scores themselves, please be sure to include each Juniors’ complete name and birth date, as well as the club name, address and contact person. Junior Postals are due to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation by the 5th of the month to allow time to calculate the scores and make sure they get printed in The Outdoor Message. If your club would like to submit Junior Postal scores to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, please send them to Michelle Kirouac, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532. You can also email them to foundation2012@verizon.net or fax them to 508-393-5134. And please feel free to send along any photos you may
Shooting Equipment For Sale
* Sears Model 126, .22 cal CO2 pellet rifle with sights, $50. * Remington Air Master .177 cal pump action pellet rifle, $35. * Four DY 887 Gold Medalist gas operated air rifles with sights, refill tank and adapter. $1200 for the lot. * 1907 wood LEFT HAND stock. This is a 3 Position stock, not a heavier prone stock, very good condition, $650.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please send an email to foundation2012@verizon.net or call 508-3935133. ★
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation would like to thank the following for their generous donations: L.A. Jones, D. Cunniff, M. Siudut, M. Ferreira, R. Franas, B. Miller, D. Storsveen, JHI Enterprises, LLC, R. Sitte, F. Capron, M. Deltano, Bristol County League of Sportsmen's Clubs, Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club and J. Jussaume.
have of your junior teams. I'm sure they would love to see those in The Outdoor Message! For questions or details, please contact Michelle at 508-393-5133. There will be no fee charged to
participate in this program. The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation believes that the importance of attracting new shooters is the highest priority. Donations are greatly appreciated. ★
February 2013 - Junior Postals
Club Junior Holyoke Revolver Club Intermediate Junior
Name
Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Holyoke Revolver Club Sub Junior Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club
Luke Hibbard Johnathan May Baraq Polston Mac Litishin Noah Galko
Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club
Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Holyoke Revolver Club Holyoke Revolver Club
Kevin Moskal
44
Steve Bohin Geno D'Agostino
173 159
135 109
Steve LaRochelle Paddy Sullivan
148 161
75 83
Will Kipp Mansel Marangoni Steven Silverman David Clark Dahlia Windoloski Andrew Holbrook
Courses Scheduled at MSF
NRA Basic Pistol Courses The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation will be holding NRA Basic Pistol Courses once a month, on the second Saturday. Upcoming dates are April 13, May 11 and June 8. Classes will run from 8 am to 5 pm.
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation that supports education and training programs for the responsible use and ownership of firearms. Funds are also used to help defray costs for our Junior Shooters to compete in national competitions.
Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation in the amount of: ___$25 will include a 1-year subscription to The Outdoor Message and a donor decal ___$100 will include a 1-year subscription, a donor decal and a shooters bag ___$500 will include a 1-year subscription, a donor decal, a shooters bag and a shooters shirt* ___$1000 will include a 1-year subscription, a donor decal, a shooters bag, a shooters shirt and a 3 season jacket* ___other amount $______
Monthly Pledges: If you are interested in making monthly pledges to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, please contact Michelle at 508-393-5133. You can arrange payments through www.PayPal.com or we can create a convenient payment booklet for you. Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________
* If eligible to receive shirt or jacket, please indicate size ________
Donations of $25 or more will include a subscription to The Outdoor Message. If you already receive The Outdoor Message and would like to give the subscription to a friend please list their mailing info here: Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send this completed form with check or money order to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532. Credit card donations may be made through PayPal.com. Simply click “Send Money” and enter email address Foundation2012@verizon.net The
Prone Standing Kneeling 106
Donate to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation
Page 14
President: David Tetzloff Secretary/Treasurer: Michael D. Yacino Directors: Al Bonney, Dee Bonney, Don Holmes, Coach Russ Doucette, Coach Kevin Winters, Joe Colbert
Outdoor Message
183 127 167 149 143
178 161
131
146 29 53 132 67
2nd P, 2nd 175 S, 1st K 142 1st P, 1st S, 161 2nd K 17 107 123 111
132
158
173 48 167 101
94 70 31
69 119
1st P, 1st S, 1st K
2nd P, 2nd 157 S, 2nd K 34 113 46
The course will be held at The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation facility at 37 Pierce Street in Northborough, MA. This one-day, 8-hour course includes classroom and range time, learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate. The course completion certificate can be used to obtain your Class A or B License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearms Identification Card (FID) through your local police department. Registration is required and the course fee is $125.00. Students can call the Foundation at 508-393-5133 to make a reservation. Checks and money orders are accepted; credit card payments can be made online through PayPal. Go to <www.PayPal.com>, click on “Send Money” and enter email address “Foundation2012@verizon.net”. Lunch will be included. Range time will be hosted at Woodville Rod & Gun Club.
Tree Stand Safety The Elusive Whitetail will be presenting a Tree Stand Safety Seminar on Sunday, April 24th at the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation facility. Details to be posted on the web site, (early pre registration is urged due to the limited class size), appointments can be scheduled for anyone needing a hands on personal stand instruction. Contact Gerry at gerry@theelusive whitetail.com or call 508966-4622. ★
photo by Bill Byrne
April 2013
Massachusetts Shooters Foundation JUNIORS DAY - June 23, 2013 Registration is open for the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Juniors Day, slated for June 23rd, 2013. A maximum of 60 shooters will be registered, on a first come first serve basis, at a registration fee of $15 each. Name, address, age and payment must be received at The Foundation office prior to June 18, 2013. This event would be open to all juniors agse 13-19. The day is designed to allow shooters to compete in three different disciplines. Shooters will be assigned in a groups of 10, which will go from station to station. Stages will begin at 9 am and run until all shooters have competed at all stations, roughly 4-5 pm. All competitors must arrive at 8:30 am for orientation. Then each group will proceed to three separate shooting opportunities—smallbore rifle or air rifle; small caliber handguns or air handguns; and trap. Shooters may bring their own equipment; but if they don’t have a particular gun, they will be provided. No optical sights would be allowed only irons. No resting or other supportive devices only one or two hands as appropriate to the discipline. Each group will proceed through the three stages at specified times. Additional black powder and archery stations will be set up for shooters to participate in between scheduled stages.
The Smallbore/Air Rifle station will be coordinated by Michael MacLagan along with Kevin Winters and some of the TMU athletes. The course of fire will be 10 shots for record on targets set at 50 feet for smallbore rifle, or 33 feet for air rifle. The target will be one bull. Special targets will be printed for this competition. The handgun station will be overseen by Russ Doucette and Don Holmes. The course of fire will be 10 shots for record with a standard handgun at 50 feet. If using an air pistol, the distance will be 33 feet. The target will be one bull, with special targets printed for this competition. The trap station will be handled by Adam Preston. At this stage shooters will shoot 15 birds all from the center position, with the trap set to shoot straight away. Conbining scores for all stages will make a total aggregate of 215 points. The shoot would take place at Holbrook Sportsmen’s Club, located at 150 quincy Street in Holbrook, MA. Information about The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation wll be available, along with logo promotional items for sale and the opportunity to make a donation. Shooters and family members will also be able to learn about the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp. The Outdoor Message is the official publication of The Massachusetts
Your Unwanted Jewelry Can Raise Funds for MSF! Marc Folco of New Bedford, MA, a licensed trader in precious metals by trade with 35 years of experience will be at the Braintree Rifle & Pistol Club, 788 Liberty Street, Braintree, on April 20, 2013 from NOON to 4 PM paying top prices in CASH for old, broken or unwanted gold, silver or platinum. Marc is an avid sportsman, hunter and fisherman as well as an outdoor writer and long
Shooters Foundation, enabling us to promote junior shooters and the shooting sports. Copies of The Outdoor Message will be available, as will subscription forms for those not yet subscribed. At the end of the day we will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each discipline and have a 1st,
standing supporter of youth shooting programs. As such he has agreed to donate 50% of the profit made to help defray the costs of the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Junior Shooting Program. Selling your old gold for cash will support young shooters and help to ensure the future of our sport here in the Bay State. For more information please contact Marc Folco at 508-9715131 or Mike Yacino at 508-450-1124. ★
✮✮
2nd, and 3rd for an aggregate score of the combined three categories. All participants will receive a decal commemorating the day, upon signing in. ★
Congratulations to Isabel Isabel Macaulay-Age 14 for winning the first month of the MSF Offhand Contest. Find this month’s target on page 5.
Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide ✮ ✮
Are you in need of a product or special service? Wouldn’t you like to know that you are giving your money to a business who believes in the same things you do? Following is a list of businesses who are owned or run by gun owners. They have agreed to give a donation to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation for every reader who shops at their store or uses their services. So when you shop at these businesses, tell them you saw their listing in the Gun Owners Buyers Guide in The Outdoor Message! Participation is voluntary - the people listed have asked to be a part of this Guide. Help support fellow gun owners. Take advantage of the Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide.
Accounting/Tax Services L.A. Jones Tax & Accounting Services (L.A. Jones) Milford MA 508-634-2711 Archery Supplies Eryleen Archery Pro-Shop (Emery Loiselle) Burlington MA 781-272-0244
Building/Remodeling Curtis K. Abbott Co Inc (Curtis Abbott) Charlton MA 508-248-4416 www.curtiskabbottco.com Mr Fix It (Eddy Provost) Worcester County MA 508-798-8216
Concrete, Granite & Asphalt Cutting & Coring Concrete Cut & Core (Curtis Abbott) Charlton MA 508-248-7778 www.concretecutandcore.com Constable/Notary Raymond Harris Constable Service, Dedham MA 781-326-7597 Northern Process Servers (Ronald Bertheim) Greater Lawrence MA 978-685-0093
Deep Sea Fishing Trips Tuna Hunter Fishing Charters (Gary Cannell) Rockport MA 978-407-1351 www.tunahunter.com Electrical Contractor Morse Electric (Richard A. Morse) Rowley MA 978-948-2727 EJ Kennedy Master Electrician (Eric April 2013
Kennedy) North Attleboro MA 508-TUGWIRE
Firearms Instruction Joe Nava, Fairbanks AK 907-479-2340
Flooring Touchdown Carpet & Flooring (Doug Gibbs) Marlboro MA 508-480-8552
Gun Sales Mike’s Gun Shop Specializing in estate sales and consignments (Mike Yacino) Northboro MA 508-450-1124
Masonry & Building Materials Popular Precast Products (Gerry Lemire) Bellingham MA 508-966-4622 gerry@theelusivewhitetail.com
Boston MA 617-201-8042
Promotional Imprinting Gumption, Inc. (Joe Cassia) Malden MA 781322-6400 MCA Promo (Michael Amburgey) Lunenburg MA 978-582-3662 Real Estate Peter Neslusan at the Mercure Group 508277-7503
Scaffolding Cape Cod Staging (Kevin Kelleher) New Bedford MA 508-992-2411, Cranston RI 401-941-6660
Security EJ Kennedy Security/Life Safety Systems Contractor (Eric Kennedy) North Merchant Services/Credit Card Processing Attleboro MA 508-TUG-WIRE Strategic Payment Systems (Michael Roux) Canton MA mroux@spsprocessing.net Surveying & Engineering www.spsCreditCardProcessing.com 978- Landmark Engineering of New England 337-7126 (Brian Lane) Norfolk MA 508-384-3064 Optometrist Dr. Arthur Breen, Peabody MA 978-532-0097 Charlton Optical (David Snowdon) Charlton MA 508-248-1188
TV & Satellite Pierce TV & Satellite (Richard “Ben” Pierce, Jr.) East Falmouth MA 508-548-4519
Plumbing & Heating Russo Plumbing and Heating (Steven Russo)
For more information about the Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide call 508-393-5133.
Outdoor Wood Furnace Crystal Rock Farm (Eliot Starbard) Oakham MA 508-882-0178
The
Outdoor Message
Website Development Gumption, Inc. (Joe Cassia) Malden MA 781322-6400
Page 15
STANDISH SPORTSMAN’S ASSOCIATION
Membership
P.O. Box 258 East Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02333 www.standishsportsmans.com
We had a few openings come up in our Charter memberships so we had a first reading of a new Charter member application from Joe Duncan at the March 8 business meeting. Our Charter membership is made up of folks who have shown they will work for the good of the club and its members on a continuing basis. All Associate members are eligible for Charter, just put in the time and effort to work for the club. Dick McMahon had a busy night reading applications as we also had first readings for 13 proposed new Temporary Associate members. They are: James L Bates Jr., Edward F. Cotter, Russell C. Davenport, Corey DelPrete, Thomas Edwards, Robert J. Jones, Timothy D. Lynch, George F. Jkousy, Bruce Minot, Wendy M. O’Brien, Katrina Paul, Robert M. Scarrey and David S. Usowicz. Dick will be sending out additional letters to prospective members to fill up the open
membership slots.
Range Guest Fee
The membership voted at the March 8 business meeting to expand the $2.00 guest fee policy for people using our ranges. Previously there was a $2.00 fee for any guest using our archery ranges. The new policy is that any guest, who is not an immediate family member, must pay a $2.00 fee to use any of our ranges. Immediate family members do not have to pay the guest fee. Each club member is responsible for seeing that the $2.00 fee for each of their guests is deposited in the slot in the club safe, with a note saying who the fee is from and the date.
3-D Archery
The club will be hosting our next 3-D shoots on Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31 and then another two day 3-D shoot on April 6 and 7. Setup will be on the Friday morning before the shoot at
3D Archery Shoot - Sat/Sun Mar 30-31 at 7 am Business Meeting - Thursday Apr 4 at 7 pm 3D Archery Shoot - Sat/Sun Apr 6-7 at 7 am Board of Directors - Thursday Apr 25 at 7 pm
8:30 am with coffee and donuts for the workers. Takedown will be Sunday afternoon at 12:00 or 1:00 pm, after all the archers are finished. We had to cancel our scheduled March 9 and 10 3-D shoot due to the two feet of snow that hit the club.
Club Shotgun Raffle
The club has started a member’s only raffle for a new 20 ga. over/under shotgun. There will only be 100 tickets at $10.00 each and the drawing will be held by the May 2 business meeting. Contact Ed Holmes or John Fabroski for tickets.
Around the Club
Ed Holmes requested that all members try to help out with work around the clubhouse and grounds. For example: sweeping or mopping the floor, picking up trash, etc. If everyone helped a little it would get done quickly and not put a burden on just a few members. If you see something that needs to be done, pitch in
and lend a hand. Thanks to Jerry Snuffer for his recent cleaning of the club floors.
Ham Shoot
The club trap committee will be sponsoring its annual Easter ham shoot on a Sunday morning at the end of March or beginning of April, keep an eye on the club bulletin board for the exact date. Come on down to the club to have a good time and maybe win a ham! Please note that the night trap shoot in April will be on Friday April 19 instead of Thursday.
Hunter Education
The Standish club is looking into once again holding hunter education courses at our facilities. Keep an eye on the club bulletin board and newsletter for more information as it becomes available. Respectfully, Tim Santry ★
WRENTHAM SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION
PO Box 83 - 7 Madison Street - Wrentham, MA 02093 508-643-1322 - www.wrenthamsa.com
Editors Desk
Meetings: Advisory Board: First Monday of the Month, 7 pm; General: Second Monday of the Month, 7 pm
Feb 16 we enjoyed another great annual bonfire, and the weather cooperated this year. So nice to see so many new faces and watch all the kids having fun. Most people who use MS Excel or Word only utilize a small fraction of the potential of the software. Our Club is very similar; we have so much to offer outside of the traditional shooting, archery and fishing. What better way to introduce our next generation of potential members than having FUN, in the OUTDOORS! If you have never been to the bonfire, Kids Day or Christmas Party, please come down, bring your kids and friends to see how much fun everyone has. I am so happy to announce our own ‘Man about town’ Jerry Ouellette, has stepped up to co-edit The Outdoor Message with me. I look forward to his worldly wit and wisdom, to add his unique brand of humor to our pages. As he pointed out to me he failed the written test for the position, but he “passed the physical”. Fasten your seatbelts” we’re on our way. Under the (patient) tutoring of Michelle I’m getting more comfortable in my new role. This newsletter belongs to everyone and it should be something we are proud of and look forward to reading. We are open to every member’s input, ideas and comments to keep the input fresh and timely. Got a Hunting or Fishing story, here’s your chance for your 15 minutes of fame. Got pictures (I can scan them and return) same for old 35mm
Terry Goode
along the shore line. The sub soil will be removed and a barrier layer of small #4-stone put down. Next will be a final layer of ‘beach grade’ sand to extend 3’0” into the water and extend across the shore line 27’5”. Finish base and sand will extend up the embankment 15.0” and capped with rail road ties. Next the Horse Shoe Pits will be removed and a select subsoil base put down. A single set of (4) web swings on chains will be installed. A top coat of 8” of #6 sand will finish the area up to the fence at spill way. April Fools – Chumps.
slides, digital in jpg or gif format. I can crop or add a description or funny comment, please let me know. Committee heads, here is your chance to spotlight your activities, shoots, contributors, archery, trap, kitchen… "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." — George Orwell
Ammo
I’m sure you have noticed the dramatic increase in prices and dwindling shelf stock; and the National inventory is drying The spirits of members past joined us at the bonfire. up. People all over the country are Arrows were shot from BOWS. stocking up on ammo because receiving stock piles of ammo. Hopefully More to follow. there is so much uncertainty regarding a saner conversation and set of solutions gun control. Gun shop sales have soared can be created to quell the frenzy. sharply in response to events surrounding the Newtown, Conn., school shooting John Denis has graciously offered to run You know a business that doesn’t tragedy. Even the local Ted’s Northeast classes on reloading. We talked about a lend itself too easily to the internet? Trading made it into the Sun Chronicle, ‘cradle to grave’ opportunity for members Pay Toilets. detailing the same story. Many liberal who have never reloaded to those of us politicians see this as an opportunity to rewho would like to have John set up his enact more restrictive gun laws and Chronograph and we can chard actual people are rushing to buy now and stock What a night, a Feast for Kings (and muzzle velocity of our loads. I know Paul up on guns, ammo and reloading supplies. queens) was presented, headed up by our Wisnewski has also offered to step in with The government is simultaneously own Jerry Deschamps. Thanks to Jerry expertise and help. John brings a wealth ramping up ammo purchases while and his team in the kitchen and all the of knowledge having been involved at contemplating limiting the same of law people who donated game meat, specialty Lyman as an engineer for many years. He abiding American citizens. From HLS to dishes and provided valuable help to make also spent time learning about gun FEMA, government departments are this such a success. powder from the Chinese!
Archery
RELOADING
Game Dinner
Tues & Wed 12 to 5 pm Thurs & Fri 10 to 7 pm Sat 9 to 4 pm
Collectors Firearms & Militeria 122 Bridge Street, Unit 9 Pelham NH 03076
Page 16
603-635-9699 603-635-8443 The
Advisory Board Meeting
A final discussion, prior to presenting to the general body at the next regular meeting was held. A final draft pursuant to changes at the area around the pond was drafted. The $25,000 budget to construct the new recreation area will be put as a motion. Step one will be to create a beach from the east side of the dam to a point 37.5’
Outdoor Message
Darts
I believe there may be renewed interest in starting up a dart night. Look for a signup sheet and let us know your preference of nights and time. I think someone could make a lot of money if they set up a little stand at the Grand Canyon and sold Yo-Yos with 500-foot strings. ★
April 2013
FITCHBURG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB
289 Rindge State Road (route #119) in Ashburnham, Massachusetts http://www.fitchburgsportsmensclub.org/
Dear Fellow Sportsmen, President Madonia welcomed our members and guests to our 139th Annual Banquet. A moment of silence for our Brave Men and Women of our Armed Forces and Departed Friends and Family Members of the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club was observed. He then thanked all of the Veterans present and recognized their service to our Nation. President Madonia then led the members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. He requested a Motion to dispense with the regular meeting, Motion passed. President Madonia said that he was pleased to introduce our invited guests to the over 80 members attending. The invited guests who were recognized included: l State Senator Jennifer Flanagan (Worcester and Middlesex District) l State Representatives Stephen DiNatale (Third Worcester District) and Dennis Rosa (Fourth Worcester District) l Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong l Fitchburg City Councilor Stephen Hay l Worcester County Sheriff Lewis G. Evangelidis l Officer Perry Pappas, Licensing Officer, and Detective David Diagle, representing Fitchburg Police Chief Robert DeMoura l Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers – Lieutenant Anthony Wolski and Sergeant Detective Mark Brighenti l Gun Owner’s Action League Executive Director James L. Wallace President Madonia thanked all for coming to the Banquet.
FITCHBURG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD President Madonia explained that each year at this time, the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club honors one of its own, for his or her leadership demonstrated within the Club and the surrounding community. “This year’s honoree has been both a friend and a mentor during my initial year as President. I am therefore pleased to announce that this year’s honoree is KEVIN BROOKE. Please join me in a round of applause.” The presentation of Sportsmen of the Year awards would be presented to Kevin T. Brooke by Senator Flanagan, House of Representative Stephen DiNatale, Worcester County Sheriff Lewis G. Evangelidis, City of Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong and President Philip A. Madonia III. Dinner was served and Phil said, “Please enjoy your dinners.” Afterward the presentations were made and Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club President Philip A. Madonia III presented the Club’s Annual Sportsman of the Year to Kevin T. Brooke at the 139th Annual Banquet. The plaque reads: Presented to Kevin T. Brooke Since becoming a member of the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club in 1978, you have been an active participant and leader in many areas of club operations. In 1983, while serving as Vice President, you were also asked to serve as Treasurer to clean up some serious deficiencies with Club finances. Later as President, you conceived and led the initiative to adopt the Life Membership Category thereby securing the financial viability of the Club. April 2013
You served as Trap Committee Chairperson and continue to be an active Board Member where your time, energy and dedication to the Club are instrumental to attracting new members and ensuring the continued success of our organization. Your continued enthusiasm for, and eagerness to always be of assistance during Club sanctioned events; as well as your community leadership are examples of the type of sportsman that we honor here this evening. Given this Fourth Day of March Two Thousand and Thirteen. By the Officers, Directors and Members of the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. Kevin expressed his thanks and was grateful for the recognition saying we have a great club and that we have members who are also deserving of recognition. He was so surprised that he said “You really got me!” It was great to see that his award was kept secret. Kevin received a round of applause from the attendees.
President Madonia noted that this was his last function as president and gave a brief review of our FSC Scholarship program. He reported that this past year we did not have a recipient for the $1000.00 Scholarship from the fund administered by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Students pursuing a course of study leading to either a baccalaureate or associate degree (with preference given to a four year degree) in wildlife habitat, fisheries or forestry management; agriculture: environmental law; or wildlife or marine biology at an accredited college or university are eligible to apply for the scholarship. He said the club saw one hundred applications for membership last year and we have the potential to be a positive influence in getting our young citizens to become educated and informed about the responsibilities of good sportsmanship.
FISCAL YEAR 2012 IN REVIEW 1. As you know, five years ago the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club secured its legacy by establishing a Conservation Restriction protecting over 900 Acres of Green Space in the North West Corner of Worcester County. This year we enacted a Revocable Trust to protect the remaining funds received from the DCR. This Trust has a 25 year life and is designed to allow the principal to accrue interest for the Club for the life of the Trust. A separate finance committee will be formed to determine how best to invest these funds for the Club’s benefit in the very near future. 2. In 2012 we began revamping the Club By-Laws. We overhauled the membership fee structure and increased dues to better align with today’s increased costs. 3. In 2012 we established a new Range Orientation and Safety program for all of our members and guests. In addition to creating increased awareness to firearms safety and the proper use of the new range, we realized an increase in member
participation at our ranges. 4. In 2012 the Club also sanctioned firearms safety training classes that are held at the Club on a scheduled basis by one of our certified instructors. 5. Our Club is financially viable, all of our books are in order and all our financial obligations have been met. 6. Looking ahead, I encourage each of you to work diligently with our Elected Officials here this evening, to remain vigilant in supporting the Constitution of the United States. Your support and your voice is needed to help preserve our way of life as sporting men and women and to protect the rights of responsible, lawabiding citizens to keep and bear arms in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you.
OUT-GOING OFFICERS I would also like to thank our outgoing Officers for their untiring dedication and service to the Club. They are: Phil Madonia III, President Randy Nichols, Vice President George LeBlanc, Secretary James Belliveau, Treasurer WELCOME 2013 INCOMING OFFICERS Introduction of new Officers: Dennis P. Ring, President Esther A. Erickson, Vice President George F. LeBlanc, Secretary Pamela L. Sager, Treasurer
I would like to take this time to extend a very special thank you to David Celkuzza and his able-staff here at SLATTERY’S for yet another fantastic dinner and a very pleasant evening. ~ Phil Madonia
On a personal note, I want to thank Phil for his guidance and help and to Jim for his always steady hand on the financial rudder. I know we will keep you around for a long time.
Raffles
Attendance prize drawing; Member #250, Arvo Peltokangas was not present. The next drawing on April 1st will be $415.00. The 50/50 was won by Robert Gagnon Jr. The workday drawing winners: Tom Forgues - $100.00, Hannu Sallila- $75.00, Jim Belliveau - $50.00 and Dennis Ring $25.00.
Good and Welfare
The following is for your information. We will have a guest speaker at our April 1st meeting. Michael D. Yacino, Administrator of The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation will be our guest speaker.
★
Vice President Esther A. Erickson would like to form a Women’s Shooting Chapter as outlined at the Well Armed Woman website. Here is the link: <http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/T Well-armed-Woman-Shootinghe Chapters>. If you are interested please send an email to directors@fitchburgsportsmensclub.org. Please note that she will contact you when a date has been set for the first meeting. James Wallace of GOAL passed out flyers about the Rally for Second Amendment Rights to be held on Wednesday, April 3rd at Noon to 3:00 PM at the Parkman Grandstand on the Boston Common near the Massachusetts State House, rain or shine. Please invite your legislators. For info go to <www.goal.org>. Pres. Madonia thanked all for coming and wished them a good evening. The Banquet concluded at 9:04 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Yours in Sportsmanship, George F. LeBlanc, Secretary
Calendar of Events
Monday, April 1st: Range Orientation at 6 PM, Membership Meeting at 7:30 PM Saturday, April 6th: Youth Turkey Hunt Seminar Monday, April 8th: Director’s Meeting at 7 PM Monday, April 8th: Hunter Ed. Call Esther 978-827-3340 Sunday, April 21st: WORKDAY, ALL RANGES CLOSED 8 AM to noon. Sunday, April 21st: Range Orientation at 9 AM. Members bring your membership card. Friday, April 26th: Stocking for Adult Members Derby (15 years and up) 6:30 PM. Sunday, April 28th: Adult Members Fishing Derby (Ages 15 and up) 7 AM to Noon. $10 registration fee Sunday, April 28th: “300” Raffle drawing 1 PM in meeting hall Monday, May 6th: Range Orientation at 6 PM, Membership Meeting at 7:30 PM Monday, May 13th: Director’s Meeting at 7 PM Friday, May 17th: Stocking for Kids’ Derby, 6:30 PM. No Fishing on Fridays and Saturdays before all fishing derby Saturday, May 18th: WORKDAY, 8 AM. ALL RANGES CLOSED Sunday, May 19th: Kids Fishing Derby and Chicken BBq. 8 AM to Noon Monday, June 3rd: Range Orientation at 6 PM, Membership Meeting at 7:30 PM. Monday, June 10th: Directors Meeting at 6 PM ★
GUNS
★
BOUGHT - SOLD - REPAIRED
w w w. s l g u n s h o p . c o m
443 Fitchburg Road, Corner of Rte. 31 & 124 - Mason, NH 03048 Phone 603-878-2854 Fax 603-878-3905 Hours MON-FRI 10 am - 7 pm; SAT 9 am - 6 pm; SUN Noon - 4 pm
WE GUARANTEE THE NEW & USED GUNS WE SELL
The
Outdoor Message
Page 17
AYER GUN & SPORTSMEN'S CLUB
255 Snake Hill Road - Ayer, MA 01432 - 978-772-9748
New Members
Email: ayergsc@verizon.net Website: http://www.ayergsc.vzwebsites.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ayer-Gun-SportsmensClub/265885770137669
Welcome Kevin Filz and Paul and Norman Colleton.
Members Meetings
Our March meeting was held on Thursday, the 7th at 7:30 PM. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 4th at 7:30 PM.
Upcoming Events
Open to the Public unless otherwise specified! Apr 20 & 21: Louis Collins Fishing Derby May 12: Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet – Mothers Eat Free May 16: Veteran’s Fishing Derby May 18: Rib Fest May 19: Trap Shoot 1-4 Jun 1: ARC Fishing Derby Jun 16: Father’s Day Fishing Derby Aug 17: Clam Bake
Oct 27: Children’s Halloween Party Nov 15: Thanksgiving Meat Raffle Dec 15: Christmas Party--Members Children/Grandchildren
Items Of Interest
Sunday Breakfast - 8-11AM Breakfast is open to the public and it is a great way to come check the club out and meet some of us. We hope to see you there. This event funds all of our children’s activities.
Range Communication
Are you interested in a .22 caliber bullseye team? It will be an indoor range pistol team. Non-members can also be part of the team. There will be an informational shoot on April 15th .
Fish & Ponds
The Louis Collins Fishing Derby will be here very soon – April 20th & 21st. Mark
President - Ernie Johnson DirectorsVice President - Buddy Shorey Tom Horgan, Chair Treasurer - CJ Moore Gail English, Gail Bruhn, Secretary - Darlene Johnson Todd Moore, Jared Sergeant of Arms - Andrew Anderson Clough, Norman Field Captain - Barry Schwarzel Reynolds, Miles Donell
your calendars; the fish have been ordered!
Sick Committee
Phyllis is recovering from her surgery. It was great to see Buddy at the meeting this month!
Special Communications
We received a thank you letter from the Federated Church for our donation to their Holiday Fair.
Club Sponsored Food Drive
We will be holding a food drive throughout the month of April in support of the Ayer Council on Aging’s Brown Bag program. This program provides nonperishable items to seniors on a fixed income. Examples of the type of items are: coffee, soup, cereal, toilet paper,
peanut butter, canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, soap, shampoo, shaving cream and deodorant. We urge all members to help support this worthwhile event. A table will be set up for drop off at Sunday breakfasts or after 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, call Sue at 978-772-3827.
Outdoor Message
As members of the club you receive a copy of The Outdoor Message Paper. It is now offered digitally so that you can receive it via email instead of the hard copy you now receive. This offers us a good savings per person per month. Please let Darlene know by either leaving a message with your email address at the club or emailing Darlene at AYERGSC@verizon.net letting her know if you would rather receive this via email. To view the meeting minutes look on the back bulletin board at the club or check your email. ★
SOUTH FITCHBURG HUNTING & FISHING CLUB
Mailing: P.O. Box 687 - Townsend MA 01469 Location: 60 Warren Road Townsend MA Club phone 978-597-8733 * Secretary’s email: kblincoln2@comcast.net or Kblincoln@aol.com Web site: http://www.southfitchburghuntingandfishingclub.org
Meetings
March 3rd and the winners for that derby were: 1st-Bob Souther (Sr) 16 ½” trout. 2nd- Bob Souther (Jr) – 16” trout and 3rd went to Tom Lagasse with a 15 ½” trout. Bob Sr, of course took the pool for the biggest trout and the pool for the smallest went to Bob Jr with a 10 ½” trout.
Board meeting: April 4 and May 2 at 6:30 PM Membership meeting: April 6 and May 4 at 3:00 PM
Meeting Report
The March 2, 2013 membership meeting was called to order by the incoming President, Larry Bevis at 3:08 pm. There were 21 members present. The first order of business was to install your newly elected officers. Installed were: Larry Bevis (President) Brenda Saucier (Secretary) Ken Saucier (Treasurer) From left to right are Tom Lagasse, Bob Souther Jr and Carlos Pagan (was voted in as a BOD, Bob Souther Sr. The club will be holding but took the Ex. Officer position to our annual Easter meat replace Larry’s position, this is for a 1 and had a small attendance. I can’t say year period). that I was too surprised as it was a really raffle on March 24th. The raffle will run from 1:00 – 4:00. There will be a variety Bill Yeaton and Bill Farnam each took cold day! a fill in position on the board until the next I will have to list the winners in next of meats and certificates and this raffle elections. month’s issue because I don’t have them will also be winner’s choice. Make sure that you get your raffle tickets in for the at the moment. We had to cancel the derby on the 24th vacation drawing! We will be drawing this due to the weather so we rescheduled for at the end of Easter Raffle! None Taken
Upcoming Events
New Members Past Functions
February 17th we had another ice derby
Before you buy... Give us a try!
LEE SPORTS CENTER NEW & USED FIREARMS OF ALL TYPES.
GUNS AMMO HOLSTERS CLEANING GEAR POLICE GEAR
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 12 Noon - 6 pm
CASH PAID FOR USED GUNS! WE BUY ONE GUN, OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS
Law Enforcement Equipment, Inc.
781-894-2954
305 River St, Waltham MA 02453 Page 18
South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club 60 Warren Road Townsend, MA 01469 Club’s Number- (978) 597-8733 2013 Calendar
Sunday, April 14th ..........Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, May 5th.............Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, May 19th...........Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Saturday, June 8th .........Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, June 9th............Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, June 30th..........Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, Aug. 25th ..........Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, Sept. 15th .........Kid’s Only Derby, 9 am - 1 pm Sunday, Sept. 22nd ........Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, Oct. 6th.............Fishing Derby , 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, Oct. 20th...........Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, Nov. 17th ..........Slug Shoot, 12 pm Sunday, Nov. 17th ..........Turkey Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, Dec. 8th ............Holiday Raffle, 1 - 4 pm The
Outdoor Message
April 14th and May 5th the club will be holding a couple of fishing derbies. The derbies will run from 7:00 – 1:00 pm. There will be 3 cash prizes. Fee to fish is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 14 and under. Breakfast and Lunch will be available. Bring your own bait. Scheduled for May 19th the club will hold our first Meat and Seafood raffle of the year. There will be lots of items to choose from like BBq meats, seafood, the raffle runs from 1:00 – 4:00 pm Chances are 4/$1.00 with 4 chances to win each drawing!
New Business
The club will be adding some “work parties” to our list of things that need to get done this year to the club bulletin board so consider adding your name to the list and think about helping out? Even a few hours are a big help. Don’t think that it is the responsibility of just a few to keep the club maintained, it is your club too and you should all care about it.
Good and Welfare
Not present to win the attendance drawing was Roland Saucier. The consolation was won by Daniel Pagan. The 50/50 raffle was won by Bob Dion, Jr, it was worth $41.00. Bob donated $20.00 towards the kid’s derby fund. Thanks Bob! 100 – Club winners (5) $20.00 Winners #75- Jim Lightfoot (Rick) #45- Pearl Wiley (Bob) #21- Moises Oyola (Bob) #20- Bonnie Stepp (Vern) #29- Louis Marion (Bob) The club would like to extend sympathies to both Charlie Forrance and Walter York. Their wives recently passed away. Get well thoughts go out to Rick Stoddard who had some surgery and is laid up at home for awhile. Hope to see you back on your feet soon. With no further Business the meeting adjourned at 4:05 pm. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Saucier ★ April 2013
CAPE COD FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION
Depot Street, North Harwich MA 02645 - Club Lodge 508-432-4457 Mailing Address: PO Box 119 Harwichport MA 02646
President, Jim Gillespie 1st Vice President, George Baggitt 2nd Vice President, Dan Welch Treasurer, Ricardo Vasconcellos Secretary, Kim Johnson
Membership & Business Meetings
The next club Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013. As usual dinner will be served at 7 PM and the meeting will begin at approximately 8 PM. All members are urged to arrive early for a good seat. Please be advised that the April meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, April 23th, 2013 at 7 PM.
Club Annual Meeting & Election of Officers
It is that time of year again and the month of May will be here before you know it. That means the Annual Election of Officers is right around the corner. In fact, this year’s Annual Meeting and Election of Officers will be held on Tuesday Evening, May 14th, 2013.
Nominations Committee
Bob Bates Our newly appointed Nominations Committee is seeking individuals to run for office to fulfill the positions of President, Vice President (1) Vice President (2) Secretary, Treasurer, Clerk as well as members to fill a number of Board of Director seats. Any member in good standing, wishing to seek office and help contribute and administrate this organization is urged to contact any member of the Nominations Committee.
Time To Renew Your Dues
George Baggitt Please be advised that it is that time of year again as dues will be due shortly. Renewal applications will be mailed shortly. In order to prevent any member from finding himself denied their membership privileges we ask all associates to please remember to pay your dues for the 2013 – 2014 membership year on time or as soon as possible.
Club Members Visit Southern Grand
Bob Preston Good luck to club member Ray Ertel and fellow trap shooting associate Bob Borges who are competing in the 2013 Southern Grand Trap Shooting Championship. Ray, his wife Anne, the family pet Chihuahua along with Bob, all left for Florida earlier this month for a four week long winter vacation. Ray’s Toyota pick up was loaded with all their gear including trap guns ammo, assorted luggage and even ten pin bowling balls. (I would bet their gas mileage must have been really special with all that cargo!!) The Southern Grand, held each year at the Silver Dollar Club in Odesa, Florida will run from March 11th to March 17th. Good luck to both Ray and Bob in this trap shooting competition. As for your time off the range…have a great time bowling!
March Dinner Meeting A Great Success
Paddy O’Furniture All club members were treated to a very Irish Corn Beef & Cabbage Dinner on the night of the March Business Meeting.
April 2013
Thank yous go out to Jim Gillespie, Mike London and Peter Donovan as well as everyone else who helped out with this meal. A good time was had by all!
Indoor Range
Rumor has it that the indoor range is moving right along and completion may be much sooner than later. At some point, in the not too distant future, club members will enjoy our newest range that will allow the shooting of handguns up to 45 cal. Hopefully there will be enough interest to implement a club wide pistol team as well as a junior rifle program. Watch this space for further details!
Once Again…All Locks To Be Changed
Jim Gillespie With the start of the new 2013 – 2014 membership year all members are reminded to renew their dues on time so they may ascertain their updated club key. All locks will be changed to the new key as of May 15 , 2013.
Raffle Department
Jill and Al Savage Speaking of meetings! Members are reminded that the monthly raffle at each club meeting features a number of prizes from hunting paraphernalia, fishing poles, hardware, housewares and sometimes club merchandise. All members and their guests are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes.
Trap Range
Bob Bates All members are reminded that Trap is shooting Saturday Mornings at 10 AM, Sunday Mornings at 9 AM as well as Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 12 noon. The cost to shoot is a mere $3.00 per round of 25 clay targets. Non members will pay just a dollar more! Our trap range is open to all whether you are a novice, a rookie, an expert or an ATA superstar. Everyone is welcome so come on down and join us for some shooting fun!
BREAKING NEWS…..Nick O. found his gloves! Plinking Range
Howie Bearse All members are reminded that the club’s plinking range is open for business! All members and their guests are further reminded to read, review and most of all, UNDERSTAND the range rules before firing any firearms on this range. This range is here for your enjoyment. Be sure to use it properly. If you are unsure of a policy contact a club officer for clarification.
Wednesday night shoots, business has continued to be brisk. Wednesday evenings continue to have as many as 10 or more archers using the indoor range. Anyone with a compound bow, reverse curve or long bow is welcome. To all who have crossbows, please feel free to bring them along as well. The fun begins at 7:30 PM. Come on down members and throw some arrows!! Currently work is progressing to upgrade the indoor archery range. A newer backstop is being installed. This improvement will be welcome addition to all our club archers.
May Work Party Scheduled
Jim Gillespie All members are advised that 8 AM, Saturday, May 4, 2013 is the date and time of our springtime clean up day for our clubhouse and grounds. Any new members who are interested in fulfilling their obligatory workhours are cordially encouraged to attend. Please be advised that any long standing members who are willing to pitch in and donate his or her own time and effort will be greatly appreciated also. Coffee and donuts will be available for breakfast. Interested members should contact Jim Gillespie at 508.274.9520 or George Baggitt at 508.737.7051 for additional details. The rain date for this Work Party is Saturday, May 11, 2013.
Membership & Workhours Department
NRA Training Department
George Baggitt Please be advised that all new members who come Mike London into our organization during This month’s scheduled the 2013 – 2014 NRA Home Firearms membership period are Safety Course will be held reminded that they are Tuesday April 16th, 2013 responsible to fulfill their at 7 PM. Anyone interested obligatory commitment of in ascertaining his or her four workhours. Failure to firearm identification card do so will result in a $50 (FID) or license to carry Shaun and Don hone their skills on the club's 3D archery course. assessment for the (LTC) is encouraged to following year's dues. attend this invaluable course. Space is All members are further reminded that limited and reservations are strongly The last 3D shoot for this year will be held a current member must sponsor new recommended. Please contact Mike on Sunday, April 21st, 2013. Members applicants. All applicants and sponsors London or George Baggitt at any club should mark their calendars for this date. must be interviewed for membership. meeting. Those who wish to hone their skills are After submitting an application, all reminded that the shoot perspective new members will be begins at 7 AM and contacted to schedule the interview. breakfast will be available Anyone with a membership question is urged to contact George Baggitt at any in the clubhouse. After this shoot and at some club meeting. point in the near future, all the “critters” will need to be herded together and put away for the year. Anyone wishing to help put away Nadia Ghedditt our standing 3D targets All members need to be reminded that the should see any member of gate is to be closed and locked each time the Archery Committee. any member enters or exits the club Your efforts will be greatly facilities. The only exception to this rule appreciated. is when the club is open to a public event. As for the weekly Until next month….Bob P. ★
Archery Department
Close The @#$%&*% Gate Department
Peter Donovan cooks a Saint Patrick's Day breakfast for the March 17th, 3D Archery shooters. Breakfast was complete with corned beef hash and Irish bread! The
Outdoor Message
Remember them every day Celebrate them on April 15th.
Patriot’s Day. Page 19
RHODE ISLAND STATE RIFLE & REVOLVER ASSOCIATION
President: Charles Hawkins, Sr.
PO Box 10177 - Cranston RI 02910 - 401-573-0260 Executive Officer: Joseph Graf
Treasurer: Stephen P. Hogan stephenhogan@msn.com
Keep Up The Pressure
By Gail A. Hogan, Secretary On the front page in the March edition of The Outdoor Message an article by Editor Michelle Y. Siudut, informs us that the gun manufacturers have taken a stand. They realize that “we the people” matter. We have realized that also! We are our country’s largest army. We are being heard near and far and very loudly. Kudos to the manufactures who respect our Second Amendment Rights! Since our last writing Steve and I have been extremely busy attending club meetings and telling members about our State organization and the resources available to us by being part of the NRA. We can’t ever stop and have to be ever vigilant to ensure the legislators in our great country know that our Second Amendment Rights are nonnegotiable!!! Your e-mails and calls to our legislators should not stop! Presently, a few companion bills from the Senate have been introduced. However, we know that the governor, who belongs to only a few Rhode Islanders (he only received 36% of the vote, but the rest of us have to endure), has a package of laws he is going to introduce. This package promises to be of a very difficult nature to us law abiding citizens. So, when Michelle states “we have been passive too long”, this can no longer be the case. Representatives and senators mentioned that they are being inundated with communications. That means we are doing our jobs. Thank you
for answering the call to arms to keep our Second Amendment Rights intact! Now is not the time to stop. I want to share a few small victories. I want you to know you do make a huge difference! Representative Linda Finn (DMiddletown), proud sponsor of H-5573, basically gun registration, has the Newport Rifle Club in her backyard. This club is the oldest, continuous gun club in America! Members like Bill Croll and Dexter Liu have written to The Newport Daily News regarding this bad piece of legislation this newcomer has sponsored. When a meeting was held in February, this matter was tabled due to a very large member turnout. Recently, approximately 150-200 people attended an Exeter Town Meeting. Occupancy at the town hall is a mere 63. Of course, the town council members said they didn’t expect the large turnout. Representative Larry Valencia is proposing a measure that would exempt Exeter from issuing CCW permits. This town does not have a chief of police and the designee does not want to issue. Therefore, the only alternative is the Attorney General, who may issue. The other 38 cities and towns, under present law, shall issue. This is a serious problem. We cannot have 39 cities and towns establish their own laws regarding firearms. We have a state law that covers this very topic in 11-47-58. Just know that your voice does make a difference and keep it up, loud and clear they need to hear from us. We need to be unrelenting! Just remember to be polite
Assistant Executive Officer: Elizabeth Clupny
Secretary: Gail A. Hogan gahogan777@hotmail.com
and respectful, because we represent a very long standing and proud organization, the NRA!
Defending Our Second Amendment Rights
By Gail A. Hogan, Secretary Dexter Liu has taken to the talk circuit. If you have an opportunity to attend a meeting that he is speaking at it will be a worthwhile event. He is a shooter who is passionate, as we all are, about our Second Amendment Rights! Printed here are some of the facts he has researched (below left) and a chart (below right) he drafted, based on United States population, to show the real effects of criminals vs. law abiding gun owners.
NOTE
On Sunday, March 3, 2013, Steve and I attended Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s 114th community pasta dinner, his first Dexter Liu since his re-election. Not long after he started speaking, Senator Jack Reed during the evening. The question and walked in, back up, no doubt. Brave men, considering they should, as well as their answer session started at approximately colleagues, have been back in Washington 6:30 pm and at this point it was 7:55 pm. dealing with sequestration. He did make Senator Whitehouse stated he favored a ban on super capacity magazines. He apologies for the way things are going acknowledged to the crowd that he knew presently. Many good questions were they didn’t agree. He stated, “I want to asked of the senators. Obviously, I sure there are not so many make mentioned that our paths have crossed loopholes in background checks”. At that many times at Addieville East Farm. I point Senator Reed joined in saying that explained about the proposed legislation, some semi-automatic guns were clearly especially H5573, and asked his view on designed as military weapons. He gun control. As he started to answer, there continued to say, “It’s not just about the was a slight uproar. I could weapon; it’s about the person. We can say the crowd went wild, Defending the 2nd Amendment but not really wild. There improve background checks.” Another was more noise in the room question was asked and both Senators More than 80 million Americans own 300 million guns legally and used them responsibly. (continued on next page) though than there had been Overwhelmingly, we're not the problem. Sandy Hook, while utterly heartbreaking, compared to the routine inner-city killings, was a rare event. Exploiting it to diminish the liberties of tens of millions of citizens, compromise the Bill of Rights, devastate businesses and cause undue pain and suffering is a travesty. Politicians with an irrational hatred of guns ignore reality. None of what they advocate has worked historically. Not the Assault Weapons Ban nor the Gun Free School Zone Act. In fact, gunbans have put people at greater risk. We should be talking about curbing ‘violence’ not ‘guns’ or the rights of lawful citizens. We must not allow temporary politicians with an agenda or personal bias to compromise our liberty. Show us the evidence criminals obey laws? You can’t – they don't. Show us evidence gunfree-zones save lives. You can’t. They empower killers - Sandy Hook, Columbine, Aurora are examples that suggest the 'Gun-Free-School-Zone Act of 1994' enabled school massacres. To diminish gun rights and not defend schools won't stop mass murderers - they seek defenseless targets for maximum body count. The FBI reports firearm-homicides are concentrated in inner-cities because of street gangs fuelled by the growing drug-cartel problem.* The CDC says overwhelmingly the victims are young black males ages 14 to 24, so where's the parade of media and politicians? Debating 'assault' rifles or magazine capacity will do nothing to curb the violence. It’s statistically irrelevant and is a deadly distraction. We should focus on real trouble spots in cities like Chicago, NYC, Detroit, DC, LA, New Orleans, etc. In January alone, 44 Chicago teens were murdered as were nearly 300 children since 2007*. Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the country, yet it averages three Sandy Hooks a year. In New York City from 2003 to 2005, 90% of the 1662 murders (not all firearms related) were committed by felons with criminal records**. Clearly, repeat offenders are the problem, but where is the scrutiny of the criminal justice system? The evidence is clear, inner-city gangs and repeat felons perpetrate gun violence. So why target law abiding citizens? No one has the right to disarm lawful gun owners. We have a Constitutional right to "keep and bear arms” which elected officials have a sworn duty to defend. We demand responsible, thoughtful and adult solutions that target real problems. And we reject irrational hyperbole which corrupts the legislative process. Good public policy must be fact-based and not be driven by emotions or personal bias. To do otherwise is simply irresponsible. Public policy must be crafted objectively, benefit from lessons of history and rectify failed legislation. Good public policy must preserve the rights of law abiding citizens while accounting for its effectiveness in its stated purpose. Any policy that suggests more than 80 million law abiding citizens shall have their rights ! diminished or be criminalized will not only be a gross miscarriage of justice, it will in fact be Sources: justthefact.com & cdc.gov (chart data), FBI, National Gang Threat Assessment,* US Department of Justice** unlawful. Above all, good public policy must pass the ultimate litmus test – it must abide by the © Liberty Firewall United States Constitution and our Bill of Rights. We as Americans will accept nothing less.
Sources: justthefact.com & cdc.gov (chart data), FBI, National Gang Threat Assessment,* US Department of Justice** © Liberty Firewall Page 20
The
Outdoor Message
Do you have a firearms or sporting business in Rhode Island? This publication reaches all current members of the Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver Association. To find out how to get your business name out to hundreds of RI sportsmens, contact editor@theoutdoormessage.com for rates and information.
April 2013
More News from Rhode Island Rifle & Revolver Association
answered almost simultaneously that it was inherited from the former administration, we made our exit!
Great Resource: Lock, Stock & Daria
Rhode Island’s own radio talk show on every Saturday, starting at 11:00 AM until Noon. Please tune in to listen to Daria and her crew discuss everything about guns, guns, and more guns! Mike Wojo has his famous “gun pick of the week” and Tom Murphy brings years of firearm and hunting experience to round out this great cast of Pro-Second Amendment Supporters! You will learn lots about various firearms, products, what works, what may not and legislation that will affect us. Daria doesn’t usually discuss politics and legislation but with the heated debate on gun control she is there for us. Please listen and when time permits call in.
NRA Junior Sectional Match
By Mike Dennen The Junior Sectional Match was held at the Newport Rifle Club on January 26, 2013. SPORTER DIVISION-TEAM RESULTS First Place Team: Manville Sportsmen’s R & G Club-Gold Medal Winners Daniel Comastra, Aaron Cerbo, Hugh Finch, Brendan Watson Second Place Team: Manville Sportsmen’s R & G Club-Silver Medal Winners Elijah Boudreau, Jennifer Lonergan, Elexzandir Ramsingh, Abigail Mederios Third Place Team: From New Hampshire, Blue Knight Shooters, –Bronze Medal Winners Fourth Place Team: Manville Sportsmen’s R & G Club-Jared Hite, Katrina Lewis, Morgan Watson, Jonah Boudreau SPORTER DIVISION-INDIVIDUAL RESULTS Junior Category: Second Place, Silver Medal - Daniel Comastra (MSRGC) Third Place Bronze Medal - Aaron Cerbo (MSRGC) Sub-Junior Category: Gold Medal - Elerandir Ramsingh Silver Medal - Abigail Medeiros (MSRGC) Coaching Staff: Aime Dubois, Director Robert Todisco Joseph Dechistofaro Harvey Salivis Allen Shunney Assistant Coaching Staff: James Cousineau Neil Shunney
CONGRATULATIONS COACHES AND ALL MEMBERS!
TO TEAM
2013 International Pistol Sectional Championship
By Gail A. Hogan The Newport Rifle Club was the place to be on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Shooters started to assemble in the early morning hours to shoot anywhere from six to fifteen targets, depending on which discipline you chose. Some chose to compete in both. Fifteen Individuals competed in the 10 Meter Pistol, to shoot a total of 15 targets. The rankings are as follows: April 2013
This is Lou Federici and Jack Foley.
Don Norris-563 David Fountaine-560 William Politt-534 Gary Baer-528 Lou Federici-527 Jack Foley-525 Ron Hawkins-523 Rick Sten-519 Kent Lacy-512 Narcy Dubicki-503 Paul LaLancette-493 Thomas Wilczek-483 Rich Sirois-481 Bill McCaughey-473 Robin LaLancette-462
This was the first time the Standard Pistol Course of fire was offered, with a total of six targets. David Fountaine-525 Paul LaLancette-518 John Warszawski-506 Lou Federici-504 Richard Sten-496 Jack Foley-488 Ronald P. Hawkins-484 Robert King-477 Scott Cook-455 Bill McCaughey-400 Kent Lacey-351
Thanks to Match Director Richard Ashmore, Chief Range Officer Stephen Hogan, Statistician Gail Hogan and to David Nassaney and Peter Paranzino for their assistance during the match!
Rhode Island NRA Four Position Sectional
By Hap Rocketto Smithfield hosted the 20013 Rhode Island National Rifle Association Four Position Sectional on March 10, 2013. The competitors fired an 80 shot aggregate with 20 shot shots in each of prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. While a bit short on numbers it was long on competition and opened with a four way tie for the prone match. Smithfield’s Joe Graf tied with New Hampshire’s Bob Lynn and two shooters from the quaker Hill Rod and Gun Club Jenn Sloan, who just had won the Mohegan Rifle League Individual Four Position Championship, and Nash Neubauer. Shooting iron sights Neubauer, a Distinguished Rifleman who recently moved to Connecticut from Illinois, bested the field with a score of 200-20X to Graf and Lynn’s 19Xs and Sloan’s 17Xs. In the standing match Graf jumped into the lead with a 97-7X on his first card and The
Robin LaLancette (above) competes in this match
held off a surging Sloan, who every year, along with husband Paul (below). fired a 95-5X followed by a 964X, with a 95-2X in his second ten shots for a 192-9X total. It was a one point margin that would have gone the other way if the numerical score was tied as Sloan had four Xs on her last target. Lynn came back in the sitting match with an opening salvo of 100-9X to Graf’s 1008. The Granite State rifleman held onto his slim lead when he out Xed Graf by one X on the final target, 99-9X to 99-8X. Both were extremely consistent as each fired the same score, right down to the X count, on both targets. Going into the kneeling, and final, stage, Graf held a solid four point lead over Sloan who would not concede anything until the final 20 shots had been scored. She pick up one point, opening with a 100-9X to Graf’s 99-7X. The aggregate was now Graf’s to loose and it would take a disaster on his behalf to do so. Not giving Keep up the great work and be sure to stay up Sloan shot a second 100-9X wrapping in touch with your representatives and up a kneeling win. However, Graf came senators. Always be polite and respectful! back to shoot a clean and secure the gold Tune in to Lock, Stock & Daria! medallion. If you have any news you would like to Graf’s first place finish of 790-57X be published on our State page, please puts him in a good position to earn a forward to your secretary. This national step towards the NRA Smallbore publication will list all events open to the Position Distinguished Rifleman Award. public in The Sportsman’s Calendar, at no With last year’s cut off at 786 Sloan’s charge. second place finish with a 787 might also Remember you can also place an ad for slip through to door. Lynn rounded out the your business on our page for all RISRRA top three with a 778-48X. members to see! Contact the editor of The Neubauer, who has recently taken up Outdoor Message at 603-642-4628 or smallbore as a winter training to aid his editor@theoutdoormessage.com to place high power shot a 763-37X with metallic an ad. When you contact her, be sure to sights. The college freshman still has a mention that you saw this notice on the few years of junior eligibility left and will RISRRA page and the Association will certainly make a mark in those categories. receive a commission! ★
Reminders
MIDDLEBORO GUN SHOP GUNS & AMMO
*** Knowledgeable Service With Personal Attention *** NEW l USED l BUY l ESTATES PURCHASED l TRADE-INS BLACK POWDER GUNS and ACCESSORIES l RELOADING SUPPLIES
State NRA Certified Pistol Safety Courses
508-947-5900
www.middleborogunshop.com
194 East Grove Street (Rt 28) Middleboro MA 02346 HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 - 5; Saturday 9 - 4 Closed Sunday and Wednesday
Outdoor Message
Page 21
INDEPENDENT SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, INC.
Club Location: Mirimichi Road - Foxboro, MA 02035 Club Phone: 508-543-9887 Mailing Address: PO Box 902 - North Attleboro MA 02761
Web address: www.independentclub.com Email address: independentsportsmensclub@gmail.com
Web Site
Get the most up to date information on what is happening at the club in the “Latest News & Calendars”. Check the web site and the Google Calendar for open hours, league dates and activities. In addition there is a staffing calendar which will make it easier to volunteer for staffing the 5-Stand and Warm Up coverage. Check all availabilities before you drive to the club. A new page has been added to the web site called “Shoot Scores” which gives you historic scores and up to date scores for ongoing Shotgun League and Action Shoot activities.
Range Times
Skeet, Trap, 5-Stand: Wednesday, 5:00 to 8:00. Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00. Open to the public. Sporting Clays: Saturday & Sunday, promptly at 1:00. Open to the public. Pistol & Rifle Ranges: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to sunset. Sunday and Holidays from 12:00 PM to sunset. Open to members. Limited member guest visits (must sign in).
Meeting Times
Board Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly at 7:30 PM. Membership Meeting: 1st Tuesday of March, June, September and December at 7:30 PM.
Orientation
New member orientation is held at 9:00 AM on the 4th Sunday of each month. All new members must attend a session in order to get a gate fob. If you plan to attend, call Vinny Tuzzo. 508-543-7029 in advance.
Shotgun Sports News
$5 Days Are Back for 5-Stand! For the months of March, April and May, all rounds for 5-Stand are $5 per round for members and non-members. Please double check the Shotgun Activities Calendar and note that the coverage for the 5-Stand has been altered to Sunday
only for the next few months. Winter Shotgun League. This is still ongoing. I believe the weather may have had something to do with that! And if you hadn’t noticed, it is still winter! Check “Shoot Scores” on the web site. Registered Shoots for 2013: Time is running out. Sign up soon.
Registered Skeet Shoot
with side protection, is required. For shoot information contact John Allen (508-400-8042 or Vinny Tuzzo (508-543-7029). The Action Shoot schedule is posted on the web site. Upcoming activities: March 23: Action Pistol Shoot April 13: 22 Rimfire challenge April 27: Action Pistol Shoot May 11: Action Pistol Shoot
Also on Saturdays of March 16th and April 20th an NRA Basic Handgun Training, hosted by Tactical Firearms Dynamics Sunday, April 14th, 2013 Training, will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please note that the 25 yard pistol 200 Targets - 100 each 12 and 20 gauges range will be closed to normal use from 2 PM until To register please contact Mike Lombardy PM. See course 5 email address mslremodeling@comcast.net description at <http://tacdynamics.com/> for more details. Another registered shoot is planned for Remember that course discounts are September 7th.; more details as we available to Independent Sportsmen’s approach registration time. Remember Club members. that due to the fact that both skeet fields will be used throughout the day, skeet shooting will not be available to nonThe Outdoor competitors. Even if you are not If you would like to receive competing, come along and enjoy the Message via email, rather than in the newspaper format, please send the request activities from 9 AM to 5 PM. to the club’s email address. It saves the club money.
Charles Langille/David Shepard Memorial Cup
Outdoor Message Online
Pistol & Rifle News
Scheduled Action Shoots are open to the public. During scheduled shoots, the rifle/pistol ranges are CLOSED to normal member use until approximately 1:00 PM. Always check the calendar before setting off to shoot at the range in case it is being used for an activity. Action Shoot Reminders: • 7:30 AM Setup; 8:30 AM Signup; 8:50 AM Shooters Meeting; 9:05 AM Start Time • NEW shooters are ALWAYS welcome! If a new shooter shows up at 8:00 AM, we would be happy to give them some personal instruction before the shoot begins. • Ear protection, and eye protection
Random Shots
Above, “One down, one to go.”
5 Whittier Street, Framingham MA 01701
New Members
ROD & GUN CLUBS and GUIDES & OUTFITTERS
(Including private hunting clubs, private fishing clubs and guided hunting and fishing clubs)
- LIABILITY - Comprehensive General Liability (Limits up to $2,000,000) - PROPERTY - Building & Contents
Welcome to new members: Anthony Pisani of Franklin Christopher Platzer of Wrentham David Remick of Franklin Jeff Boardman of Attleboro Glenn Lallier of Plainville Dean Blackburn of Easton Madeline Blackburn of Easton
der... n i m e ar Just
- SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE - for your one date events (including liquor) - DIRECTORS & OFFICERS LIABILITY
- A+ (SUPERIOR) RATED INSURANCE COMPANY
We are a local independent agency who would be there for you when you need it. Our premiums are more competitive than other insurance companies.
Call for an insurance evaluation and quote. 508-656-1440 Arlene Pucillo apucillo@charlesriverinsurance.com Page 22
The
Outdoor Message
From the Editor
The Annual Meeting took place on March 5th at the Club House. It was well attended with 30 members – a full house. Club leadership was voted on and is as follows: Perry Altemese, President; George M Bohnenberger, VP; George J Bohnenberger, Secretary; Richard Wall, Treasurer; Bill Markland, News Letter Editor and Directors Scott Baum, Walter Burlingame, Jeff Brousseau, Joe Coyne, Aldo D’Angelo, Greg Gilman (a new member), Carmine Lombardy, Michael Lombardy, Paul Serpis, Greg Sexton, Bob Shelton, Mark Stopa. We thank all for their commitment to the club. Various reports show the club to be in good standing as far as membership and finances. In fact membership is 28 people ahead of this time last year, and since this is a primary source of income, it bodes well for the health and future of the club. Amongst the ongoing maintenance and improvements to the club, two new skeet machines were purchased during the previous year, and repaving of one of the skeet fields was done, as was new paving added to the road adjacent to the gated entry for the rifle and pistol range. DVD review. I don’t know if you have ever noticed (as Andy Rooney would say) but there appears to be some price rigging going on with regards to instructional DVDs for Trap and Skeet. They are all $59.95 – what are the odds against that! If you are
already great to excellent at either or both, there is no need for instruction, and maybe you do “just have to develop the mental picture” and that only comes with practice. But for those who always play Skeet and could never get the hang of Trap, or vice versa, and maybe you are looking for a system just to get you over the hump, then at least I have a cheaper alternative. Pachmayr’s Trap Shooting and Pachmayr’s Skeet Shooting are only $19.95 each (from Amazon or other outlets). Ken Robertson, a former California State and International Champion (and his Dad!), gives a solid introduction to either and a system for setting up, gun hold, lead and follow through that is straightforward and easy to visualize and remember. Why so cheap? I think it must have been video’d in the seventies or eighties, so it looks like one of your old home movies, without the hotdogs. The clothes, the hair styles – it is Back to the Future for clay shooting! In the end it is both instructional and amusing and maybe some of us were at our peak in the seventies and eighties, and there’s nothing wrong with that. ★ April 2013
MARCH 4, 2013 Pres. Berube called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Bob Holmes led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance. George Noble made a motion for Chris Britt to cast a vote for the Officers; Bob Holmes seconded. Chris Britt cast one vote for Officers for the following: Gary Berube for President Paul Soares for Vice President Jerome Jussaume for Treasurer Chris Britt for Secretary Ballots were passed out for the members to vote for the Board of Advisors.
Secretary’s Report
Chris Britt read the Secretary’s report. Bob Hayward made a motion to accept; Bob Holmes seconded.
Treasurer’s Report
Jerome Jussaume read the Treasurer’s report. George Noble made a motion to accept; Bob Holmes seconded.
Committee Report
There were no reports from Archery, Audit, BMP, Board of Advisors, Club House, Grounds, History, Newsletter, Rifle, WCL, Work Hours and Website.
Officers
Paul Soares reported more on the meeting he will be attending to find out more about range money for the club. He also reported on the duck boxes of which 3 had activity.
Fish
Pres. Berube reported that the pond was stocked on Saturday, February 9th at 10 AM, closing the pond until initially on Saturday, February 16th and opening at 7:30 AM with an Ice Fishing Derby, but as most of you know it was postponed until Saturday, February 23rd due to the bad weather. The Derby was open to all club members with no specific age categories and turnout was light, but that being said those who attended had a good time. The Derby winners were as followed: 1st prize for catching an 18 ½” Rainbow went to Gerald LeClaire, winning a portable 2 man fishing hut, which he noted that he donated back to the Club for a future raffle; 2nd prize for catching an 16 ¼” Rainbow went to Monte Capehart, winning a quality set of tilts; and 3rd prize for catching an 16” Rainbow went to Steve Rondeau, winning a ice equipment sled. Pres. Berube thanked those who helped with the derby: Mike, Bob, and
UXBRIDGE ROD & GUN CLUB West Street - PO Box 412 - Uxbridge MA 01569 www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com
Matt and also many thanks to Willi and Ray along with the rest of the kitchen crew for providing them with an awesome breakfast. The pond is now open for regular fishing and there are a lot of really good fish for the taking. Please remember to use our pond at your own personal and safe discretion and to respect the space and rights of other members also!
Forestry
Gordon DeJong reported he got a hold of the forestry and will be coming out around the 1st of June for the Club to be recertified.
Game
Jon quinn reported that due to storm the game dinner was held the following Saturday. The dinner was great. He thanked the kitchen for doing a great job and everyone that donated raffles.
Pistol
Bob Miller reported the pistol shoots will start up again in April. The schedule is posted.
Trap
Bill Oby reported that shoots are held on Sunday, at 10:00 AM and starting April 18th, Thursday night shoots will begin again. The price of rounds will go up this year for non-members to $3.50 per round.
Kitchen
Ray DeMore thanked Jon for getting help for the dinner. He thanked all the kitchen help; Ken Mercer for the turkey; Nancy DeMore for making turkey pies; Monique B. for baking cookies; Russ Rawson for serving; the people for selling tickets; and everyone else who helped in one way or another.
Membership
Ed Gervais reported that membership renewal for 2013 is over. He was still waiting for last minute dues to show up and at this time we do not know how many openings will be available. Except for the snowstorms that bothered them the first couple of weeks, everything ran pretty smoothly. He thanked Pres. Berube for helping him out during renewals, while he cut his teeth on the whole procedure. He also thanked Jerome Jussaume for being patient with him and his spreadsheets. He thanked those who helped him out each Sunday: George Noble, Ed Pokornicki, Jim Corcoran, Paul Soares, Jon quinn, Mike DiLibero, Joe Leonardo, Alison Burnham, Eric
“You Won’t Believe Our Prices” THE AREA’S LARGEST SUPPLIER OF BLACK POWDER RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, HANDGUNS AND ACCESSORIES
FISHING SUPPLIES
Shiners l Night Crawlers l Dillies l Trout Worms l Meal Worms
REGISTER NOW FOR NRA/STATE FIREARM SAFETY CLASSES
508-695-4852 northeasttrading.com
TOLL FREE 800-473-3006
Rt. 152 / 580 Kelley Boulevard, North Attleborough MA
April 2013
The
Billideau and his wife Monique, Ray Maloney, Jr. and his girlfriend Gisele, and finally Monique Fontaine who jumped in and grabbed the books on a snowstorm Sunday when I was understaffed. Thanks to all of you who helped, it was greatly appreciated. The waiting list is up to date with the information he has.
Old Business
Pres. Berube read Dick Baker’s motion: Dick Baker made a motion to have the Board of Advisors review and make suggestions to allow non-members to attend private hunts at the Club. Pres. Berube read the rule changes for #2 to read as: All hunters must either possess a valid Massachusetts hunting license or purchase a one-day commercial shooting preserve license from the Club. Only club members, auxiliary and junior members may participate in club hunts. Auxiliary and junior members must hunt with a full member with only one shotgun and one bag limit per such partnering on club hunts. Non-member guests will be able to join private hunts, only after meeting all club requirements. And rule #12 to read as: Private hunts may be booked the game committee chairman or vice chairman. Hunts may be booked one day at a time on non-stocking days, but they may not be booked on consecutive days. Hunts are reserved from 7:00 AM to noon. Nonmembers participating in private hunts must be under the direct supervision of a member, and will be limited to only one guest per member. Private hunts with guest(s) will be limited to birds stocked. Birds for the hunts may be kept in stocking boxes in the catch pen only on the night prior to the day of the hunt. Birds may not be kept in the main pen. All private hunts must comply with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ rules, laws and regulations, as applicable. Open for discussion. Bob Holmes moved the motion; George Noble seconded. 33 in favor; 6 against. Motion passed.
New Business
Pres. Berube reported the winners of the
nomination as followed: Harry Romasco, Tom Binckwitz, Bill Wurzburg, Ed Pokornicki, Lenny Audette, Joe Leonardo, Mike DiLibero and Bob Holmes. Pres. Berube made a motion to make Dario DePasquale an honorary life member; Bob Holmes seconded. Pres. Berube asked the members to allow him to go into contract with Lycott this year. Ken Moore made a motion to allow Pres. Berube to go into contract with Lycott this year; Bob Holmes seconded. Pres. Berube asked the club to purchase a new VCR/DVD combo. Bob Hayward made motion to allow Pres. Berube to purchase a new VCR/DVD combo for the club; Lenny Audette seconded. Pres. Berube made a motion for the club to appropriate money to purchase equipment to Chris Hatfield for the Uxbridge High School; George Noble seconded. Club life member Mike Yacino, speaking for the Mass Shooters Foundation, reported on the range improvement programs. Mike gave an overview what the Mass Shooters Foundation does and supports. Their Foundation is trying to raise money to help and support junior shooters. Ralph True made a motion to buy 2 cords of green wood for the Club, George Noble seconded. Unanimous. Harry Romasco reported back on his meeting with Senator Moore. Dick Baker made a recommendation to the capital plan to improve the road coming in to the Club. Pres. Berube made a suggestion to appropriate a donation to the Mass Shooters Foundation from the Jr. Activity fund. Nick Bik made a motion to appropriate money to donate to the Mass Shooters Foundation from the Jr. Activity fund; Paul Soares seconded. 1 opposed. Bob Holmes made a motion to adjourn at 8:37pm; Bob Hayward seconded. Respectfully submitted, Chris Britt, Secretary
www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com ★
Are you REGISTERED to VOTE? The
Be part of the solution...participate in elections.
Outdoor Message CLASSIFIEDS
BOW CLEARANCE - 40% off MSRP on many new, non-current Top Model Bows from various manufacturers. See Photos, Descriptions, Prices on website w w w. e m e r y l o i s e l l e . c o m ERYLEEN ARCHERY 781-2720244. Also MATHEWS dealer. Wanted!! Military items for educational purposes and collection. Uniforms, swords, hats, medals, bayonets, flight jackets, helmets, flags. Anything - any
country. Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam. Longtime Historian and Collector. Also buying old guns and gun parts, old ammo and other related items. Paying cash, I buy it all! Call Randall 978-772-2563 U.S. SILVER DOLLARS WANTED. Paying $25 each. Also buying all other coins. Higher pay than coin shops or mall buyers. Call Lin at 781-956-8891.
CLASSIFIED RATES: $4.00 per insertion for 30 words or fewer. $1 for each additional group of 10 words or fewer. Advance payment required. Send check, payable to The Outdoor Message, to 37 Pierce Street, Northborough MA 01532.
Outdoor Message
Page 23
MASPENOCK ROD & GUN CLUB
February 25, 2013 Meeting After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our public servants, members of the armed services, the meeting was called to order by President Dick Zontini. There were 38 members in attendance. There was 1 new member voted in.Welcome to Maspenock Joe Murphy! There was no Treasurer’s Report.
Financial Secretary
Leo O’Rourke reported that there are 340 regular members, 81 life time members, 18 spousal, 18 junior rifle and 5 juniors, 7 students and 9 military. The total membership is 478. There are 42 members who have not renewed.
Recording Secretary
Minutes were sent to Message.
Directors
The
Outdoor
Tony Manbucca gave the directors report. Most of the topics will be discussed under the committees. He notified the members that the release documents for new members and guests are ready. They have been lax on the capitol planning document and it will be updated and the directors will let the members know the status. Tony wanted to thank some of the members who had done work during 2012. He thanked Brian Blanchard for the removal of the tree that fell on the archery range. He thanked Wayne Caruso for his work and donation of his time and equipment. He thanked Jeff Croteau for all of his work including keeping the books and the treasurer reports. Ed Davis was thanked for all the work he does on the club grounds and all the “finish” work he does. Dennis Dorr was thanked for all of the materials he has donated. Leo O’Rourke was thanked for his work on the new key card system. Michelle St.Gelais was thanked for providing the information for The Outdoor Message. Leo also wanted Manny Snyderman
P.O. Box 42 - McGill Lane - Milford, Mass. 01757 www.MaspenockRodandGun.org
thanked for his work with the juniors. Tony noted that at one of the work parties work will need to be done in the pizza shed. The beer cooler in there is not working.
Trap
Buddy Mainini reported that shooting is slow right now and there is plenty of time to shoot. All are welcome to shoot. New members may use their two free rounds either on Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 PM, or on Sundays, 9:00 AM to whenever.
Rifle Range
Tony Manbucca noted the deflector system has been partially installed. All 20 deflectors should be up by the next club meeting.
Junior Rifle
Manny Snyderman reported that the juniors have been quite busy. They shot an American Legion Postal match. There were 2 categories, precision and sporter. There were 235 teams in sporter and placed 81st. They placed 2nd in precision. The juniors also shot in Taunton and in New Hampshire. Chris Rooney placed as high junior in one of the matches and received a medal. Abby Monique is shooting in a US Army National Championship at Fort Benning. On 3/2 the juniors will be shooting 2 matches! One is air rifle and the other is small bore at 2 separate venues. As you can see, the juniors travel a lot. Manny notes that they go where the matches are. There was an article in the Milford Daily News about the juniors. They were interviewed by one of their reporters. It put a very positive light on junior shooters. One of the fathers of a Maspenock league member, James Lee, has been writing articles and putting them in local papers. Keep your eye open for them. There may be another team joining the Maspenock Junior League. If they do it will make the league the biggest league in Massachusetts.
Indoor Pistol Range/ Outdoor Pistol
Leo O’Rourke noted that they will be putting up T111 when the weather breaks. Buddy noted that there will be a competition shooting at iron plates in the future. The details are being worked on. Work on the berm still needs to be done. Indoor pistol is still shooting and looking for participants. They have a new shooter who is doing well. All are welcome to come see what is going on. Remember only the top 5 scores count.
Fish and Game
Dewie reported that the Fishing Derbies will be held on May 4th from 8 am to 10 am for the kids and on May 5th from 8 am to 11 am for the adults.
Entertainment
Lloyd Currie reminded the membership that the Pinewood Derby will be held on 3/9. Ranges will be closed. There is a private party on 3/16 from 48 and the membership approved a party on 3/3 from 2-6. The insulator club would once again like to hold their meeting at the club. They have been holding this event here for the last 8 years. They requested August 3rd from 8-2. The request was put on hold and will be put before the floor next month.
Structure and Grounds
Tony Manbucca said that at the work party in March the lower bar area, directors room and boiler rooms need to be cleaned out. Members advised to make sure their things are removed from this area. Mike Coletti will chair the clean-up. John Labrusso will be working on refinishing the floors in the hall in April. It will be done mid-week but the club may need to be closed during the procedure. Billy Marcolini is getting a quote for the repair of the roof over the boiler room. The main line coming in from the well was leaking. There was a leak inside the building. We will need to look at piping from inside going to the well. This should be marked as high priority and will be put on the capital planning document. The
water is being tested for minerals and bacteria before installing a water purifier.
Archery
Archery is still looking for someone to chair a committee.
Worcester County League
L.A. said that the WCL last met at Southborough on 2/15. It was nice to meet so close to home for a change. Jim Wallace was the speaker. He spoke about updates on legislation. The DCU show was canceled on Friday and Saturday due to the snow storm. They were able to hold it on Sunday. L.A. had raffle tickets for the GOAL raffle which will be drawn on 3/23/12. He also had raffle tickets for a 2013 Polaris that will be drawn on 5/18/2013. The next WCL meeting will be in Holden on 3/15. See L.A. if you are interested in going.
Finance
Lloyd Currie sent an e-mail regarding capitol expense reports to committee chairpersons.
Old Business None
New Business
Mass Wildlife has grant money available for range improvements per Bob Burns. He will look into it. Terry Thomas thinks that the club may have to be open to the public to be eligible. L.A. reported that the Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held on 3/2/13.
Good Of The Club
The monthly cash raffle was drawn and won by Doc D’Alessio. Food was provided after the meeting by member Bob Clemente, owner of Purchase Street Market. Thank you, Bob! Motion was make to pay the billsApproved Motion to adjourn at 8:05 pm. Respectfully submitted, Michelle St.Gelais ★
MASSACHUSETTS FIREARM MANUAL (ExPANDED AND UPDATED)
I GNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NOT ONLy NO ExCUSE , IT CAN BE VERy ExPENSIVE AND LAND yOU IN JAIL . Contents: 1. Copy of Statutes Relating to hunting, Firearms, Rifles, Shotguns and Ammunition 2. Copy of Regulatory References 3. Copy of Gun Application Form with Suggestions on Filling Out 4. List of State Police Approved Gun Locks 5. Selected Federal Law and Statutory References 6. Summary of 1998-1999 statutory changes 7. Common Questions with Answers 8. Discussion and Case Law relating to Licensing, Firearm (possession and carrying), Purchase and Sale of Guns and Ammunition, Definitions, Firearms in a Motor Vehicle, Citizens Right of Arrest, Civil Liability (with Cases), Use of Force and Deadly Force (with Cases), Criminal Liability 9. Domestic Violence under Federal and State Law 10. Fully Referenced for case of use 11. Designed for Gun Owner - Police Officer - Attorney - Security Personnel - State Police Approved Instructors 12. Over 140 pages of valuable information. 8 1/2x11 pages lay flat for easy reading Civil and criminal sanctions are serious - Jail sentences added and expanded.
Cost: $24.50 (includes tax & shipping). Send check to William M. Cloran, Esq. 50 Union Street, Suite 1, Newton Centre, MA 02459 Phone 617-969-2001 Fax 617-969-6517
Also available... “Criminal Law Reference Handbook” and Motor Vehicle Law Reference Handbook” Cost: $17.95 each (includes tax and shipping)
Page 24
The
Outdoor Message
April 2013
BARRE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB
PO Box 111 - 221 Spring Hill Road - Barre, MA 01005 978-355-4643 Email: barresportsmansclub@gmail.com ~ Website: www.barresportsmansclub.org
Please Be Considerate To Our Club Neighbors
Hours on Sundays are 10 am to dusk, consider type of fire and time of day. No high power/rapid fire target practice.
April Meeting: Membership Renewal Time Is Here!
April 27th – Youth Turkey Hunt, lunch afterwards at the Club Next event: Steak & Lobster Dinner, Sunday, June 2nd
Membership
Duvernay 508-413-6529 200 Yard Rifle – Mondays at 6 pm, Peter Stalker 978-928-5223
Range Notes
Nothing new to report (seasonal weather restrictions preclude much news or progress). Contact for the range continuing improvements and committee is Mark Plouffe (978-355-2778).
Gate Key Updates
Door lock company was contacted and is working with us. Further updates at the April meeting; due to inclement weather and preparations for the Game supper on March 7th, meeting was shortened and this was not discussed.
We welcomed Rob DiGeralumo and Jamie Chumsae, both of Barre, as new members at our meeting March 7th. Update from the VP indicates the records indicate we are at the 175 adult member capacity after the addition of two members at this meeting; however that is subject to updates upon renewal submissions in April/May. If you have applications, or are a member, who missed the deadline and would like to reapply, please be sure to contact a member to get a sponsor and download an application off our website, then get it to our VP. As additional spots open, it is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis for the waiting list.
Janet Pierce, our current Treasurer, has volunteered to organize this year’s Turkey Shoot in November. Thanks, Janet!!
Trap – POC Mike Klawitter 508-8678867 Sporting Clays – Thurs., April 1st, weather permitting, POC Randy Klockers 978-632-8708 Archery –Mondays at 6 pm (~April to Oct.), POC Fig (John Neri) 978-355-4071 Range .22 Shoot –POC Tony Pitisci 978-355-4474 Pistol Shoot –3rd Saturdays 9 am (subject to change shortly), POC Bert
All members are urged to go online and take this ~30 minute course and get certified. The club is required before opening for any event to go through a safety checklist and have a Crowd Control Manager on site at each event. For renting the club you will be required as the sponsoring member to have this certification as you will be responsible for the checklist. When you finish the course, please provide a copy to the board
Updates and POCs for Sporting Functions
Fall 2013 Hunter’s Event Teaser
The tickets are at the printers and should be available in April. We are hoping to hit our goal of selling out our 1000 tickets. And we need YOU to help out. If each adult member sold between 5 and 6 tickets, we’d SELL OUT. Won’t you help us meet this goal, so we can continue to fund the club we all enjoy? I hope so!
November Turkey Shoot REMINDER: Crowd Control Managers
secretary and treasurer as there must be 1) One on site in a notebook which resides in the kitchen, 2) Must have the information in order for the maintenance of the liquor license as per MA state laws. Website address is <http://public.eopsselearning.com/>, and click on the DFS-Crowd Manager Training. Special thanks to those members who have taken the course and submitted their certificates to be included in the onsite book as required. Building updates: We are looking for volunteers for a work party to make repairs/improvements on the club. Signup sheet will be available at the April meeting.
Volunteer Needed
Herm Eck noted the Ware River Watershed Advisory is looking for a representative from the club. The prior member who served in this position is stepping down. The committee meets four times per year. If interested, please contact Herm at 978-355-9090. Game Dinner, Lamb Feed and Grand Slam Fishing Derby: Look for results and details of these events in the April newsletter!
Other Club Reminders
WHEN YOU LEAVE, PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE & LOCK THE NEW COMBINATION LOCK. NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT IN AT ANY TIME. PLEASE ‘POLICE’ RANGE AFTER FIRING TO CLEAN UP CARTRIDGES/ROUNDS.
Club Events
APRIL Thursday, 4th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 27th: Youth Turkey Hunt, lunch served at Club for participants Saturday, 27th: Meat Raffle (POC TBD) Saturday, 30th: EARLY DEADLINE -
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
MAY Thursday, 2nd:6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 11th: PRIVATE RENTAL
JUNE Sunday, 2nd: 1 pm, Steak & Lobster Dinner (POC Fig 978-857-8202) Thursday, 6th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 15th: PRIVATE RENTAL
JULY NOTE: 1ST Thursday of the month is July 4th; meetings both shifted one week. Thursday, 11th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Friday, 12th: Club rented – Vintages Shoot (day) Sunday, 21st: Two Club Shoot (Barre/Petersham)
AUGUST Thursday, 1st: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting DATE TBD – Pork & Beef, Tony Pitisci, 978-355-4474
SEPTEMBER Thursday, 5th – 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting ELECTION OF (ANNUAL OFFICERS) Sunday, 8th – 11 am, Clambake (POC Fig 978-857-8202)
OCTOBER Thursday, 3rd: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 5th – FALL HUNTER’S KICKOFF (POC Rob 978-7717013/Meridith 978-434-7932) NOVEMBER Saturday, 2nd: 9 am, Youth Pheasant Hunt (POC Chris Duggan 978-928-5878) Sunday, 3rd: 10 am, Turkey Shoot (POC Janet Pierce 508-769-4660) Thursday, 7th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting DECEMBER Thursday, 5th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting ★
The Sportsman’s Calendar . . .Competitive Shooting Matches and Special Shooting Events
Biddeford, ME North Harwich, MA 603-225-3846 Wednesdays 6 pm: Indoor Paper dipromo@comcast.net League Apr 6-7: Firearm & Knife Show Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center Jun 23: Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Fun Shoot (see article on 250 High Street Marlborough, MA page 15) Manville, RI 508-460-0700 Holbrook Sportsman’s Club msrgc.com Apr 13-13: Gun Show 150 quincy Street Everett Ice Arena PIN & PLATE SHOOTS Holbrook, MA 15 Loudon Road Michelle 508-393-5133 Concord, NH 1st Sunday 603-225-3846 Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club LADIES NIGHT dipromo@comcast.net 57 Cherry Street Apr 24: Tree Stand Safety Seminar Apr 16 Gloucester, MA Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Hanson Rod & Gun Club 978-283-0304 37 Pierce Street Davis Road www.capeannsportsmansclub.org Northboro, MA Hanson, MA 1st Sunday www.theelusivewhitetail.com Must pre-register at Springfield Sportsman’s Club Apr 27: 2013 Sporting Clays femalefirepower@gmail.com 215 Wood Hill Road Tournament the Western Monson, MA Massachusetts Council of Boy Scouts ARCHERY 413-267-9652 of America 3rd Sunday, 1 pm Apr 6-7: Tri-County 3D Archery Western Mass Bird Dog Club Georgetown Fish & Game Club Shoot 87 Charles Farnum Road Lake Avenue Standish Sportsman's Association Granville, MA Georgetown, MA 1 Burr Lane Please pre-register Craig 508-265-2255 East Bridgewater, MA Olen 508-320-3824 George Andrews 508 328-7327 3rd Saturday, 10 am sportsman9165@yahoo.com Lawrence Rod & Gun Club Apr 21: 3D Archery Apr 27-28: Gun Show Webster Street Cape Cod Fish & Game Biddeford Ice Arena Lawrence, MA Depot Street 14 Pomerleau Street Art 978-687-9504 ext 1
SPECIAL EVENTS
April 2013
The
Outdoor Message
PRACTICAL SHOOTS
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 4th Saturdays: IDPA League Club Matches S&W Shooting Sports Center Springfield, MA 413-846-6400 4th Sunday Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford North Hixville Road North Dartmouth, MA Dave 508-984-9589 4th Sunday 8:45 am: IDPA Matches Nenameseck Sportsman’s Club Bacon Road Palmer, MA Norm 413-967-3797 www.nenameseck.com/idpa
SMALLBORE
Apr 6: NH 4 Position Smallbore Rifle State Junior/Open Championship Hudson Fish & Game Club 53 Pine Road Hudson, NH bill@williamdutton.com 617-594-2194 Apr 6-7: Governor’s Cup RI Indoor Junior Championship
Massasoit Gun Club 21 Abraham Road East Providence, RI Nicole SPAL51@yahoo.com May 18: NRA Metric State/Regional Outdoor Prone Championship Jun 15: NRA Metric State/Regional Outdoor Position Championship Hudson Fish & Game 53 Pine Road Hudson, NH
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING
4th Sunday 1 - 4 pm Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 250 High Street Manville, RI Bob 401-773-7720 randies@cox.net
SPORTING CLAYS
Sundays 10 am, Wednesdays at noon: Winter League Petersham Gun Club 159 Nelson Road Petersham, MA petershamgunclub12@gmail.com Parker win59pe@hughes.net ★
Page 25
The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Education & Training
HUNTER EDUCATION
Hunter Ed courses are offered through state agencies. Visit <www.theoutdoor message.com> and click on “Resources” for links to state websites.
GENERAL TRAINING
Apr 24: Tree Stand Safety Seminar Massachusetts Shooters Foundation 37 Pierce Street Northboro, MA www.theelusivewhitetail.com Daily: NRA and Mass Certified Pistol Course and FID Card Course Distribution Firearms Services 10 Colonial Road Suite 209-C Salem, MA Must pre-register 978-741-0044 3rd Saturday: NRA Home Firearms Safety/Mass Basic Firearms Safety Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford North Hixville Road North Dartmouth, MA Must pre-register R.J. 508-676-9861 Last Thursday and Last Saturday: Basic Firearms Safety & Handling Worcester County Jail and House of Correction 5 Paul X Tivnan Dr West Boylston, MA Pre-register Julie 508-854-1800 x2442 Weekends/Monthly: MA Certified Pistol Course, Law Enforcement and Civilian Training Franklin County League 721 River Road Deerfield, MA Alan 413-863-2964 quarterly: 2-day Defensive Handgun IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Simsbury, CT Dennis 860-651-4911 www.im-safe.com
TRAINING offered AS NEEDED: Mass Basic Firearms Safety Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Ayer, MA Dan 978-870-7298 dan.damato@comcast.net NRA Basic classes, Advance Tactical classes Dynamic Incident Response Mike 781-258-6577 mike@dynamicincidentresponse.com Mass Basic Firearms Safety, NRA Home Firearms Safety, NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Rifle, NRA Shotgun Carver, MA John 508-728-5899 jedduf@gmail.com NRA Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Tactical Pistol, Concealed Carry, Private Accuracy Workshops Central Mass www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com NRA Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection in the Home; Private Shooting Lessons; Advanced Tactical and Concealed Carry Courses Central MA Area First Defense Firearms, Inc. 508-278-6844 www.firstdefensefirearms.com FID & LTC Courses Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club 57 Cherry Street Gloucester, MA 978-283-0304 capeannsportsmansclub.org NRA and Mass State Police Certified Pistol Course, Shotgun Shell reloading, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, Refuse to be A Victim Hampden and Worcester Counties Conrad 413-739-3015 www.FirearmSafetyClass.com NRA Basic Pistol, NRA First Steps Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road Hanson, MA hansontraining@gmail.com NRA and MA State Police Certified Pistol Course Leominster, MA Michael 978-534-2484 firearmsinstruction@gmail.com Smallbore Rifle Courses
Page 26
Ludlow Fish & Game Sportsmen’s Road Ludlow, MA Al 413-782-2917 staff@lfgclub.org Craig 413-589-7093 Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Firearms Safety Millis, MA Paul 508-541-3164 pgmarier@verizon.net NRA Basic Pistol and NRA Home Firearm Safety Plainville, MA Jeff 508-944-3797 rkba@earthlink.net NRA Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol, Personal Protection; Mass Basic Firearms Safety; GLOCK Certified Instructor; GLOCK Armorer Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut Harry 401-965-4648 NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Home Firearms Safety, MA State Certified Shrewsbury, MA Mike 508-330-9430 Mass Basic Firearm Safety Course South Shore Charles 774-776-6494 www.magproinc.com Home Firearms Safety, NRA Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun; Blackpowder Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net NRA Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol, Mass Basic Firearms Safety Swansea, MA Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Shotshell & Metallic Cartridge Reloading Worcester, MA John 508-414-0491 fasafetytrng@aol.com Corporate Seminars & Workshops including workplace Violence and Women’s Safety Seminars. Custom programs available IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Simsbury, CT Dennis 860-651-4911 www.im-safe.com MA/RI certified instructor, RI Pistol recertifications Tiverton, RI Steven 401-624-2649 steventsr@hotmail.com
NRA BASIC PISTOL
Apr 13, May 11, June 8 Mass Shooters Foundation 37 Pierce Street Northborough, MA Michelle 503-393-5133 Wednesday Evenings Cape Cod Steven 508-548-5879 www.capecodgunsafety.com Sundays 1 pm Black North Firearms & Training Dracut, MA Tony 978-337-4044 blacknorth@comcast.net Monthly. Must pre-register Hamilton-Wenham Rod & Gun Mike 978-815-6989 Every 3rd Saturday Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road hansontraining@gmail.com Every 2nd Wednesday Ludlow Fish & Game Sportsmen’s Road Ludlow, MA Les lprentice@verizon.net Every 3rd Saturday Holyoke Revolver Club 431 West Cherry Street Holyoke, MA 413-539-9345 3rd Sunday Brockton, MA Charles 508-238-1586 chuck@cdavisgroup.com Saturdays & Sundays Instructional Shooting Inc. 164 Andover Street
Weymouth Sportsmen’s Club Lowell, MA Joseph joefeepistolinstruction.com Must pre-register 800-984-4867 www.instructionalshooting.com NRA BASIC RIFLE Monthly Starfire Courses offered AS NEEDED: Haverhill, MA Greater Lowell area Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 Ken 978-692-6818 starfirefst@comcast.net Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com Monthly South Shore Tactical Dynamics Firearms Training John 781-963-7785 Foxboro, MA john.monti@comcast.net Rob 508.276.5730 www.tacticaldynamicsfirearmstrain- NRA BASIC SHOTGUN ing.com Monthly Courses offered AS NEEDED: Ludlow Fish & Game Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Sportsmen’s Road Ayer, MA Ludlow, MA Dan 978-870-7298 Ray 413-596-3288 dan.damato@comcast.net cr2smith@charter.net Blackstone Valley Area Blackstone Firearms Training LLC NRA HOME FIREARMS Fred www.basicpistol.com SAFETY Braintree, MA Tuesdays, Thursdays 6 pm John 781-848-0047 Black North Firearms & Training jrwalsh@beld.net Dracut, MA Central Cape Area Tony 978-337-4044 Harwich, MA blacknorth@comcast.net Steven 508-432-8036 Weekly Central Massachusetts RKBA Personal Safety Training www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com 129 No Main Street, Room 302 Central Massachusetts Mansfield, MA First Defense Firearms, Inc. Jeff 508-944-3797 508-278-6844 www.massltctrain.com dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net 1st Tuesday and Thursday monthly Central Massachusetts Scituate Rod & Gun Club Richard 508-876-9270 Rte 3A training@competitionspecialties.com Scituate, MA Central Massachusetts 781-545-1510 Charlie 508-981-6402 secretary@scituaterg.com crfcook@verizon.net 3rd Saturday. Must pre-register Hampden and Worcester Counties Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford Conrad 413-739-3015 North Hixville Road www.FirearmSafetyClass.com North Dartmouth, MA Holliston, MA R.J. Kozik 508-676-9861 Holliston Sportsmen’s Association 3rd Sunday 137 Bullard Lane Brockton, MA Ed 508-641-7854 Charles 508-238-1586 Lenox, MA chuck@cdavisgroup.com Lenox Sportsmen’s Club 3rd Tuesday New Lenox Road Cape Cod Fish and Game Lou 413-442-4550 Off Depot Street Greater Lowell area North Harwich, MA Ken 978-692-6818 Jack 508-394-9466 Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com Evenings & Weekends Marlboro, MA Metrowest Boston, Eastern Mass Marlboro Fish & Game Mike 508-734-1156 or 1 Muddy Lane www.homegunsafety.com Mark 508-393-7575 Monthly Maynard, MA Starfire Maynard Rod & Gun Club Haverhill, MA 45 Old Mill Road Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 Kenyon 508-361-4259 starfirefst@comcast.net trackertx17@yahoo.com Courses offered AS NEEDED: New Bedford, MA Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Joe 508-863-0464 Ayer, MA www.nbpistolinstructor.com Dan 978-870-7298 Revere, MA dan.damato@comcast.net Boston Firearms Training Center Braintree, MA 796 Broadway John 781-848-0047 Tom 781-284-6677 jrwalsh@beld.net www.bostonfirearms.com Central Cape Area Sharon, MA Harwich, MA Sharon Fish & Game Steven 508-432-8036 307 East Street Central Massachusetts Dan captdan33@aol.com www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com 781-784-5806 Central Massachusetts Shrewsbury, MA First Defense Firearms, Inc. Mike 508-330-9430 508-278-6844 South Shore/Cape Cod dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net Steve 781-974-3920 Central Massachusetts www.southshoregunsafety.com Richard 508-876-9270 South Shore training@competitionspecialties.com John 781-963-7785 Clinton, MA john.monti@comcast.net 978-368-8065 Southboro, MA gubber1@verizon.net Chuck 508-485-1430 Hampden and Worcester Counties Swansea, MA Conrad 413-739-3015 Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 www.FirearmSafetyClass.com Tewksbury, MA Stan 978-658-7308, 978-436-0639 Holliston, MA Holliston Sportsmen’s Association Westboro, MA 137 Bullard Lane Self Reliance Firearm Training Ed 508-641-7854 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Greater Lowell area Steve 508-963-6073 Ken 978-692-6818 Westford, MA Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc. Marlboro, MA Jim 978-392-7996 Marlboro Fish & Game gunsafejim@verizon.net 1 Muddy Lane Weymouth, MA The
Outdoor Message
Mark 508-393-7575 Maynard, MA Maynard Rod & Gun Club Kenyon 508-361-4259 trackertx17@yahoo.com Milford, MA Dave 508-243-1521 New Bedford, MA Joe 508-863-0464 www.nbpistolinstructor.com Revere, MA Boston Firearms Training Center 796 Broadway Tom 781-284-6677 www.botnfirearms.com Shrewsbury, MA Mike 508-330-9430 South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net South Shore/Cape Cod Steve 781-974-3920 www.southshoregunsafety.com Southboro, MA Chuck 508-485-1430 Swansea, MA Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 Westboro, MA Self Reliance Firearm Training 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Steve 508-963-6073 Westford, MA Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc. Jim 978-392-7996 gunsafejim@verizon.net
NRA PERSONAL PROTECTION
Wednesday Evenings Cape Cod Steven 508-548-5879 www.capecodgunsafety.com
Courses offered AS NEEDED: Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Ayer, MA Dan 978-870-7298 dan.damato@comcast.net Central Cape Area Harwich, MA Steven 508-432-8036 Greater Lowell area - Offering In the Home and Outside the Home courses Ken 978-692-6818 Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
Courses offered AS NEEDED: Greater Lowell area Ken 978-692-6818 Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com
NRA INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Courses offered AS NEEDED: NRA Range Safety Officer Certification Holyoke Revolver Club Holyoke, MA 413 539-9345 or roblombardihrc@comcast.net. NRA Instructor & RSO Training Greater Lowell area Ken 978-692-6818 Gun_Safety@comcast.net NRA Instructor Courses Instructional Shooting Inc. 164 Andover Street Lowell, MA Must pre-register 800-984-4867 www.instructionalshooting.com NRA Instructor Courses for Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Personal Protection, Range Safety Officer and Reloading Metallic or Shotgun IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Simsbury, CT Dennis 860-651-4911 www.im-safe.com Utah Non-Resident Permit Class, Defensive Handgun Class, Defensive Rifle Class, Defensive Shotgun Class, Basic Pistol, Home Firearms Safety Central Massachusetts First Defense Firearms, Inc. 508-278-6844 dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net ★
April 2013
The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shooting Practices
AIR PISTOL
Dick 781-585-1875 Trap: Thursdays 6 - 9 pm Nimrod League of Holden Coal Kiln Road Princeton, MA www.nimrodleague.org Sundays 10 am Sippican Rod & Gun Club 215 Dexter Lane Rochester, MA Paul 508-763-4226 Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 - 3 pm; Thursdays 6 - 9 pm; Saturdays 1 - 3 pm TRAP & SKEET Easthampton Fish & Game Rt 10, College Highway Trap: Sundays 9 - 11 am Southampton, MA Nashoba Sportsman's Club, Inc. 413-527-9340 924 Main Street Skeet: Sundays 9 am - Noon; Acton, MA Tuesdays & Thursdays 5 - 8 pm Trap Stockbridge Sportsmen Club Barre Sportsman’s Club Route 102 221 Spring Hill Road Stockbridge, MA Barre, MA Gary 413-298-3623 Mike 508-867-8867 Paul 413-528-0859 Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm; Swift River Sportsman’s Club Wednesdays 6 pm 79 Moore Road Townsend Rod & Gun Club Belchertown, MA Emery Road Townsend, MA Jim 978-597-9121 Trap: Thursdays 6 pm - dusk Trap & 5 Stand: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Skeet & 5 Stand: Tuesdays 6 pm Trap: Sundays 10 am; Wednesdays 6 pm dusk Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Walpole Sportsmen’s Association Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Standish Sportsman's Association Lincoln Road 1 McGill Lane Off Burr Lane Walpole, MA Milford, MA East Bridgewater, MA 508-668-6919 Joe jhaiken3@yahoo.comt John 508-378-7696 Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays 12 3:30 pm Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand: Saturdays & Westford Sportsmen’s Club Fin, Fur & Feather Club Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Wednesdays 5 - 8 West Street 100 Larch Road pm Westford, MA Millis, MA Independent Sportsmen Club Tom 978-692-4974 508-376-2977 Mirimichi Road Trap & Skeet: Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Sundays 12 - 4 pm; Tuesdays, Foxboro, MA Thursdays & Saturdays 10 am - 4 Skeet: Wednesdays until 1 pm Trap: Sundays 9 am - 12 pm pm; Wednesdays 7 - 9 pm Springfield Sportsmen's Club Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Fall River Rod & Gun Club Woodhill Road 57 Cherry Street Sanford Road Monson, MA Gloucester, MA Westport, MA Skeet field 413-267-9230 978-283-0304 508-673-4635 Al 413-222-8322 capeannsportsmansclub.org Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Wednesdays Trap: Sundays 9 am; Thursdays 3 pm; Trap: Thursdays 7 pm Wrentham Sportsmen’s Assoc. Saturdays 10 am 6:30 - 9 pm 7 Madison Street Monument Beach Sportsmens Club Hanson Rod & Gun Club Wrentham, MA Dump Road off MacArthur Blvd Davis Road Dave 508-883-7959 Monument Beach, MA Hanson, MA Trap: Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm Club 508-759-5653 781-293-9872 Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm Trap, Skeet & Wobble Skeet: HIGH POWER RIFLE Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 - 4 pm, SINGLE ACTION Skeet: Saturday & Sunday 12 - 4 pm Saturdays & Sundays 1 pm Thursdays 6 9 pm 1st Saturday 9 am, 3rd Sunday 1 pm: SHOOTING Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club Tuesday & Thursday 6 - 10 pm Southborough Rod & Gun Club CMP 1st Sunday 1 - 4 pm Wallum Lake Rod Gun Club 57 Kelly Boulevard 254 Fruit Street Hanson Rod & Gun Club Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 200 Brook Road North Attleboro, MA Hopkinton, MA Davis Road, off Elm Street 250 High Street Harrisville, RI Joe 508-699-6730 steve-chouinard@hotmail.com Hanson, MA Manville, RI 401-568-7171 or 401-568-5640 Trap: Wednesdays 7 pm Skeet: Sundays 9 am 1 pm, 781-293-9872 Bob 401-773-7720 North Brookfield Sportsmens Club Trap: Sundays 9:30 am; Wednesdays Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 9:30 pm 4th Sunday 1 pm: DCM Shoots randies@cox.net 5:30 pm 20 Boynton Road Trap: Sundays 9 am - Noon Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club North Brookfield, MA Riverside Gun Club McGill Lane, Milford, MA SMALLBORE 250 High Street 508-867-9216 16 Wilkins Road Dave 508-478-6211 Manville, RI Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm; Fridays Barre Sportsman’s Club Hudson, MA www.msrgc.com 12 - 3 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm 221 Spring Hill Road www.riversidegc.org JUNIOR Trap: Sundays 10 am - 1 pm; Cape Cod Fish & Game Barre, MA Trap: Sundays 10 am, Wednesdays 5 Mondays 7 - 9 pm: Junior Rifle Saturdays 12 - 2 pm Depot Street Tony 978-355-4474 pm, Fridays 9 am, Saturday Noon Reading Rifle & Revolver Smithfield Sportsman's Club North Harwich, MA Lawrence Rod & Gun Club Haverhill Street Walter Carey Road, Off Route 5 Bob batesauto@comcast.net SPORTING CLAYS Webster Street Reading, MA Smithfield, RI Trap & Skeet: Saturdays & Sundays 10 Lawrence, MA Every Day 9 am - Dusk Bob 781-246-4860 Dave 401-949-1525 am 2 pm; Wednesdays 10 am noon John 978-470-0327 Peace Dale Shooting Preserve Mondays 6 -9 pm: Junior Archery Trap: Sundays 10 am - 12 noon; 5-Stand & Sporting Clays: Trap: Tuesdays 9 am 12 pm Peace Dale, RI Hanson Rod & Gun Club Wednesdays 10 am - noon; Saturdays Thursdays 4 - 7 pm Skeet: Thursdays 9 am - 12 pm 401-789-3730 Davis Road, off Elm Street Tiverton Rod & Gun Club 10 am - 1 pm Trap & Skeet: Sundays 9 am 1 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 1 4 pm Hanson, MA 1529 Fish Road Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc. Thursdays 6 - 10 pm, Saturdays 12 Independent Sportsmen Club info@hansonrodandgunclub.com Tiverton, RI 159 Forest Street 4 pm Mirimichi Road Tuesdays 7 pm: Sporter Air Rifle Pembroke, MA Clubhouse 401-624-3959 ★ Foxboro, MA Fridays 7 pm: Smallbore Rifle Saturdays 9:30 am - 1 pm Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Western Mass Bird Dog Club McGill Lane List your club events free of charge in 87 Charles Farnum Road Milford, MA Granville, MA The Sportsman’s Calendar! Dave 508-243-1521 Jim 413-538-8941 Wednesdays 6 pm: Smallbore Rifle Event Category: Saturdays Noon - 5 pm Hanson Rod & Gun Club ❑ Education & Training ❑ Competitive Events ❑ Informal shooting & practices Fall River Rod & Gun Club Davis Road, off Elm Street Sanford Road Date of Event: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Hanson, MA Westport, MA Rick 781-293-6185 Event Description: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 508-673-4535 Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle Event Location: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Ames Rifle & Pistol Club Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club ____________________________________________ 110A Canton Street 57 Cherry Street North Easton, MA Contact Person, Phone, Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Gloucester, MA Bob 508-238-8563 ____________________________________________ 978-283-0304 Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle Email: editor@theoutdoormessage.com capeannsportsmansclub.org Sagamore Rifle Club Sundays 1 - 4 pm Mail: The Sportsman’s Calendar, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532 Sagamore, MA Fin, Fur & Feather Leon 508-888-2474 Fax: 603-642-4327 35 Crystal Spring Road Wednesdays 5 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Sundays 5 - 8 pm Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club Massachusetts Rifle Association 460 Britannia Street 290R Salem Street Taunton, MA Woburn MA Sid 774-473-7934 smacaulay@winsor.edu Saturdays: Junior Indoor Archery 978-239-2862 Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 250 High Street ARCHERY Manville, RI Mondays 7:30 - 9 pm msrandgc@gmail.com Hanson Rod & Gun Club Saturdays: Smallbore Rifle Davis Road, off Elm Street Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc. Hanson, MA Forest Street info@hansonrodandgunclub.com Pembroke, MA Wednesdays: Indoor Archery George 781-871-0003 Woburn Sportsmen’s Association Sundays 4 - 8 pm: Junior Air Pistol 155 Middlesex Turnpike and Sport Pistol Bedford, MA Massachusetts Rifle Association indoorarchery@woburnsportsmen.com 290R Salem Street Wednesdays 7 - 9:30 pm Woburn MA Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford smacaulay@winsor.edu North Hixville Road 978-239-2862 North Dartmouth, MA Sundays 5 pm: Smallbore Rifle Randy 508-636-4493 Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Barre Sportsman’s Club 258 New Lenox Road 221 Spring Hill Road Lenox, MA Barre, MA Jeff 413-528-1343 John 978-355-4071 Sundays 6 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Nenameseck Sportsman’s Club BLACK POWDER Bacon Road Sundays 8 am - 12 pm Palmer, MA Leominster Sportsmen’s Assoc. Dick 413-283-3920 1455 Elm Street Junior High Power Rifle Team Leominster, MA Reading Rifle and Revolver Club Haverhill Street CONVENTIONAL PISTOL Reading, MA Mondays & Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm Duane 978-317-2811 Tiverton Rod & Gun Club duaneb1953@yahoo.com 1529 Fish Road LADIES NIGHT Tiverton, RI John 508-675-2946 Mar 19 Tuesdays: Pistol League Hanson Rod & Gun Club Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Davis Road 57 Cherry Street Hanson, MA Gloucester, MA Must pre-register at Fall River Rod & Gun Club femalefirepower@gmail.com Sanford Road Westport, MA PRACTICAL SHOOTS Bob 508-995-7768 1st & 3rd Monday 7:30 - 10 pm: 3rd Saturday 9 am IDPA Practice Barre Sportsman’s Club Harvard Sportsmen’s Club 221 Spring Hill Road Littleton County Road Barre, MA Harvard, MA Bert 508-413-6529 www.harvardsportsmensclub.com
Mattapoisett, MA 508-758-6790 Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Springfield Sportsmen's Club Woodhill Road Monson, MA Al 413-222-8322 Thursdays 5:30 pm Barre Sportsman’s Club 221 Spring Hill Road Barre, MA Randy 978-632-8708
North Leominster Rod & Gun Club Lancaster Avenue Lunenburg, MA 978-840-6322 Trap & Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Leominster Sportsmen’s Association 1455 Elm Street Leominster, MA Trap, Skeet, Modern Skeet, Five Stand: Sundays 11:30 am - 4 pm Trap, Skeet, Modern Skeet: Saturdays 11 am - 3 pm Ludlow Fish & Game Club Sportsman Road Ludlow, MA Marshall 413-585-8662 Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm Fin Fur & Feather Club 35 Crystal Springs Road Mattapoisett, MA 508-758-6790 Trap: Mondays 5 - 9 pm Methuen Rod & Gun Club 240 Tyler Street Methuen, MA Eli 978-683-3261
g
April 2013
The
Outdoor Message
Page 27
HOLYOKE REVOLVER CLUB, INC.
P.O. Box 543 - Holyoke, MA 01041 - 413-539-9345 - holyokerevolverclub.com
Bylaw Changes
President - Normand Desilets Secretary - Richard Asselin Directors - Marshall Johnson Vice-president - Joseph Knapik, Jr. Membership Secretary - William Burgess Ronald Mehlhorn Treasurer - Paul Cadorette Governor - Daniel Jones Ray LaBarre
Several changes to the club’s bylaws will be presented for a vote at the April meeting.
WMPL Dinner
The awards dinner of the Western Mass. Pistol League will be held April 13 at the Ludlow Country Club. It is open to all club members and their guests. Tickets are $20 and are available from Ron Mehlhorn.
Friends of NRA
The annual banquet of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Friends of NRA will be held May 10 at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. Doors will open at 4:30. The dinner is a fundraiser for the NRA Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity that provides grants for youth education, range development, conservation and other educational efforts related to the shooting sports. The Holyoke Revolver Club has received grants for its junior program and range improvements. Tickets are $40 and are available from George Apgar and Norm Desilets.
covered by a brass-colored coating. It must not be used on the indoor range, as it may leave craters in the backstop leading to dangerous ricochets. It should only be fired outdoors. A magnet has been installed at the indoor range to check for steel cores.
Police Qualifications
The Holyoke Police Department is conducting its annual qualifications at the indoor range under a contract between HRC and the city. The range is closed during these sessions. If members arrive to find the police using the range, they may use the outdoor ranges or check with the officer in charge to see when the range will be available.
Projects
Work will begin in the spring on a concrete safety wall between the 50-yard pistol range and the road. Construction will be similar to the wall built last year at the 100-yard range. The club is also discussing the development of a dedicated range for tactical matches.
include an opportunity to try out various firearms prior to making a first purchase. Participants must have passed the HRC safety course or hold a current Massachusetts LTC. Time and place will be announced.
Range Safety Officer Training
The club is signing up participants for the next NRA RSO training course. The course is open to HRC members and nonmembers. The date will be announced when enough trainees have expressed interest.
High Power Rifle Course
The club will hold its annual rifle instruction clinic in May. Participants will study the care and feeding of the M1, M1A and similar competition rifles and then shoot a high-power match in the afternoon. The course is open only to club members. Rifles and ammunition will be available. Rick and Dave Wallis are in charge.
Security Cameras
Cameras have been installed to monitor the interior of the building as well as the parking lot and 50-yard outdoor range. Images stored on the hard drive will only be reviewed if there is damage or suspicious activity at the club.
Plate Racks
The pistol target plates and the rubber bumpers on the outdoor racks have been replaced recently. The plates on the left are rated for .22 caliber, and will fall when hit with a .22. The plates on the right are for normal centerfire pistol rounds, and will fall when struck with a .38 or 9 mm, but not a .22. Neither set of plates should be shot with any rifle or shotgun rounds. A team from HRC travelled to Fort Benning, Georgia in early March to compete in a Scholastic Steel Challenge match. The local juniors placed sixth in rimfire and fourth in centerfire competition, and the HRC crew was the high Junior-Senior team. From left are coach Marshall Johnson, Sam Johnson, Kevin Moskal, Tim Moskal, Dahlia Windoloski and coach Ann Robinson. Henry Johnson is front and center.
Shooting Team Fundraiser
100th Anniversary
A new date has been announced for the club’s 100th anniversary celebration dinner. The event will be held October 25, 2014 at the Castle of Knights in Fairview.
The HRC juniors are participating in a promotion sponsored by the MidwayUSA Foundation to establish a legacy endowment fund for the club’s junior shooting activities. The club has received two custom Browning A-Bolt rifles to be raffled off as a single prize. Only 300 tickets are available at $30 each, and each ticket comes with a pair of engraved Browning folding knives. Half of the money raised stays with the club, and half is deposited in the club’s endowment account at the Foundation. Marshall Johnson and Joe Knapik are in charge.
At the request of the MA Division of Fish and Wildlife, the club members have been asked to close and lock the yellow iron gate whenever it is used to access the 100yard rifle range. All HRC members in good standing should have a key to the padlock. The DFW owns adjacent property and wants to keep unauthorized vehicles out of the area.
Some imported pistol ammunition from Bear, Wolf, Tula and possibly other sources is manufactured with a steel core
Sandy Richard and Ann Robinson are planning a day of instruction and familiarization for new shooters. It will
Steel-core Ammo
Please tell our advertisers you saw it in
Page 28
Yellow Gate
Shooting Orientation 101
The
New Members
Twenty-one new members joined the club at the March meeting. They include Chicopee residents Dennis Kahelalis, David Salvdor, Kaitlyn Haglund, Edward Geoffrion, Gary Tomestic and James Jackson. Also joining were Jonathan Cooper, Adrian Piris and son Nicholas, a junior shooter, all of Springfield; Kevin Ross and juniors John Moskal and Brendan Leahy, all of Holyoke; Matthew Annis of Southampton; Richard Rudzik, Jr., Bruce Dunlop and Adam Hamada, all of Westfield; Art Monfette and Arnold Niedbala of South Hadley; Bill and Rosalind Brezinski of Easthampton and junior member Tyler Samson of Hatfield.
HRC Hats and Patches
Hats and jacket patches embroidered with the club’s logo are now available for sale from Membership Secretary Bill Burgess.
Gun Rights Groups
The club encourages its members to join the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners’ Action League, the state rifle and pistol association. Ed Pelland is the club recruiter for both organizations, and handles membership applications and renewals for both. Club members can save $10 per year by paying for their NRA memberships through Ed for $25, rather than the standard $35. Ed receives NRA
Outdoor Message
Jim Torrey Rob Lombardi George Apgar
points for each renewal or new membership, which he applies to NRA memberships for the junior members of the club.
Fun Shoots
Dave Sparko conducts fun shoots on Tuesday evenings at the club. Competitors shoot .22 pistols at steel plates and a “Dueling Tree” of spinning targets, trying to move all of the discs to the opponent’s side of the tree. Match schedules will be posted on the club’s website and calendar.
Practical Matches
The club holds practical matches on the fourth Saturday of the month. New shooters should arrive at 9 am for safety instruction. Participants should bring a centerfire pistol or revolver and 100 rounds of ammunition, extra magazines and speedloaders, a holster, which is not a shoulder or crossdraw model, a baseball cap and eye and ear protection. Chris Fila is in charge. Volunteers are needed to set up the stages, and should arrive at 8 am.
Pistol Course
Holyoke Revolver Club conducts an NRA Basic Pistol course every month on the third Saturday. Successful participants receive both the NRA certificate and the Massachusetts state certificate required for firearms licenses. Information is available at the club website or by leaving a message on the club phone at 413-5399345. The club is now listed on the NRA website and will appear on a zip code search for NRA instruction. The club has more than a dozen NRA-certified pistol instructors and a similar number of certified Range Safety Officers. Volunteers are needed to monitor the firing line from around 11 am to 3 pm. Marshall Johnson is chief instructor.
Paypal
The club has established a Paypal account for payment of fees for the NRA Basic Pistol course. Information is available on the website.
50/50 Drawing
Marshall Johnson won $53.00 in the 50/50 drawing, and Dave St. John’s name was drawn to win the members’ drawing, but he was not at the meeting, so the jackpot will be available at the April meeting.
Club Shoots & Matches
Fun Shoots. Dave Sparko conducts fun shoots on Tuesday evenings at the club. Competitors shoot .22 pistols at steel plates and a “Dueling Tree” of spinning targets, trying to move all of the discs to the opponent’s side of the tree. Match schedules will be posted on the club’s website and calendar. Practical Matches. The club holds practical matches on the fourth Saturday of the month. New shooters should arrive at 9 am for safety instruction. Participants should bring a centerfire pistol or revolver and 100 rounds of ammunition, extra magazines and speedloaders, a holster, which is not a shoulder or crossdraw model, a baseball cap and eye and ear protection. Chris Fila is in charge. Volunteers are needed to set up the stages, and should arrive at 8 am. ★ April 2013