MAR 2013 VOL. 34 NO. 3
$2 Archery - Canoeing - Fishing - Highpower - Hunting - Pin & Plate - Pistol Shooting - Trap - Skeet - Smallbore - Sporting Clays
Gun Manufacturers & Businesses Take A Stand by Michelle Y. Siudut, Editor
There was a very large sportsmen’s show scheduled for early February. This 9-day show set to occur in Harrisburg PA boasts hundreds of exhibitors, celebrities, manufacturers, guide outfits and shops from around the country. It also attracts thousands of show-goers. In late January many of those planning to attend - including celebrities, speakers, vendors - began pulling out of the show one by one. As a result, the promoter decided to “postpone” the event. What made all those businesses - who had made plans to be in PA for over a week in an effort to meet new clientele, make some sales and attract customers decide in the last weeks before the show not to go to one of the biggest outdoors exhibitions on the east coast? The promoters of the show, Reed Exhibitions, declared that no modern sporting rifles would be allowed for display or for sale at the show. Through the power of the internet, the people reacted. Emails, Facebook posts and blogs exploded. As news of more and more businesses and clientele boycotted the show, Reed’s decision to postpone was announced. Reed Exhibitions not only promotes the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show show in Pennsylvania, they also promote the SHOT Show, the industry convention held every year to introduce new products. In fact the SHOT Show had been held just weeks before the PA show was scheduled. If you have any connection to industry news and social media I’m sure you already know about this. It’s old news, so why bring it up? As a fine example of how much power
the people really have. The show promoter announced “their decision” to postpone. But let’s face it the reality is that it was the people who decided that show would not be held. The people who said you aren’t going to take a profit off us with one hand - and back stab us with the other. The people. It may feel as though it is slipping away on a daily basis, but the people still have power in this country. There are opportunities on every corner for the people to stand up. Stand UP, not stand down. The New York legislature bypassed normal legislative procedure to rush through a gun control proposal on January 15th. In addition to fortifying the assault weapons ban they already had, the law limits magazine capacity, establishes a statewide gun registry, creates uniform gun licensing throughout the state and requires closer monitoring of the mentally ill including a requirement to report harmful behavior. The Governor of New York was quoted as saying speed was essential in getting the law passed, because they did not want to create a rush on the gun market. The ink of the governor’s signature hadn’t dried when police realized they were not fully exempt from the law and Gov. Cuomo began working on amendments. Another good reason why a thorough understanding - heck at least reading of - a proposal should happen BEFORE it is passed. It is interesting to note there were at least 15 other initiatives - among them confiscation of “assault weapons” and magazines - that were not included in the final version. You can view them at
by Michelle Kirouac, Camp Administrator That's right. All camp spaces for our 2013 two-week session have been filled! If you are a sponsoring club that has already reserved spots, please note that unless you specified that you wanted to reserve a female spot, we can only guarantee male spots at this point. We will however start a wait list for both males and females. Because clubs often reserve spots that they are unable to fill, spots will become available so don't get discouraged yet. Whether you are a club sponsoring a camper or a parent sending your own child, please make sure that your campers are informed of exactly what they can expect from the camp. It would also be helpful for the campers to visit our website at <www.juniorconservationcamp.org>. Because we have so many kids interested in attending the camp and such limited space, we want to ensure that those campers who attend are really interested in the programs we offer and will benefit
from attending. As I receive camper information such as names and addresses, I will send off a 1st set of paperwork which should be completed and returned to us in a timely manner as it is important that we have all paperwork needed before the start of camp. A second set of paperwork will go out to all campers in July. The second packet will include directions to the camp, what time the camper needs to be there, contact information for the camp and an optional days form which will be the only form that needs to be returned to us. There are 2 optional days during the camp session were the campers can choose in order 1, 2, 3 which options they would like to take. These optionals have limited space available and are filled on a 1st come 1st serve basis so be sure to get yours back to us right away. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns that you might have. We can be reached at 508-450-5120 or MSJCC1@verizon.net.
2013 Junior Camp Session Filled!
< h t t p : / / w w w. p o l i c y m i c . c o m / articles/23757/new-york-gun-controllaw-exposed-15-more-measures-left-outof-final-bill>. It sure gives you a flavor of what they are really after. The vote in NY has drawn quite a response from gun manufacturers. At this writing, six businesses have halted business with law enforcement in New York. Following are quotes from websites or Facebook pages. LaRue Tactical (Texas) “Effective today, in an effort to see that no legal mistakes are made by LaRue Tactical and/or its employees, we will apply all current State and Local Laws (as applied to civilians) to state and local law enforcement/government agencies. In other words, LaRue Tactical will limit all sales to what law-abiding citizens residing in their districts can purchase or possess.” Olympic Arms (Washington) “Olympic Arms will no longer be doing business with the State of New York or any governmental entity or employee of such governmental entity within the State of New York - henceforth and until such legislation is repealed, and an apology made to the good people of the State of New York and the American people.” Extreme Firepower Inc LLC (West Virginia) “EFI, LLC does not recognize law-enforcement exemptions to local, state, and federal gun control laws. If a product that we manufacture is not legal for a private citizen to own in a jurisdiction, we will not sell that product to a lawenforcement agency in that jurisdiction.” Templar Custom (North Carolina) “As long as the legislators of New York think they have the power to limit the rights of their citizens, in defiance of the Constitution, we at Templar will not sell them firearms to enforce their edicts. “Templar Custom is announcing that the State of New York, any Law
Enforcement Departments, Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders within the State of New York, or any New York State government entity or employee will no longer be served as customers.” York Arms (Maine) “Based on the recent legislation in New York, we are prohibited from selling rifles and receivers to residents of New York. We have chosen to extend that prohibition to all governmental agencies associated with or located within New York. As a result we have halted sales of rifles, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, machine guns, and silencers to New York governmental agencies.” Cheaper than Dirt (Texas) “It has been and will continue to be Cheaper Than Dirt’s policy to not to sell prohibited items to government agencies and/or agents in states, counties, cities, and municipalities that have enacted restrictive gun control laws against their citizens.” Head Down Products (Georgia) “Due to the passing of recent legislation banning the AR15 and other lawfully owned firearms and high capacity magazines, Head Down would like to announce that the State of New York, any Law Enforcement Departments, Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders within the State of New York, or any New York State government entity or employee of such an entity - will no longer be served as customers. We feel that the passage of this legislation exceeds the authority granted to the government of New York by its citizens, and violates the Constitution of the United States. This announcement is effective today and applies to any and all states that may adopt such laws in the future.” I applaud these businesses and hope that many others join them. We have been passive too long. It’s time for the people to take back the power that is rightfully theirs. ★
A camper enjoys the smallbore instruction at the Mass Junior Conservation Camp.
Our thanks to Carver Sportsman’s Club, S. Wesson and Westfield Sportsmen’s Club for their recent donations. If you would like to support the
Mass Junior Conservation Camp, remember that donations are tax deductible. Checks may be sent to MJCC, PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532. ★
Owning firearms is a First Amendment exercise, too!
by Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation Following the hysteria generated by gun government. those things immediately. prohibitionists in the wake of the Sandy What should one expect in response to Vice President Joe Biden never Hook tragedy, a nationwide rush on gun this heightened rhetoric and legislative imagined his efforts would result in a tidal stores began as citizens bought hysteria? Citizens in other countries react wave of new members and contributions semiautomatic modern sporting rifles, differently to government intrusion into to gun rights organizations, making the handguns and ammunition, in effect their lives, but Americans are uniquely firearms community stronger and more “making a political statement” about independent. Among firearms owners, united in opposition to any assault on the proposals to ban such firearms. talk of gun bans and attempts to limit Second Amendment. Making political statements is what the one’s ability to defend himself or herself Freedom of association is also First Amendment is all about. against multiple attackers by limiting the protected by the First Amendment. The so-called “assault rifle” has number of rounds they can have in a pistol Perhaps they should take a day off and become a symbol of freedom and the right or rifle magazine turns gun owners into visit the monuments at Lexington and of the people to speak out for the entire political activists. Concord, and reflect on what prompted Bill of Rights. Banning such firearms, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) did not those colonists to stand their ground. It which are in common use today, can no intend her gun ban proposal to cause was the first time in American history that longer be viewed exclusively as an skyrocketing sales of semiautomatic rifles the government moved to seize arms and infringement on the Second Amendment, and pistols, but that’s what happened. She ammunition from its citizens, and it went but must also be considered an attack on must live with the consequences of her rather badly for the British. the First Amendment. shameless political exploitation of the Beneath the surface many Americans Many people now feel that owning a Sandy Hook tragedy. are convinced that we may be so-called “assault rifle” without fear of President Barack Obama never approaching a point when the true government confiscation defines what it envisioned the rush to purchase rifle and purpose of the Second Amendment is means to be an American citizen. Their pistol magazines, but telling American realized. Underscoring this is a new Pew backlash against knee-jerk extremism is a citizens they shouldn't have something is Research Center poll that, for the first natural reaction to overreaching like sending a signal they need to acquire time, shows a majority (53 percent) of
Maspenock Jr. Rifle League Third Match Results by James Lee
The Third match on the 4 match season for the Maspenock Junior Rifle League was held February 2, 2013 at the Southborough Rod and Gun club. In total 52 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 am to 7 pm to complete all 8 relays. Several of the marksmen shot a match in Hudson, NH in the morning and came down to Southborough in the afternoon. In the team match Harvard took first with a score of 946 based on the performance of Coleen O Shea, Anne Donaldson, Mark Vicik and Griffen Milette. Southborough took Second with a total of 916 with Abby Monique turning in a fabulous 280 (of 300) and the scores of Tyler Lefebvre, John Rensoni and Joel Gardner. A close third was turned in by Marlborough with a total of 912 based on THE
the scores of AJ Carmody, Paul Ferrecchia, Colton Valchuis and Adam Amatucci. In team scoring, only the top 4 scores for 3-position shooters counts for the team. The teams competing this month varied from a low of 4 members (Maynard) to a high of 14 (Marlborough). The league encourages competition as a way of challenging the competitors to improve their skills and picking the top 4 scores enables any team member to help their team. This month’s match saw many marksmen graduate from shooting prone only (lying down) to shooting in all three positions, Prone, Standing and Kneeling. This month also saw a few new competitors join the teams. With one more match left in the From left to right are Colton Valchuis (Marlborough) Paul Ferrecchia (Marlborough), season, the team standings are: Harvard Gianna Ferrecchia (Marlborough), Alex Biehl (Maynard) and Griffin Millette (Harvard). 2769, Marlborough 2593, Maspenock 2577, Maynard 2272, Southborough any of the coaches at any of the clubs to Southborough kitchen crew who kept 2209, Holliston 1827. volunteer to help. Some clubs have coaches, competitors parents and other The final match will be held in March openings and some clubs have fully filled volunteers well fed with breakfast and followed by a banquet in April. Contact programs, contact the clubs to find lunch. opportunities for your child to participate. About the Author: James Lee is a Many thanks go out to the head volunteer assistant coach in the league coaches of the teams, the assistant and is the publicist for the league. ★ coaches and volunteers and especially the
Outdoor Message New England’s most active outdoor people
Outdoor Message (USPS 790-980, ISSN 027-8053) is published monthly by the Outdoor Message Cooperative, Inc., 37 Pierce Street, Northborough, MA 01532. Periodicals postage is paid at Northborough, MA and at additional mailing offices. A subscription to The Outdoor Message is available through membership in one of the member groups, through single subscriptions by postal mail for $10 annually or via electronic means for $6 annually. Permission is hereby granted to reprint material in this publication that does not contain a byline as long as credit is given to The Outdoor Message. Written permission must be obtained from the author to reprint articles with a byline. Publisher: Michael D. Yacino Editor: Michelle Yacino Siudut The
MEMBER GROUPS: Rhode Island Rifle & Revolver Association, Holyoke Revolver Club, The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, Maspenock Rod & Gun Club, South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club, Independent Sportsmen’s Club, Standish Sportsman’s Association, Hanson Rod & Gun Club, Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association, Fin, Fur & Feather Club of Wellesley and Natick, Woodville Rod & Gun Club, Cape Cod Fish & Game Association, Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club, Ayer Gun and Sportsmen’s Club, Fitchburg Sporsmen’s Club and Barre Sportsmen’s Club.
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Americans believe the government is a threat to their rights and freedoms. Exacerbating the situation is a perceived indifference from the administration toward the rights of firearms owners who have committed no crime, but are being penalized for the acts of a few crazy people. It is time to lower the rhetoric and allow cooler heads to prevail. The demonization of millions of loyal, lawabiding Americans and the firearms they legally own must cease. If we are to have a rational dialogue about firearms and violent crime, we must recognize that the very people who could be most affected have a First Amendment right to be heard. Recall the words of Abraham Lincoln, who cautioned us more than 150 years ago that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” A half-century before him, Benjamin Franklin taught us that “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Their spirits are calling to us now. ★
The
A Word on Availability from Hornady
The current political climate has caused extremely high demand on all shooting industry products, including ours. Empty retail shelves, long backorders, and exaggerated price increases on online auction sites – all fueled by rumors and conjecture – have amplified concerns about the availability of ammunition and firearms-related items. If the information you hear doesn’t originate from Hornady Manufacturing, don’t believe it. Here are some of rumors we’ve heard, and questions we’ve received: Have you stopped production, or has the government forced you to stop? Not at all. Did you stop selling bullets so you could only make loaded ammunition? Absolutely not. Since we can’t find your product you must be selling it all to the government. Nope, less than 5% of our sales are to government entities. Why can’t you make more? Ramp up
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production? Turn on all the machines? We’ve been steadily growing our production for a long time, especially the last five years. We’ve added presses, lathes, CNC equipment, people and space. Many popular items are produced 24 hours a day. Several hundred Hornady employees work overtime every week to produce as much as safely possible. If there is any question about that – please take a tour of the factory. You’ll be amazed at what you see. We are producing as much as we can; much more than last year, which was a lot more than the year before, etc. No one wants to ship more during this time than we do. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience. We don’t know when the situation will improve, so please bear with us a little longer. And remember, when it comes to Hornady Manufacturing, if you don’t hear it from us, please don’t believe it. ★ March 2013
Americans Never Give Up Your Guns by Stanislav Mishin <http://mat-rodina.blogspot.com>
These days, there are few few things to admire about the socialist, bankrupt and culturally degenerating USA, but at least so far, one thing remains: the right to bare arms and use deadly force to defend one's self and possessions. This will probably come as a total shock to most of my Western readers, but at one point, Russia was one of the most heavily armed societies on earth. This was, of course, when we were free under the Tsar. Weapons, from swords and spears to pistols, rifles and shotguns were everywhere, common items. People carried them concealed, they carried them holstered. Fighting knives were a prominent part of many traditional attires and those little tubes criss crossing on the costumes of Cossacks and various Caucasian peoples? Well those are bullet holders for rifles. Various armies, such as the Poles, during the Смута (Times of Troubles), or Napoleon, or the Germans even as the Tsarist state collapsed under the weight of WW1 and Wall Street monies, found that holding Russian lands was much much harder than taking them and taking was no easy walk in the park but a blood bath all its own. In holding, one faced an extremely well armed and aggressive population Hell bent on exterminating or driving out the aggressor. This well armed population was what allowed the various White factions to rise up, no matter how disorganized politically
and militarily they were in 1918 and wage a savage civil war against the Reds. It should be noted that many of these armies were armed peasants, villagers, farmers and merchants, protecting their own. If it had not been for Washington's clandestine support of and for the Reds, history would have gone quite differently. Moscow fell, for example, not from a lack of weapons to defend it, but from the lieing guile of the Reds. Ten thousand Reds took Moscow and were opposed only by some few hundreds of officer cadets and their instructors. Even then the battle was fierce and losses high. However, in the city alone, at that time, lived over 30,000 military officers (both active and retired), all with their own issued weapons and ammunition, plus tens of thousands of other citizens who were armed. The Soviets promised to leave them all alone if they did not intervene. They did not and for that were asked afterwards to come register themselves and their weapons: where they were promptly shot. Of course being savages, murderers and liars does not mean being stupid and the Reds learned from their Civil War experience. One of the first things they did was to disarm the population. From that point, mass repression, mass arrests, mass deportations, mass murder, mass starvation were all a safe game for the powers that were. The worst they had to fear was a pitchfork in the guts or a knife
CMP Junior Rifle Camps
in the back or the occasional hunting rifle. Not much for soldiers. To this day, with the Soviet Union now dead 21 years, with a whole generation born and raised to adulthood without the SU, we are still denied our basic and traditional rights to self defense. Why? We are told that everyone would just start shooting each other and crime would be everywhere....but criminals are still armed and still murdering and too often, especially in the far regions, those criminals wear the uniforms of the police. The fact that everyone would start shooting is also laughable when statistics are examined. While President Putin pushes through reforms, the local authorities, especially in our vast hinterland, do not feel they need to act like they work for the people. They do as they please, a tyrannical class who knows they have absolutely nothing to fear from a relatively unarmed population. This in turn breeds not respect but absolute contempt and often enough, criminal abuse. For those of us fighting for our traditional rights, the US 2nd Amendment is a rare light in an ever darkening room. Governments will use the excuse of trying to protect the people from maniacs and crime, but in reality, it is the bureaucrats protecting their power and position. In all cases where guns are banned, gun crime continues and often increases. As for
Civilian Marksmanship Program <info@thecmp.org> Each summer the Civilian Marksmanship Program sponsors a popular series of Junior Air Rifle Camps and Clinics to teach intermediate and advanced rifle marksmanship skills to junior shooters and their adult leaders. The 2013 CMP Junior Rifle Camps are posted online at <http://www.thecmp.org/3P/Camp.htm> and include camps in Anniston, AL; Camp Perry, OH; Phoenix, AZ; Linn, MO and Colorado Springs, CO. About CMP Junior Rifle Camps • CMP Junior Rifle Camps are for high school-age athletes with at least one year of three-position air rifle competition experience. • There is no minimum score requirement for the weeklong camps-CMP camps are open to all athletes who want to improve their rifle marksmanship and competition skills. • Many shooters of all skill levels
who have attended previous years' camps have achieved remarkable improvements in their performances and scores. • An important feature of the CMP Junior Rifle Camp format is the emphasis on athletes and adult leaders learning together. At least one adult leader (coach, team or club leader, parent, etc.) must accompany each athlete or group of athletes who attend. • The camp schedule includes a variety of instructional topics and activities designed to help the participant develop the tools necessary to excel as a three-position air rifle shooter. • Athletes will be divided into training groups and assigned a specific firing point throughout the camp. Each training group will be under the direction of a counselor who is a
by Michael D Yacino Does your club need money? Do you have ranges or access to them or shooting programs that could use financial help? Well you may be in luck because the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife has $50,000 of grant money to give away. The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, in cooperation with the Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, will host a public information seminar on range grants. Speaking at this function will be Tom O’Shea, assistant director of Mass Wildlife. When I spoke with Tom he explained how very few clubs had requested consideration for a piece of the $50,000
allocated each year for “range development and improvement of activities in order to provide public access for hunter education and shooting sports purposes.” By attending this meeting, club officials can learn how to apply and get answers to any questions they might have. The seminar will take place at the Standish Sportsman’s Club, 1 Burr Lane, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts at 7 pm 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. ★
Range Money for Clubs
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March 2013
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collegiate rifle team member. Each training day starts with light warm-up and stretching exercises followed by several hours of short presentations and range firing or other training exercises. • A formal competition (3x20 plus final) will be conducted on the last day of each camp full-length camp. •
maniacs, be it nuts with cars (NYC, Chapel Hill NC), swords (Japan), knives (China) or home made bombs (everywhere), insane people strike. They throw acid (Pakistan, UK), they throw fire bombs (France), they attack. What is worse, is, that the best way to stop a maniac is not psychology or jail or "talking to them", it is a bullet in the head, that is why they are a maniac, because they are incapable of living in reality or stopping themselves. The excuse that people will start shooting each other is also plain and silly. So it is our politicians saying that our society is full of incapable adolescents who can never be trusted? Then, please explain how we can trust them or the police, who themselves grew up and came from the same culture? No it is about power and a total power over the people. There is a lot of desire to bad mouth the Tsar, particularly by the Communists, who claim he was a tyrant, and yet under him we were armed and under the progressives disarmed. Do not be fooled by a belief that progressives, leftists hate guns. Oh, no, they do not. What they hate is guns in the hands of those who are not marching in lock step of their ideology. They hate guns in the hands of those who think for themselves and do not obey without question. They hate guns in those whom they have slated for a barrel to the back of the ear. So, do not fall for the false promises and do not extinguish the light that is left to allow humanity a measure of self respect. ★
Medals will be awarded for both sporter and precision classes after each camp competition. • Each camp concludes with a competition awards ceremony following the finals. Participants will also be awarded a distinctive camp tshirt and certificate at the end of camp. Register Today as Camps fill up fast!! Go to <http://www.odcmp. com/3P/Camp.htm> ★
THIS MONTH in The Outdoor Message
SP EC IAL A RTI CLES
A Word from Hornady . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Americans Never Give Up Your Guns Page 3 Bill Dance to Chair NHF Day . . . . .Page 9 CMP Junior Rifle Camp . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Maspenock Jr. Rifle League Match . .Page 2 Metlzoff Exhibit at Bruce Museum .Page 6 MSF Offhand Target Competition . .Page 6 News Courtesy of NSSF . . . . . . . . . .Page 9 Not the Real McCoy! . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5
Owning Firearms is a First Amendment Exercise, too! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Program Generated $14 Billion for Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Range Money for Clubs . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Sen. Moore Addresses the Gun Issue .Page 9 Survey Finds NRA Members United .Page 7 The Proper Way to Fold the American Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5
Classifieds ..........................................Page 24 Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide...............Page 14 Hap’s Corner ......................................Page 6 Hipshots & Hangfires ........................Page 4 Hunting Around New England ..........Page 8 In Pop’s Pantry...................................Page 8 Just an Opinion ..................................Page 4 Letters to the Publisher ......................Page 8
Maine Fisheries & Wildlife ...............Page 11 MassWildlife News............................Page 10 NH Fish & Game News.....................Page 10 Notes from the Little Cabin...............Page 7 The Sportsman’s Calendar.................Page 25 Vermont Fish & Wildlife News .........Page 11 What’s In America’s Backyard? ........Page 7
Ayer Gun & Sportsmen's Club . . . . .Page 17 Barre Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Cape Cod Fish & Game Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Fin, Fur & Feather Club of Wellesley and Natick . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . .Page 24 Hanson Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Holyoke Revolver Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Independent Sportsmen’s Club . . . . .Page 13 Maspenock Rod & Gun Club . . . . . .Page 22
Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Standish Sportsman’s Association . .Page 17 The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . .Page 16 Woodville Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . .Page 23 Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association .Page 12
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Just An Opinion: What Are They Saying? by Paul J. Kress
Following the tragedies at the theater and the school it appears that no one is too ignorant or too poorly informed not to have a firm opinion about “gun control”. The problem I have is while they all speak English I just don’t understand their message. For example, one of the favorite topics is the “assault weapon”. No one tells me what makes something an assault weapon. There was the story in a recent TV news program about a man who stabbed a police officer with a twopointed spear. Even showed the hole in
the officer’s uniform. The man was charged with assault in an attempt to murder. Doesn’t that make spears assault weapons? The senator from California has no problem identifying assault weapons. She has a list of 150 different guns that fit that category. I assume she will be forced to give specifics when she files legislation to ban those 150 guns. Ban. What does ban mean? You can ban a gun from being carried in certain places. You can ban it from being sold. You can ban it from being manufactured.
Hipshots & Hangfires by Mike Yacino
I remember when I was 9 years old walking down the street with a .22 Remington bolt action rifle slung over my shoulder heading for a local sand pit to do a little plinking. On the way I stopped at Wallis’ Lumber Yard to buy some ammo. There the clerk wanted 24 cents a box for Remington .22’s and along the way to shoot, folks just waved as I went by. Then we got civilized. The Ides of March can’t hold a candle to the stupidity that was demonstrated by America’s poor excuse for leaders in late January and early February. From the town selectman that just had to get her face on the news saying something asinine to the president telling the entire world why he wants the only truly free nation to no longer be just that. And the town of Westford proposal to ban property residents legally owned - WHY? The only justice will come when good men (and women) do something positive. ✦ ✦ ✦
But let’s talk about something else. Like Peyton Manning, one of the dreaded foes of the Patriots. How does he relieve stress and disappointment? He goes hunting!! Of course he does and despite his wins against the Pats we can’t be all that upset with him. His father said he always feels better bringing home food for the family. He and I have at least that much in common. ✦ ✦ ✦
Way too many strange shootings taking place in the country. The more we learn about them the more skeptical I am that they are just random and not connected. Have you ever read the book “Unintended Consequences” by John Ross? You might want to try that one sometime, but be prepared. ✦ ✦ ✦
So how about this one: I heard that last year the State of Maine hired a handful of people, mostly game wardens, to kill off coyotes to help the deer survive better. They got less than 100 and it cost the state $50,000. This year they allocated three times the amount. I called the Inland Fish ✦ ✦ ✦
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305 River St, Waltham MA 02453 Page 4
He filled up the entire TV screen on the evening news program. President Obama shooting a nice looking over-under shotgun. (I know he was shooting it from the puff of smoke at the end of the barrel. By the way, he is a lefty.) The news person explained that this showed the President shooting skeet at Camp David. Now before we rush to drink a toast to our shooting President, at the time of the skeet shooting clip he was in the mid-West promoting his new, strong gun control legislation. So, what is the message? ★
and Game but no one would talk to me about why they wouldn’t just put a bounty on the critters. If they would have had a $10 bounty that $50k would have netted a lot better results and the deer would be getting the help they need. I’ll keep trying to get someone to give us an answer but don’t hold your breath. He was born on May 27, 1837 and became what some might call a hero of the American West. His father taught him how to shoot and as time went on he would help his father drive wagon loads of slaves to freedom. He became a mule team driver on the Illinois-Michigan canal after his dad died but soon went to Kansas where he became a constable and drove a stagecoach. He became very proficient at using his shooting skills to bring some justice to a rough land but in one shootout he accidentally killed an old friend and vowed never to shoot at humans again. Not to be forgotten, Buffalo Bill Cody asked him to join his Wild West show but he was bored with the acting. He tried finding gold in Deadwood City, South Dakota but became a target for gunmen who wanted to gain a reputation for killing the most famous sharpshooter of the west. On August 2, 1876 while playing in a poker game Jack McCall shot the man in the back. He was James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. ✦ ✦ ✦
How about a little junk...23% of women now sport a tattoo somewhere on their body. Used to be just having a nice figure and a beautiful smile was enough to gain attention. Must be a revolt of some kind. Men are at 19%. A recent poll suggested that nearly 86% of the public feels deranged people should not have access to guns. Holy crow, you mean 14% feel they should? Is that the percentage of wackos out there we have to deal with? Did you know that around the world America has slid to 16th place (out of 80 on the list) as the best to be born in? It’s mostly based on wealth, crime, availability of health services and general economic forecasts. The largest factor for our decline…debt. By the way China came in at 49 (although Taiwan was 14th) and Russia is at 72. ✦ ✦ ✦
Your assignment for the month: Check out Ken Cuccinelli, the AG in Virginia. In a speech about liberty he said, “It just doesn’t exist forever because we want it to. We have to fight for it and protect it.” ✦ ✦ ✦
LEE SPORTS CENTER
Therefore, a variety of ways to ban guns with wide consequences. One issue that seems to be receiving general support is the national database that keeps criminals and those with mental health problems from legally buying guns. Sounds simple - what is already in place but tidied up a bit. But what happens when you want to sell your old trap gun to a buddy at the club and the law now requires that every gun sale must be run through the database? Questions? Questions?
In the argument about people having guns for self-defense, someone opposed would be fearful that the gun is turned on the owner. Well consider that those who rely on body guards are in the same situation. If the gun was taken and used to kill the person being protected then what? Maybe the answer is more than one gun!! Saving lives is very important especially ✦ ✦ ✦
The
205 Pounds with 2 3/4 inch tusks top and bottom. Branford, Florida at Suwannee River Ranch. Used my Browning A-Bolt in 30-06 firing hand loaded 180 grain Ballistic Tips. Sausages and loins galore.
to the person being saved. I’ll take my chances that my own firearm will be used against me because even if I was strong enough to carry around a bodyguard I like being independent.
I see another wimp came forward out of Hollywood to badmouth the gun owners…none other than Sly Stallone who said no one needs AR-15 type guns. No shortage of cowards these days. He makes money using those guns and says good guys should give them up. You expect stupidity from Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda, but Stallone? At least Bruce Willis realizes the importance of the Second Amendment. ✦ ✦ ✦
The CMP is rationing ammo sales including .22 caliber. They say the orders they have can’t be filled because the manufacturers can’t keep up with the demand. That just isn’t good business. If I were making ammo I would find a way to add workers and get the orders filled. And the same goes for guns. Build more of them and sell only to the people and not the police and military. That ought to get someone’s attention. ✦ ✦ ✦
Is this real? It was reported that 35 male members of Germany’s Elite Guard developed breasts on their left sides. It was claimed that because a drill involves soldiers slamming their rifles into their chests, hormone stimulation occurred in their mammary glands! Holy Crow! Is that bizarre or what? ✦ ✦ ✦
I have no objection to anyone who comes to America with the desire to work hard, pay their fair share and learn to speak so the rest of us can clearly understand. I wouldn’t dream of asking anyone to forget their heritage and culture…unless it is one based on murdering anyone who may not believe their way…but in America speak English.
Outdoor Message
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It may be a perverted version of what the King envisioned but it’s our own English and everyone should be willing to learn it. Then when you are old and gray - and assuming the Democrats haven’t stolen all of what you put into social security to give to those who deserve none of it - you will be able to retire and take what you have earned. See how simple that is? You work hard, put money in and then get it back later. Seems easy enough. Happy birthday MacKenzie Martin and I hope when you make the podium you tell the world you are proud to be an American. She celebrates on the 8th this month followed by Bruce Wedlock on the 20th, my good friend Seth Wesson who comes in at 70 on the 22nd, and a great American Fred Laskey who tips a glass to one more year on the 25th. The Girl Scouts record their 101st Anniversary on the 12th, the Irish kick it in high gear on Sunday the 17th, and we round out the month with Easter on the 31st. Daylight savings begins on the 10th which costs us an hour of sleep, but spring will be sprung on the 20th. Please fly the flag at full staff on Easter, which is 31st. The moon is new on the 12th and full on the 27th. ✦ ✦ ✦
Stay strong for high ideals. Never tell a lie and only deceive your enemies lest they break down your defenses and steal what they have no right to. Remember that “a good solution applied with vigor now is better than a perfect solution applied 10 minutes later.” That comes from General George Patton. Send the biggest check you can afford to the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation and help keep kids learning. You can even donate with a credit card, using PayPal. Log in to their website at www.paypal.com and send payment to foundation2012@verizon.net. ★ ✦ ✦ ✦
March 2013
The Proper Way to Fold the American Flag http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html
The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies. Following is a typical sequence of the reading: (Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward). The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform. In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.) The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our
Not The Real McCoy!
Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
photo from http://www.vfwpost2423.com
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust." (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.) After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. ★
by Bob Preston
But it is a real Hatfield! Over the last twenty years I have been self-employed in two very different enterprises. Currently I own and operate an embroidery & screen-printing business and service a myriad of commercial customers. The weekly television series called “Pawn Stars” has become a hit show on the History Channel. Each week viewers tune in to see a variety of merchandise being purchased by the show’s cast of Rick Harrison, his son Corey, Chumlee and the “Old Man.” However, very much like the show’s cast, I too, never know what is going to come through my front door. I have learned in many cases to expect the unexpected! This was made ever so more clearly to me when earlier this month a long time customer brought in a surprise for me. He knew of my fondness of the shooting sports and wanted me to inspect a family heirloom that had been handed down to him through his grandfather, to his father and now to him. In fact this relic dated back over four generations in his family and was actually owned by his great grandfather.
My customer’s name happens to be John Hatfield. I have known him for ten years as both a neighbor and client. John’s great grandfather is none other than the infamous William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield. The relic brought before me was Anse Hatfield’s Winchester model 1873 lever action rifle. This was the actual rifle from the Hatfield and McCoy Feud. Historically speaking, John’s Great Grandfather William Anderson Hatfield was born in Logan, West Virginia. He ran a logging company, which earned considerable wealth for the Hatfield family. He received the nickname “Devil Anse” due to his ruthless fighting style during the American Civil War. History has recorded the feud lasting from 1863 – 1891. Despite some rust and heavy brown patina the patent date was still legible. It read “Kings Improvement March 29, 1860.” It had a 23.50-inch, octagon barrel and was chambered for the 38 W.C.F. cartridge. This is more commonly known as the 38-40 cartridge. W.C.F. stands for Winchester Centerfire. The “38” is the bullet diameter and the “40” is supposed to represent the 40 grains of black powder that made up the standard load. Interestingly enough, the present day John Hatfield doesn’t even shoot. In a stark contrast, John is actually a 7th degree Karate blackbelt and currently owns and operates his own martial arts studio. I was truly impressed to be holding a piece of actual American History. All of us during our high school years have learned about the historic feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys. Here was the gun that started it all! I have to admit that raising this artifact to my shoulder made me think about the action this rifle had seen over its 140 plus year life. I asked John what his impressions were of the recently televised mini John Hatfield holds a gun that legends were series that chronicled the feud. John made of. This Winchester Model 1873 lever replied that he had watched the action rifle was owned by his great entire series from start to finish. He grandfather, William Anderson “Devil Anse” also stated that he thought both Hatfield.
March 2013
The
A Hatfield Family Photo taken during the late 1800s. Note the bottom row is William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield with his Winchester lever action rifle.
Kevin Costner (portraying Anse Hatfield) and Bill Paxton (portraying Randall McCoy) were wonderful in their respective roles. He did however disagree about how both families were depicted as
country hicks. In reality, William Hatfield, as well as Randall McCoy were both very successful businessmen and highly respected within their own communities.
Despite its historical significance, John has stated that the rifle is not for sale. He will more than likely offer it on a consignment or loan basis to a museum for safe keeping. Pictured is a period photo of the Hatfield family. Devil Anse is seated in the bottom row, second from the left. He is actually holding this rifle. Pictured also is present day John Hatfield with Anse’s rifle. Finally is a full photo of the Hatfield Winchester rifle as it looks today. I think any American history museum would be proud to be the curators of this great piece of Americana. ★
Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication Prototype l Production l Engineering l Consulting
Judy Candage
jcandage@cericfab.com www.cericfab.com
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Hap’s Corner: Military Leave And Sick Days… by Hap Rocketto
Getting time off from work to participate in an active shooting schedule is a problem most folks face. It is tough to find a happy balance of limited vacation time between the requirements of shooting and what is required to be a good family man. This problem has been a constant source of irritation in the high power community since the National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program have gone their separate ways at Camp Perry. The CMP Games and the M1A Match have been added, as well as a few others, to expand the schedule. However, the placement of the Games and M1A Match, between the National Matches and NRA Championships have caused more than a few shooters, with limited free time, to choose one match series over the other. When I first started the important matches, the National Trophy Individual Match, the Presidents Hundred, and the
NRA Championships to include the Wimbledon and Leech, were so scheduled as to start on a Sunday and end the following Sunday. It was eight days of shooting which only required you to burn five days of vacation unless you were way far away from Perry and needed more than one day’s travel time. My employer had a liberal military leave policy which allowed me to use my annual training time in bits and pieces when I was shooting for All Guard. This annoyed the school business manager whose brother, ironically enough, was a general officer in the Connecticut National Guard so she was somewhat familiar with the system. Our contract read, “three weeks in a calendar year” and this was interpreted to be 21 days. Used judiciously that turned into four work weeks if your orders were cut properly. It wasn’t hard to get my orders cut properly as the man doing it was also the State Marksmanship Coordinator who earned a
promotion because of the team’s success. When I would file my paper work the business manager often said that I was wrong taking the leave because I enjoyed what I was doing. I wasn’t wrong, but she was right - I was enjoying what I was doing. On another occasion I requested a half day of military leave on a Friday so that I might comfortably travel to Quantico for a regional. The weekend traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike makes it one of the world’s largest six lane parking lots and I hoped to avoid the situation by getting off to an early start. I found myself emptying my mailbox of its load of circulars, catalogs and assorted correspondence a few days before the match at Quantico. After filing the next week’s lunch menu and events calendar I opened an envelope carrying the return address of the school’s central office. The enclosed document was my request for the military day. Scrawled on it was a note from the superintendent denying my request. Furthermore, he went on to say that I had taken some military days already and had better watch Lure of the Ocean: The Art of Stanley have been loaned by private collectors out in the future. Meltzoff from California to the local region. Under the conditions of my contract February 9, 2013 – June 2, 2013 Meltzoff‘s subjects, including marlin, my request for leave was rhetorical and Bruce Museum bluefish, striped bass, tuna, sharks and the veiled threat angered me. As I was 1 Museum Drive others, swim in their native environments getting ready to take my complaint to my Greenwich, Connecticut from the New Jersey shore and shallows union representative I noticed that there of the Caribbean to the Australian reefs was one more piece of correspondence Lure of the Ocean: The Art of Stanley and the deep Atlantic waters. The from the superintendent. It announced Meltzoff, features about thirty oil exhibition also features mounted that school was going to be cancelled on paintings by Stanley Meltzoff (1917- specimens, including Meltzoff’s own the day I wanted to take off. Talk about 2006), recognized as the first artist to world record 65-pound striped bass the right hand not knowing what the left realistically portray major game fish caught in 1963, and touches upon an hand was doing. species in their natural habitats and appreciation of marine life and the current My joy ride could not last forever and considered the master of the genre. The state of our oceans. ★ one year I ran out of military leave just paintings, some three- to four-feet long, before the Sawgrass 1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Match in Florida. I 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. decided that 3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. I would take a chance, knowing that I was
Meltzoff Exhibit at Bruce Museum
doing wrong, and book out sick on a Friday so I could fly down on Thursday night and shoot all three days. I had gone years without using a single sick day and thought that no one would think it amiss. That weekend in Miami I had three of the best days of shooting in my life. After the match I posed for the obligatory photos and answered a few questions from the match staff. I returned home laden with NRA points, trophies, glory and bit of sunburn in plenty of time to make it to school on time Monday morning. It turns out that contract negotiations were going on at the same time and the union and the school board had reached an impasse over the issue of sick leave. Central Office was convinced that many teachers were abusing sick leave. I suspect they were right. I may have built up an incredible number of days but there were many of my colleagues that used them as fast as they got them. The basketball coach, for example, was notorious for not being in school after a loss. He was lucky we got 15 sick days a year because he played a 20 game schedule and he was a poor coach. A few days after I got home the sick leave matter was again raised at the bargaining table. The chief negotiator for the school district stood up and held aloft the morning edition of the local newspaper. It was open to the sports page. He thumped his hand against it and angrily bellowed, "Your union brother Hap Rocketto called in sick last Friday!” There, on the sports page, for the first time that I could ever remember, was a report about a rifle match and it was accompanied by my Florida photo. The silence in the room from the union side was deafening. After a few heartbeats the Union’s chief negotiator Ed Lang, a good friend of mine, leapt to his feet and in defense of both the union and me cried out, "Wow! Just think of what kind of score he could have shot if he hadn't been sick!" ★
How Well Do You Shoot Off Hand?
Entrant Info
Name ________________________________________ Age _____ Address ________________________________________________ Club ___________________________________________________ Adult Witness ___________________________________________
Massaschusetts Shooters Foundation 37 Pierce Street - Northboro MA 01532 www.massshooters.org
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The
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Aren’t contests fun? The target shown here is just waiting for a junior to put 10 holes in it! The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation invites juniors to try something new, using air rifle, air pistol, smallbore .22 rifle or smallbore .22 pistol. If you choose to use an air rifle or air pistol the target should be shot at a distance of 33 feet. If a smallbore .22 cal rifle or a .22 cal pistol is used, 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. Have fun & happy shooting! ★ March 2013
Notes from the Little Cabin: The Variety Show by Paul Kress
Those of us who have spent big chunks of our time in the wild outdoors have a list of the unusual things we have seen in nature. It was a fine spring day to be fishing on the Sudbury River’s Fairhaven Bay. The bass were hungry. Almost every time I managed to cast the little black plug at the edge of the lily pads I got a strike. Nothing big - a pound and a half to two pounds - but against a light spinning rod they put up a good fight. Then in the midst of this activity, I noticed a commotion in a little cove across the bay. Water flying, big splashes. I addled over. It was a fight! Two huge snapping turtles going at it beak and claw, hissing like snakes. It was, I
assume, two males fighting for the exclusive use of the cove. Was there a winner? I don’t know. At the peak of this struggle they whacked into the side of my canoe, broke apart, and in a flash they were gone. Then there was that September day in Vermont. Too nice to hang around the cabin, so I took a walk around the place, ending up at a grassy clearing just below the cabin. A great time to sit with my back against a big tree, and just enjoy the day. Then I heard it. A voice that
took me back to my days on the family farm. Weaning time calves taken from their mothers to live on pasture instead of mother’s milk. Days of mournful cries as calves and mothers expressed their objection to the separation. But this was Vermont, far from the nearest house. No calves roaming the woods, but there are plenty of deer. You could hardly call this one a deer. Just a big fawn with a big voice. Not in any hurry, just ambling
along and headed for the clearing where I was sitting. So taken with its problems it didn’t even notice me when it passed close by. I let it go in peace. Sometimes when nature puts on a performance there is time for you just to relax, sit back and enjoy the show. Then there is the quick act that only lasts for seconds, like my only encounter with a flying squirrel. It popped out of a cavity high up on a dead tree, glided - I should say swooped - across an opening in the woods to the base of another tree, and was gone in a flash. We enjoy the outdoors for many reasons, but the times that stand out most are those when the turtles, the deer and the flying squirrels do their special acts. It’s the greatest variety show on earth! ★
Welcome back to this month’s edition of What’s in America’s Backyard? Today I am going to teach you all about the Red Fox and the American Red Squirrel. First, lets start with the American Red Squirrel. The American Red Squirrel is one of the smaller tree squirrel species. If you saw one, you would notice that it had a brownish-red color, with a white underbelly and a white ring around its eye with a yellow-gray or red-brown tail. In the summer, you might just see a black line separating the red and the white. They measure six and a half to nine inches long, not including its tail (which adds an additional ten to fifteen inches). They weigh seven to ten ounces. These squirrels eat buds, pine needles, flowers, nuts and bird eggs. They are sometimes known as pine squirrels, because they will also eat the seeds from coniferous pinecones. Red squirrels range in forests from Alaska and parts of Canada to the southern states of the USA. They mate in February-April, with the occasional second litter born between June and August. Gestation periods are 31 to 35 days,
and they generally produce a litter of 3-5 babies. Mothers wean their young at around 7 or 8 weeks. The squirrels are on their own at 18 weeks. The average lifespan of an American Red Squirrel is 3 to 7 years, but they can live up to 10. Next, we are going to learn about the Red Fox, vulpes vulpes. He is 24 to 28 inches long. If you count the tail, he is 29 to 43 inches long. Males weigh between 6 and 24 pounds, while the females (also called vixens) weigh a little less, at 11 to 13 pounds. A red fox is mainly a carnivore. He will eat small mammals, birds and fruit. The red fox is also a scavenger who will eat carrion and garbage can or compost heap meals whenever the chance arises.
S i n c e they are very adaptable to habitats from sand dunes to mountains to the icy Arctic, red foxes have a very wide range. He is found in the Arctic Circle, all over the North American continent, Asia, most of Europe, Japan and even northern bits of Africa. You can also find the red fox on many islands, as well. Foxes mate in the winter. After about two months, the vixen will give birth to between two and twelve pups. Believe it or not, baby red foxes are brown or gray. They will develop the
reddish brown coat of their parents as they mature. Still, some adult red foxes are actually gold, silver or black, rather like how you can find a black bear that is actually brown. Well, that’s all I have for this month’s edition of What’s in America’s Backyard? See you next time and have fun backyardwatching while you wait for the next issue of The Outdoor Message, which will bring you some fun facts about the American Bison and the mountain lion. ★
The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action conducted a national scientific poll of its members and found near unanimity among NRA members on a wide range of issues involving mental health reform and firearm rights. Gun control advocates including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as various media outlets, have released data claiming to represent the views of NRA members, despite the fact that none of those surveys had access to the NRA’s membership list. The NRA survey of 1,000 randomly-selected NRA members across the country is the only legitimate survey of NRA members in existence. The data from this survey indicates that NRA members are united in their desire for Washington to focus on keeping firearms from the mentally ill and to reject unconstitutional gun control measures that infringe on Second Amendment rights. “Mayor Bloomberg’s claims that gun owners are divided are totally false. It is nothing more than an attempt by anti-gun activists to further their long-standing political agenda,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox. “American
gun owners and Second Amendment supporters are ready for Washington to put politics aside and come together to fix our broken mental health system.” Key Findings: 91% of NRA members support laws keeping firearms away from the mentally ill. 92% of NRA members oppose gun confiscation via mandatory buy-back laws. 89% oppose banning semi-automatic firearms, often mistakenly called “assault rifles”. 93% oppose a law requiring gun owners to register with the federal government. 92% oppose a new federal law banning the sale of firearms between private citizens. Methodology – The national survey was conducted by OnMessage Inc. Telephone interviews were conducted January 13-14, 2013. This survey consists of 1,000 NRA members and was stratified by state to reflect voter distribution in the 2012 presidential election. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 3.09%. Full results available at <http://www.nraila.org/media/10850041/ 113topline.pdf>. ★
What’s In America’s Backyard? by Sierra Taylor
Survey Finds NRA Members United
March 2013
The
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Program Has Generated $14 Billion for Conservation from Hunters and Anglers
US Fish and Wildlife Service The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has released a landmark publication celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in North America. This vital program provides more than $700 million each year through the sale of hunting and fishing equipment to support habitat conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation. The anniversary publication – “Celebrating the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, 75 years of Conservation and Partnership Success” – comes at the end of a year-long awareness campaign with state fish and wildlife agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, fish and wildlife agencies, industry partners (including the American Sportfishing Association, the Archery Trade Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation), and friends highlighting the Program, one of the most significant and successful conservation initiatives in history. “All Americans, whether or not they hunt or fish, benefit from this program. There’s a good chance that the trail they hike, the park where they watch birds, and the wildlife they see every day wouldn’t exist without the funding provided by hunters and anglers,” said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “In addition to providing conservation benefits, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds – along with revenue from state fishing and hunting licenses – support local economies and generate thousands of jobs.” Since its inception in 1937, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
program has generated more than $14 billion, which state fish and wildlife agencies use to purchase public land, improve essential wildlife habitat and create additional outdoor opportunities for everyone. It is funded through an excise tax on hunting- and shooting-related merchandise, fishing supplies and boat fuel. In 2011, hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers spent $145 billion on related gear, trips and other purchases such as licenses, tags, land leases and ownership. For example, the State of Kentucky has used Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding to re-establish elk in the state. Elk once roamed the hills of Kentucky, but by the mid-1850s, none were to be found. In a true partnership effort, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Shikar Safari Club joined forces to bring this magnificent animal back to its native range. From 1997 to 2002, a total of 1,556 elk were captured from herds in six states and released in Kentucky. The project has been a resounding success. In 2009, the herd reached the project goal of 10,000 elk. And in Alabama, the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park have teamed up to offer an aquatic education experience to thousands of school children. Last year, approximately 3,000 children from 23 schools participated in “Creek Kids.” With its rolling hills, cold water springs, rapids, pools and a mill dam, Tannehill is the perfect setting to get kids out of the classroom and immersed in nature. Students learn about watersheds and the aquatic environment from wildlife
Hunting Around New England
VERMONT
RI
NH
MAINE
MASS
CT
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. Phone: 860-424-3011 HTTP://WWW.CT.GOV/DEP/CWP/VIEW.ASP?A=2700&Q=323414&DEPNA V_GID=1633 COYOTE: Open through Apr 23 WOODCHUCK: Mar 15 - Apr 23
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 BOBCAT Zones 1-8: Open through Mar 8 COYOTE: Open through Mar 8 CROW: Open through Apr 10
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 SNOWSHOE HARE: Open through Mar 31 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
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: Mar 14 - Apr 30 HARE & RABBIT: Open through Mar 10 MUSKRAT: Mar 20 - Apr 19 ★
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The
biologists, and get the chance to see firsthand how they can help conserve this unique heritage. These are just two of dozens of examples of success stories contained in the anniversary publication, which offers an overall description of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and its role as the economic backbone of state and federal fish and wildlife management and habitat conservation activities across the United States. Additional publication highlights include: • Descriptions of successful conservation partnerships involving state agencies, non-governmental organizations and additional Fish and Wildlife Service partners throughout the country. • Accounts of diverse fish and wildlife species and outdoor recreation activities that are supported by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program and its partners, as well as the federal grant programs conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service. •A detailed history of the program from its inception in 1937. “The success of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program over the past 75 years to restore fish and wildlife populations, open access for outdoor recreation and provide safety education has been the greatest untold conservation story," said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. "This publication illustrates the trust between America's sportsmen and women; the hunting, shooting sports and angling industry; and state and federal agencies that is the backbone of our users-pay, everyone
benefits funding system for fish and wildlife conservation.” You can view the publication online at <http://digitalmedia.fws.gov/cdm/singleit em/collection/document/id/1307>. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program is a 75-year partnership to benefit fish and wildlife, and provide Americans with access to the outdoors through a self-imposed investment paid by manufacturers and users of gear bought by anglers, boaters, hunters, and shooters and managed by Federal and State fish and wildlife agencies. Fishing and hunting licenses and motorboat fuel tax also support fish and wildlife. For 75 years, the program has provided more than $14 billion for fish and wildlife, supplied jobs for many Americans, and benefited local economies through boating, fishing, hunting, and shooting activities. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at <www.facebook. com/usfws>, follow our tweets at <www.twitter.com/usfwshq>, watch our YouTube Channel at <http://www. youtube.com/usfws> and download photos from our Flickr page at <http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq> ★
Letter To The Publisher
Mike: I look forward to each issue of The Outdoor Message and I always read “Hipshots and Hangfires” first. So much information in that section. However, in this latest issue you quote the comment by Henry Ford concerning the US government and the American Indian. Those 27 words say it all and are as important today as Lincoln’s 239 words at Gettysburg were in 1863. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Francis Pelletier ★
In Pop’s Pantry Joyous Haddock
Everybody likes to eat! Some prefer the traditional meat and potatoes while others choose a vegetarian lifestyle. Then there’s the big bunch in the middle who want a variety -- fish, red meat, white meat, and the other white meat; vegetables of all shapes and colors; quick pick-me-up snacks or elaborate desserts. In Pop’s Pantry will give you some of all of it and we hope you enjoy just trying something new. If you have any variations of what we offer, or if you’ve got a favorite recipe you’d like to share, send us your suggestions. Enjoy! ★
Prep and cook time: 1 hour
Should feed 4
4 tbsp salted butter 2 cups chopped spinach 1 diced green pepper ½ cup chopped celery ½ tsp minced garlic 1 cup chopped onion
1 cup soft seasoned bread crumbs A pinch each of tarragon, rosemary and black pepper 2 lbs fresh haddock fillets 1 tsp Lemon juice 2 tomatoes (sliced)
Preheat oven for 375º. In large skillet sauté over medium heat, the butter, spinach, pepper, celery, garlic, and onion. When the onion is soft (5 minutes). Add bread crumbs and “pinches” and mix completely. Grease large glass baking dish and arrange haddock evenly on bottom, sprinkle with lemon juice, spread the sautéed mixture over fish and cover with sliced tomatoes. Bake uncovered at 375º for 30 minutes. Steamed carrots sliced ¼” thick and long grain wild rice are great sides.
Outdoor Message
If you cut this out, it will fit nicely on a standard recipe card.
March 2013
News Courtesy of NSSF
Focusing On Federal Funding For Project Childsafe. NSSF continues to press the point that deterring access to firearms by unauthorized persons including children, at-risk individuals and persons legally prohibited from possessing a firearm - must be central to any discussion about reducing violence and the misuse of firearms. Apparently, some in the media agree. An article in Businessweek points out that the George W. Bush Administration supported the industry's Project ChildSafe program with more than $90 million while under the Obama Administration all federal funding ceased--"much to the consternation" of the program's law enforcement partners. NSSF has sent a copy of the article to
every House and Senate office.
National Freshwater Hall of Fame member Bill Dance will serve as the honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Dance understands what it takes to win and the necessity of preserving our hunting and fishing legacy. The fishing icon has three B.A.S.S. Angler of the Tear titles, caught the first bass in B.A.S.S. history, earned 7 B.A.S.S. titles and is also a member of the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame. But Dance is a workhorse on and off the water and has been recognized for his work with many philanthropic organizations including: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Arthritis foundation, “Make a Wish,” Dreams Come True and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This year, Dance pursues a different ‘cause’ as he has been named the honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day 2013. “We are excited to have Bill Dance as honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day. It’s good to have the voice and perspective of one of America’s favorite anglers. His work and dedications
shows that hunting, fishing and conservation remain important in all walks of American life today,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife.” The museum, in Springfield, Mo., is the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1971, the day has been formally proclaimed by every U.S. President and countless governors and mayors. Dance joins an elite fraternity of entertainment and sports figures that have served as honorary chairs, including Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Jeff Foxworthy, Jay Novacek, Robert Urich, Wade Boggs, Ward Burton, Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, the USA Olympic Shooting Team, Tony Stewart and many others. The annual celebration is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. “This is truly an honor to be selected to serve as honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said Dance. “I
~ Law Enforcement Letters Opposing Gun Bans. A number of law enforcement departments have sent letters outlining their opposition to federal and state efforts restricting the Second Amendment rights of Americans. NSSF will share these letters with Bullet Points readers as we receive them. Read the Utah Sheriffs' Association letter <http://www.nssf. org/share/PDF/UtahSheriffsAssoc_12111 3.pdf> to President Obama and the New York State Sheriffs' Association letter <http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/NYSSA %20Response%20to%20NY%20SAFE% 20Act_021113.pdf> and Saratoga County Deputy Sheriffs' Police Benevolent
Association letter <http://www.nssf.org/ share/PDF/SAFEActLetter_021113.pdf> to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Available To Collegiate Shotgunning Teams. The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) has announced that more than $1 million in endowment money will be given away at the 2013 Collegiate Clay Target Championships held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, on March 26-31. The money comes from a donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield of Midway USA. The endowment funds will be deposited to Midway USA Foundation/Scholastic Shooting Trust, whose purpose is to
In Addition To Sales Surge, Cabela's Also Seeing Rise In New Customers. Outdoor retailer Cabela's (NYSE:CAB) reported that same-store sales (sales at stores open for at least a year) jumped 12% compared to the same period a year ago, a new record. The company also says it has seen a rise in firearm purchasers new to the store. "Two years ago, about 16% of firearms buyers were new customers. Over time this percentage has increased, and, in the fourth quarter of this year, 21% of firearms purchasers were new to Cabela's," CEO Tommy Millner said during the company's earnings call. ★
hope all will join me in celebrating the fourth Saturday in September, which was set aside to join together likeminded sportsman in the pursuit of conserving our outdoor heritage. There are thousands of events that all are welcomed to join in and celebrate a great day for sportsman everywhere.” Bill Dance, one of the world’s most famous fishermen, always planned to be a doctor like his father, grandfather and three other generations of Dances. Then, driving home one night in Memphis, Tenn., in the early 1960s, he came upon a horrific motorcycle crash. The grisly encounter changed his life. Since that moment Dance focused his attention on a more calming, relaxing profession – fishing. He began competing—and winning—in bass tournaments and landed a lure manufacturer for a sponsor. The sponsor encouraged Dance to start a TV show to help promote the product. Bill Dance Outdoors premiered on a Memphis ABC affiliate in 1968 and has been growing in popularity ever since. Today the show is televised nationwide and its host has achieved celebrity status among the nation’s 45 million anglers. “A sense of outdoorsmanship was instilled in me at a very young age,” said Dance. “I couldn’t imagine where I’d be if
it weren’t for folks taking time out to show me how my actions as a sportsman affect the conservation side of things. We have an obligation to future generations to expand their knowledge and capabilities in outdoor pursuits so they to can expand on our conservation efforts.” Wonder of Wildlife coordinates public education and awareness campaigns to promote traditional outdoor sports. The museum recently opened the newly constructed Conservation Education Center. The museum itself has also undergone extensive renovations and is now open to the public. Dance is one of America’s 34 million hunters and anglers. Together, their licenses, permits and special taxes contribute more than $4.7 million each day for fish, wildlife and habitat programs. No one contributes more for conservation. The growing list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2013 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Realtree, GunBroker.com, North American Hunting Club, Yamaha, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Smith & Wesson and Rather Be Hunting Guy. For more information, visit www.nhfday.org. ★
Bill Dance To Chair NHF Day: Legendary Angler to Support NHF Day
Sen. Moore on Public Safety
A reader received this letter from Sen. Richard T. Moore (Norfolk & Worcester) and asked that we print it in The Outdoor Message.
Dear Friends – Just over two months ago we witnessed one of the decade’s most horrific tragedies, the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The course of events that transpired in Newton, Connecticut shook our families, communities and nation alike, sparking a legitimate debate about public safety within our borders. This is not the first time in recent years that such a reckless disregard for life forced our country to contemplate the rules that protect our security and ensure our wellbeing, however. The likes of Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson and, more recently, Portland and Aurora still haunt our memories, and even, for some, imposes a slight, though significant, reluctance in all that we do outside of our homes. Just last month, I expressed my commitment to tackling the issue of gun violence this legislative session. You may have read my Guest Commentary, “Responsibly curbing gun violence,” on this topic where I noted that despite the emotions we may feel during this uneasy time, logic must be the driver of our efforts, especially if we seek change through the legislative process. I also revealed a couple of ideas that I thought were worthy of pursuit in order to boost safety and security throughout the Commonwealth, especially in our schools and classrooms. This week I unveiled a package of legislation that will enhance school safety. These bills would not alter our already stiff gun laws in Massachusetts. Instead, they pull from a core of common sense ideas that aim at preventing gun violence in a more reasonable manner. These initiatives also call us to take a step back and recognize those non-violent school safety issues such as health emergencies and even sexual abuse. My first bill, SD1475, An Act relative to school safety, would better integrate public safety into school construction, and bolster school preparedness. To do so, the legislation requires annual walk-throughs in conjunction with Medical Emergency Response Plans. It also adds Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) personnel and others onto the School Building Authority’s advisory council. Finally, the bill requires that after any school construction or renovation, updated plans must be submitted to local police, local fire, and MEMA in order to maintain accurate records of school layouts, and the plans must also identify points of access, utility shutoffs, and stairwells. The second initiative, SD1450, An Act coordinating services for at-risk youth, seeks to deliver the necessary services to children facing physical, mental and other emotional health issues in a streamlined and coordinated fashion. This legislation would align services for these at-risk youth and allow, and even encourage, information sharing between relevant state and local agencies. Overall, this will help kids get the help they need, and may prevent those with more serious challenges from taking action that may March 2013
The
provide funding for high school and collegiate shooting teams.
harm themselves or others. The third bill, SD1487, An Act relative to the protection of youth, seeks to protect children from sexual assault by teachers, counselors or caseworkers. Our statutes in this area can be vague for law enforcement regarding the age of the child and role of the counselor. This legislation attempts to clarify what is ultimately an inappropriate relationship, and would impose criminal penalties for any violation. The last bill, SD1460, An Act relative to access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), builds off of my successful efforts from last session to improve medical emergency response planning in schools. We know that AEDs can save lives; however, financial constraints have prevented schools from purchasing them. This legislation would set aside the funds for the use in grants to schools and towns to purchase AEDs. I firmly believe that these bills will have a significant impact in boosting school safety in the Commonwealth. I am grateful for the assistance of Dudley Police Chief Steven Wojnar and the American Heart Association which have both lent their expertise and support for the latter three of the four bills, respectively. The American Heart Association has even gone as far as circulating my AED bills as one of their policy priorities! Throughout this session, I am committed to moving these initiatives forward. Moreover, I will devote whatever energy it takes to ensure that our schools, and the occupants of its classrooms, are as safe as society expects they should be. I wish you and you’re a safe and enjoyable weekend,
Outdoor Message
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Play It Safe On The Ice
Due to the recent fluctuating freeze and thaw cycles, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) urges ice anglers, skaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. A clear layer of 4-inch ice is a good, safe thickness for foot traffic. An ice strength table, ice safety tips for outdoor enthusiasts and a link to an ice safety video can be found on the DFW website. How can you tell if ice is safe? There are no guarantees -- always consider ice to be potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams because the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time, aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using ice pins or picks that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice don't waste precious time, you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or house. Don't drive home in wet clothes! If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go." If you are unable to reach your friend, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Pet owners should keep pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well-meaning pet owners can too easily become victims themselves when trying to save their pets. Additional ice
safety information is also available from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at: <www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/mema/mema -issues-ice-safety-precautions.pdf>.
Youth Artists! Enter The Junior Duck Stamp Contest Before March 15
“There is still time to enter the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) contest,” advises MassWildlife’s Education Coordinator Pam Landry. “Any student, from kindergarten through grade 12, regardless of whether they attend public school, private school or are homeschooled, can submit original artwork for this fun and educational competition. Even if someone decides not to enter the art competition, the related information can be valuable in the classroom.” The entry deadline is March 15, 2013. The JDS program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with a national waterfowl art project. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various kinds of ducks and geese (waterfowl) and then express their knowledge of the beauty, diversity, and interdependence of these species artistically, by creating a drawing or painting and submitting it to the Massachusetts Junior Duck art contest. The art is judged in four age group categories in a statewide competition, and the entry judged Best of Show moves on to represent Massachusetts in the national JDS competition. Art teachers, science teachers, and parents who home-school and want JDS information packets and entry information can visit: <www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/jd s/jds_materials.htm>. Landry noted there are opportunities for aspiring artists to see artwork from last year’s contest: Between February 1 and 15, 2013, young artists in the southeastern part of the state can visit the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford to view an exhibit of 2012 JDS art. Bring family and friends to see these terrific works of art by children of all ages! In early March, in the central part of the state, an exhibit of JDS art will be available to view at the Notre Dame Academy in Worcester. For more information contact Pam v
Welcome Turkey Observers!
You can help Fish and Game this winter by reporting wild turkey flocks you see in New Hampshire from January 1 to March 31. Each year, N.H. Fish and Game's winter wild turkey flock survey helps biologists assess the impact of winter weather on our turkey population. Thanks for volunteering to help. Report your observations of winter wild turkey flocks at our online reporting site (link appears
Mail: 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston MA 01583 Phone: 508-389-6300 Email: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us Website: www.MassWildlife.org
Landry at 508-389-6310 pam.landry@state.ma.us.
or
Broodstock Salmon On Ice
Hard water anglers across the state will be able to take advantage of a late January stocking of broodstock Atlantic Salmon. The Division received 350 retired broodstock salmon ranging in size from 311 pounds from the Nashua National Fish Hatchery in Nashua, New Hampshire. Due to the challenge of stocking fish through iced-over waters, only selected waters were stocked. Call your local MassWildlife District office or go to <www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/fisheries/an adromous/broodstock_salmon_stocking.h tm> for a listing of the most recent broodstock salmon stocking information.
Updated Deer Season Results
Updated unofficial reports on the 2012 paraplegic, archery, shotgun, and primitive deer season results have been compiled. During the special three-day deer hunting season for paraplegic hunters, 4 deer were taken. For the archery deer season, an unofficial statewide total of 3,880 deer were checked at game check stations. The Western District office tallied 314 deer while Connecticut Valley District office reported 408. Central District stations checked 655 deer; Northeast District, 1190; and Southeast District checked 1,313 deer. During the statewide shotgun season, licensed deer hunters checked in an unofficial total of 4,966 deer. Western District stations checked in 638; Connecticut Valley District, 731; Central District, 1,073; Northeast District, 930; and Southeast District, 1,594. In addition to the shotgun season total above, the DCR Quabbin Reservation reported 84 deer taken during their deer hunt. During the statewide primitive deer season, licensed deer hunters checked in an unofficial statewide total of 2,074 deer. Western district stations checked in 215; Connecticut Valley District, 281; Central District, 449; Northeast District, 605; and Southeast District, 524. The preliminary total harvest for all seasons was 10,920. All reported figures are preliminary and only summarize deer checked in at each check station (i.e., not all deer were
March To Conservation Conferences
Registration is now open for several annual conservation conferences taking place in March. These meetings would be of interest to conservation commissioners, educators, youth group leaders, bird enthusiasts, and other conservationists. MassWildlife staff will be participating at most of these meetings. Registration is now open for these meetings. March 2 - Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Conference, Worcester - The 2013 MACC Annual Environmental Conference will be held at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Several DFW staff will be making presentations at this meeting. Registration information is at <http://maccweb.org/edu_aec.html> or call MACC at 617-489-3930. March 6 Massachusetts Environmental Education Conference, Worcester - The 2013 Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will be holding its annual conference at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. This year's theme is "Strengthening Communities; Branching Out, Reaching In." This conference is useful for educators in both formal and non-formal educational settings. More details at <www.massmees.org>. March 16 - MassAudubon Birders Meeting, Waltham - The 20th Annual Birders Meeting will be held at Bentley University, Waltham. Novice and experienced bird enthusiasts will enjoy the varied offerings at this conference. Registration information is at: <www.massaudubon.org> or call 781259-2136. March 23 - Massachusetts Land Trust Conference, Worcester - The 23nd Annual Mass Land Conservation Conference will take place at the Worcester Technical High School. DFW staff will participate in roundtable session titled "Deer Populations on Land Trust Lands". Registration is limited. Details on the conference and registration can be found at <www.massconservation.org>. ★
N.H. Fish and Game Department Headquarters 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 info@wildlife.nh.gov 603-271-3211
below when the survey is open). To participate in the survey, visit <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winter turkeyflock2013>
Moose Hunting in NH
New Hampshire's moose hunt is nine days, starting the third Saturday in October. The 2013 hunt will take place from October 19-27, 2013. By permit only. Permits are distributed by lottery. The moose hunt lottery is open!
Enter the NH Moose Hunt Lottery today! Visit <https://www.nhfishandgame. com> to enter online To download a print and mail application go to <http://www.wildlife. state.nh.us/Hunting/Moose_hunt/moose_l ottery_apps/moose_lottery_app_2013.pdf > Applications must be postmarked by May 31. Drawing takes place on June 21, at NH Fish and Game in Concord.
Becoming an OutdoorsWoman
(B.O.W.) is a chance for women to learn outdoor skills they can use to enjoy fishing, hunting and many other outdoor pursuits. BOW workshops are presented Page 10
checked in within the same district they were harvested). The final, official harvest numbers, summarized by Wildlife Management Zone, will be available later in 2013.
The
Outdoor Message
in a fun, supportive environment. Come learn in the company of other women! Try something new! B.O.W. activities are for you if you've never tried them before and want to learn; if you're a beginner looking to improve your skills; or if you're familiar with some outdoor activities but want new challenges. Though designed primarily for women, the program is an opportunity for anyone 18 or older to explore new outdoor interests. New Hampshire's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is cosponsored by the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the N.H. Wildlife Federation. To find more info about New Hampshire BOW, registration materials, scholarship applications and opportunities visit <www.nhbow.com>. ★ March 2013
Swan Island's 2012 Season
2012 was a busy year as usual for Swan Island staff, volunteers and partners. We saw increases in visitation from 2012, and are hoping to see many new faces in 2013. Now is the time to start thinking about your camping trip to the Island this summer -- we begin taking reservations after March 15th. Remember, you can now access the Island for day use without reservations by paddling your personal canoe, kayak or small boat across. Simply place the user fees in an iron ranger (at the main pier or around the east side at the campground), grab a self-guided brochure and start to explore! For answers to your questions, or to see a map of the island and landing sites visit www.maine.gov/swanisland. Check in later this spring to see updates to the calendar for exciting events.
Ice Shanties Must Be Removed Before Ice Weakens
Vermont state law requires that ice fishing shanties must be removed from the ice before the ice becomes unsafe or ice loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water, or before the last Sunday in March (the 31st this year), whichever comes first. The same Vermont law requires the name and address of the owner to be on the ice shanty. “This is a good year to have a portable ice shanty, rather than a structure you leave on the ice overnight,” said Vermont’s Chief Game Warden David LeCours. “The last Sunday in March is the 31st, and with the fluctuating weather we’ve been having, that could be too late to be out on the ice. In order to comply with the law, you must remove your shanty before then if ice conditions look like they will deteriorate.” The fine for leaving your ice fishing shanty on the ice can be up to $1,000, and shanties may not be left at state fishing access areas.
Special Snow Goose Harvest Opportunity
Since 2009 hunters have had the opportunity to pursue snow geese during the spring as a result of a special management action referred to as a “Conservation Order” allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and adopted by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board. The measure was adopted at the recommendation of federal and state wildlife scientists in response to concerns about a growing number of snow geese across North America. Eight states in the Atlantic Flyway (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Vermont) will hold a Spring Snow Goose Conservation Order in 2013. The Vermont 2013 Spring Snow Goose Conservation Order will occur statewide from March 11 through April 26. The March 2013
In addition to ongoing and essential Island maintenance and projects, we made some exciting progress on renovating the TubbsReed house. With the enthusiasm and effort of the Swan Island Advisory Group and Friends of Swan Island, along with some much needed grant funding, several improvements were made to reestablish the structural integrity of this classic Federal period house. In addition, we hope to complete the creation and installation of new interpretive signage featuring the significant human and natural history of the Island. Stay tuned for the unveiling of these new attractive and educational signs later this summer, and be sure to come see them. If you have always wondered about Swan Island, make this the year that you finally make that visit – either for a day or a camping trip. If you already know the splendors of this tranquil and intriguing
daily bag limit is 15 snow geese, and there is no possession limit. Waterfowl hunting regulations in effect last fall will apply during the 2013 Spring Snow Goose Conservation Order with the exception that unplugged shotguns and electronic calls may be used, and shooting hours will be extended until ∏ hour after sunset. A 2013 Spring Snow Goose Harvest Permit is required and is available at no charge on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website <vtfishandwildlife.com>. Hunters may also call the Essex Junction Office (802878-1564) to request a permit. In addition to this permit, hunters will need a 2013 Vermont hunting license (residents $22, nonresidents $50), 2013 Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, a 2012 federal migratory hunting stamp ($15), and a 2013 Vermont migratory waterfowl stamp ($7.50). Hunters can register with the Harvest Information Program by going to the department website or calling toll free 1877-306-7091 during normal business hours. The populations of snow geese, blue geese and Ross’s geese in North America, collectively referred to as “light geese,” have grown to record levels over the past three decades. According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the overabundance of light geese, which nest in far northern regions of North America, is harming their fragile arctic breeding habitat. The damage to the habitat is, in turn, harming the health of the light geese and other bird species that depend on the tundra habitat. Returning the light goose population to sustainable levels is necessary to protect this delicate habitat and every species dependent on it. Greater snow geese make up a large share of the light goose population in the Atlantic Flyway. “The population of greater snow geese has grown from approximately 50,000 birds in the mid-1960s to 1 million today,” said David Sausville, Vermont’s waterfowl project biologist. “This increase has resulted in damage to agricultural crops and marsh vegetation in The
Maine Fish and Game Department Headquarters 1284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0041 http://www.mefishwildlife.com (207) 287-8000 place, then quit making excuses and come back! The Island awaits you starting midMay.
2013 Maine Moose Permit Lottery
Applications for the 2013 Maine Moose Permit Lottery now are being accepted. It's simple to apply! And you get instant confirmation of your entry into the lottery! Apply at <www.mefishwildlife.com>. The deadline for online applications is May 14, 2013. If you applied for a moose permit last year or the year before, all of your information is pre-filled into this year's online application. To start, type in your first name, last name and date of birth the same way as in 2012 or 2011. The computer will look up your information. Please review your personal data and make any necessary changes. It's easy! 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. Legislative changes put into effect last year have given long-time lottery applicants who have never won a permit a better chance at winning. 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. 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. ★
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
staging and wintering areas from Quebec to North Carolina. The Atlantic Flyway has established a goal of 500,000 greater snow geese to bring populations in balance with their habitat and reduce crop depredation.” Hunters who obtain a permit will be required to complete an online survey after April 26 and prior to May 16, 2013, whether they hunted or not. Hunters without access to the internet may obtain a copy of the survey by calling 802-8781564. The Spring Snow Goose hunt occurs annually from March 11 until the Friday before Youth Turkey Weekend. During spring migration, snow geese typically move through the Champlain Valley in late March and early April. They usually pass through Vermont fairly quickly in route to their spring staging areas along the St. Lawrence River Valley. Here they remain for about a month before moving on to their nesting areas in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. About 100 snow geese are taken by Vermont hunters during the spring seasons.
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Anyone contemplating violating Vermont’s fish and wildlife laws now needs to keep in mind that they can no
longer just hunt, fish or trap in another state if their licenses are revoked here. Vermont is now the 39th member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), which recognizes license suspensions of member states. Any person whose license privileges are suspended in one compact member state will have his or her licenses suspended in all other compact member states. The IWVC assures that in participating states, nonresident violators will receive the same treatment as resident violators. A violator who fails to comply with the terms of a citation issued in a participating state also faces the possibility of suspension of their wildlife license privileges in the other member states until the terms of the citation are met. The goal of the IWVC is to improve enforcement of hunting, fishing and trapping laws through the cooperation of law enforcement units in member states. “Joining the IWVC provides an added deterrent to Vermonters who might be tempted to violate fish and wildlife laws at home and then expect to hunt, fish or trap in other states or vice versa,” said Col. David LeCours. “Also, we didn’t want Vermont to be one of the last states where bad actors from other states can come to violate our fish and wildlife laws.” ★
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 11
WRENTHAM SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION
PO Box 83 - 7 Madison Street - Wrentham, MA 02093 508-643-1322 - www.wrenthamsa.com
Editor’s Desk
Meetings: Advisory Board: First Monday of the Month, 7 pm; General: Second Monday of the Month, 7 pm
Well gang, we got the New Year’s first newsletter out. My thanks to Michelle Siudut at The Outdoor Message for her help and support. I’ve gone through the mailing data base and made a number of changes, eliminated nonmembers and updated incorrect addresses. If you are a LIFE, Military or paid up Regular member and are not receiving your copy please notify me ASAP. I have printed a copy of the mailing list and it is available at the Lounge, please check it first for errors. Articles and pictures are always appreciated and I’ll do my best to get them published. Pictures can be emailed to me in .jpg or. gif format. I can also scan your print and return it to you. I will be very careful not to use this opportunity as a soap box for my opinions. Please take a minute and think about the attack we as responsible, legal gun owners, are under. You can always sit back and pound the bar and stamp your feet, but it does no good. If you have a position on protecting your rights to own and carry a legal firearm, you need to be part of the cause. Please get involved, if we are not heard from, legislation will be enacted and your rights as you know them will be gone, FOREVER. You must increase your awareness of local MA politicians and what they are trying to accomplish. GOAL and NRA memberships are a great way to do this; you can be up to date on what politician is pushing particular bills and the effect on us. But it is still up to YOU to email, call, FAX or write your politicians and voice your concern. If the Cincinnati Reds were really the first major league baseball team, who did they play? - Howie
Meeting Night Dinners
MARCH – Chicken Cordon Bleu APRIL – (Fisherman’s Night) American Chop Suey no charge MAY – Roast Ham & Boston Baked Beans JUNE – Stuffed Pork Loin JULY – (No Meeting) AUGUST – Stuffed Grilled Chicken Breast SEPTEMBER – Grilled Pork Roast Remember the Kitchen is open on Members Meeting night, Cost $5.00 Don’t forget to buy Meat Raffle Tickets: $1.00 ea. / 7 for $5.00 and 15 for $10.00. NOTE: Proceeds from the sales of tickets go to pay for the FREE Meals, please show your support.
Membership
Hopefully in the next few months as the weather warms up we will see requests for new membership. There are two ways someone is brought through the process. First – A close friend of a member who has probably been around for an event or spent time meeting members in the club lounge. When the sponsor needs a second signature he can ask a member who has spent time with the applicant. Paper work is submitted and we start the process towards full membership. Second – Someone hears about our organization and expresses an interest in joining. He may meet someone, take a look around and ask for an application. The next thing you know two members have signed it and we pass the point of no return. I received a call from a member who lives out of the area, asking me to talk to an acquaintance of his, who is looking for a place to shoot. I emailed the person the following:
KAREN L. MACNUTT GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW
~~~~~ FAMILY & ELDER LAW CONSUMER & MILITARY LAW MEDICAID & ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS ~~~~~ 781-963-6337 10 MAZZEO DRIVE, SUITE 211 RANDOLPH, MA 02368
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
I'm pleased you have an interest in our club. We offer an outdoor Pistol, Rifle and Trap ranges. Pistol/Rifle shoots every other Sunday at 1:00 pm and Trap at 10:00 am. The range is closed a limited amount of time when there is an archery event going on. We also have a stocked pond and events all year long. Membership: Initiation $200 plus Annual Dues of $100.00 As part of becoming a full member 16 hours of Work Party time is required; this could be in Kitchen, Pond Clean Up, help during Range Events, etc. This is also a great way to meet the other members. I would be happy to have you join me some day if you want to shoot so we can get to know each other. If you are interested I'll set up times to meet a few other members for your application. This way you can meet the person for shooting (please verify FID or LTC prior to entering the Range, If it’s Fishing request to see current license). Then set up a second or third meeting that will involve another member(s).
Range. A fun time come down an join us.
Range Schedule
Super Bowl
The Mayfly lives only one day and sometimes it rains!
Guests are always welcome unless noted. March 10 - Mountain man – Black Powder Pistol, Rifle; Gary March 24 – Military Pistol 45 cal any model or make 1911 style April 7 – Shotgun Turkey #4,# 5 or #6 shot; Jerry April 21 – Pistol Center Fire Iron Sights 25’, 50’ and 50 yards May 5 – Rifle 22 Rim Fire, Bench Rest May 19 – Military Rifle & Pistol; Keith June 2 – Pistol Rim Fire June 23 – Pistol Black Powder Full listing on board in Members Lounge. NOTES: Scopes are allowed unless noted ie: ‘iron sights’ Bench Rest events, there are some available at the range, on a first come basis or bring your own. You do not need to sign the ‘book’ at the club for these scheduled club events. NOTE: Sign log book (entry way to Lounge) BEFORE going to Range. If book is out the Range is CLOSED. Please remember to secure the gate if you are the last one to leave, no matter what time it is.
Trap
Guests are always welcome unless noted. Sundays at 10 am and Thursday nights at 7 pm. Cost - $3.00 a round, 12 or 20ga shells $7.00/box or $20.00 per event. NOTE: STEEL shot only in Trap
Membership Dues
Regular 2013 Membership dues, $100.00, must be paid by January 1st. There is a 60 day grace period, after which renewals must go through the Advisory Board. However there are a few 2012 Memberships available at 50% off. Cash only!! LIFE Members, please fill out a renewal form and update any new information. It’s been 5 years since last census of LIFE Members. The existing subscription list for the The Outdoor Message is being purged and updated with renewals from 2013. The Outdoor Message costs 61 cents per month to send out, so let’s make sure it goes to current members only. The Outdoor Message is also available by email if you’d like.
'It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand, the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather.' -- Harry Truman
What a great Super Bowl Party. Thanks to Chefs Paul “Boa” O’Gara, Arthur “Skip” Budlong and volunteers for a delicious (65lb) Steam Ship Roast Beef Dinner. Also special thanks to all the men and women who brought in appetizers and out of this world desserts.
Meeting Notes
A moment of silence was held for the passing of a long time member, Fred Burns.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board meets on the first Monday of the regular meeting months. Members are invited to sit in and see some of the inner workings of the Club. If you wish to present something prior to our Regular Meeting please put it in writing with your name and phone number and give to Dave Munchbach.
Events
MARCH: 16 – St Patrick’s 30 – Pond Cleanup (subject to change) PORKETTA (tickets available at Bar) APRIL: 6 – Pond Cleanup (Rain Date) 8- Pond stocking, bring the kids and FISHERMAN’S NIGHT 13 – Opening Day 20 – Duck Dinner ★
“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
Civil and criminal sanctions are serious - Jail sentences added and expanded.
REGISTER NOW FOR NRA/STATE FIREARM SAFETY CLASSES
Also available... “Criminal Law Reference Handbook” and Motor Vehicle Law Reference Handbook” Cost: $17.95 each (includes tax and shipping)
Rt. 152 / 580 Kelley Boulevard, North Attleborough MA
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
Page 12
The
Outdoor Message
508-695-4852 northeasttrading.com
TOLL FREE 800-473-3006
March 2013
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 Site
Web address: www.independentclub.com Email address: independentsportsmensclub@gmail.com
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. Double check 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 to 8 PM. Saturday & Sunday, 1 to 4 PM. Open to the public. Sporting Clays: Saturday & Sunday, promptly at 1 PM. Open to the public. Pistol & Rifle Ranges: Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to sunset. Sunday and Holidays from 12 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 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
Winter Shotgun League: This is in full throttle; ongoing scores are being posted
Happy St Patrick’s Day
in the new “Shoot Scores” tab on the web site – check it out! Registered Shoots for 2013: Charles Langille/David Shepard Memorial Cup on Sunday, April 14, 2013. 200 targets, 100 each 12 and 20 gauges. To register please contact Mike Lombardy at mslremodeling@comcast.net Another registered shoot is planned for September 7th. More details as we approach registration time. Remember that due to the fact that both skeet fields will be used throughout the day, skeet shooting will not be available to noncompetitors. Even if you are not competing come along and enjoy the activities from 9 AM to 5 PM.
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 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 AM, we would be happy to give them some personal instruction before the shoot begins. • Ear protection, and eye protection 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: 1. February 23: Action Pistol Shoot 2. March 23: Action Pistol Shoot 3. April 13: Action Pistol Shoot 4. April 27: Action Pistol Shoot Also on Saturdays of February 16th, March 16th and April 20th an NRA Basic Handgun Training, hosted by Tactical
Dynamics Firearms Training, will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please note that the 25 yard pistol range will be closed to normal use from 2 PM until 5 PM. See course description at <http://tacticaldynamicsfirearmstraining. com> for more details. Remember that course discounts are available to Independent Sportsmen’s Club members.
Outdoor Message OnLine
If you would like to receive The Outdoor Message via email, rather than in the newspaper format, please send the request to the club’s email address. It saves the club money.
New Members
Welcome to new members: Alexander Bonin of Bellingham Ellen Garber of Foxboro Steven McGrath of Attleboro John Shpack of Attleboro Blair Swinnerton of Sharon Michael McCabe of Attleboro Taylor Baker of Foxboro Ronald Quintiliani of Norwood Joseph Lorusso II of South Walpole Joseph Lorusso III of South Walpole Roy Lambert of Seekonk Brian Remick of Wrentham Douglas Remick of Wrentham
From the Editor
A few good men! We would like to acknowledge the membership of the newly officially formed Rifle, Pistol and Range Officer Committee - John Allen, Paul Arshen, Aldo D’Angelo, Greg Gilman, Jay Hirshberg, Brian Remick, Vinny Tuzzo and Craig Zimmerman. It is fair to say that much work has been done by this group of members for many years; we are pleased to recognize them as a full committee with the rights and
responsibilities associated with this effort. Thank you to all. While on the subject of committees, it is worth pointing out that there are openings on other committees including, Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays, House and Grounds, as well as Archery. The running of the club is reliant on the active participation of its members. If you would like to contribute more, why not consider filling some of the committee vacancies? Contact the club via e-mail or show up at the next Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday the 19th of March at 7.30 PM to chat about what is involved. The annual election of club officers will be taking place on Tuesday, March 5th starting at 7.30 PM at the club Annual Meeting. Each year new officers for President, VP, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and Newsletter Editor are elected for 1 year terms and also 6 of our 12 Directors are elected for 2 year terms. If you are interested, and have been a member for 3 years, please get in touch or come along and participate. It’s your meeting. An important and additional type of participation is being asked of the members by the Board. As we all know there are growing pressures on the rights of licensed gun owners as indicated by recent political statements and tabled legislation to be voted on over the coming months. Our local New England Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) is an important avenue for communication between gun owners and local and State Government. They represent your rights as licensed gun owners and the rights of the club of which you are a member. The board voted to increase financial support of GOAL and is asking for all members of the club to join GOAL. You can add financial and membership support for the efforts of GOAL and it is only $30 a year.
Random Shots
Below is the Carmine Skeet Sequence ★
Traditional Archery, Muzzleloading Firearms & Accessories ● ● ●
●
200 Modern & Muzzleloading Firearms in Stock “The East’s largest stocking Over 150 Bows & Related Accessories in Stock dealer of Shiloh Sharps Single Shot Custom Made Traditional Archery Equipment, Long Bows, Recurves, Rifles and 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 --
March 2013
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
Donate to the Massachusetts Shooters Foundation
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. Donations in the amount of $25 will include a one-year subscription to The Outdoor Message and a donor decal. Donations of $100 will include a one-year subscription to The Outdoor Message, a donor decal and a shooters bag. Donations of $500 will include a one-year subscription to The Outdoor Message, a donor decal, a shooters bag and a shooters shirt. Donations of $1000 will include a oneyear subscription to The Outdoor Message, a donor decal, a shooters bag, a shooters shirt and a 3-season jacket. Monthly Pledges: If you are interested in making monthly pledges to The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, please contact Michelle at 508-393-5133 to arrange to have a payment booklet sent to you. All donations, including monthly pledges can be made by credit card through PayPal. Visit our website at <https://sites.google.com/site/massshootersfoundation/Gold> for a direct link. The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. ★
Shooting Equipment For Sale
* Wilmot Gun Company SxS, external hammer, Damascus barrel, engraved stock, $100. * Eclipse Gun Company SxS, external hammer, Damascus barrel, $100. * Sears Model 126, .22 cal CO2 pellet rifle with sights, $50. * Remington Air Master .177 cal pump action pellet rifle, $35. * Kowa Spotting Scope TS-502/Z zoom
20x-40x 50mm lens 10” Grey, NIB, $150. * 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, $750. * Champions Choice CC-542 Spotting Scope Zoom 12x-50x 60 MM 45 degree lens w/carry case, NIB, $75.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please send an email to foundation2012@verizon.net or call 508-393-5133. ★
NRA Basic Pistol Courses Scheduled!
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation will be holding NRA Basic Pistol Courses once a month, on the second Saturday. Upcoming dates are March 9th, April 13, The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation Donation Form May 11. Classes will run from 8 am to 5 Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ pm. The course will be held at The Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Massachusetts Shooters Foundation City: _______________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________ facility at 37 Pierce Street in Donation amount $_______ Northborough, MA. * If eligible to receive shirt or jacket (see aticle for details), please indicate size ________ This one-day, 8-hour course includes Donations of $25 or more will include a subscription to The Outdoor Message. If you already receive classroom and range The Outdoor Message and would like to give the subscription to a friend please list their mailing info time, learning to shoot here: revolvers and semiautomatic pistols. Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Students learn NRA’s Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts City: _______________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________ and operation; ammunition; shooting Send this completed form with check or money order to: fundamentals; range The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532. rules; shooting from
✮✮
President: David Tetzloff Secretary/Treasurer: Michael D. Yacino Directors: Al Bonney, Dee Bonney, Don Holmes, Coach Russ Doucette, Coach Kevin Winters, Joe Colbert
Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide ✮ ✮
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 he hosted at Woodville Rod & Gun Club, in nearby Woodville, MA. ★
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 Page 14
EJ
Kennedy Master Electrician (Eric 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 (Jon Green) Northboro MA 508-369-9234
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
Merchant Services/Credit Card Processing Strategic Payment Systems (Michael Roux) Security Canton MA mroux@spsprocessing.net EJ Kennedy Security/Life Safety Systems Contractor (Eric Kennedy) North www.spsCreditCardProcessing.com 978Attleboro MA 508-TUG-WIRE 337-7126 Optometrist Dr. Arthur Breen, Peabody MA 978-532-0097 Charlton Optical (David Snowdon) Charlton MA 508-248-1188
Outdoor Wood Furnace Crystal Rock Farm (Eliot Starbard) Oakham MA 508-882-0178 Plumbing & Heating Russo Plumbing and Heating (Steven Russo) Boston MA 617-201-8042
Surveying & Engineering Landmark Engineering of New England (Brian Lane) Norfolk MA 508-384-3064
TV & Satellite Pierce TV & Satellite (Richard “Ben” Pierce, Jr.) East Falmouth MA 508-548-4519 Website Development Gumption, Inc. (Joe Cassia) Malden MA 781322-6400
For more information about the Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide call 508-393-5133.
The
Outdoor Message
March 2013
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
The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation would like to thank the following for their generous donations: Lenox Sportsmens Club, j. Ellsworth, Standish Sportsman’s Association, Medfield Sportsmen’s Club, R. Knoll, j. D. Koob, E. Rolfe, j. Hartley, E. Shuter and Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club
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
january 2013 - junior Postals Results
Club Junior Lenox Sportsman's Club Holyoke Revolver Club Intermediate Junior Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Lenox Sportsman's Club Sub Junior 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 Holyoke Revolver Club Holyoke Revolver Club
Name
David Clark Kevin Moskal
Steve Bohin Geno D'Agostino Luke Hibbard johnathan May
Steve LaRochelle Paddy Sullivan Will Kipp Tyler Coelho Mansel Marangoni Steven Silverman justin Mohr Dahlia Windoloski Caleb Galko Andrew Holbrook
INDOOR YARD SALE!
2 drawer metal file cabinets. Two available.
participate in this program. The Massachusetts Shooters Foundation believes that the importance of attracting new shooters is the highest priority. Donations are greatly appreciated. ★
Prone Standing Kneeling 82 154
30
174 118
137 55
183
167 150 146 134 153 182 75 176 72 117
112 21 88
97
158 132
1st P
109 96 128
3rd P
1st S, 1st K 1st P
2nd P
March 10th, 2013 10 am - 2 pm 37 Pierce Street Northborough, MA
Everything Must Go!
4 drawer metal file cabinets, holds legal size files. Three available, all black.
Many styles of holsters, also gun socks, belts.
In addition to the items pictured, other items for sale include: ✒ pressboard office desk, with 6 drawers ✒ 4-drawer legal file cabinet, fire resistant ✒ various office chairs, including six swivel ✒ 8-foot folding tables; two available ✒ three side tables ✒ MPS-45 amplifier Two-door table, on wheels. ✒ various styles of shelving ✒ 4-drawer, letter size metal file cabinets; four available Classic metal, L-shape desk, with 6 drawers. Two desks available, in off-white and black. ✒ computer desk 4’ wide x2’ deep, 30.5” tall, pull out tray the entire width of desk ✒ refrigerator and various dishware ✒ industrial size paper shredder ✒ Two computer/printer stands. One pressboard with 3 shelves; one wood with 2 slide out shelves ✒ various upright file sorters ✒ partitions measuring 4’ wide x 5’ high. two available, gray
Mahoganite Executive desk with glass top and 7 drawers. Matching 2 drawer credenze (pictured below) also available.
Glass display case. Measures 6’ long, 38” tall and 20” deep. Sliding doors on back and storage space underneath.
Kitchen table with wooden base. Measures 42” long with 21” extension. Includes 3 chairs.
Questions? Call 508-393-5133
March 2013
The
Outdoor Message
2 drawer lateral file in mahoganite. Measues 3’ long, 27.5” tall, 18” deep. 2 drawers, accept letter and legal size files. Metal file cabinet in similar size also available. Page 15
Meeting Minutes
FEBRUARY 4, 2013. Pres. Berube called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Paul Soares led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary’s Report
Chris Britt read the Secretary’s report. Bob Holmes made a motion to accept; Jerome Jussaume seconded.
Treasurer’s Report
Jerome Jussaume read the Treasurer’s report. Lenny Audette made a motion to accept; Bill Wurzburg seconded.
Committee Reports
There were no reports from Archery, Audit, BMP, Club House, Grounds, Newsletter, Pistol, Rifle, Trap, WCL and Website.
Board of Advisors
Bill Wurzburg reported a meeting was held last week. The BOA went over the motions that were referred to them at the last meeting: 1.) Motion made by Dick Baker and referred by him to the BOA to allow a member to bring a non-member on a private hunt at the club. Discussed by the BOA and referred to the Game Committee for recommendation to the floor for a vote. 2.) Motion made by Ken Mercer to define the responsibilities of the Fish & Game Committees as to just what they are responsible for paying for out of their accounts. The BOA answers: In March of 2012 it was asked of the BOA and moved upon to establish a capital plan for the club. Over the next few months after meeting with all the chairmen, the plan going forward was established. That being said as an example: the Fish & Game funds would go to the purchase of fish and/or game and/or feed for the above. Things like weeding the pond or maintenance to the pheasant pen would be referred to the
UXBRIDGE ROD & GUN CLUB West Street - PO Box 412 - Uxbridge MA 01569 www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com
body for a vote and to which fund the monies would come out of the general fund or the building fund etc. 3.) A motion was made by Pres. Berube to make an amendment to rule #5 in Pistol and rule #3 in the Rifle Range rules to limit the number of guests at the ranges to 2 guests per club member. The motion was passed unanimously but an additional motion to this was made by Bill Wurzburg to refer this motion to the BOA for discussion. It was done so and after decision the BOA ceded to the floor vote!!
Officers
Paul Soares reported that he will be attending a meeting to find out more about range money for the club. He also reported on the duck boxes. While cleaning them out he did find some shell fragments.
Fish
Pres. Berube reported that there will be a stocking of the pond on Saturday, February 9th at 10 AM, closing the pond until Saturday, February 16th. The pond will open then at 7:30 AM with an Ice Fishing Derby which will run until 10:30 AM. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 fish taken. The Derby will be open to all club members with no specific age categories. Registration will be from 6:15 to 7:30 AM at the Club House. He’s hoping to have the kitchen open for breakfast throughout the morning. Rules will be passed out at the time of registration and no holes will be drilled or tilts set until the start of the Derby. The reason for this is that the limit of fish rules for this Derby and only this Derby will be modified to a 2 fish limit and of course no culling is allowed!! Obviously this is contingent on safe ice conditions for members; otherwise, the pond will be open for regular fishing at that date. Please remember to use our pond at your own personal and safe discretion and to respect the space and rights of other members also!
Those in the Worcester & Norfolk senate district should check out the letter your Senator, Richard T. Moore, recently wrote to a constituent. It’s printed on page 9!
Forestry
A member shared this photo of the club from 1977.
Gordon DeJong reported that this spring he will get a hold of a forester to get recertified.
Game
Jon Quinn reported that the game dinner will be held on February 9th. The dinner starts at 5:00 PM. He is in need of some coolers and people for serving.
Kitchen
Ray DeMore reported that they will need help after the dinner is done for clean-up. They will also need help during the week for prep. He thanked everyone who donated meat. Worcester Bass Mass thanked the club for holding their banquet and everyone who helped put it on.
Membership
Ed Gervais reported that the renewal started yesterday and will continue on every Sunday throughout February, 12:30 to 4:00 PM. There will also be one Wednesday night. The dates are posted around the Club House. He thanked those who helped him yesterday and hopes they continue to help out throughout the month. He greatly appreciates it.
Work Hours
Durk Lawson reported that 22 out of 27 probationary members have completed all their requirements. If any members have work hour slips, please get them in by next Saturday.
History
Mark Kuras reported that he picked up a few photo albums. He will be putting
Concord, NH Biddeford, ME Augusta, ME
Concord, NH
The
Outdoor Message
Old Business
Pres. Berube opened up the floor for nominations. Officers no new nominations, closed.
Board of Advisors
Lenny Audette nominated Jerry McClure, Jerome Jussaume seconded. Ken Mercer nominated Gordon DeJong, Jerome Jussaume seconded. Nominations for 2013 are closed. Voting will be held at next month’s meeting. Pres. Berube read Dick Bakers 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. Jon Quinn gave his recommendations. This was opened to the floor for discussion. Jerome Jussaume made a motion to move this to Game and Board of Advisors to discuss this first and come back to the floor in March with a clear written motion from the BOA; Ed Pokornicki seconded.
New Business
Jerome Jussaume made a motion to be authorized to expend money from the general fund to pay the operational bills that need to be paid for February; Dick Baker seconded. Bill Wurzburg made a motion to adjourn at 7:52 pm; Lenny Audette seconded. Respectfully submitted, Chris Britt, Secretary <www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com> ★
DiPrete Promotions, Inc. 2013 GUN SHOWS Everett Ice Arena I-93 Exit 14 East
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 16
pictures in them and display them in the club for view.
Apr 13-14 Apr 27-28
Aug 24-25
Aug 31 - Sep 1
www.dipromo.com 603-225-3846 March 2013
AYER GUN & SPORTSMEN'S CLUB
255 Snake Hill Road - Ayer, MA 01432 - 978-772-9748
Email: ayergsc@verizon.net Website: http://www.ayergsc.vzwebsites.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ayer-Gun-SportsmensClub/265885770137669
Members Meetings
Our February meeting was held on Thursday, the 7th at 7:30 PM. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 7th at 7:30 PM.
Upcoming Events
Open to the Public unless otherwise specified.
Mar 15: Spring Meat Raffle Mar 16: St Patrick’s Day Dinner Mar 24: Easter Egg Hunt 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 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 Sunday Breakfasts: Open to the public from 8-11 AM. This is a great way to check the club out and meet members. This event funds all of our children’s activities. We hope to see you there.
Annual Spring Meat Raffle
It is scheduled for March 15th from 7-10 PM. We have approximately 11 rounds
with approximately 8-10 prizes per round and at least 4-5 meats per round. We have pork loins, prime rib, sirloins, turkeys, and hams as well as gift certificates from many of our local establishments. It is lots of fun, come over and give it a try. You won’t be sorry!
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Our corned beef and cabbage dinner is not to be missed!! Tom Horgan and Buddy Shorey do a fantastic job with this dinner! We’ve only had one complaint ever – and that was that the meat is too tender! It will begin at 6 PM on March 16th. The cost is $12.00 per person – all you can eat. Tickets are available at the club. Get your tickets in advance, we always sell out!!!
Welcome New Members
Please welcome Stephen Cormier, Edward Swieca and James Fitzgerald.
Range Communication
Are you interested in a .22 caliber bullseye team? We will shoot at our own range and tally up the scores. We require a minimum of 5 members; but should shoot for 10 to account for absences. Barry is hoping to get enough people together to at least try it out. Please leave your name and/or a phone number or an email address so that you may be contacted for an informational meeting. Thanks - Barry ASGC Field Captain 978-204-8277.
Communications
We received a letter of appreciation from Veterans Inc. for our donations at Christmas time. Ernie read the letter to the floor at the February meeting.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
Archery
Open to the Public - March 24, 2013 Lunch & Signup 12:30 -1:00 Egg Hunt 1:00 - 1:30 Games & Prizes 2:00 - 2:30
Plans are underway to schedule another youth event in May with Amanda.
Fish & Ponds
Any member interested in chairing Fish & Ponds, please contact Ernie Johnson. Scott has done a great job, but he has
We followed last year’s record breaking show with our best show ever, with the largest turnout of guests and members for our annual Sportsman’s Show the weekend of February 2 and 3. The great attendance was probably due to the good weather and the increased interest in exercising our 2nd amendment rights! The Sportsman’s Show is our largest fund raising event of the year and we went “over the top” with our best results ever, thanks to Hugh Hurley and his committee members; Dave Feight, Terry Sandstrom, Richard Sandstrom, Dick McMahon, Paul Kravitz and all the other members and friends who put in all the time and effort to make the show such a great success. Thanks to the parking lot crew of Jerry Snuffer, Bob Phillips, Harold Johnson, Jerry Hebard, Art Cabral, Ken Kelly, Joe McLaughlin, Scott Blood, Bohuslav Vodicka, Steve Sullivan, Paul Burke and Dave Beasley. The kitchen was one of the most popular places at the show. The crowd kept the crew working flat out for two days, because of the great food they were serving! Thanks to Lorna and Mike Vasapollo, Ed McElroy, Mike McElroy, Dan McNevin, Ed Holmes, Chip Brearley, Joe Duncan and Bill Ewell. Thanks to the other members who made the show a success. On the door we had Tim Santry, Dave Feight, Walter Potaznick, Al Rohnstrom, Andrew DelPrete, Jerry Hartman and Richard Sandstrom. The overnight guards were Larry Witnauer, Dominic DiBlasio, Frank DelPrete, Scott Blood, Jim Augenti, Tim
March 2013
other commitments preventing him from spending as much time with this. He will take the time to work with getting the person up to speed and will still help out with the charity derbies. Dan Scott and Tom Gamble voiced a possible interest. Ernie recommended that they contact Scott to get more details. Sue and Darlene as well as many others are always willing to help with the events.
Sick Committee
Buddy, we are thinking of you and hope to see more of you soon. Phyllis had emergency surgery on February 7th. We wish her well and a speedy recovery. Gail is recovering from shoulder surgery and will soon begin PT.
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. ★
STANDISH SPORTSMAN’S ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 258 East Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02333 www.standishsportsmans.com
2013 Sportsmans Show
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
Hill and John Brennan. Thanks to those two tireless folks who worked the raffle table for the whole show, Terry Sandstrom and Joe Dutcher. Thanks to Club officers Dick McMahon and Mike Scanlon for spending the whole weekend at the show to make it easy for club members to pick up their 2013 keys and badges. Thanks also to Richard Sandstrom, Jerry Snuffer, Ken Kelly, Bob Maloney, Ed Souza and Dennis Valle for putting up and taking down all our signs advertising the show. Thanks to John Fabroski, Jim Hardy, Dale Braasch, Bob Phillips and Mike Scanlon for their help throughout the show. A special mention of thanks to our many Junior members who enthusiastically helped throughout the weekend: Taryn Scanlon, Jake Whittemore, Jillian Hand, Joey Duncan, Matt Azzola, Matt DelPrete, Josh Holmes and Josh Donahue and all the others who worked tirelessly to help out! Last but not least a big thanks to all those who helped with the setup, takedown and cleanup of the clubhouse and property. Thanks to Bill Ewell, Dominic DiBlasio, Richard and Terry Sandstrom, Ken Kelly, Ed and Joshua Holmes, Jerry Snuffer, Frank and Andrew DelPrete, Dave Feight, George Andrews, Bill Hirst, Scott Blood, Dennis Vallee, Lefty Kravitz, Art Cabral, Joe Dutcher, Joe Duncan, Joe McLaughlin, Bob Mulloy, Tim Hill, John Fabroski, Dick McMahon, Elmer Lindvail, David Beasley, Dan Svirsky, Bill Doherty, Harold Johnson, Pete Kruger, Bill Taylor, Allen Hilez, Greg Tapp, Bob Ingeno, Garrett Kane, Steve Sullivan, Paul Burke, The
Business Meeting - Thursday Mar 7 at 7 pm Board of Directors - Thursday Mar 28 at 7 pm
Bob Phillips, Walter Potaznick, Matt Azzola, Bryan Kravitz, Steve Favreau and Tom Struzik.
of the 3-D shoot.
Dick McMahon reported we have 27 membership openings this year, with 5 of these slots to be filled by family members. Our waiting list was over 100 names long before the first letters went out to prospective new members. We voted in five new Junior members at the February business meeting. They are Joe Duncan Jr., Evan Geriaigery, James Pravati, Joshua Slack and Colin Edwards. It is great to see how many youngsters are showing an interest in the outdoor sports and our club!
The membership voted to send Nicole Bartlett and Thomas Sass to Junior Conservation Camp this year. Thanks to Bob Phillips for taking over the camp selection committee.
Membership
2nd Amendment Rally
John Fabroski is working to set up a South Shore 2nd Amendment Rally sometime in March so we can all show a public display of our support for our gun rights. Please keep your eyes and ears open for future information on the time and place for this very important rally. This may be the most critical time in our lifetimes for us to unite to speak out publicly to protect our rights as law abiding gun owners. Everyone’s support is needed!
3-D Archery
Our next 3-D shoot will be a two day event on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 & 10, with setup on Friday morning March 8 at 8:30. Once again the club requests members, especially new members to help with the setup, running and takedown
Outdoor Message
Junior Conservation Camp
Around The Club
Thanks to all the members who helped with the two day work party to get our supply of firewood restocked on January 4 and 5. Thanks to Jerry Snuffer, Dennis Vallee, Ed Souza, Stephen Hooke, Robert Maloney, Ken Kelly, Richard Sandstrom, Paul Burke, Terry Sandstrom, Tim Hill and Joe McLaughlin. Many of these members helped out on both days and their efforts are appreciated.
New Key Notice
The club has changed the keys to the front entrance gate and clubhouse. As of the February 7 business meeting you will need your new key to get in the club. The easiest way to get a new key is to come to the club on Sunday mornings and get any officer or director to get your new key and membership card from the director’s storeroom. All members must have completed the club orientation before they get a club key. Contact Paul “Lefty” Kravitz if you need to attend orientation class. Respectfully, Tim Santry ★ Page 17
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.
Membership
Update from the VP indicates there are approximately 5 spaces remaining to reach the 175 adult member capacity. If you have an application, or are a member who missed the deadline and would like to reapply, be sure to get a sponsor and submit your application to our VP asap. We welcomed back Seth Clark, who had let his membership lapse. He returns with a ‘bang’ as he has been recruited to join the BSC Band, which is making its updated debut at the Grand Slam Fishing Derby Banquet on March 30th at the club (see the calendar for contact information).
Reports
The Secretary’s report (including letter to the neighbor), treasurer’s report and bar report were read and accepted. Archery will start up again in April. Trap will be starting up in the Spring; month/date pending. Future plans and dates for Sporting Clays/Five Stand to be announced.
Pistol
Pistol shoots the 3rd Saturday of the month, 9 am. Questions, call Bert DuVernay at 413-477-6529.
200 Yard Rifle
Mondays at 6 pm – come on out and shoot. Contact is Peter Stalker.
Range Notes
Telephone poles are rolling (targets move); looking into having this fixed. Had the first meeting on January 27th, with five members present. Next meeting date not set yet. Any committee member who would like to call a meeting of the committee prior to Mark Plouffe (978355-2778) scheduling one, is welcome to do so – just call Mark and it can be set up.
Hunter Safety Class
With 52 attendees, and a mix of ages, the class consisted of a Thursday evening, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees were kept interested by presentations from a variety of ‘experts’ in the field, including our very own members and the class’s lead instructors, Rick and Ruth French. Thanks to Kevin Cooley for opening and warming up the building, purchasing the food, handling the drinks. Thanks to kitchen volunteers Dan Luks, Glen Carter, Jen LozierFontaine, Dan Fontaine and Meridith Young. The class had a ‘taste’ of the future with Glen’s homemade venison
chili (delicious!). Supporting training such as this, is at the very core of the Sportsmen’s Club ~ thank you all who helped make it a wonderful success.
Gate Key Updates
Door lock company was contacted. The doors need extensive work, especially the main door. The issue with the fobs working intermittently is due to the fact the exterior door lock is designed for an interior door. A bid is being worked on as to final cost. When it is completed, members who want a fob when they are made available will need to give a $10 deposit, as well as sign out the fob, so that we have records of who has been issued what fob. More details will come, but we are on the road to having the door updated and the new fobs in hand.
Fall 2013 Hunter’s Event Teaser
The raffle list has been compiled, with 1213 guns so far, including primitive firearms. The tickets will get printed soon and be out for folks to start selling, so we can once again try to sell out our 1000 tickets. The event is taking shape, more information will be provided as it unfolds.
Raffle: Fly Fishing Combos
Mark Koenig is running a raffle as part of the fundraising activities for the Grand Slam Fishing Derby Banquet. Tickets are available from Mark, 978-724-0213. #1—Cabela’s MTX Fly Rod Combo. 9’, Fast Action, #6wt line, 4pc, retail $459.99 #2—Cabela’s L-Tech Fly Rod Combo. 8’6”, #5wt line, 2pc, retail $379.99 #3—Cabela’s L-Tech Fly Rod Combo. 7’4”, #4wt line, 2pc, retail $379.99 #4—TLR. 9wt line, 4pc, WLX Combo, retail $339.99 #5—Cabela’s Stowaway 6 Fly Rod. 9’, 15” lengths, 4wt line, retail $259.99 #6—Cabela’s Stowaway 6 Fly Rod. 9’, 15” lengths, 5wt line, retail $269.99
Turkey Shoot – NEEDS AN ORGANIZER
We are looking for someone to take on this one day event in November, which starts in the morning and runs until the frozen turkeys are out, the ammo is out or both! It is quite enjoyable, and does not involve a significant amount of time, just a little organization prior to and the one day. If interested, please contact Rob Deschenes (VP) who will be passing on the information and ‘box of goodies’ that goes with this event.
Crowd Control Managers
All members are urged to go online and take this 30 minute course to get certified. The club is required to have a Crowd
SWIFT RIVER GUNWORKS
450 State St., Belchertown MA 01007 413-658-5690 www.sr-gunworks.com
Call 413-323-4052 9-4 days, 9-11 AM Saturday Estimates over the phone Quote on Examination DEALER - CLUB DISCOUNTS FOR VOLUME
Page 18
for Game supper (questions - Call Fig) Saturday, 9th: 6 pm, Game Supper, limited to 150 tickets. (POC Fig 978857-8202) Saturday, 30th: 9 am - 4 pm, Youth Turkey Hunting Course (POC Pepper Cooley 978-355-6218 & Rick French 978-9398946) Saturday, 30th: 5:30 pm, Grand Slam Fishing Derby Banquet (POC Mark Keonig 978-724-0213)
Insurance information is back, we are now awaiting labor bids for the work. Bids have been received for a 30 year shingled roof, a painted metal roof and a galvanized metal roof. Any members who are willing to assist in the process, please contact Barry Peddle, who has been gathering the details. Decisions need to be made and action taken this year, before other damage ensues. The next meeting will be pivotal to determine final resolution. Be sure to attend the March meeting if you desire input and/or have potential resolutions or assistance to add.
MAY Thursday, 2nd:6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 11th: PRIVATE RENTAL
Building Updates
Volunteer Needed
Herm Eck noted the Ware River Watershed Advisory is looking for a representative from the club. The 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.
Youth Turkey Training
Any youth interested in attending the training and then attending the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 27th, please call Rick French or Pepper Cooley to register for training on March 30th. Breakfast and lunch will be served. You must attend training in order to participate in the hunt. Registration to hunt is required. If you have taken the course in prior years and you wish to hunt this year, be sure to register. (POC Pepper Cooley 978-3556218 & Rick French 978-939-8946) Volunteer Mentors For Youth Turkey Hunters. We need volunteers to mentor attendees for this event. Please contact Rick French 978-939-8946. We must have enough mentors for the attendees, especially the return hunters.
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 Calendar
MARCH Watch the mail – it’s membership RENEWAL time! Be sure to fill it out completely. New ‘keys’ will be issued to members after membership is paid for 2012-2013; signing out of the keys will be required to track who has a key. ☺
Gunsmith - 25 years - Full Service - Full Time
DOUGLAS F. EVERETT, GUNSMITH
Control Manager onsite to go through a safety checklist at each event. Members who rent the club will be required to have this certification and complete the checklist. When you finish the course, please provide a copy to the board secretary and treasurer as there must be 1) One on site in a notebook which resides in the kitchen, 2) information in order for the maintenance of the liquor license as per MA state laws. The website is <http://public.eopss elearning.com>, 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.
FFL 1E-36592 The
Thursday, 7th: 6 pm BOD short meeting followed by 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Week of 4th-8th: Ongoing preparations
Outdoor Message
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
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
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 (ANNUAL ELECTION OF 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 TBD – looking for volunteer) 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
OTHER POCs for Sporting Functions: Trap – POC Mike Klatter 508-8678867 Sporting Clays – POC Randy Klockers 978-632-8708 Archery – POC Fig (John Neri) 978355-4071, Mondays at 6 pm (April to Oct.) Range .22 Shoot –POC Tony Pitisci 978-355-4474 Pistol Shoot – POC Bert Duvernay 508-413-6529, 3rd Saturdays 9 am until time change 200 Yard Rifle – Peter Stalker 978928-5223, Mondays at 6 pm ★ March 2013
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
Open Letter To Members
from Gail A. Hogan, Secretary THE RHODE ISLAND STATE RIFLE AND REVOLVER ASSOCIATION IS ALIVE, WELL AND THRIVING! Dear Members: There is a lot of confusion running around our state of late. I am going to correct that here and now! Our common thread is our passion about our Second Amendment Rights and we will not compromise our Right to Keep and Bear Arms! There has been a new crew of people at the helm of the Rhode Island State Rifle and Revolver Association for the past three years. In those years there has not been any anti-gun legislation passed. We have been at the State House, on Lock, Stock and Daria, 920WHJJ, here in The Outdoor Message, at gun club meetings and other events to promote what we do. I handle all day-to-day operations and my name, cell phone number and e-mail address are in all the NRA publications, as well as appearing on this page. So, I find it perplexing when people tell me they can’t find any of my contact information. Our lobbyists, Darin Goens and Liz Clupny, are at the State House meeting with legislators and keeping on top of all gun related bills. Just because the face of today’s association isn’t as recognizable as in the past, does not mean we are not present!!! People in
the past dedicated many years of service. They should have been well known for their time and efforts on our behalf. Also, Donn and Perry are no longer with us upon this earth. I mention this because recently Donn’s name was brought up at a meeting and an individual didn’t know he had passed away. Cindy is presently enjoying other events life has to offer her. The NRA is working hard on behalf of all its members. Their mission is to protect our Second Amendment Rights. They have been in this business for a very long time, as has this association. It is understandable that many members are worried. There is good reason for concern. That being said, it is important that we engage in conversation now with our representatives and senators. Please know your legislators and e-mail or call them. Let’s not wait for an NRA Alert. Always be polite and let them know your concerns. Tell them you live in their area, and you may know others in the area. With current electronic technology you will receive a timely response. Listed below are bills we are currently watching. Please take a few minutes out of your hectic schedules to consult your computers or other electronic devices for the status of these bills at <http://web server.rilin.state.ri.us/Legislation>. H5208-Sponsored by Reps Diaz, Slater, Ajello, Cimini, Valencia. An act
Assistant Executive Officer: Elizabeth Clupny
Secretary: Gail A. Hogan gahogan777@hotmail.com
relating to criminal offenses—possession of firearms by minors. Introduced on 130-13, referred to House Judiciary H5576-Sponsored by Reps Cimini, Diaz, Ajello, Amore, Williams. An act relating to criminal offenses—weapons. Would make unlawful the possession of a firearm by a minor. Introduced 2-14-13, referred to House Judiciary. H5279-Sponsored by Reps Almeida, Guthrie, Canario, Hull, Jacquard. An act relating to education—maintenance of order on campus. Would require campus police officers who have successfully completed the RI Municipal Police Training Academy, or its equivalent, and a firearms training program as required under Section 11-47-15.1, to carry a firearm. Introduced 2-6-13, referred to House Judiciary. H5286-Sponsored by Reps Craven, O’Neill, Lombardi, Marshall, O’Brien. An act relating to criminal offenses. Would make it unlawful for any person to receive, transport, or possess any firearm which has had make, model, manufacturer number or other id removed, altered, or obliterated, except for antique/collectible firearms legally possessed by collectors. Introduced 2-6-13, referred to House Judiciary. House Resolution No. 5290Sponsored by Reps Morgan, Chippendale, Costa, Trillo, Giarrusso. House resolution
creating a special legislative commission to study why RI is one of four states not providing data to the National Instant Criminal Background Checks system Index. Introduced 2-6-13, referred to House Judiciary. H5573-Sponsored by Reps Finn, Ajello, Cimini, Blazejewski. An act relating to criminal offenses-weapons. Would require possessors of firearms to register those firearms with their local licensing authority, require that information provided in support of firearms applications be retained and maintained rather than destroyed. Introduced 2-14-13, referred to House Judiciary. This is an obvious intent to create a state firearms registry!!! We need your help to stay in touch with our legislators -- send e-mails, make phone calls. Please let them hear from YOU! Let’s all be on the same page and work together to retain our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. We are all in this together! If you need us to speak at any of your meetings, please do not hesitate to contact us! GOD BLESS Steve Hogan 401-556-0704 or stephenhogan@msn.com Gail Hogan 401-573-0260 or gahogan777@hotmail.com If you have any information, events and the like to appear here on our RI page, please submit to the secretary. ★
SOUTH FITCHBURG HUNTING & FISHING CLUB
Mailing: P.O. Box 687 - Townsend MA 01469 Location: 60 Warren Road Townsend MA
Meetings
Board meeting: February 28 and April 4 at 6:30 PM Membership meeting: March 2 and April 6 at 3:00 PM The February 2, 2013 membership meeting was called to order by the Vice President, Michael Winitzer at 3:00 pm. There were 21 members present.
New Members
The club would like to welcome 2 new members this month- Mark Bouchard and Dennis March (both from Townsend).
Past Functions
On January 20, 2013 we held our 1st ice derby of the year. What a great day out! We had 39 in attendance and some nice trout were caught. Taking 1st was Jack Hulette’s 13” trout. 2nd was Bob Souther with a 12 5/8” trout and much to everyone’s surprise 3rd also went to Bob Souther with a 12 ½” trout. The pool for the biggest went to Jack and the pool for the smallest went to Tom Short with a 9” trout.
Upcoming Events
On March 2nd the club will be holding our annual meeting/awards banquet. For those members who took 1st place in a club event for the 2012 season you should plan on attending as you may have an award coming to you. For those members or guests of a member planning on attending and eating at the annual banquet, let this serve as notice that we will be charging a fee of $5.00 per person for those wishing to eat.
Page 19
Club phone 978-597-8733 * Secretary’s email: kblincoln2@comcast.net or Kblincoln@aol.com Web site: http://www.southfitchburghuntingandfishingclub.org
The club will hold our annual Easter meat raffle on March 24th. The raffle will run from 1:00 – 4:00. There will be a variety of meats and certificates and this raffle will also be winner’s choice.
New Business
2013 Calendar has been completed! Renewals have been mailed. If you have not received yours ask yourself if I have your current address? Members are reminded that renewals must be postmarked no later then March 30th or they are considered late. If you want to have your key and card mailed to you please enclose a stamp.
Good and Welfare
Voting took place at this meeting. We had 21 members vote and the results were President: Larry Bevis 21 votes Treasurer: Ken Saucier 20 votes Secretary: Brenda Saucier 20 votes Board of Directors: Carlos Pagan 21 votes
South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club 2013 Calendar 60 Warren Road Townsend, MA 01469 Club’s Number- (978) 597-8733
Saturday, Mar. 2nd.............Annual Meeting/Banquet, 3 pm Sunday, Mar 24th...............Easter Meat Raffle, 1 - 4 pm 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
VACATION RAFFLE
The club will be drawing the winner of the vacation raffle at the Easter Raffle that will take place on March 24th. You do not have to be present to win. You can go to the club’s website < h t t p : / / w w w. s o u t h f i t c h b u r g huntingandfishingclub.org /Vacationraffle.htm> to print out a ticket and send it in. Don’t miss out a these 3 great prizes. 1st prize: one week’s stay at Hampton Beach June 23 - June 30 2013. 3 bedrooms, 1 queen double, 2 twin) 3/4 bath. Sleeps up to 6. Parking for 2. The
Walking distance to beach. $1600 value 2nd prize: $250 prepaid MasterCard 3rd prize: $150 prepaid MasterCard Winner will be drawn at 4 pm on March 24, 2013. Tickets are $5 each or book of 5 for $20.
Outdoor Message
Not present to win the attendance drawing was John Pierce. The consolation prize was won by Dennis Pimentel. The 50/50 raffle was won by Larry Bevis it was worth $41.00. Dennis and Larry both made donations towards the kid’s derby, Thanks to both of them! 100 – Club winners (5) $20.00 Winners #62-Mildred Melcafe (Vern) #76Bob Dion (Bob) #6-Pearl Wiley (Bob) #58-John Pierce (Bob) #14Bill Gerow (Bill) With no further Business the meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Saucier ★ March 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
Happy Saint Paddy’s Day to all of our Cape Cod Fish & Game Members and their Families!!
Club Meetings
The next club Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12th, 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 March meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2013 at 7 PM.
Nominations Committee
Bob Bates 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. 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
Jim Gillespie Please be advised that it is that time of year again as dues will be due shortly. Renewal applications and the annual letter from the club president will be mailed shortly.
All Locks To Be Changed
Eustace Phile 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.
superstar. Everyone is welcome so come on down and join us for some shooting fun!
Plinking Range
Don Fuller Round 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.
NRA Training Department
Mike London This month’s scheduled NRA Home Firearms Safety Course will be held Tuesday March 19th, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested in ascertaining his or her firearm identification card (F.I.D.) or license to carry (L.T.C.) is encouraged to attend this invaluable course. Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. Please contact Mike London or George Baggitt at any club meeting. December’s course hosted 25 students!
Membership & Workhours Department
George Baggitt Please be advised that all new members who come into our organization during the 2013 membership period are reminded that they are responsible to fulfill their obligatory commitment of four workhours. Failure to do so will result in a $50 assessment for the following year's dues. All members are further reminded that a current member must sponsor new applicants. All applicants and sponsors must be interviewed for membership. After submitting an application, all perspective new members will be contacted to schedule the interview. Anyone with a membership question is urged to contact George Baggitt at any club meeting.
Close The Gate Department
Trap Range
Dan Welch All members are reminded that Trap is shooting Saturday Mornings at 10 AM, Sunday Mornings at 9AM 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
5 Whittier Street, Framingham MA 01701
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
- SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE - for your one date events (including liquor)
Archery Department
Sorry about the January 3D Shoot folks as the flu completely wiped out most of the Archery Committee. Hats off to Peter Donovan who did pull together a great club breakfast! The last two 3D shoots for this year will be held on Sunday, March 17th, and Sunday, April 21st, 2013. Members should mark their calendars for each of these two months. Those hearty souls who wish to hone their skills are reminded that the shoots begin at 7 AM and breakfast will be available in the clubhouse. As for the weekly 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
I. M. Shirley Wright All members need to be reminded that the gate is to be closed and locked each time any member enters or exits the club facilities. The only exception to this rule is when the club is open to a public event such as trap shooting, scheduled 3D Archery events, Turkey Shoots, Slug Shoots and etc. Until next month….Costa Grand, Club Budget Coordinator ★
GUNS AMMO ANTIQUE WEAPONS RELOADING EQUIPMENT ARCHERY SUPPLIES
- 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 20
bring them along as well. The fun begins at 7:30 PM. Come on down members and throw some arrows!!
The
Outdoor Message
The Powderhorn
210 BARNSTABLE ROAD HYANNIS, MASS. 02601 508-775-8975
HOURS: Mon- Fri 9 am to 5 pm Sat 9 am to 5 pm March 2013
HOLYOKE REVOLVER CLUB, INC.
P.O. Box 543 - Holyoke, MA 01041 - 413-539-9345 - holyokerevolverclub.com
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
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.
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.
Yellow Gate
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.
New Members
Twenty people joined the club at the February meeting. They include Doris Lanty, Maurice Williams, Nathan Berard, Stanley Jasinski, David Czysz and Mark Brooks, all of Easthampton. Also joining were Juan Fernandez, David Yeadon and Robert Moriarity, all of Holyoke; Sandra Averill and Freeman Knowlton of Chicopee; James Cunningham, Max Gaj and Kevin LeBeau, all of Granby; Nichol Rizas of East Longmeadow; Kevin DiRocco of Springfield; and Lauren O’Brien, Jeannine O’Brien and junior members Ryan and Quinton Dodge, all of South Hadley.
Shooting Orientation 101
Sandy Richard and Ann Robinson are planning a day of instruction and familiarization for new shooters. It will 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.
Scholastic Steel Challenge
The club has purchased equipment to hold SSC matches for junior and adult members. The course of fire is an action match against a series of steel plate targets, and winners are decided by the shortest times. Adult range officers accompany each junior through the course, and safety is emphasized at all times. Guns used are .38 Special revolvers, 9 mm pistols or .22 rifles and pistols. Juniors must be HRC members and have a signed parental permission slip. SSC membership is $20 per year. There will be a safety training course for SSC at a date to be announced. Marshall Johnson and Joe Knapik 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.
Automatic Target Carriers
The target carriers on the indoor range are being fitted with electric target return motors.
Outdoor Message
For years the club has benefitted from using The Outdoor Message to deliver its news and notices, and the Gun Owners’ Action League paid for the subscriptions of club members who were also members of GOAL. The club now pays for all subscriptions, which are available in both the traditional paper format or as an electronic newspaper, which costs the club one-third as much. Anyone who would like to receive the online publication should contact Membership Secretary Bill Burgess to make the
change, or to alert him if a household is receiving more than one copy of The Outdoor Message.
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.
Badges
Following a recent discussion by the board of directors, the membership voted to purchase plastic ID carriers so that HRC members can display their membership cards. The badges are now required on all club ranges. Members are also required to sign in at the clubhouse door prior to using indoor or outdoor ranges.
HRC Hats and Patches
Hats and jacket patches embroidered with the club’s logo are now available for sale from Membership Secretary Bill Burgess.
Organizations to Support
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 points for each renewal or new membership, which he applies to NRA memberships for the junior members of the club.
Club Shoots & Matches
Fun Shoots. Dave Sparko conducts fun The
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
Derek Davis won $46.50 in the 50/50 drawing, and Dave Sparko’s name was drawn to win the members’ drawing, but he was not at the meeting, so the jackpot will be available at the March meeting. ★
Subscription Form The Outdoor Message is now available for individual subscriptions! Last Name
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March 2013
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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.
Outdoor Message
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MAPLE TREE INDUSTRIAL PARK 21 Wilbraham St, Building 35 - Palmer, MA 01069 413-283-9975
Jim Torrey Rob Lombardi George Apgar
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Enclosed is my ❒ Cash ❒ Check ❒ Money Order To pay by credit card, please visit our website at http://www.theoutdoormessage.com/Subscribeform.html
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Page 21
MASPENOCK ROD & GUN CLUB
January 28, 2013 After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our public servants, members of the armed services and deceased member John Mastrianni, the meeting was called to order by Vice President Buddy Mainini. There were 66 members in attendance. There were 9 new members voted in: Terrance Abisso, Marco Bon Tempo, Andrew Clark, Brent & Edith Dewit, Peter Gorman, Vincent Marseglia, Manuel Sabatino and Peter Tonelli.
Treasurer’s Report None.
Financial Secretary
Leo O’Rourke reported that there are 323 regular members, 79 life time members, 18 spousal, 18 junior rifle and 4 juniors, 7 students and 9 military. The total membership is 458. There are 52 members who have not renewed.
Terry Goode
P.O. Box 42 - McGill Lane - Milford, Mass. 01757 www.MaspenockRodandGun.org
Recording Secretary
Minutes were sent to Message.
The
Outdoor
Directors
Dennis Dorr gave the directors report. The topics will be discussed under the committees.
Trap
Joe Aiken reported that the trap house is stocked with birds and wood. He said that trap needs help to open on Sunday mornings. Shooting has thinned out during the cold weather. All are welcome to shoot. New members may use their two free rounds either on Wednesdays, 6:009:00 PM, or on Sundays, 9:00 AM to whenever.
Rifle Range
Dave Kirschner reported that they are working on the blue sky barrier. The
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
603-635-9699 603-635-8443
brackets are up and they will be doing some fine tuning.
Junior Rifle
Manny Snyderman reported that the juniors have been busy. On 1/13 and 1/14 four members of the advanced team went to Camp Perry. He showed slides of the event. The first day was a 3 position air rifle event at 10 meters. Day 2 was a 600 offhand match. The scoring system was state of the art. Our juniors finished 7th out of 7 teams but it was fun.
Indoor Pistol Range/ Outdoor Pistol
Leo O’Rourke noted that they are putting up the back. Berm work still needs to be done. If you have not seen the house you should come down and take a look. Indoor pistol is still shooting and looking for participants. They have a new shooter. All are welcome to come see what is going on. Remember only the top 5 scores count.
Fish and Game No report.
Entertainment
Lloyd Currie reported that there were requests for a private party on 3/16 from 4-8. A vote was taken from membership approving this. Also the Pinewood Derby will be held on 3/9. Ranges will be closed for both events.
Structure and Grounds
Tony Manbucca noted that one of our new members has volunteered to re-finish the floors in the hall. The roof over the boiler room needs to be replaced. Volunteers are needed to clean up the boiler room and lower bar area. No date has been scheduled for this work party.
Archery
Archery is still looking for someone to chair a committee.
Worcester County League "Blue Boy" is a great blue heron residing at Mount Auburn Cemetery. This one doesn’t seem to migrate, so has become quite resourceful in his search for food. Share your wildlife photos with our readers! Send them to editor@theoutdoormessage.com Photo by George Mclean
L.A. provided copies of the WCL papers. In January they spoke about the rally at the State House. The league is talking about holding a Trap Championship by club. Anyone interested should contact L.A.. He noted that WCL is accepting
GUNS WANTED
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 Page 22
Peter G. Dowd
At home appointments may be arranged.
(508) 366-1999 The
30 Years Experience NRA Life Member GOAL Life Member
Outdoor Message
applications for Conservation Camp. If you know a child or grandchild between the ages of 13 and 17 that would be interested in attending please submit an application. Some of the news he provided is as follows: A local fire department assisted DCR with the removal of a live deer from the ice at Wachusett Reservoir. The deer had gone down on the ice and was unable to regain its feet. When brought to shore it was left to recuperate but succumbed to its injuries. District staff are working with Bear Project Leader Laura Conlee to locate two GPS collared bears in Central District. One bear is denning with two yearlings while the second bear may have her first litter of cubs. A landowner reported finding an occupied den on his property which was sheltering a sow and at least one yearling. The sow will be collared and added to the study. Anyone finding a suspected den is asked to contact the District office at 508.835.3607. Turkey hunters are reminded that only bearded birds may be harvested during the spring turkey season. The bearded bird requirement for the spring was omitted in the 2013 Fish and Wildlife Guide. A blog is dedicated to Massachusetts outdoor activities, events, wildlife, state parks and local agriculture. Talk back with biologists, park rangers and agricultural and recreation experts about your outdoor adventures. Find out their top picks for hiking, hunting, birding, fishing, farm tours, boating, camping and more. Plan your outdoor adventure with a calendar of Massachusetts outdoor events.
Finance
Lloyd Currie notified committee chairs that they will be getting an e-mail regarding capitol expense reports.
Old Business None
New Business
L.A. asked for an appropriation to purchase WCL banquet tickets. It was approved. He also requested a donation to be made towards the silent auction at the banquet. It was approved. Elections were held. There were 3 director positions to be filled. Lloyd Currie, Tony Manbucca and Buddy Mainini were elected as directors. Leo O’Rourke was elected as financial Secretary and Michelle St.Gelais was elected as recording secretary. The directors named Dick Zontini as President and Ron Jencks as Vice President.
Good Of The Club
The monthly cash raffle was drawn and won by a member attending the meeting. Silhouette shoots will be held on April 14th, May 19th, June 23rd, September 8th, October 6th and November 3rd. They are held 8:30 to 11 am. L.A. had various items for sale. Joe Aiken passed out a copy of a bill proposed by David Linsky and suggested that all members read it and call your representatives and let them know how you feel. Joe went to the rally at the state house and found it to be very uplifting. Motion was made to pay the billsApproved Motion to adjourn Respectfully submitted, Michelle St.Gelais ★ March 2013
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. Trap shooting is every Sunday at 1:30 pm.
Club Website
<www.woodvillerodandgun.com>
Calendar of Events 2013
(Please note new events, Porketta Dinner in March, Texas BBQ in May and Pot Luck Dinner in November.) 3/2/2013 3/10/2013 3/16/2013 4/13/2013 4/20/2013 4/21/2013 4/27/2013 4/28/2013 5/4/2013 5/11/2013 5/18/2013 8/3/2013 8/24/2013 9/8/2013 10/5/2013 10/26/2013 10/31/2013 11/23/2013 11/28/2013 12/14/2013 12/15/2013
Horseshoe Banquet Meat Shoot Porketta Dinner Comedy Night Trout Derby Meat Shoot Club Cleanup Greg Montalbano Day Margarita Night Kids Fishing Derby Texas BBQ Seafood Bake Club Cleanup Chicken BBQ Comedy Night Adult Halloween Party Kids Halloween Party Pot Luck Dinner Thanksgiving Adult Christmas Kids Christmas
252 Wood Street ~ Woodville, Massachusetts 01784 508-435-4148 ~ www.woodvillerodandgun.com
Odds and Ends
Some new trophies were added to the walls of the main hall. Greg Leal’s sister donated some mounts, which Greg hung up. Stop by and take a look. 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
Please notify Karen Remillard (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 Schultz shulg@msn.com, Karen 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.
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.
• 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 that is on the range on any given day. Please be considerate of others and pick up after yourself. • Trap Shooting - Come on down and
If you’re interested in club clothing see Cherryl Barrett, or send an e-mail: cherryl_b@hotmail.com
Reminders
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
Hall Rentals
The hall is available for rentals, please contact, Kim Clark at: kimba57@comcast.net or leave a message at 508-435-4148. ★
Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers to Susan Bush and her family.
Game Feed
Our game feed was held on February 9. The chefs had to step up to beat the storm, and prep earlier and faster than ever, in order to be ready for Saturday night. We’ll have a full report in our next issue.
Fishing Derby
Our New England weather is just not cooperating with us this year. Hopefully we will have some exciting news to write about after we hold the “no ice” fishing derbies. Stay tuned.
2013 TV Raffle
We held the TV raffle at half time on Super Bowl Sunday. Even though the Patriots weren’t playing, we had some die hard folks come up to the club to enjoy a few hours of camaraderie in rooting for the team they deemed worthy of the trophy Prize winners follow: 1st prize: Sony 46" LED/LCD/1080p/2D & 3D/ Motion Flow XR 480 (winner Rick Marchesi) 2nd prize: 42" Panasonic LED/LCD/Full HD 1080p (winner Bob Gendron)
Find your Fort Knox safe at
Eastern Security Safe
Many Models in Stock ● In-home delivery available Open in two locations! 23 Providence Street Mendon MA 1-877-644-7233
March 2013
The
13 Bosworth Street West Springfield MA 413-781-1048
Outdoor Message
Page 23
FITCHBURG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB
289 Rindge State Road (route #119) in Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Dear Fellow Sportsmen,
Our monthly meeting was held on February 4, 2013. President Madonia opened the meeting at 7:40 PM with a moment of silence for deceased members, our brave warriors fighting the war on terrorism and the victims of the Newtown massacre. President Madonia then led the Pledge of Allegiance. President Madonia said that we lost a great sportsman with the passing of Fred C. Saball, he mentored new trap shooters and was an expert with many state and regional championships to his credit. He will be missed and prior to his passing he requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Fred C. Saball Memorial Youth Trap Shooting Fund c/o the North Middlesex Savings Bank, P.O. Box 1250, Groton, MA 01450. President Madonia said that with a new Special Election to be held to fill the vacancy made by Senator John Kerry’s appointment to Secretary of State, we face more threats to our life style as we have enemies that want to strip us of our rights. President Madonia announced that this is the club’s election night and Election Chairman Leo B. Ross will be distributing the Ballots to our members.
Meeting Minutes
The Secretary read the minutes of the January 7th, 2013 Meeting. A motion was
★
http://www.fitchburgsportsmensclub.org/
made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes as read.
Correspondence
Mass Council of Sportsmen minutes were received along with other sportsmen’s club news.
Treasurer’s Report
James J. Belliveau reported that all bills received are paid. Dues are coming in at a better rate than last year. A special mailing reminding members about the Dues and the 139th Annual Banquet was made. Jim and his Wife Judy and the family were thanked by President Madonia for their 14 years of active service to the Club. A round of applause was given by the members to Jim and his Family. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report as read, motion seconded and passed.
New Member Applications
President Madonia read the applications of Sean R. Finney, Carl Montgomery, Richard Finney, Sarin Chhom, Zachary Sager, Dann Wuoti, Aaron Hopkins, David Ford, Peter M. Slattery, Mathew Pernaa, David Courtney, Suzanne Baird, Steven Finney and Nick Bernardo. A motion was made to accept and refer to
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The
the Board of Directors for final action. Once accepted, we hope you will participate in our activities and workdays.
House and Grounds
Dennis Ring reported that the Boy Scouts used the Clubhouse last weekend. He said the oil tank is down to half. Jim said that we are on automatic refill.
Fish and Game
Leo B. Ross reported that the Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Sunday, February 17th, from 7:00 AM to Noon. The Kitchen will be open for Breakfast. He asked for help in registering the participants from 6:00 AM to 7:00AM.
Trap
Everett Clark is asking anyone in Winter Trap shooting to contact him, he can be reached at 978-386-7014 or his cell 978855-7807. His address is P.O. Box 354, Ashby, MA 01431
Old Business
The 139th Annual Banquet will be held on Monday, March 4th, members are requested to make their reservations no later than February 25th.
New Business
Election Chairman Leo B. Ross announced the results: President Dennis P. Ring Vice President Esther A. Erickson Treasurer Pamela L. Sager Secretary George F. LeBlanc Board of Directors: Richard E. Lundberg, Philip A. Madonia Jr., Philip A. Madonia III, Jerry E. Nichols. A motion was made to destroy the Ballots. Youth Turkey Hunt Instructor Mike Rhodes stated that on April 6 a Seminar will be held, the date for the Youth Turkey Hunt is April 27. Youths ages 12 to 14 must attend Hunter Safety. Youths over 14 must have Hunter Safety and a Massachusetts Firearms ID Card. A Hunter Safety Course will be conducted at the Club on April 8th, 10th, 13th and 15th. All classes must be attended. Information is available online. Volunteers are needed for the Turkey hunt to mentor the hunters. Donations for the program will be provided by the National Wild Turkey Foundation, they will provide a raffle package. The SL Gun Shop will donate shotshells. Country Pizza will provide Pizza, Coca Cola will donate soft drinks and Mass Wildlife will provide regulations.
The Monadnock Rod and Gun Club is looking for a club to co-host a 3D Archery shoot. Mike has information on the Archery shoots, please contact him at 978-386-5670. President Madonia reminded all that The Greater Worcester Community Foundation has many scholarships available. Please inform your children, grandchildren of High school age that we provide a scholarship to encourage our young ones to pursue studies in the outdoors, game management, environmental police, conservation, etc. Keith Maynard said he can conduct the Basic Pistol course with a minimum of three up to ten students. Joe Novelli reported that he recycled 1,330 pounds of brass from our Range.
Good and Welfare
Esther Erickson would like to organize a group of Women shooters and those interested in shooting. Please contact her for information. 978-827-3340.
Raffles
Attendance prize drawing; Member #34, Daniel S. Bennett was not present. The prize for the March 4th Banquet will be $340.00. The 50/50 drawing was won by Joe Novelli. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Yours in Sportsmanship, George F. LeBlanc, Secretary
Calendar of Events
Monday, March 4th: Annual Banquet at Slattery’s Restaurant in Fitchburg. Social Hour 6 PM to 7 PM. Dinner choices are Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast, Yankee Pot Roast, and Baked Haddock. $20.00 at Dinner. Vegetarian dinner is available. RSVP by February 25. Monday, March 11th: Range Orientation at 6 PM, Director’s Meeting at 7 PM Monday, April 1st: Range Orientation at 6 PM, Membership Meeting at 7:30 PM Monday, April 8th: Director’s Meeting at 7 PM Sunday, April 28th: Adult Members Fishing Derby (Ages 18 and up) 7 AM to Noon. 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 Sunday, May 19th, Kids Fishing Derby and Chicken BBQ. 8 AM to Noon. ★
Address Change Form
Is the address on the top of page one accurate? If it is inaccurate or incomplete, please print the corrected information below and return this form to The Outdoor Message, PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532 or email changes to editor@theoutdoormessage.com
Attach old label here Membership Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ New Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
____________________________________
Outdoor Message
Thank You!
March 2013
FIN, FUR AND FEATHER CLUB OF WELLESLEY AND NATICK PO Box 272, 100 Larch Road - Millis, MA 02054-0272 508-376-2977 www.finfurandfeather.us
Pistol and Rifle Report
Maspenock League Schedule 6 March Millis @ Hopkinton 13 March Millis @ Southborough 20 March OPEN 27 March Maspenock @ Millis 3 April Millis @ Hopedale 10 April Hopkinton @ Millis 17 April Southborough @ Millis
Now 16 weeks into the League season as of this writing, the Club's Pistol Team has a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. The team is always looking for new shooters. Any Club Member who is interested in .22 caliber bullseye target shooting is encouraged to join us at one of the Wednesday night matches. See our Schedule of Matches on our website. The first relay starts shooting at about 7:40 pm, but you can arrive up to about an hour after that. For more information, contact Ken Wellington.
Millis Scouts Troop 15 Shooting Clinic
The Boy Scouts of America has a longstanding policy of teaching its youth members the safe, responsible handling and use of firearms in planned, carefully managed and supervised programs. We are pleased to host local scout troops several times a year. On January 21st the Millis Scout Troop 15 lead by Scout Master Eric Koistinen and Asst. Scout Master LeLand Wood were here to shoot .22 cal bolt-action rifles on our Indoor Range. There were seven scouts (see photo) and their parents in attendance. The Day began with the Scouts opening ceremony followed by a firearms safety review by Chuck Swanberg. The scouts, parents and range officers all met in the club’s indoor range. Each scout shot 10 rounds at six targets. Not to be out done the parents then tried their shooting skills. LeLand Wood commented, “The
scouts had a great time and demonstrated what good shots they were. Even the parents did well.” LeLand also stated the morning was a great success and he thanked the club for their kindness in allowing the scouts to use the Indoor Range facility. After the shoot the scouts showed their thanks by stacking the club’s wood box with a cord of fire wood. Before leaving the scouts enjoyed hot dogs and soft drinks supplied by the club. Thanks to Chuck Swanberg, Jim Hesnan, Tony Castro, Tad Bengston, Greg Nealand and Kim Peck for making the day such a success.
Skeet and Trap Report
The Skeet and Trap fields remain busy during the winter months. The new wireless call boxes are working well. The fields are open for trap, wobble trap and skeet on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. (Hot dogs available on Sundays.) The practice station is also open for new shooters. This year's Rt 109 Trap Shoot will be held on Sunday, April 14th at the
Westwood Gun Club on Trailside Road in Medfield. The match will be starting at 10 am, and will consist of 50 targets per shooter. Note that you can shoot lead at the Westwood Club. Food will be served. Be sure to come down and support your club.
New Members
Membership applicants in February: Edward Caterson - Wellesley Stephanie Caterson - Wellesley Barbara Foster - Needham Catherine Haviland - Dover Theodore Haviland - Dover Jamie Haviland - Dover Ted Rudich - Wellesley Mark Tauscher - Medfield Zak Tauscher - Medfield Note: The next New Member Safety Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 10th at 11 am.
Electronic Newsletter
By now you will have noticed that we are publishing our club news in an electronic form and sending it to your email address
we have on record. If you have not supplied your email address with the club or may have changed it recently it is very important that you inform us now. If you wish to receive club information and club billing for dues and cardkey fees we MUST have your email address. All of the membership information is club confidential and is not shared with anyone or any organization except for your mailing address which was provided to The Outdoor Message for the monthly publication. We are very conscientious about NOT sending SPAM email to our members. We will continue to be publishing some club news in this publication, The Outdoor Message, until this March issue. After this issue the club sponsored subscription to this publication will cease. For many members The Outdoor Message is a great publication even if there was no Fin Fur and Feather Club news contained in each issue. Each member can subscribe individually if they desire by contacting The Outdoor Message at: <http://www.theoutdoormessage.com/Su bscribeform.html>.
Calendar of Events
The Annual Game Dinner will be held at the Club on Saturday, March 2nd. This is always a popular event, and usually sells out, so be sure to get your tickets early. They're available at $30 each.
Web Page
Photo by Tad Bengston
Please visit our club web page at <http://www.finfurandfeather.us> for a lot more information about the club and its activities. Many thanks to our webmaster Ken Wellington for much of the information published above. If you've had an address change, please forward it to Greg Nealand at The Fin, Fur and Feather Club, P.O. Box 272, Millis, MA 02054, or email to webmaster@finfurandfeather.us . ★
The Sportsman’s Calendar . . .Competitive Shooting Matches and Special Shooting Events Maureen 978-257-0406 mrmttrcktt@aol.com
S&W Shooting Sports Center Springfield, MA 413-846-6400 Apr 13-14: Gun Show ARCHERY 4th Sunday Everett Ice Arena Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford 15 Loudon Road Mar 9-10: Tri-County 3D Archery North Hixville Road Concord, NH Shoot PIN & PLATE SHOOTS North Dartmouth, MA 603-225-3846 Mar 30-31: Tri-County 3D Archery Dave 508-984-9589 dipromo@comcast.net Shoot 1st Sunday 4th Sunday 8:45 am: IDPA Matches Apr 27-28: Gun Show Standish Sportsman’s Association Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Nenameseck Sportsman’s Club Biddeford Ice Arena 1 Burr Lane 57 Cherry Street Bacon Road 14 Pomerleau Street East Bridgewater, MA Gloucester, MA Palmer, MA Biddeford, ME George 508-328-7327 978-283-0304 Norm 413-967-3797 603-225-3846 Mar 17, Apr 21: 3D Archery www.capeannsportsmansclub.org www.nenameseck.com/idpa dipromo@comcast.net Cape Cod Fish & Game 1st Sunday Depot Street Springfield Sportsman’s Club SINGLE ACTION AIR RIFLE/PRECISION North Harwich, MA 215 Wood Hill Road Wednesdays 6 pm: Indoor Paper Monson, MA SHOOTING AIR League 413-267-9652 4th Sunday 1 - 4 pm Mar 2-3: NRA Open International Air Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 3rd Sunday, 1 pm Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Rifle Sectional 250 High Street Georgetown Fish & Game Club 250 High Street Mar 16-17: NRA Junior Precision 3P Manville, RI Lake Avenue Manville, RI Air Rifle Sectional msrgc.com Georgetown, MA Bob 401-773-7720 Mar 16-17: NRA Open Precision 3P Craig 508-265-2255 randies@cox.net Air Rifle Sectional BB 3rd Saturday, 10 am Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club Lawrence Rod & Gun Club Mar 23-24: NRA Junior BB 4P SMALLBORE 430 East Britannia Street Webster Street Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club Taunton, MA Mar 9-10: NRA Open International Lawrence, MA 430 East Britannia Street Must pre-register Smallbore Sectional Art 978-687-9504 ext 1 Taunton, MA Sid sidm3@aol.com Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club sidm3@aol.com 774-473-7934 774-473-7934 430 East Britannia Street PRACTICAL SHOOTS Mar 30: CMP Air Junior Olympics Taunton, MA LADIES NIGHT 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 4th Saturdays: location TBA sidm3@aol.com 774-473-7934 IDPA League Club Matches Mar 19, Apr 16 Mar 10-11: NRA 4P Ocean State
SPECIAL EVENTS
March 2013
Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road Hanson, MA Must pre-register at femalefirepower@gmail.com
The
Outdoor Message
Sectional Mar 24-25: RI NRA Indoor 3P State Championship Smithfield Sportsmen’s Club Walter Carey Road Smithfield, RI jrgraf@acm.org 401-934-1617 Apr 6-7: Governor’s Cup RI Indoor Junior Championship Massasoit Gun Club 21 Abraham Road East Providence, RI Nicole SPAL51@yahoo.com 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
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 ★
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The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Education & Training
HUNTER EDUCATION
Hunter Ed courses are offered through state agencies and are listed on their websites. Massachusetts <www.mass. gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_co urse_schedule. htm>; New Hampsire <www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hu nter_ed.htm>; Maine <www.maine. gov/ifw/education/safety/>; Rhode Island <www.dem.ri.gov/programs/ bnatres/fishwild/huntered/>; Vermont <www.vtfishandwildlife.com/edu_hun ter.cfm>; Connecticut <www.ct.gov/ dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2700&q=429892 &depNav_GID=1633>.
GENERAL TRAINING
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
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Leominster, MA Michael 978-534-2484 firearmsinstruction@gmail.com Smallbore Rifle Courses 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
Mar 9, Apr 13 Mass Shooters Foundation 37 Pierce Street Northborough, MA 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
gunsafejim@verizon.net 1 Muddy Lane Weymouth, MA Mark 508-393-7575 Weymouth Sportsmen’s Club Maynard, MA Joseph joefeepistolinstruction.com Maynard Rod & Gun Club Kenyon 508-361-4259 NRA BASIC RIFLE trackertx17@yahoo.com Milford, MA Courses offered AS NEEDED: Dave 508-243-1521 Greater Lowell area New Bedford, MA Ken 978-692-6818 Joe 508-863-0464 Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com www.nbpistolinstructor.com South Shore Revere, MA John 781-963-7785 Boston Firearms Training Center john.monti@comcast.net 796 Broadway Tom 781-284-6677 NRA BASIC SHOTGUN www.botnfirearms.com Monthly Shrewsbury, MA Ludlow Fish & Game Mike 508-330-9430 Courses offered AS NEEDED: Sportsmen’s Road South Shore Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Ludlow, MA John 781-963-7785 Ayer, MA Ray 413-596-3288 john.monti@comcast.net Dan 978-870-7298 cr2smith@charter.net South Shore/Cape Cod dan.damato@comcast.net Steve 781-974-3920 Blackstone Valley Area NRA HOME FIREARMS www.southshoregunsafety.com Blackstone Firearms Training LLC SAFETY Southboro, MA Fred www.basicpistol.com Chuck 508-485-1430 Tuesdays, Thursdays 6 pm Braintree, MA Swansea, MA Black North Firearms & Training John 781-848-0047 Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 Dracut, MA jrwalsh@beld.net Westboro, MA Tony 978-337-4044 Central Cape Area Self Reliance Firearm Training blacknorth@comcast.net Harwich, MA 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Weekly Steven 508-432-8036 Steve 508-963-6073 RKBA Personal Safety Training Central Massachusetts Westford, MA 129 No Main Street, Room 302 www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc. Mansfield, MA Central Massachusetts Jim 978-392-7996 Jeff 508-944-3797 First Defense Firearms, Inc. gunsafejim@verizon.net www.massltctrain.com 508-278-6844 1st Tuesday and Thursday monthly dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net NRA PERSONAL Scituate Rod & Gun Club Central Massachusetts Rte 3A PROTECTION Richard 508-876-9270 Scituate, MA training@competitionspecialties.com Wednesday Evenings 781-545-1510 Central Massachusetts Cape Cod secretary@scituaterg.com Charlie 508-981-6402 Steven 508-548-5879 3rd Saturday. Must pre-register crfcook@verizon.net www.capecodgunsafety.com Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford Hampden and Worcester Counties Courses offered AS NEEDED: North Hixville Road Conrad 413-739-3015 Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club North Dartmouth, MA www.FirearmSafetyClass.com Ayer, MA R.J. Kozik 508-676-9861 Holliston, MA Dan 978-870-7298 Holliston Sportsmen’s Association 3rd Sunday dan.damato@comcast.net Brockton, MA 137 Bullard Lane Central Cape Area Charles 508-238-1586 Ed 508-641-7854 Harwich, MA chuck@cdavisgroup.com Lenox, MA Steven 508-432-8036 3rd Tuesday Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Greater Lowell area - Offering In the Cape Cod Fish and Game New Lenox Road Home and Outside the Home courses Off Depot Street Lou 413-442-4550 Ken 978-692-6818 North Harwich, MA Greater Lowell area Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com Jack 508-394-9466 Ken 978-692-6818 Evenings & Weekends Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com REFUSE TO BE Metrowest Boston, Eastern Mass Marlboro, MA A VICTIM Mike 508-734-1156 or Marlboro Fish & Game www.homegunsafety.com Courses offered AS 1 Muddy Lane Monthly NEEDED: Mark 508-393-7575 Starfire Greater Lowell area Maynard, MA Haverhill, MA Ken 978-692-6818 Maynard Rod & Gun Club Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com 45 Old Mill Road starfirefst@comcast.net Kenyon 508-361-4259 NRA INSTRUCTOR trackertx17@yahoo.com Courses offered AS NEEDED: New Bedford, MA Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club TRAINING Joe 508-863-0464 Ayer, MA Courses offered AS NEEDED: www.nbpistolinstructor.com Dan 978-870-7298 NRA Range Safety Officer Certification Revere, MA dan.damato@comcast.net Holyoke Revolver Club Boston Firearms Training Center Braintree, MA Holyoke, MA 796 Broadway John 781-848-0047 413 539-9345 or Tom 781-284-6677 jrwalsh@beld.net roblombardihrc@comcast.net. www.bostonfirearms.com Central Cape Area NRA Instructor & RSO Training Sharon, MA Harwich, MA Greater Lowell area Sharon Fish & Game Steven 508-432-8036 Ken 978-692-6818 307 East Street Central Massachusetts Gun_Safety@comcast.net Dan captdan33@aol.com www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com NRA Instructor Courses 781-784-5806 Central Massachusetts Instructional Shooting Inc. Shrewsbury, MA First Defense Firearms, Inc. 164 Andover Street Mike 508-330-9430 508-278-6844 Lowell, MA South Shore/Cape Cod dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net Must pre-register 800-984-4867 Steve 781-974-3920 Central Massachusetts www.instructionalshooting.com www.southshoregunsafety.com Richard 508-876-9270 NRA Instructor Courses for Rifle, South Shore training@competitionspecialties.com Shotgun, Pistol, Personal Protection, John 781-963-7785 Clinton, MA Range Safety Officer and Reloading john.monti@comcast.net 978-368-8065 Metallic or Shotgun Southboro, MA gubber1@verizon.net IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Chuck 508-485-1430 Hampden and Worcester Counties Simsbury, CT Swansea, MA Conrad 413-739-3015 Dennis 860-651-4911 Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 www.FirearmSafetyClass.com www.im-safe.com Tewksbury, MA Holliston, MA Utah Non-Resident Permit Class, Stan 978-658-7308, 978-436-0639 Holliston Sportsmen’s Association Defensive Handgun Class, Defensive Westboro, MA 137 Bullard Lane Rifle Class, Defensive Shotgun Class, Self Reliance Firearm Training Ed 508-641-7854 Basic Pistol, Home Firearms Safety 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Greater Lowell area Central Massachusetts Steve 508-963-6073 Ken 978-692-6818 First Defense Firearms, Inc. Westford, MA Gun-Safety@klmaurer.com 508-278-6844 Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc. Marlboro, MA dennis@firstdefensefirearms.net ★ Jim 978-392-7996 Marlboro Fish & Game Saturdays & Sundays Instructional Shooting Inc. 164 Andover Street Lowell, MA Must pre-register 800-984-4867 www.instructionalshooting.com Monthly Starfire Haverhill, MA Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 starfirefst@comcast.net Monthly Tactical Dynamics Firearms Training Foxboro, MA Rob 508.276.5730 www.tacticaldynamicsfirearmstraining.com
The
Outdoor Message
March 2013
The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shooting Practices
ARCHERY
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 Easthampton Fish & Game Rt 10, College Highway Southampton, MA 413-527-9340 Skeet: Sundays 9 am - Noon; TRAP & SKEET Tuesdays & Thursdays 5 - 8 pm Stockbridge Sportsmen Club Trap: Sundays 9 - 11 am Route 102 Nashoba Sportsman's Club, Inc. Stockbridge, MA 924 Main Street Gary 413-298-3623 Acton, MA Paul 413-528-0859 Trap Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm; Barre Sportsman’s Club Wednesdays 6 pm 221 Spring Hill Road Townsend Rod & Gun Club Barre, MA Emery Road Mike 508-867-8867 Townsend, MA Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Jim 978-597-9121 Swift River Sportsman’s Club Trap: Thursdays 6 pm - dusk 79 Moore Road Trap & 5 Stand: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Belchertown, MA Trap: Sundays 10 am; Wednesdays 6 pm Skeet & 5 Stand: Tuesdays 6 pm Sundays 10 am - 2 pm dusk Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Standish Sportsman's Association Walpole Sportsmen’s Association 1 McGill Lane Off Burr Lane Lincoln Road Milford, MA East Bridgewater, MA Walpole, MA Joe jhaiken3@yahoo.comt John 508-378-7696 508-668-6919 Saturdays and Sundays 12 - 3:30 pm Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand: Saturdays & Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm Fin, Fur & Feather Club Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Wednesdays 5 - 8 Westford Sportsmen’s Club 100 Larch Road pm West Street Millis, MA Independent Sportsmen Club Westford, MA 508-376-2977 Mirimichi Road Tom 978-692-4974 Trap & Skeet: Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Foxboro, MA Sundays 12 - 4 pm; Tuesdays, Skeet: Wednesdays until 1 pm Trap: Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Thursdays & Saturdays 10 am - 4 Springfield Sportsmen's Club Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club pm; Wednesdays 7 - 9 pm Woodhill Road 57 Cherry Street Fall River Rod & Gun Club Monson, MA Gloucester, MA Sanford Road Skeet field 413-267-9230 978-283-0304 Westport, MA Al 413-222-8322 capeannsportsmansclub.org 508-673-4635 Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Wednesdays Trap: Sundays 9 am; Thursdays 3 pm; Trap: Thursdays 7 pm Saturdays 10 am 6:30 - 9 pm Wrentham Sportsmen’s Assoc. Monument Beach Sportsmens Club Hanson Rod & Gun Club 7 Madison Street Dump Road off MacArthur Blvd Davis Road Wrentham, MA Monument Beach, MA Hanson, MA Dave 508-883-7959 Club 508-759-5653 781-293-9872 Trap: Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm Trap, Skeet & Wobble Skeet: Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 - 4 pm, Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm Saturdays & Sundays 1 pm Thursdays 6 - 9 pm Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club Skeet: Saturday & Sunday 12 - 4 pm Southborough Rod & Gun Club Tuesday & Thursday 6 - 10 pm 57 Kelly Boulevard 254 Fruit Street Wallum Lake Rod Gun Club North Attleboro, MA Hopkinton, MA 200 Brook Road Joe 508-699-6730 CMP steve-chouinard@hotmail.com SINGLE ACTION Harrisville, RI Trap: Wednesdays 7 pm Hanson Rod & Gun Club Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, 401-568-7171 or 401-568-5640 North Brookfield Sportsmens Club SHOOTING Davis Road, off Elm Street Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 - 9:30 pm Trap: Sundays 9:30 am; Wednesdays 20 Boynton Road Hanson, MA Trap: Sundays 9 am - Noon 1st Sunday 1 - 4 pm 5:30 pm North Brookfield, MA 781-293-9872 Riverside Gun Club Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 508-867-9216 4th Sunday 1 pm: DCM Shoots 16 Wilkins Road 250 High Street 250 High Street Trap: Sundays 9 am 1 pm; Fridays Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Hudson, MA Manville, RI Manville, RI 12 3 pm; Saturdays 10 am 1 pm McGill Lane, Milford, MA www.riversidegc.org Bob 401-773-7720 www.msrgc.com Cape Cod Fish & Game Dave 508-478-6211 Trap: Sundays 10 am, Wednesdays 5 randies@cox.net Trap: Sundays 10 am - 1 pm; Depot Street pm, Fridays 9 am, Saturday Noon JUNIOR Saturdays 12 - 2 pm North Harwich, MA Lawrence Rod & Gun Club SMALLBORE Smithfield Sportsman's Club Bob batesauto@comcast.net Webster Street Mondays 7 - 9 pm: Junior Rifle Barre Sportsman’s Club Walter Carey Road, Off Route 5 Trap & Skeet: Saturdays & Sundays 10 Lawrence, MA Reading Rifle & Revolver 221 Spring Hill Road Smithfield, RI am 2 pm; Wednesdays 10 am noon John 978-470-0327 Haverhill Street Barre, MA Dave 401-949-1525 5-Stand & Sporting Clays: Trap: Tuesdays 9 am 12 pm Reading, MA Tony 978-355-4474 Wednesdays 10 am - noon; Saturdays Trap: Sundays 10 am - 12 noon; Skeet: Thursdays 9 am - 12 pm Bob 781-246-4860 Thursdays 4 - 7 pm Trap & Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, 10 am - 1 pm Mondays 6 -9 pm: Junior Archery SPORTING CLAYS Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc. Thursdays 6 10 pm, Saturdays 12 Hanson Rod & Gun Club Every Day 9 am - Dusk 1529 Fish Road 159 Forest Street 4 pm Davis Road, off Elm Street Peace Dale Shooting Preserve Tiverton, RI Pembroke, MA North Leominster Rod & Gun Hanson, MA Peace Dale, RI Dick 781-585-1875 Clubhouse 401-624-3959 ★ Club info@hansonrodandgunclub.com 401-789-3730 Trap: Thursdays 6 - 9 pm Lancaster Avenue Tuesdays 7 pm: Sporter Air Rifle Saturdays & Sundays 1 - 4 pm Fridays 7 pm: Smallbore Rifle Independent Sportsmen Club Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Mirimichi Road McGill Lane Foxboro, MA List your club events free of charge in Milford, MA Saturdays 9:30 am - 1 pm Dave 508-243-1521 The Sportsman’s Calendar! Western Mass Bird Dog Club Wednesdays 6 pm: Smallbore Rifle Event Category: 87 Charles Farnum Road Hanson Rod & Gun Club Granville, MA ❑ Education & Training ❑ Competitive Events ❑ Informal shooting & practices Davis Road, off Elm Street Jim 413-538-8941 Hanson, MA Date of Event: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Saturdays Noon - 5 pm Rick 781-293-6185 Event Description: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fall River Rod & Gun Club Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle Sanford Road Event Location: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ames Rifle & Pistol Club Westport, MA 110A Canton Street ____________________________________________ 508-673-4535 North Easton, MA Contact Person, Phone, Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Bob 508-238-8563 Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club ____________________________________________ Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle 57 Cherry Street Sagamore Rifle Club Email: editor@theoutdoormessage.com Gloucester, MA Sagamore, MA Mail: The Sportsman’s Calendar, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532 978-283-0304 Leon 508-888-2474 Fax: 603-642-4327 capeannsportsmansclub.org Wednesdays 5 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Mondays 7:30 - 9 pm Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club Hanson Rod & Gun Club 460 Britannia Street Davis Road, off Elm Street Taunton, MA Hanson, MA Sid 774-473-7934 info@hansonrodandgunclub.com Saturdays: Junior Indoor Archery Wednesdays: Indoor Archery Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 250 High Street 155 Middlesex Turnpike Manville, RI Bedford, MA msrandgc@gmail.com indoorarchery@woburnsportsmen.com Saturdays: Smallbore Rifle Wednesdays 7 - 9:30 pm Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc. Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford Forest Street North Hixville Road Pembroke, MA North Dartmouth, MA George 781-871-0003 Randy 508-636-4493 Sundays 5 pm: Smallbore Rifle Barre Sportsman’s Club Lenox Sportsmen’s Club 221 Spring Hill Road 258 New Lenox Road Barre, MA Lenox, MA John 978-355-4071 Jeff 413-528-1343 Sundays 6 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Nenameseck Sportsman’s Club Bacon Road Palmer, MA Dick 413-283-3920 Junior High Power Rifle Team Reading Rifle and Revolver Club Haverhill Street Reading, MA BLACK POWDER Duane 978-317-2811 Sundays 8 am - 12 pm duaneb1953@yahoo.com Leominster Sportsmen’s Assoc. 1455 Elm Street LADIES NIGHT Leominster, MA Mar 19 Hanson Rod & Gun Club CONVENTIONAL PISTOL Davis Road Mondays & Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm Hanson, MA Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Must pre-register at 1529 Fish Road femalefirepower@gmail.com Tiverton, RI John 508-675-2946 Tuesdays: Pistol League Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club 57 Cherry Street Gloucester, MA Fall River Rod & Gun Club Sanford Road Westport, MA Bob 508-995-7768 3rd Saturday 9 am PRACTICAL SHOOTS Barre Sportsman’s Club 1st & 3rd Monday 7:30 - 10 pm: 221 Spring Hill Road IDPA Practice Barre, MA Harvard Sportsmen’s Club Bert 508-413-6529 Littleton County Road Harvard, MA HIGH POWER RIFLE www.harvardsportsmensclub.com 1st Saturday 9 am, 3rd Sunday 1 pm:
Sundays 1 - 4 pm Fin, Fur & Feather 35 Crystal Spring Road 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
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
March 2013
The
Outdoor Message
Page 27
HANSON ROD AND GUN CLUB
Davis Road - PO Box 101 Hanson MA 02341 Phone 781-293-9872
www.hansonrodandgunclub.org
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all our Hanson Club Members and Their Families!!
March Meetings
Please be advised that the next scheduled Business Meeting will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 14th, 2013. The March Executive Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on Thursday, March 28th, 2013.
From Retiring President Mike Dunn
As your club president for the last two years I would like to thank all my fellow members of the club’s Executive Board for making my job both a challenging as well as a rewarding one. Throughout my 24 months in office I can look back and see that we did make great progress and the club did move forward because of our efforts. I would also like to thank our club members for their ongoing support through out my time in office. None of this progress would have been possible without their continual endorsement. I am looking forward to continuing being an active member of our wonderful organization and to enjoy some wellearned relaxation time and do some shooting. Thank you all once again.
What’s Ahead For 2013?
President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer:
Justin Jerome Bob Preston Bob Sullivan Bob Martin
Executive Board: Dave Gonsalves Greg Williams Rick Zadrozny
Hanson First Program
Dave Gonsalves New for 2013 is our “Hanson First Program.” The purpose of this new bold initiative is to give back, in a charitable way, to the Town of Hanson thereby showing that our club cares about the well being of our neighbors. To fund this program, the committee, chaired by both Director Dave Gonsalves and Club President Justin Jerome, will hold quarterly raffles that are for club members and their families. Each prize or collection of prizes will have a limit of $600 in total. Each drawing will be limited to 300 tickets at a price of $5.00 each. Season tickets will also be available. These tickets would reserve one raffle ticket for each of the four quarterly raffles. All funds collected will go into the club’s general fund by money order. Fund allocations will be made to an organization that is located in, and or, serves the people of Hanson. This program will be a welcome addition to our growing list of charitable activities. Members should remember that we also sponsor an extremely successful holiday toy drive and youth fishing derby. Hanson First raffle tickets will be available for sale shortly.
From our 1998 Summer Trap League held fifteen years ago. Top row left to right: A much heavier set and bearded Bob Preston, Trap Chairman Fred Hall, Stan Bonney and Mike Antonetti. Bottom row left to right: Roger Imhoff, Kirk Obillo, Bob Frangioso and Jim Bacis. Gone but not forgotten are Fred Hall, Roger Imhoff and Bob Frangioso.
range as Wednesday Evenings have hosted over twenty shooters. Sunday afternoons have been equally busy as people are coming out of the woodwork to chase after our club’s “more elusive” clay birds. Lately, on any one given trap day it is not uncommon for our club to run upwards of ten or even eleven lines of trap. The fun begins at 6 PM on Wednesdays as well as 1 PM on Sundays. Ammo is available along with loaner shotguns.
Justin Jerome All members can look forward to a few Rick Zadrozny additions to our club Wednesday Nights on the indoor activity calendar as a range at 6:30 PM is the time couple of favorites have frame of our Junior Rifle been added back in to Program. Juniors between the our list of things to do. ages of 10 and 18 are urged to try On Saturday, August out this program. Over the years 10th, 2013 we will once our club has produced a number again host a club wide of champions and these kids Family Day. Members have gone on to shoot will be able to enjoy a competitively at national events. virtually free barbecue This is a great way for a kid to and picnic here on the get introduced to the sport of club grounds. Attendees competitive target shooting. should bring all Members are urged to bring their members of their kids and/or grandchildren to this “immediate family” and Dylan and Ralph Carpino out hunting some ringnecks. Looks like event. In return they will have a enjoy of day of some body is bringing home some good eats! lot of fun for not a whole lot of camaraderie with their bucks!! fellow club members as well as games for the kids and good food. Cost per family is simple…please donate a food item to the Please be advised that the deadline to pay table. The club will pick up the bill for the your dues for the 2013 membership year Dan Grant burgers, hotdogs, soda etc. The rain date was January 31, 2013. Members should Clay bird enthusiasts for 2013 can expect for this event will be Saturday, August keep in mind that failure to pay your dues a broad spectrum of additional programs by this date would result in the on our club range. Being added to our club 17th, 2013. termination of your individual key card schedule for this year will be a Spring Coming this fall we will again be ability to gain access to the club facilities. Ham Shoot, Fall Turkey Shoot, Holiday holding our Sportsman’s Show. This event is slated for Saturday and Sunday Payment after this date will incur a $20.00 Ham Shoot as well as what is now the Third Annual Hurricane Cup Invitational September 21st & 22nd, 2013. Set up for late fee. Match. Also being added to the calendar this event for all venders is slated for for this spring and summer will be our 20 Friday, September 20, 2013. This event was originally held several years ago and Please be advised that the time and dates Gauge Night, Handicap Night, Doubles was a huge success. Anyone interested in for the March’s CMP shoots are 9 AM, Night and Wobble Night. It is our hope purchasing a table for this event is urged Saturday, March 2, 2013 and 1 PM, that through these programs we can add to contact any member of the Executive Sunday, March 17, 2013. Interested some variety to the regular 16 – yard Board. attendees are encouraged to arrive early to singles program.
Deadline for Dues
Junior Rifle
2013 Trap Range Activity
CMP
T
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get a bench.
World Famous Hanson Claybusters
Jim Dwyer Our winter league shoot is progressing however we have had some weather delays with snow and cold. Business continues to be brisk on the club trap
!
re u t u depends f The on the young. kid shootin a e g ak
Angelo Nuby John Coyman Barbara Dunn
The
Ladies’ Night
John Coyman All members are reminded that Ladies’ Night is scheduled for the Tuesday Evening of March 12th, 2012. Participants attending this event will learn the fine points of firearm safety as well as an introduction to handgun shooting. The action begins at 6 PM and the cost is $10
Outdoor Message
for the evening. Reservations are limited to 20 people each evening. For details please contact John at any club meeting.
NRA Basic Pistol Course
Mitch Soroko Please be advised that this month’s NRA Basic Pistol Course will begin on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8 AM. Anyone interested in taking this course so they can ascertain their Massachusetts License To Carry Firearms (LTC) or their Firearms Identification (FID) card are encouraged to contact Mitch Soroko at any club meeting.
Archery
Mike “Fuzzy” Hurney Please be advised that the 2013 3D Archery Schedule is as follows: April 14, July 28 and October 27. All archers are asked to mark their calendars appropriately. Help is needed to set up the course on the immediate Saturday 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 available. Please be advised that Saturday, April 13th, 2013 will be the first date help will be needed to set up the course. Please see Fuzzy for details! Please be advised that our club Archery department now features a full Junior Olympic Archery Development Program. Our Junior Archers are shooting on Monday Nights at 6:00 PM. All members are further reminded that after the juniors leave the range at 7:30 PM the members of the newly formed Adult Archery Achievers or AAA then take over the range and shoot until… whenever! All interested archers are urged to contact Mike Hurney on the archery range or at any club business meeting.
OOPS!!
Well every so often I make a mistake in the paper and have to print a correction. Last month was one of those months. My apologies go out to newly elected Club Treasurer Bob Martin whom I mistakenly reported as being named Bob Mitchell. Sorry Bob, I guess with three Bob’s on the Executive board I got careless. In any case, welcome to the Board and I will try to be more diligent!…Bob P. Until next month…Fitz Matush, Official Clubhouse Furniture Tester ★ March 2013