The Outdoor Message, May 2012 edition

MAY 2012 VOL. 33 NO. 5

New England’s most active outdoor people

$2.00

A Proud Day at the State House

by Coach Kevin Winters

On a Wednesday in March I was able to witness the House of Representatives give a standing ovation for the Massachusetts team from Taunton. It is not every day you hear positive things about guns in the news and even less when it comes to the Massachusetts legislature celebrating youngsters with guns.

It was March 28th when the tables turned at the State House and the Taunton Marksmanship Unit took the day off from school and work to all assemble thanks to Rep. Bill Straus’s office. After a lot of planning and logistics the whole TMU was able to attend dressed to the nines and

I have to say the team looks very nice all shined up. At about 12:45 we move on into a wonderful tour and got to meet Bill Straus and took as many chances as we could for photo opportunities. Shauna O’Connell, one of Taunton’s newest representatives, made a point to come and spend some quality time with us and really made an impact on us. Angelo D'Emilia, a representative from the Bridgewater area, also spent some time with us. The best was yet to come because no one really knew yet why we came to the state house.

After a short delay we were called into In the photo above to the right, members of the Taunton Marksmanship Unit display their citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. From left are MacKenzie Martin, Sonya May, Daniel Winters, Brendan Whitaker, Zack Connell, Sarah MacLagan, Alexa Aguiar. In the photo below, Assistant Coach Sid Martin, Daniel Winters, Brendan Whitaker, Zack Connell, MacKenzie Martin, Sonya May, Sarah MacLagan, Alexa Aguiar and Coach Kevin Winters were proud to represent The Taunton Marksmanship Unit at the Massachusetts State House.

Photos by Todd May

the chamber while it was in session and lined up in front of all the representatives of the state as the Speaker of the House proceeded to announce how this team from Taunton traveled to Camp Perry Ohio to attend the Camp Perry open and set a new national record in 3 Position air rifle competition.

One of the most rewarding coaching

experiences is the look on the faces of the members of the TMU who were recognized as the law makers of the State stood and clapped for them. I was very proud to see a talented group of athletes recognized for their greatness and also to have a positive light shed on the shooting sports. ★

Green Tops Another Podium With NJOSC Women's Smallbore Win

by Kevin Neuendorf, USA Shooting

The NJOSC Women's 50m Rifle Three Position podium. From left to right: Kelsey Emme, Catherine Green and Mackenzie Martin.

Catherine Green (Coventry, R.I.) finished her National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships (NJOSC) career on a high note-two gold medals and a complete women's rifle sweep. She won the Women's 50m Rifle Three Position event today with 1252.7 total points.

Green, a sophomore at Texas Christian University (TCU), shot 1158 match points to take a ten point lead on the competition.

She followed it up with 94.7 points in the final. Sporting dangling air-pellet earrings all week, 19-year-old Green won the NJOSC Women's 10m Air Rifle title on Sunday. Her performance today reasserted her appointment on the National Junior Rifle Team. Green turns 21 next year so she will not be eligible for the 2013 NJOSC. "I was a little worried today that I would lose the ten point lead," said Green.

"I tried to stay focused and not think about missing, about coming down on my target and envisioning a ten. I was diligent about completing my shot process and focusing on the ten-ring. I'm grateful for the support of my parents, coaches Makucevich and Monez and God." Joining Green on the National Junior

Va.), a freshman at Team (NJT) is 19-year-old North Carolina State, Kelsey Emme (Piedmont, shot 94.8 points in the S.D.). Competing in her fifth final to move from sixth NJOSC, Emme shot 1148 to fifth overall with match points and 96.6 points 1238.8 total points. in the final to finish with Also moving up one 1244.6 total points. position in the final was Emme and bronze Rachel Martin (Peralta, medalist Mackenzie Martin N.M.) with 1237.1 total (Fairhaven, Mass.) were points. Russell finished neck-and-neck through the seventh overall with 90 final. "I knew she was close, points in the final for but my main goal was to 1235 total points. The hold my spot," said Emme. eighth place finisher "Making the NJT has been a was Samantha Bullard goal for a long time and I'm (Monroville, Ala.) with excited. It's the next step and 1234.4 total points.

I hope to make the National The high J2 competitor Development Team and then of the match was National Team in the future.

I'd like to thank my coach, The NJOSC Women's 50m Rifle Three Position podium. From left to Rachel Martin with 1143 points. Bullard, parents, supporters and the right: Kelsey Emme, Catherine Green and Mackenzie Martin. volunteers that helped staff Photo from USAShooting also a J2 competitor, won the silver medal. the match."

Emme, a freshman at Murray State, School, gained ground with the highest The bronze medalist was Rachel Garner earned the praise of her collegiate coach final of 98.5 points. She was in a three- (Celina, Texas) with 1140 points. In the J3 with an appointment to the NJT. "I'm real way tie at 1145 points with Denise Martin category, Amanda Ruffner (McVeytown, proud of everything she has done," said (Chewelah, Wash.) and Sunny Russell Pa.) finished with high honors at 1101 Murray State Head Coach Alan Lollar. (Stratford, Texas), but shot her way to a points. The J3 silver medalist was "She came back from a tough day bronze medal with 1243.5 total points. Samantha Peterson (Ham Lake, Minn.) yesterday, and was determined and Denise Martin, a senior at Jenkins High with 1096 points and the bronze medalist School, finished in fourth with 1242.7 was Emily Cock (Silverton, Ore.) with focused today to finish strong."

Martin, a freshman at Fairhaven High points. Danielle Foster (Newport News, 1075 points. ★

Riverside and Concord Air Pistol Shooters Win Gold at Massachusetts Junior Olympics

By Russ Doucette, Coach, Mass. Jr. Air Pistol Team Riverside Gun Club, Hudson, MA I am pleased to report that Isabel Macaulay (14 years) and Josh Gelberger (16 years) have qualified for a slot to compete in the Junior Olympics at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado by winning Gold Medals in the women’s and men’s air pistol, respectively, at the Massachusetts State Junior Olympics.

Recently held on at the MIT shooting range in Cambridge, MA, the Massachusetts Junior Olympics brought together some of the state’s best shooters to qualify for positions on the national Junior Olympic team. Winners at the Colorado event will be selected for the Junior National Team.

Both shooters are members of the Mass. Jr. Air Pistol Team and are training at the Riverside Gun Club in Hudson, MA. Isabel is a member of the Concord

Rod & Gun Club in Concord, MA and Josh is a member of the Riverside Club.

Josh lives in Stow, MA and attends the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in Marlborough, MA. Isabel lives with her family in West Concord and is an eighth grader at the Peabody Middle School in Concord.

I expect that both Isabel and Josh will continue their winning ways in the coming months and understand the amount of dedication, hard work and practice required to achieve their level of proficiency in such a demanding sport. I also expect that they will continue to receive that high level of support they enjoy from their parents and other patrons. Congratulations and keep your focus on that front sight! ★

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The Illinois Supreme Court reversed a trial court's dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Cook County's so-called "assault weapons" ordinance banning certain commonly owned and widely used semi-automatic firearms, including modern sporting rifles -- a decision the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, called a victory for the Second Amendment.

The court actually reached two decisions in Wilson v. Cook County, sending part of the case challenging the ordinance on Second Amendment grounds back to the lower court, while at the same time upholding the lower court's dismissal of the plaintiffs' challenge that the county's ordinance was unconstitutionally vague.

Given recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings in the Heller and McDonald cases reaffirming the individual right to lawfully own firearms that are in common use, NSSF is confident of a favorable decision by the trial court following its reconsideration of the Second Amendment infringement challenge to the ordinance.

"A record can now be developed in the trial court demonstrating that these rifles are used for legitimate purposes, and the claim that they are 20 times more likely to be used in the commission of a crime is a canard. It's time to bring Cook County into the 21st Century," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel.

NSSF filed an amicus brief in Wilson v. Cook County last August to help

From left are Isabel Macaulay, women’s Gold Medal Winner; Russ Doucette, Air Pistol Coach; Josh Gelberger, men’s Gold Medal winner. These shooters train at the Riverside Gun Club in Hudson, MA.

NSSF Calls Illinois Ruling a 'Victory' for Second Amendment

Please note: the June issue of The Outdoor Message will print on our normal schedule. However the July and August issues will be combined, mailing out around July 1. Please plan ahead and forward to us by June 8th, all news and dates scheduled during July and August.

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MEMBER GROUPS: Rhode Island Rifle & Revolver Association, Holyoke Revolver Club, Mansfield Fish & Game Club, Georgetown Fish & Game Association, The GOAL Foundation, Maspenock Rod & Gun Club, South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club, Independent Sportsmen’s Club, Standish Sportsman’s Association, Southborough Rod & Gun Club, 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, Shirley Rod & Gun Club, Ayer Gun and Sportsmen’s Club, Fitchburg Sporsmen’s Club and Barre Sportsmen’s Club.

The editorials and articles appearing in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of all subscribers or contributors. Although sportsmen, in general, support each others views, they may occasionally differ over certain controversial issues. Each group’s articles reflect that group’s own position.

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To request advertising information or to submit materials to The Outdoor Message mail to 37 Pierce Street, PO Box 306 Northborough MA 01532; phone 603-642-4628; fax 603-6424327; e-mail editor@theoutdoormessage.com. Information is available at www.theoutdoormessage.com.

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educate the court about modern sporting rifles and their owners and the lawful purposes for which these firearms are commonly and widely used, such as target shooting, hunting, collecting and selfdefense. In its brief, NSSF said Cook County's ban on the ownership of modern sporting rifles and their magazines infringed on the core Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

In addition to NSSF filing an amicus brief, the Illinois Supreme Court allowed the Commonwealth Second Amendment, the Illinois Conservation Police Lodge, certain Illinois legislators, the Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association and the National Rifle Association to submit amicus briefs in support of plaintiffs.

In the Wilson case, various plaintiffs challenged the broad and sweeping

assault-weapons ordinance banning the manufacture, sale and possession of several popular classes of semi-automatic firearms, including commonly owned and used modern sporting rifles, simply because of their cosmetic features.

The Illinois State Rifle Association funded the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers.

For more information, log on to www.nssf.org. ★

Mass Senior Games The Pistol Competition of the Massachusetts Senior Games is looking forward to its eleventh year! The June 16, 2012 competition will once again be hosted by Smith and Wesson at the Shooting Sports Center on Page Boulevard in Springfield. The match will be a .22 caliber 900 with medals for the high overall aggregate and the high aggregate score in five year age groups .

We will try to accommodate teams and The

others traveling together if we are made aware of your plans. Those who have participated in the past should have received applications recently. Those who have not received an application or new shooters can obtain an application by contacting www.maseniorgames.org or by calling 413-748-3811. Shooters with questions or suggestions may also call the event manager, Les Prentice at 413-7836775. ★

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May 2012

The GOAL Foundation Moves Forward

by David Tetzloff, GOAL Foundation President When The GOAL Foundation purchased the facility at 37 Pierce Street in Northborough, Massachusetts back in the 1980s, our economy was much different and the political climate was much more favorable than it is now. In association with GOAL, we hosted a firearms education day each year in the Great Hall of the State House and even provided various game meat meals for legislators to taste. The beaver chili was always a hit.

Soon The GOAL Foundation began supporting other venues, including reestablishing the State’s presence at Camp Perry each year with junior teams in several disciplines. We put on seminars for shooters and started in-house training programs for individuals seeking gun licenses or wishing to become instructors.

In the 1990’s The GOAL Foundation Van started appearing around the state and the programs at our facility grew even more. New staff at GOAL began a series of expanded classes and as we entered the new century both entities were asked to provide additional opportunities for the public to learn firearm safety and handling. Reviewing the schedule of training sessions over the years you can see how that evolved and it was the cooperation between GOAL and The GOAL Foundation that made it all work.

We are now more than 30 years down the road from when we began. The need to improve the quality of space inside and outside the headquarters prompted our Board of Directors to begin work on a multi-year Capital Improvement Plan.

The facility has been remodeled, reconfigured and re-roofed. Upgrading the mechanicals that service the 6000 square foot building began four years ago.

The major projects have been completed including all new air conditioning and heating systems. Areas were reconfigured to meet the demand for more classroom space. This was done in anticipation of more education and training programs jointly sponsored by both groups.

Based on new rules from the IRS, The GOAL Foundation began negotiations with the officers of GOAL back in the fall of 2011 to adjust the meager rent which was being charged to GOAL for the nearly 3000 square feet of space it occupied in The GOAL Foundationowned facility. We had reached an agreement and waited for GOAL’s officers to sign on the dotted line. Months went by. The GOAL Foundation determined that it had to make the adjustments and sent notice to GOAL’s President.

No response was forthcoming until notice that the GOAL board had decided to vacate the facility for better opportunities and less expensive space.

They refused to acknowledge the agreement, which The GOAL Foundation patiently waited for signature on, and thus ignored the rent adjustment and gave notice they were leaving.

GOAL took a great deal of credit for the jointly sponsored trainings and paid a staff person to run some of them. Others were actually conducted by non-GOAL personnel. The materials, training aids, classroom space, and advertising were all paid for by The GOAL Foundation. Again without any communication, GOAL announced that it would be handling all the trainings and despite The GOAL Foundation’s good faith building renovations to accommodate an expanded program, would conduct them elsewhere.

For those who have contributed to The GOAL Foundation over the years, the board wishes to assure everyone that new instructors are being brought together to continue offering appropriate trainings.

As has been our custom and mission from the beginning, our multitude of programs aimed at promoting junior shooting, more public awareness of such opportunities and our association with like non-profit

tax exempt organizations will continue.

It goes without saying that the public has a need for training and recognizes that once the education process has begun they also need a place to go shoot. The clubs working with The GOAL Foundation will continue to provide that venue for new shooters and it is hoped will subsequently add their voice to the people calling for more respect for lawful gun owners.

The GOAL Foundation will continue to assist clubs in establishing junior shooting programs as funds are donated to us. We will continue to host and support competitions at all levels possible. We will continue to recognize those young athletes who excel at the sport and provide as much assistance to them and their coaches as we can. The GOAL Foundation is disappointed that GOAL has decided not to work with us, but extends its best wishes for success.

The GOAL Foundation is a tax exempt organization so ALL DONATIONS are deductible to the full extent of the law.

Please send whatever you can to help us defray program costs. ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOME. Make your check out to The GOAL Foundation and mail it to PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532.

God Bless and thanks for your help. ★

lands; supports Executive Order 13443, directs Federal land management agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting on Federal lands; ensures sound scientific management of wildlife and habitat; and establishes an "open unless closed" policy for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting on lands managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management; • H.R. 991, The "Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2011," amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act by authorizing the

Secretary of the Interior to issue importation permits to hunters for polar bear trophies taken before the polar bear was listed as "threatened".

H.R. 4089 is supported by an array of sporting conservation groups including the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Safari Club International. A complete listing of supporters can be found at http://www.ussportsmen.org/cms/wpcontent/uploads/2012/04/4-17-12-HR4089-Supporters.pdf. ★

US Congress Passes HR4089, The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act On April 17th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012, by a bipartisan vote of 274 to 146. This significant pro-sportsmen piece of legislation will protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.

One of the major goals of the organizations who crafted H.R. 4089 was to avert frivolous lawsuits that have become common in recent years. There have been a growing number of lawsuits filed by anti-hunting groups and their trial lawyers, arguing that exising federal law does not allow, or requires restrictions on fishing, hunting, and shooting on federal public lands.

The cost to defend against these suits has been high, adding excessive and unnecessary financial burdens on state and federal wildlife agencies and sportsmen’s organizations.

H.R. 4089 is a compilation of four different bills, all high priority issues supported by conservation and sportsmen’s organizations:

H.R. 1558, amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prevent the current and future administrations from using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to eliminate the right of hunters, shooters and anglers to use traditional ammunition and fishing tackle. The TSCA is now clear in definig the EPA does not have the authority to regulate shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, primers or sport fishing equipment components; • H.R. 3440, The "Recreational Shooting Protection Act," prevents a ban on recreational shooting on BLM lands nationwide. It also directs the BLM to manage national monument land in a manner that supports, promotes and enhances recreational shooting opportunities; • H.R. 2834, The "Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act," recognizes the rightful place of recreational hunting, fishing and shooting on Federal

Chapter 140, Sections 129B(11) and 131(l) of Massachusetts state law requires holders of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) and a License to Carry Firearms (pistol permit) to notify certain authorities of any change of address. You must notify - by certified mail, in writing and within 30 days - the authority who issued the card and/or license, the chief in your new

town of residence and the Executive Director of the Criminal History Systems Board (200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150). Failure to notify of any change of address is cause for revocation of the Card or License.

You must also re-register to vote. A mail-in form can be obtained by calling 1800-462-VOTE. ★

Have You Moved?

•

Andre DeMoraes sent this photo of his second kayak trip off Gloucester, MA. He reported reaching his daily limit on flounder and having lots of fun that day! Share your outdoor photographs! Email them to editor@theoutdoor message.com or mail to The Outdoor Message, 37 Pierce Street, PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532. Be sure to include a descriptive caption!

May 2012

The

THIS MONTH in The Outdoor Message

SP EC IAL A RTI CLES

Forest Service Kicks off My Neighborhood Forest Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Honoring American Veterans Afield .Page 8 Mass Senior Games . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Most Americans Back Gun Lobby, Right to Use Deadly Force . . . . . . . . . . .Page 9 NSSF Calls Illinois Ruling a 'Victory' for Second Amendment . . . . . . . . .Page 2 NSSF Invites Shooting Ranges to Apply for $400,000 in Grants . . . .Page 5 Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms .Page 6

Reasons to Celebrate . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Riverside and Concord Air Pistol Shooters Win Gold at Massachusetts Junior Olympics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 The GOAL Foundation Moves Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Turkey Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 US Congress Passes HR4089, The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act . . . . . . .Page 3 USA Shooting Unveils 2012 Junior Olympic Shotgun Team . . . . . . . . .Page 8 What is the Elusive Whitetail? . . . . .Page 5

Classifieds ..........................................Page 25 Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide...............Page 14 Hap’s Corner ......................................Page 7 Hipshots & Hangfires ........................Page 4 Hunting Around New England ..........Page 5 In Pop’s Pantry...................................Page 8 Just an Opinion ..................................Page 4

Sportsmen-Related Proposals Pending in the Massachusetts Legislature....Page 10 Letters to the Editor ...........................Page 5 News from Around the Nation...........Page 9 News from MassWildlife ...................Page 11 Notes from the Little Cabin...............Page 7 The Sportsman’s Calendar.................Page 27

F EATURE A RTICLES

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Ayer Gun & Sportsmen's Club . . . . .Page 17 Barre Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Cape Cod Fish & Game Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Fin, Fur & Feather Club of Wellesley and Natick . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club . . . . . . .Page 23 Hanson Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Holyoke Revolver Club . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Independent Sportsmen’s Club . . . . .Page 24 Maspenock Rod & Gun Club . . . . . .Page 19 Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver

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FOR:

Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Shirley Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . . .Page 25 South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Southborough Rod & Gun Club . . . .Page 26 Standish Sportsman’s Association . .Page 20 The GOAL Foundation . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . . .Page 22 Woodville Rod & Gun Club . . . . . . .Page 30 Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association .Page 27 and Mansfield Fish & Game Georgetown Fish & Game Association

Page 3

Just An Opinion: Watch Your Language

by Paul J. Kress

In writing opinion pieces I have always tried to present the facts as I saw them in simple specific language. Opinion pieces by their very nature are about controversial issues. It is so easy and tempting for a writer to use emotionally charged words with uncertain meanings to sway his readers. I always thought that writers who avoided this trap, kept it plain, simple and stuck to the facts were

just following a decent, ethical standard.

Nothing more. Then I got my April 9, 2012 issue of a national news magazine.

(Name withheld to protect the guilty.) One of their columnists devoted his space to the shooting of the Florida teenager Trevor Martin. I read the piece, grabbed my big dictionary and writer’s thesaurus.

He wasted no time. The title of his piece: “Triumph of the Gun Fetishists.”

Hipshots & Hangfires

(Fetish: obsession, mania, weakness).

“The GOP is obsessed with the right to bear arms.” (Obsession: mania, addiction, neurosis, phobia). “...gun laws have steadily grown more insane.” (Insane: absurd, lunatic, harebrained). “...the National Rifle Association is on the cusp of another bloody triumph...” (You provided the definition - or tourniquet). To show he is fair minded and is not just

criticizing the Republicans he has this to say, “But a much larger problem is that many Democrats, including the President, have given up fighting for sane gun laws.”

Now doesn’t that give you a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling?

There many words we can use to describe such writing. I leave their choice up to you. ★

by Mike Yacino

listening devices that can be used years. Crime goes up and from passing vehicles near any down but gangs and the drug number of houses and now 20,000 epidemic does not seem to be feet up, the eye of a joy stick subsiding no matter what the operator is upon you. We are told news stories say. We see how that the drones have some very Eric Holder and the BATFE good uses like flying over areas are working to supply more that emit radiation that would guns to the drug cartels so the endanger humans. Now there’s a “wars” will continue. great reason to build them and + + + Some disgruntled modern It’s always the mother who cares and sacrifices for her have them around. The next thing day shooters claim this column family. No one can ever take her place. Happy Mother’s Day! you know the feds will be saying “we’re doing it to save the may be outdated so I’ll try to children”.

The anti’s ought to jump at that bombings that were alleged to apartment keep my comments as 21st century as I one especially the ACLU, Catholic have been done by Chechens in 1999.

He can. Did you know the first computer was of Bishops, the US Conference spearheaded the murder of tens of built in 1946? We’ve come a long way in Conference of Mayors. thousands after that.

Could Obama be a short time. It was designed by physicist Can’t you see Mayor Menino with his referring to something yet untold here?

John W. Mauchly and an electrical “drones to keep my people safe” slogans + + + engineer J. Presper Eckert who worked as everywhere?

You all are well aware that New York is a team at the University of Pennsylvania. + + + hard on law abiding gun owners as a way It weighed 30 tons, contained 18,000 One more quote that I will expound of fighting crime but this latest move… tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors next month…

“The U.N. has no upon says New York City has a new set of and 6,000 switches. It sucked up 150 business in meddling with our freedoms guidelines” that include a ban “sensitivity kilowatts of power. It was mostly to in this country.”

I would have said “The on 50 words officials say are offensive. calculate ballistics trajectories. In the mid has no business in this country” but U.N. They include birthdays, which offend fifties MIT got into the game and the I guess that would be too simple.

Who Jehovahs Witnesses because they don’t rest….as they say….is history. By the way said the first one?

Chris Cox, Executive celebrate birthdays; Halloween, I guess that monstrosity was put to rest in October because someone takes exception to that Director of NRA ILA. 1955. + + + tradition; and “junk food”. Well I guess + + + Many of the people who were Burger King and McDonalds will be In Texas the US Justice Department promised this publication as part of their pleased with that one.

It isn’t really junk blocked the state of Texas from enforcing dues to GOAL will no longer be receiving anyway, it’s just loaded with grease and a law that would require voter ID before it.

They can subscribe but were never fat and salt and sugar and causes clogged they could cast a ballot at the polls. That given a choice ahead of time.

If you have arteries and heart failure.

BUT IT was the second time they went after a state a friend that is in that predicament ask TASTES GREAT! (I am getting old.) trying to tighten the voting laws. him or her to send in a $10 subscription And just so we put something about While in New Jersey the big event back guns in this news brief, New York boasted and we will continue to provide this in April was the battle over toilet that in “96% of all shooting victims and publication. paper…or lack thereof…in public If you belong to a club that does not 90% of all murder victims they were buildings. It seemed the city of Trenton publish their news here ask them to racial minorities”.

I don’t even know what officials couldn’t agree on a contract to consider doing so and call us if you would that means. supply the handy dandy product. A like someone to come by and present why + + + $42,000 contract was rejected and the it would be a great investment to join us.

Winston Churchill once said that “The Mayor had to find an emergency $16,000 In the meantime, enjoy what we have to greatest lesson in life is to know that even so all those rear ends could come clean!! offer and remember to thank our fools are right sometimes”.

I can think of Guard your Tide soap because there is advertisers for staying on board as we a few that would fit. a wave of stealing going on especially transition our coverage.

How about “The single most exciting noted in Dartmouth, Fairhaven and New + + + thing you encounter in government is Bedford. I guess it is being sold as “the Happy Birthday wishes to Nicole competence, because it’s so rare.”

That flavor of the day” in bars and pubs. I Panko who celebrates her big day on the was spoken by Senator Daniel Patrick suppose the dirty mouths are a little 4th; Brent England whose one year old is Moynihan and he would have some cleaner now! keeping him busy as he ages a bit on the knowledge of incompetence. + + + 8th; Brenda Sullivan will drink to another + + + Watch out for Russian President Putin year on the 14th; bro Joe turns 77 on the OK so you want something more who is warming up to Obama these days 16th; and Sara Townsley hits 18 on the demonstrative.

“THE DRONES!!

THE (or is it the other way around) because as 24th.

DRONES!” It’s a parody you might have Obama says “we have a lot in common”.

My bride and I have hung in there for missed but the Drones are coming. In June Not sure what that meant but would bet 22 years and if she behaves herself we just of 2011 there was a standoff out in North Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave might tip a glass or two at a new place on Dakota between a sheriff and some over such an unholy alliance. Remember the 5th (or thereabouts). Mother’s day is ranchers who were armed.

The sheriff Putin came into power after he rigged the called in SWAT who called Border Patrol on the 13th; Armed Forces Day is the who called in a drone that soon 19th, both of which should see the Flag at determined when the ranchers were no full staff; and Memorial Day will be longer armed and the law dogs swept in. A celebrated on the 28th and the flag should GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW number of cities are calling for the UAV’s be flown at half staff until noon. If you are ~~~~~ (unmanned aerial vehicles) and even out turkey hunting remember the full FAMILY & ELDER LAW CONSUMER & MILITARY LAW Homeland Security has a bunch of them. moon is on the 6th and the new moon hits MEDICAID & ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE I’m told Congress is still saying no for on the 20th. + + + their use for “domestic surveillance” REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS Success seems to be connected with but… ~~~~~ action.

Successful people keep moving.

In February Congress gave the green 781-963-6337 They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. light to FAA to step up issuance of 10 MAZZEO DRIVE, SUITE 211 God Bless.

Stay Safe and say a prayer permits for drones in “domestic” airspace.

RANDOLPH, MA 02368 So there are cameras all over the streets, for the men and women on the wall. ★

May has always been a great month. You have turkey season, the fishing is starting to get great in the streams, the college folks are getting antsy and before you know it graduations, weddings and DEEP SEA FISHING is just around the corner.

Hope you bought a raffle ticket from The GOAL Foundation because they tell me this year the stripers, blues and tuna are going to be really hungry for fake plastic worms made in Bangladesh!!

If you ever read the “Tartan Marine” you know that the economy is still heading down (despite what Obama has to say), the Supreme Court is showing its friskies and the campaigns for president continue to take turns no one expected.

Here in the Bay State I’m told there are a bunch of open seats for the legislature so I hope the gun owners will be kept informed by whoever does that stuff.

Incumbents have a habit of winning but a few of them are in trouble with the law and may finally be vulnerable. Making changes should always be predicated on improvements not just swapping one bad apple for another. + + + Gun sales are STILL climbing and now that the government is trying to tie up all the ammunition so we won’t be able to buy new supplies, the reloading business is back at it. Homeland Security apparently contracted to receive 450 million rounds of handgun ammo and 175 million rounds of rifle ammo. Not sure what they need all that for when, as large as it has grown, it really doesn’t seem to do much securing of anything. Does TSA fall under them? Boy there’s a gang of rude overreaching people if there ever was any.

Did you see all the flap over the “pad downs” being used so much especially on females? I hang around with a few gals that would cold cock one of those people if they got a little too grabby, no matter who they think they are. That would be cool to watch actually. + + + A recent Gallup Poll says that gun ownership has risen 6% in just over a year in this country. If that’s true it certainly explains the increases in gun sales. Ruger upped its pledge to the NRA that started at one million sales in a year and now looks like it will reach 1.3 million at least. Is all the gun buying because of the dude in the White House or the 1.5 million gang members in our country? By the way that has increased nearly 40% in the past three

KAREN L. MACNUTT

Page 4

The

Outdoor Message

May 2012

What is the Elusive Whitetail?

by Mike Yacino

For those of you who hunt on a regular basis you already know the answer to that question. Years of chasing around the wiley whitetail is all part of the real hunting experience. But in this particular instance, that question has a different but equally exciting answer.

The Elusive Whitetail is an instructional program designed and overseen by Gerry Lemire who wanted to provide a learning experience for young and old who hunt. It started as a way to promote hunting safety, especially when using tree stands. The program shows you how to safely attach a tree stand to your favorite tree and most importantly how to secure yourself from the beginning of the climb to the time when you are back on the ground.

Now the topics covered in his seminars have expanded to include field dressing of the harvest, deer processing, types of equipment is used in archery hunting, the ethics and responsibility in the hunt and

how to track the deer. Understanding the habits of the whitetail and doing your scouting before the hunt begins is all critical to a successful experience.

As it would turn out Gerry is a distributor for Lone Wolf tree stands and the hunter safety system vest. If you attend his seminar about how to safely package your game meat, Gerry invariably provides some samples of the cheese/deer “sticks” that you will want to have in your pack during any trip into the woods.

Gerry teaches bow hunting at the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp each year and spends his spare time with youngsters who have the desire to learn about this very rewarding activity. Much of his work for the past 20 years has been bringing young hunters into the field where they can experience the natural world as it really is. Included in his presentation is a clear understanding of the role hunters and fishermen play in preserving and conserving our dwindling

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, invites public and private shooting facilities to apply for up to $400,000 in grants that can assist in developing strategies to put more target shooters on their firing lines.

By providing this funding to qualifying ranges, NSSF's Range Partnership Grant Program will continue to help these local businesses remind firearms owners, particularly the millions who have purchased new firearms in recent years, to take advantage of the training and safety services they provide. This marks the fifth year for the NSSF range grant program.

"Our surveys tell us that people nationwide are purchasing firearms in record numbers, and that they are enthusiastic about target shooting. We

want ranges to tap into that enthusiasm," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

"These grants will help shooting-range managers test new initiatives to attract customers."

Owners and managers of target shooting facilities should review the range grant guidelines and, if they have qualifying program, apply for assistance.

Private shooting ranges must have a public participation option to qualify.

"We're looking for unique proposals that motivate people of all ages to go target shooting and, when possible, to introduce newcomers to our sports," said Melissa Schilling, NSSF's director of recruitment and retention.

Shooting ranges applying for a grant can view case studies of previous grant recipients and learn more about NSSF's

Dear Ms. Siudut After reading in your March issue of an anti-gun boycott of Starbucks and a “counter boycott” by some at GOAL, I did my own “counter boycott”. I got a coffee and pastry at a local Starbucks. The receipt I sent to Starbucks with a card like this supporting their policy of simply upholding local laws. I added that if there was any boycott here it wasn’t apparent -

the local Starbucks was c r o w d e d !

Enclosed is a copy of a nice letter I received in response.

Sincerely, Frank Ferguson

Gerry works on grip & form with a future archer.

natural resources.

If you are interested in finding out when and where you can attend his seminars you can email

Gerry@theelusivewhitetail.com or call 508-450-8518 or send and old fashion letter to The Elusive Whitetail, 26 North Main Street, Bellingham, MA 02019. ★

Range Partnership Grant Program at http://nssf.org/shooting/grants.

About NSSF The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and

the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers.

For more information, log on to www.nssf.org. ★

NSSF Invites Shooting Ranges to Apply for $400,000 in Grants

MASS NH

CT

ME

Letters To The Editor

Hunting Around New England

On behalf of the office of Howard Schultz, thank you for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.

RI

Dear Franklin,

At Starbucks, we deeply respect the views of our customers and recognize that there is significant and genuine passion surrounding the issue of open carry weapons laws. We comply with local laws and statutes in the communities we serve. Our long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged and we abide by the laws that permit open carry in 43 U.S. states. Where these laws don’t exist, openly carrying weapons in our stores is prohibited.

As the public debate around this issue continues, we encourage customers and advocacy groups from both sides to share their input with their public officials. We are extremely sensitive to the issue of gun violence in our society and believe that supporting local laws is the right way for us to ensure a safe environment for both partners and customers.

Thank you again for contacting Starbucks. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at info@starbucks.com or call 1-800-STARBUC (782-7282) to speak with a customer relations representative.

Sincerely, Kathleen Executive Liaison Starbucks Coffee Company ★ May 2012

VT

Thank you for your feedback regarding Starbucks’ policy on open carry laws.

Phone: 508-389-6300 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/recreation_home.htm No closed season on ENGLISH SPARROW, STARLING, CHIPMUNK, FLYING SQUIRREL, RED SQUIRREL, WEASEL, PORCUPINE, SKUNK, SNAPPING TURTLE, WOODCHUCK TURKEY Zones 1-13: Apr 30 - May 26 YOUTH TURKEY: Apr 28 Phone: 207-287-8000 http://www.maine.gov/ifw/ No closed season on COYOTE, WOODCHUCK, PORCUPINE, RED SQUIRREL COYOTE Night Hunting: Closes Aug 31 TURKEY WMDs 7, 10-26, 28: Apr 30 - Jun 2 YOUTH TURKEY: Apr 28 Phone: 860-424-3011 http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2700&q=323414&depNav_GID=1633& depNav=| COYOTE: May 28 - Sep 29 TURKEY: Apr 25 - May 26 WOODCHUCK: May 28 - Sep 29 Phone: 603-271-3211 www.wildlife.state.nh.us No closed season on COYOTE, WOODCHUCK TURKEY: May 3-31 YOUTH TURKEY: Apr 28-29 Phone: 401-222-6800 http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/index.htm#FandW No closed season on COYOTE (private land only) TURKEY: Apr 26 - May 22 Phone: 802-241-3700 http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Calendar_of_events.cfm?eventcat=hunt&dater ange=future No closed season on COYOTE CROW: Closes Apr 30 TURKEY: May 1-31 YOUTH TURKEY: Apr 28-29 ★

Terry Goode

Collectors Firearms & Militeria 122 Bridge Street, Unit 9 Pelham NH 03076

The

Tues & Wed 12 to 5 pm Thurs & Fri 10 to 7 pm Sat 9 to 4 pm

Outdoor Message

603-635-9699 603-635-8443 Page 5

Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms NRA/ILA

When Congress passed the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986, one of the key provisions of the bill was intended to protect the rights of gun owners to legally transport their firearms between locations where they are legally allowed to possess them.

Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions have chosen to ignore federal law and the courts have upheld these infringements on Second Amendment rights.

H.R. 4269, introduced by U.S. Reps.

Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Ted Poe (R-TX) and Bill Owens (D-NY) would amend this provision to ensure it has the effect Congress intended.

Most states have never had a problem with this law. However, both before and after enactment of FOPA, gun owners have had serious problems lawfully travelling with their firearms in two states in particular: New York (especially New York City) and New Jersey. Rather than

recognize the intention of Congress to protect the rights of Americans travelling with legally owned firearms, these jurisdictions have used overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers.

Many gun owners, for example, have been arrested when trying to check in with firearms for flights out of New York and New Jersey airports. But in NRAsupported civil rights lawsuits contesting those arrests, federal courts have interpreted the law in a way that allows local law enforcement officials to detain or arrest travelers who make every effort to comply with federal law, and that deprive the travelers of any effective remedy after the fact. Many other cases have resulted in guilty pleas to reduced charges, civil penalties, and delayed travel. Due to these improper actions, NRA has been forced to repeatedly warn gun owners that they should avoid using

New York or New Jersey airports when traveling.

The refusal of the authorities in some jurisdictions to recognize federal law and the failure of the courts to enforce the provisions of FOPA, makes this legislation necessary.

H.R. 4269 would: ● Expand the protections afforded travelers to include "staying in temporary lodging overnight, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, medical treatment, and any other activity incidental" to the trip. ● Put the burden of proof clearly on the state to show that a traveler did not meet the requirements of the law, rather than allow travelers to be arrested and forced to raise the law as an affirmative defense. ● Make clear that transportation of both firearms and ammunition is federally protected. ● Make clear that the right to transport

firearms is judicially enforceable as a federal civil right, with attorney's fees available to victorious plaintiffs in civil suits, as well as to defendants who prevail in criminal cases.

Finally, it's important to note that while the NRA is working to enact a national Right-to-Carry Reciprocity bill this bill does not achieve that. This legislation is intended only to provide real legal protection for people transporting cased and unloaded guns while travelling.

Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 4269. You can find contact information for your Representative by using the "Write Your tool at Representatives" www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at 202-2253121. ★

WASHINGTON -- On April 10, 2012, the U.S. Forest Service today announced its My Neighborhood Forest photo contest, celebrating America’s urban and community forests.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $200 in outdoor gear courtesy of the National Forest Foundation.

The contest, which runs from April 11 – July 22, seeks to highlight the natural beauty that spring and summer bring to U.S. neighborhoods, communities and cities, as well as the crucial role of trees in the places we call home.

Those interested in competing should visit Challenge.gov for more details on the prizes and contest rules.

Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at

industrial brownfield sites.

“Urban forests are different from the forests you might normally think of, but they are functioning, hard-working ecosystems just the same,” said Tidwell.

“As our neighborhoods warm up, trees add a crucial element of beauty to the places where we live, learn and work. We hope this photo contest will encourage people to go outside this season, and maybe they’ll learn a little more about their own neighborhood forests in the process.”

With 80% of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs.

Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. This natural life

support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature.

The Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry office is actively engaged in more than 7,000 communities across the United States, providing technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations, community groups, educational institutions and tribal governments.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and

maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. *** Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation works to conserve, restore and enhance America’s 193-million-acre National Forest System in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Through community-based strategies and public-private partnerships, the NFF enhances wildlife habitat, revitalizes wildfire-damaged landscapes, restores watersheds, and improves recreational resources for the benefit of all Americans. The NFF’s Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences national conservation campaign is uniting public and private partners to conduct large-scale forest and watershed restoration and revitalize ecosystem resiliency in iconic National Forest System sites around the nation. ★

often a friend, trying to stalk a turkey call.”

With the opening of spring turkey hunting season near, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department urges hunters to review the following safety tips: * Never stalk a gobbling turkey. Your chances of getting close are poor, and you may be sneaking up on another hunter. * Don’t be patriotic. Avoid red, white and blue… and black too. A tom turkey’s head has similar colors. * Stick with hen calls. A gobbler call might draw in other hunters. * Avoid unnecessary movement. This alerts turkeys and attracts hunters. * Don’t hide so well that you impair your field of vision. * Wrap your turkey in blaze orange for the hike back to the car.

* Always sit with your back against a tree trunk, big log or a boulder that is wider than your body. This protects you from being accidentally struck by pellets fired from behind you. * Place decoys on the far side of a tree trunk or a rock. This prevents you from being directly in the line of fire should another hunter mistakenly shoot at your decoy. * Never shoot unless you’re absolutely

sure of your target.

Since only turkeys with beards are legal during the spring season, lack of positive identification could result in shooting an illegal bird, or worse, another hunter. * Consider wearing hunter orange while moving from set-up to set-up. Take it off when you are in position.

Remember, only turkeys stalk turkeys!

Hunt smart. Hunt safe. Wear orange. ★

Sometimes we just need a reason to celebrate. In truth, perhaps we shouldn’t need a reason - but there always is one! I did a little searching and found some notes about dates and the month of May. There are several month-long celebrations in May. If you start of celebrating National Barbecue Month and National Hamburger Month, you may then want to take part in National Bike Month and possibly even National Blood Pressure Month. Where ever you are and whatever you are doing, have some fun with your camera because May is National Photograph Month.

Looking for something on a smaller scale there are several days worth noting this month. We can all take some time to

reflect on May 3, which is the national day of prayer and again on May 28 for Memorial Day. May 11 is Military Spouses Day, followed closely on May 13 with Mother's Day. May 15 is Police Officer's Memorial Day and May 19 is Armed Forces Day. If you are feeling a little more whimsical, you may want to acknowledge Lost Sock Memorial Day on May 9. And although it seems a little early to celebrate Pick Strawberries Day in New England, that will happen on the 20th.

At the very least, you remember that every day is a good day. If you think that’s not the case, consider if you missed one. ★

Forest Service kicks off My Neighborhood Forest photo contest

Turkey Hunting Safety Tips courtesy of the Vermont Fish & Willife

BARRE, VT – Not even a turkey would mistake a hunter for a turkey.

Vermont’s youth turkey hunting weekend is April 28-29, and the regular spring season is May 1-31. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department points out that while spring turkey hunting-related shootings are rare (last year’s season was incident-free) precautions are needed.

Camouflage or drab colored clothing is almost mandatory to outwit a keen sighted gobbler. Unfortunately, camouflage has the same affect on other hunters as it has on the turkeys.

“With a handful of exceptions, all of our incidents have been caused by hunters who don’t positively identify the target before they pull the trigger,” said Chris Saunders, Hunter Education Coordinator.

“And the victim is usually another hunter,

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Outdoor Message

May 2012

Notes from the Little Cabin: The Good Ole Days

by Paul Kress

One of the nice things about being deep into senior citizenship is that you can brag about the “good old days” and embellish a bit without being challenged. Not that I would twist the facts in any way, but when I say that the 1920s and 30s were my “good old days” it may seem like I am going against everything in the history books. Sure it was the time of the Great Depression, but I was a lucky kid. Lived on our farm deep in the mid-west. Always had plenty to eat. Always slept warm and dry.

Most impotant to us farm boys the hunting and fishing was fabulous. Every creek and pond had a variety of good eating fish. Fields and brushy fence rows were well populated with rabbits.

Hickory, beech and oak woodlots were home to an abundance of squirrels including the big fox squirrels. The deer and wild turkeys were gone from our part of the country but that didn’t matter. There was plenty of fresh meat nearby just for

the taking.

We did have plenty to eat but money was hard to come by - and mighty scarce.

Fortunately wild critters helped us out there. It does seem strange now but even in the middle of the Depression there was a strong market for raw furs. It didn’t matter what kind - mink, muskrat, fox, raccoon - someone wanted to buy. You might think that with us highly motivated kids after them any furbearer would soon be a threatened species. Not so. I could say we were handicapped by poor equipment, not enough traps, too little time from our daily chores. Truth is most of us were poor trappers. Besides, some of those animals like the fox and raccoon were smarter than we were. Still we would usually take a few muskrats and an occasional mink. Most of us ended the season with money in our pockets.

Then there was the time the Brown County commissioners put a bounty on crows. Kill as many crows as you can and get paid twentyfive cents a head. We had hit the jackpot!

But why crows? The local newspaper explained that a farmer had complained that crows had pulled up a patch of his just sprouted corn. The paper started a campaign - “Kill crows, save corn.” That didn’t work. No one was going to waste ammunition killing something they couldn’t eat or sell. That is when the commissioners started the bounty program. Kill crows, save the corn and get the farmers’ vote in the next election. I didn’t care about all of the reasons why

we were to kill crows. Twenty-five cents was reason enough. Bought a crow call, ammo for the .22 and I was in business.

Plenty of crows hanging around. No closed season and no bag limits. Can’t say I made a fortune but even a little pocket money once in a while was appreciated.

Then in its third year the program was ended. Seems that a bunch of know-it-alls called the Ohio Fish and Game Department had done a study and declared that there were more crows now than before the bounty program started.

We kids thought this was great. More crows, easier hunting, more money.

Unfortunately, and for some strange reason, the county commissioners didn’t see it that way. A fine program went down the drain, along with a chunk of our income.

As you can see, even in “the good old days” there were down sides. ★

the traditions, legends and myths of the sport.

The Old Man once told me that it was a poor piece of cloth that couldn’t use a little embroidery. He was right; a little colored thread makes a plain white handkerchief a whole lot more interesting, while not affecting its usefulness in the least. Sometimes we emulate the generations that have preceded us by decorating the mundane events of our shooting life to make us feel better about ourselves. Those listening may believe us or, as our old friends the ancient Romans might have done, take our recollection cum grano salis, with a grain of salt.

I do not believe it is my place to question the stories I hear, and I am guilty of not fully checking the tales I pass on for either accuracy or credibility. I don’t do it because these stories are my way of getting to the soul of shooting and its personalities. The anecdotes are a still life of a person or event that is unbridled by detailed fact. Does it matter if it happened at Perry, Benning or Colorado Springs?

No, what matters is that we have shared a little bit about an event or person that we have enjoyed with those unlucky enough to not have had the same experience.

This all came to a head a few weeks ago during our morning coffee break when a fellow volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity project mentioned that he heard I was involved in competitive shooting and asked how deeply I was involved.

I gave him a rough overview, trying to be modest, for the Old Man often reminded me that I had much to be

modest about. He went on to regale me with his memories of his Uncle whom he said was a great shot in the early post Word War II years.

I didn’t recognize the name and so mentioned that my knowledge of pistol and shotgun shooters was not too extensive.

He replied that his uncle shot smallbore and was so good that he made the 1948 Olympic Team, but had to withdraw because of poor health. On that subject I have more than passing knowledge, plus I am on a first name basis with three of the shooters, Art Jackson, Art Cook, and the late Walt Tomsen, the latter two along with Harry Cail made up the smallbore contingent. No where in the literature or oral history does a withdrawal such as described to me occur.

As a matter of fact all those eligible for the tryout were informed that they had to be prepared for departure for England immediately after selection and would probably not be allowed to return home.

This left many with the dubious

excitement of packing for a trip to the Olympics that never materialized.

So there I sat, tenuously balanced between shooting scholarship and s h o o t i n g mythology. Who is to say which is better?

I don’t know, but I am reminded of a passage from Mark Harris’ baseball novel “Bang The Drum Slowly”. The protagonist, Henry Wiggen, remarks about old ballplayers, “You see an old fellow at the All Star Game, or at the World Series, or in the South, or hanging around at the winter meetings, and they lie to you, and the next thing you read in the paper that they are dead, old fellows not so many years before slim and fast, with a quick eye and great power, and all of a sudden they are dead and you are glad you did not wreak their story for them with straight facts.”

In the end I decided to nod my head sagely to my friend, as if in agreement, and let the family myth live on, uninhibited, by the straight facts. ★

Hap’s Corner: Truth, Mythology and Everything in Between...

by Hap Rocketto

The rich history and engaging characters of the shooting sports is both an ignored and unplumbed sea upon whose surface we cruise as we shape course from one match to another. It has oft been said that man knows more about the surface of the Moon than the floor of Earth’s oceans. It is the same with shooting as we know more about testing ammunition and the mechanics of our firearms than we do those who created or wielded them.

For over 25 years I have been researching the history and recording the present events and then scribbling down my discoveries and observations for the general education and amusement of various segments of the competitive shooting community. Some of my writings are more or less scholarly historical dissertations, replete with footnoted sources and bibliographies, on important events such as the Palma Match, the United States Randle and Dewar teams, or the history of the service firearm Distinguished program and the Presidents Match.

The other side of the coin reveals a less serious, but just as important, string of shooting anecdotes, stories and jokes. I use these short pieces to amuse and, hopefully, recreate some of the more interesting and bizarre events that I have witnessed, participated in, or have been told to me by what was, in my green and salad days, the elder statesman and greybeards of the sport.

The ancient Romans used to say Tempus fugit, a Latin expression meaning “time flees”, but now more commonly translated as “time flies”. Well, I have come to know that tempus does, indeed, fugit and, as many of my shooting mentors and heroes have passed to the Great Range in the Sky, I find that I have become an elder statesman and greybeard of the sport. It is now my time to pass on

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USA Shooting Unveils 2012 Junior Olympic Shotgun Team COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.

While the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team for shotgun will be decided in the coming months, the future of the program continues to unfold each year with the naming of the Junior Olympic Shotgun Team. This year, 22 shooters were selected for the team for which they will receive the support, assistance and coaching needed to advance through the ranks of competitive shotgun shooting.

The Junior Olympic program for USA shooting can often be the beginning of the Olympic journey for many shooters.

Tasked with the responsibility to identify the brightest young talent in the sport, USA Shooting is proud to announce the members of the 2012 Junior Olympic Shotgun Team. The Junior Olympic Shotgun Team is the gateway into the USA Shooting Team’s Olympic path.

National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson and the Junior Olympic Shotgun Team committee reviewed 80-plus applications this year—a record number that indicates growth in the shooting sports.

“The talent pool has strengthened over the past year and the competition was steep,” said Erickson, a four-time Olympian. “We’re happy to acknowledge this group of young kids in hopes that they’ll gain the confidence and maturity necessary to be elite-level shooters in our program down the road.”

New to the program is the addition of a Men’s Double Trap category for which four shooters were selected for the first time ever.

The team is comprised of nine trap, nine skeet and four double trap shooters.

Shooters from the Lone Star State make up the majority of the team, with six of the 22 shooters announced hailing from Texas. Tennessee and California also were heavy contributors to the team placing four and three shotgun athletes on the team respectively.

William Hinton (Dacula, Ga.) and Christopher Webster (Bainbridge, Ga.) come from USA Shooting’s Certified Training Center South George Youth Shooting and Bridge Creek Clays in

Hartsfield, Ga. Under the direction of Coach Mike Simpson, Hinton and Webster now comprise half of the Junior Olympic Shotgun Team for Men’s Double Trap. Robert Johnson (Phoenix, Ariz.) also developed his skills at another USAS Certified Training Center in Phoenix.

Johnson trains at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility/Clay Target Center.

The 2012 Junior Olympic Shotgun Team is as follows: Men’s and Women’s Trap Kimberley Bowers (Lafayette, Calif.)

Haley Colbert (Texarkana, Ark.) Grant Dorris (Lexington, Tenn.)

Michael Flores (Sacramento, Calif.)

Jered Harris (College Station, Texas) Rebekah Lowen (Hillsboro, Mo.) Logan Mountain (Palmdale, Calif.)

Dakotah Richardson (Godley, Texas) Corey Spruill (St. Charles, Mo.)

In 2007 a Committee of shooting sports industry executives conceived of a program to help the healing and reintegration of disabled combat veterans back into normal American life through participation in hunting and shooting events. HAVA - Honoring American Veterans Afield - was born.

Seven companies committed funds and personnel to organize and sponsor initial HAVA sanctioned activities. A Board of Directors was established and a panel of Sustaining Sponsors committed to insure that the organization proceeded in the proper manner.

The HAVA website <http://www.honoredveterans.org/> contains A Message from Chairman Tom Taylor. It thoroughly describes the program, and it is reproduced for you here: Thank you for your interest in Honored American Veterans Afield [HAVA], a 501[c]3 non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of the returning disabled veteran whose healing and reintegration into American life can be substantially enhanced by participation in hunting and shooting sports. It is organized and is controlled by a group of Sustaining Sponsor companies from the shooting sports industry whose sole interest is in assisting the disabled veteran with his or her return to a normal life.

HAVA events are conducted according to

the highest ethical and safety standards, and much of the money, equipment and venues for HAVA activities are donated by the Sustaining Sponsors, other sponsoring companies, individual contributors, and other interested people who contribute to the HAVA mission just for the satisfaction of helping those to whom we owe so much.

The disabled veterans participating in HAVA sanctioned events are nominated by elements of the U.S. Military and by affiliated groups who share our concern for these disabled warriors who have given their full measure of commitment to our way of life. They are each an American hero, and all of them seek to return to a fulfilling civilian life with the promise of achieving great things for themselves and their families. These are accomplished individuals, who have suffered great personal tragedy, but whose hope for the future is not diminished by their disability. It is HAVA’s goal, through active participation in outdoor sports activities, to help each of them to re-build the self-confidence needed to face each of life’s challenges.

We solicit your support of these veterans through HAVA by contributing as a company or individual, and pledge that our efforts on behalf of the disabled veteran will make you proud of your association with us.

You will not see much publicity about HAVA activities or its sponsors, nor will

we promote the interests of contributing companies. The private, personal rehabilitation of the participating veteran is our only goal, and we will not use them to promote the organization or raise funds. These men and women have given their all in defending the American way of life, and to aid in their physical, mental and cultural rehabilitation is the only HAVA mission.

Occasionally in advertising, and every day on our web site, we will acknowledge contributors or sponsors, but we will never tie HAVA to any commercial interest nor will we allow any contributor to exploit the association.

HAVA is a small organization of volunteers with no employees and much lower overheads than most charities -- in order to maximize benefits to the veteran.

We intend to remain small sponsoring a limited number of events, and to spend most of our energies in being certain that each event is conducted in the best possible manner for the benefit of the veteran. Each of our events will be supervised by an executive from a sponsoring company who is dedicated to

Men’s Double Trap Trey Hill (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

William Hinton (Dacula, Ga.) Jordan Hintz (Burlington, Wis.)

HAVA - Honoring American Veterans Afield

Christopher Webster (Bainbridge, Ga.) Men’s and Women’s Skeet Coulter DeWitt (Bryan, Texas) Granger DeWitt (Bryan, Texas) Hannah Houston (Columbia, Tenn.)

Robert Johnson (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Jakob Keldsen (Walkerton, Ind.) Nash Porter (Bryan, Texas) William Stewart (Columbia, Tenn.)

Dania Vizzi (Odessa, Fla.) Zachary Womack (Bowie, Texas) Winchester Ammunition is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team: Winchester® Ammunition has been the exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier of the USAShooting Shotgun Team since 1999. Members of the 2008 shotgun team brought home four medals from Beijing using Winchester AA International Target loads. Winchester is an industry leader in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and our country's proud shooting sports heritage. ★

HAVA the mission.

Our understanding of and sensitivity to the disabled veteran’s needs will grow exponentially over time, and HAVA’s future service to the veteran will benefit greatly from the involvement of such dedicated people.

We appreciate your interest in HAVA, invite you to stay connected to us through our web site, solicit your commitment and contribution to the disabled veteran through HAVA, and pledge strict adherence to our mission on behalf of our sponsors --- for the sole benefit of our honored disabled American veterans.

Very truly yours, Tom Taylor, Chairman As a nation, we must be grateful and show our gratitude by supporting the veteran who has served our nation, in whatever capacity we are able. If you would like to assist HAVA in their goals, contributions can be sent to HAVA at P.O. Box #60727, Longmeadow, Ma. 01116.

For additional information you can visit their website at http://www.honoredveterans.org/ ★

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.

This month, we chose a fresh light salad, because it screamed summer -- which is just around the corner!

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! ★

In Pop’s Pantry Lemony Tuna Salad

Prep and cook time: 20 min

Should feed 4

1/4 cup mayonnaise 4 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp grated lemon peel salt and pepper to taste 6 oz solid white tuna, roughly chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1 large romaine lettuce, shredded 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice and lemon peel. Add the tuna, breaking it apart with a fork. Then add the cucumber and onion. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. For a little added protein and vitamin C, stir in a cup of canned white beans, well rinsed.

Arrange the romaine leaves on a plate, top with scoop of tuna and some halved cherry tomatoes.

If you cut this out, it will fit nicely on a standard recipe card.

Page 8

The

Outdoor Message

May 2012

News from Around the Nation Ruger Backlog Latest Evidence Of Strong Industry Sales

Bullet Points Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR) announced Wednesday that it received orders for more than one million units in the first quarter and that the company has temporarily suspended the acceptance of new orders. The announcement sent Ruger shares up about 13 percent in trading Thursday, while shares of Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ:SWHC) rose about 11 percent.

Trophy Whitetails Up 400% Over 30 Years

http://www.boone-crockett.org Typical whitetail deer harvested by Brian J. Inda in Waushara County, Wisconsin, during the 2010 season. The buck scores 187-5/8 points.

Trophy whitetail entries from 2011 hunting seasons are pouring into Boone and Crockett Club headquarters. But while the sporting world waits to see which states are hot--or not--producers of giant bucks, North America's overall robust trend in whitetail entries is a story for all conservationists to celebrate.

B&C historical records show that trophy whitetails are up 400% over the past 30 years.

"It's worth remembering where America's favorite big-game species stood not so long ago--at the brink of extinction," said Ben Wallace, Club president. "In 1900, less than 500,000 whitetails remained. But habitat research, science-based programs, management, regulations and enforcement, all led and funded by hunters, brought this game animal back to extraordinary levels. Today there are more

than 32 million whitetails!"

The Boone and Crockett system of scoring big-game trophies originated in 1906 as a means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing. Over time, these records evolved as an effective way to track the success or failure of conservation efforts.

As North America’s whitetail herd has grown, numbers of big bucks also have risen.

For the period 1980-1985, hunters entered 617 trophy whitetails into Boone and Crockett records.

For the period 2005-2010, the total jumped to 3,090, an increase of 400%.

During this 30-year span, many states and provinces saw percentage gains much greater than the continental average (see data below). For example, trophy whitetail entries from Wisconsin have risen 857%. In Illinois, the increase is 896%. Ontario went from a single entry to a whopping 41—a 4,000% gain!

Six states and provinces had zero entries in 1980-1985. For 2005-2010, they combined for 48.

Boone and Crockett offers two premier ways to trace and detail historic conservation developments, not just with whitetails but many other species as well.

A book, "Records of North American Big Game," offers detailed tabular listings for trophies in 38 different categories of game. Each entry includes the all-time entry score, date harvested, location of kill, hunter and owner names, and selected measurements. At 768 pages, the book retails for $49.95.

A searchable online database, called "Trophy Search," is another exceptional resource. By buying an annual subscription, users can sort B&C archival data in infinite ways to identify national as well as local trends. An annual subscription is $50.

Boone and Crockett Club Associates

receive discounts on both items. Order online at www.boone-crockett.org or by calling 888-840-4868.

Long-gun registry finally destined for scrap heap of history

Canadian Shooting Sports Association, Canadian Institute for Legislative Action (OTTAWA) Good riddance to the longgun registry -- possibly the most unfair and useless legislation ever to have been passed by Parliament of Canada.

In the wake of many hours of debate and anti-gun rhetoric from the opposition and lobbyists, the Conservative party has successfully laid the registry to rest with Royal Assent on Bill C-19. Few issues have prompted so many Canadians to sound off on the shortcomings of a Canadian law.

"The Firearms Act has been a thorn in the side of hunters, sport shooters, farmers and heritage firearms enthusiasts for 17 years," says Tony Bernardo of the Canadian Shooting Sport Association.

"We know the registry was a cheap political ploy from a previous government that pretended to keep Canadians safe. It wasn't gun control, and it wasn't designed to do anything but frustrate honest, lawabiding firearms owners."

The Senate of Canada passed 3rd reading of Bill C-19 to scrap the registry on April 4th. Meanwhile, the Government of Quebec has vowed an injunction to try to prevent the data from being destroyed so it can be turned over to the province.

"Quebec wouldn't know what to do with this data if they got it," says Bernardo. "The data is legendary for its inaccuracy and it's way beyond its stale date. Quebec couldn't build a workable registry from the dregs of this white elephant because it was never workable in

the first place. It's hard to believe that Quebec voters want their tax dollars fed into a paper shredder like this."

The demise of the registry is the result of a coordinated effort by firearms enthusiasts, wildlife federations and associations from across the country. The Conservative party campaigned on scrapping the registry and its recent majority provides evidence of the widespread appetite for getting rid of this offensive legislation.

"It's been a long, rough road, but we knew we could prevail if we just kept telling the truth," says Bernardo. "The anti-gun faction had to torque statistics and align themselves with the unions and politically motivated left-wing advocates.

Freedom from draconian laws should never be about the left vs. the right, or rural vs. urban interests. Freedom is always about telling the truth. We thank the Harper government and those who have worked tirelessly to put this legislative mess out to pasture."

EPA Again Denies Ammo Ban Petition

In April, the Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity and other antihunting groups asking the EPA to impose a nationwide ban on the use of ammunition containing lead. The petition - the second one submitted by the CBD was essentially a replication of the petition submitted in 2010. According to the EPA, the new petition was “almost identical” to the earlier petition, had no “substantive difference,” and “contains no new information”.

In rejecting the new petition, the EPA reiterated its earlier finding that it has no authority to issue an ammunition ban. ★

Most Americans back gun lobby, right to use deadly force Reuters/Ipsos poll

by Deborah Charles, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/13/us-usa-guns-poll-idUSBRE83C0G420120413 people are shot every year in the United Most Americans support the right to use NRA, which is one of the most powerful Nearly half of those surveyed felt States in murders, suicides, accidents or crime rates were rising where they lived deadly force to protect themselves - even lobby groups in the country and regularly police intervention. in public places - and have a favorable clashes with anti-gun groups and often even though FBI statistics show that Government statistics show 31,347 violent crime has declined for the past 4 view of the National Rifle Association, with Democrats as it seeks to protect and people died in the United States in 2009 1/2 years. the main gun-lobby group, a expand gun rights across the United from gunshots, including 11,493 in Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

States.

"People's perception of crime always homicides.

However, there was also strong support "Regardless of how others try to distort over-represents reality," said Jackson. "I Ninety-one percent of those who think that indicates the mind frame that from respondents for background checks our position, the general public knows responded to the survey agreed on the the American public is in - there's always as well as limiting the sale of automatic where we stand," said NRA spokesman need for background checks before a a constant low-level worrying about street weapons and keeping guns out of Andrew Arulanandam. "It shows the firearm can be sold. Only 6 percent said crime." churches, stores and workplaces. failure of the continuing efforts of many they thought gun ownership should The online survey showed that 68 to try and discredit the National Rifle As a result, 85 percent of those polled require no, or very few restrictions. percent, or two out of three respondents, Association." said they did not believe police could stop Nearly three-quarters of respondents all crime and 77 percent felt regular had a favorable opinion of the NRA. Mitt Romney, the likely Republican said they supported limiting the sale of people had to "step up" to help prevent Eighty-two percent of Republicans saw presidential nominee, spoke to the NRA automatic weapons, and 62 percent crime from happening. the gun lobbying group in a positive light convention goers, vowing to reverse what oppose bringing firearms into churches, as well as 55 percent of Democrats, he calls the restrictive gun policies of The survey included 650 Republicans, workplaces or stores. findings that run counter to the perception President Barack Obama's administration.

752 Democrats and 520 independents.

"A fairly large number of Americans The precision of the Reuters/Ipsos online of Democrats as anti-NRA. "We need a president who will stand up support strong regulation, or at least poll is measured using a credibility Most of the 1,922 people surveyed for the rights of hunters, sportsmen, and moderate regulation of gun ownership," interval and this poll has a credibility nationwide said they supported laws that those seeking to protect their homes and said Jackson. "Which is sort of counter to interval of plus or minus 2.6 percentage allow Americans to use deadly force to their families," he said. "President Obama the narrative you often hear that points for all respondents. protect themselves from danger in their has not. I will." legislators can't touch our guns or you'll own home or in a public place.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents (Editing by David Brunnstrom and have to pay."

"Americans do hold to this idea that with high numbers among both Philip Barbara) ★ people should be allowed to defend Republicans and Democrats - supported themselves and using deadly force is fine, the use of deadly force to protect in those circumstances," said pollster themselves from danger in their home.

Chris Jackson. "In the theoretical ...

Two-thirds said they backed laws there's a certain tolerance of vigilantism." permitting the use of deadly force to 1957 Mass Ave, Cambridge MA 02140 617-876-8940 The poll was conducted amid a protect themselves in public. http://www.roachssportinggoods.com/ nationwide debate over gun rights and (Link to poll http://www.ipsosrace after the Florida shooting of an n a . c o m / n e w s unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5586) Dealer inquiries welcome

by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood crime watch volunteer who is white and GUN RESTRICTIONS NEEDED Firearms - Accessories - Fishing Tackle Supplies - Fly Tying According to the Brady Campaign to Hispanic.

All Sales Final The poll results were welcomed by the Prevent Gun Violence, nearly 100,000

STORE CLOSING

May 2012

The

Outdoor Message

Page 9

Sportsmen-Related Proposals Pending in the Massachusetts Legislature As we receive updates on these proposals, they will be passed along. Please contact your legislator and ask to be kept informed on any bills you have a particular interest in.

Committee Assignment Codes

ENRA = Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture JUD = Joint Committee on the Judiciary PSHS = Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security SARO = Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight VFA = Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

House Bill #

H.257 H.670 H.971 H.1150 H.1287 H.1552 H.1566 H.1567 H.1568 H.1822 H.2166 H.2396

H.2399 H.2400 H.2402 H.2404 H.3315 H.3700 formerly H.653

H-WM = House Ways & Means S-WM = Senate Ways & Means SER = Senate Ethics & Rules HSPS = House Steering, Policy & Scheduling

Proposals favorable to gun owners and sportsmen Bill Title

Sponsor

Committee/Status

An Act Relative to the Hunting of Bear An Act Relative to the Sale of Firearms An Act for Veterans Hunting and Fishing Licenses An Act Relative to Waterfowl Hunting (GOAL Bill) An Act Regarding Breaking and Entering a Firearm Retailer, Wholesaler or Manufacturer (GOAL Bill) An Act Relative to the Licensing Fees of Firearms An Act Relative to Constitutional Rights (GOAL Bill)

Rep. Todd M. Smola Rep. Daniel K. Webster Rep. Thomas M. Stanley Rep. George N. Peterson, Jr Rep. Christine E. Canavan

ENRA PSHS VFA ENRA JUD

Rep. F. Jay Barrows Rep. George N. Peterson, Jr

PSHS PSHS

An Act Relative to Civil Rights and Public Safety (GOAL Bill) A legislative amendment to the Constitution to exclude matters relating to fisheries and wildlife from the subject matter of initiative petitions

Rep. George N. Peterson, Jr Rep. Anne M. Gobi

PSHS Ought Not to Pass

An Act Relative to the Right to Carry Firearms (GOAL Bill)

Rep. George N. Peterson, Jr

PSHS

An Act relative to security in all court buildings and facilities An Act further regulating the issuance of firearms identification

Rep. John V. Fernandes Rep. Anne M. Gobi

A petition relative to hunting on Sundays An Act relative to youth hunting programs (GOAL Bill) An Act relative to the lawful use of shotguns (GOAL Bill) An Act relative to a report of firearms statistics An Act Valuing our Natural Resources formerly titled An Act relative to trapping for the purpose of capturing furbearing mammals An Act Relative to the Licensing of Firearms for Persons 70 Years of Age or Older

Rep. Anne M. Gobi Rep. Anne M. Gobi Rep. Kate Hogan Rep. Bradley H. Jones, Jr Rep. Anne M. Gobi

JUD PSHS released Favorable to HSPS PSHS H-WM PSHS PSHS Released to H-WM

Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli

Passed by House

An Act Relative to the Use of Crossbows in Hunting (this is a redraft of H.1135, H.1999 and H.2000) Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture

3rd Reading in House

S.782 S.832 S.1189 S.1191 S.1214

An Act relative to the criminal firearms and trafficking division of the state police An Act relative to deceptive weapon devices An Act relative to the lawful sale of ammunition An Act relative to small caliber ammunition An Act requiring a firearms licensing authority to provide a receipt for firearm license applications

Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan Sen. RIchard T. Moore (GOAL Bill) Sen. Stephen M. Brewer Sen. Stephen M. Brewer Sen. John F. Keenan

S.1223

An Act prohibiting the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during a state of emergency

Sen. Richard T. Moore (GOAL Bill)

S.1226

An Act relative to remove pepper spray from firearms identification.

This bill is a combination of H.658, H.1578 and H.2403

Minority Whip Richard J. Ross

JUD JUD PSHS PSHS PSHS released Favorable to SER PSHS released Favorable to S-WM S-WM

H.3942

Senate Bill #

House Bill #

H.270 H.428 H.639 H.657 H.665 H.667 H.1318 H.1349 H.1561 H.1562 H.2838

Senate Bill #

S.835 S.1195

Bill Title

Sponsor

Proposals not favorable to gun owners and sportsmen Bill Title

An Act relative to hunting or trapping on private land An Act relative to hidden compartments An Act Relative to the Licensing of Certain Automatic Weapons An Act relative to shooting near highway or dwelling An Act Relative to Firearms in the Commonwealth An Act Relative to the Possession of Weapons An Act Increasing Penalties for Felons in Possession of Firearms in the Commonwealth An Act Relative to Dangerous Weapons An Act to improve the ballistic database through microstamping ammunition An Act to Restrict the Issuance of Licenses to Carry Firearms An Act to prevent bulk purchasing and illegal trafficking of firearms

Bill Title

Sponsor

Rep. Martin Walsh Rep. Stephen L. DiNatale Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein Rep. Timothy J. Toomey, Jr Rep. Timothy J. Toomey, Jr Rep. Russell E. Holmes Rep. David M. Nangle Rep. David Paul Linsky Rep. David Paul Linsky Rep. David Paul Linsky

Sponsor

Committee/Status

Committee/Status

ENRA JUD PSHS PSHS PSHS PSHS JUD JUD PSHS PSHS JUD

Committee/Status

Sen. Anthony Petruccelli Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz

JUD PSHS

S.1202 S.1207

An Act enhancing public safety through the use of technology An act regarding the prevention of illegal trafficking and gun violence among youth in the Commonwealth An Act relative to preventing illegal trafficking of firearms An Act to increase the penalties for the illegal possession of firearms

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem Sen. EIleen Donoghue

PSHS PSHS

S.2054

An Act relative to habitual offenders, sentencing and improving law enforcement tools

Sen. Cynthia Creem-Stone

S.1224 S.1234

Page 10

An Act relative to a study commission on GPS locators in firearms An Act establishing the Massachusetts armor piercing law

The

Outdoor Message

Sen. Anthony Petruccelli Sen. James E. Timilty

PSHS PSHS released Ought Not to Pass to SER Amended and passed

by Senate. H-WM

May 2012

Outdoor Users: Thank A Landowner Today With the New Year just beginning and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures are becoming fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, MassWildlife Outreach Coordinator. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private nonprofit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list." Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation: Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated.

If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist, include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.

Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images, or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.

Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket, or a subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. In the case of a nonprofit landowner, make a donation to their organization.

Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or identify, clean up, and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.

Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious or illegal activities to the Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.

"Hunting, fishing, birding and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a responsible outdoor recreationist," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2012 to ensure recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and future generations of outdoor users."

New England Cottontails Still Need Your Help

In December of 2010, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) appealed to sportsmen, highway department workers, animal control officers, and other interested citizens to collect and provide MassWildlife with cottontail carcasses or cottontail skulls.

That call for action kicked off a statewide survey of cottontail rabbits to assess the distribution and population of two kinds of cottontails in the Commonwealth, the common and non-native eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), and the imperiled native New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). The New England cottontail has been designated as a Candidate Species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. May 2012

Where to find MassWildlife Mail: 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough MA 01581 Phone: 508-389-6300 Email: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us Website: www.MassWildlife.org MassWildlife is making a special appeal to animal control officers in the central and western regions of the state to continue the collection effort and to alert others in their communities to participate in this citizen science opportunity.

Since the first appeal, MassWildlife received approximately 500 cottontail specimens. From the collected specimens, about 10% have been identified as New England cottontails, and significantly, several new local populations of New England cottontails have been identified.

The majority of cottontail carcasses came from the eastern and southeastern parts of the state. MassWildlife needs a sample that is characteristic of the entire Commonwealth and is especially in need of more cottontail specimens from Worcester County and all points west.

MassWildlife will still gratefully accept cottontails from anywhere in the state.

The only way to distinguish between the two cottontails is by examining various skull features, or submitting tissue samples for DNA analysis. Therefore, carcasses in any condition can be donated to facilitate the survey effort. Road-killed carcasses or cottontail heads should be placed in a plastic bag and frozen until they can be dropped off at a MassWildlife District Office, MassWildlife Hatchery, or MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough. Be sure to wear gloves when handling carcasses. Please include a note with your contact information, date of collection, and detailed, specific location information such as a street address, intersection, or other discernable landmark.

The location where the carcass was collected is the single most important piece of data used to assess the cottontails’ distribution, so please make every effort to record as specific a collection location as possible. A marked topographic map, Google map, or GPS coordinates are ideal, but any detailed, specific location information will greatly aid biologists.

The cottontail survey in Massachusetts is part of a regional effort, the New England Cottontail Initiative, to conserve New England cottontail populations. The Initiative involves partnerships with state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and other landowners working together to identify populations of New England cottontails and to create or maintain large patches of suitable habitat for them. Any inquiries can be directed to David Scarpitti, Upland Game Biologist, David.Scarpitti@ state.ma.us or 508-389-6377.

Boaters, Wear Your Life Jacket!

Though air temperatures have risen considerably, boaters are still at risk from cold water. State law requires all canoeists and kayakers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times through May 15.

For safety it’s best that boaters wear lifejackets year-round, but during cool and cold weather months, it's the law in Massachusetts. Wearing a life jacket could save someone’s life and could also make an encounter with the Environmental Police or other enforcement officer a positive experience.

The first warm days of spring mask dangerously cold water temperatures. If paddlers capsize or fall overboard, they can succumb within minutes to hypothermia (the lowering of a person's The

internal body temperature), which deadens arms and legs and renders a victim unable to swim, paddle, or stay afloat. A related danger - the "cold-waterimmersion-reflex," whereby a victim, shocked by frigid water, involuntarily gasps, and ingests a significant amount of water - can lead to death by drowning.

Failure to wear a lifejacket, operator inattention, overloading, alcohol and small boat instability are the most significant factors in boating fatalities.

Wearing lifejackets gives both victims and rescuers additional precious time to get themselves out of a potentially tragic episode.

Massachusetts boating regulations require that all persons aboard canoes and kayaks between September 15 and May 15 wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while a boat is underway. In addition, the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) recommends wearing a PFD as standard practice year-round, and reminds boaters that children under 12 are required to wear PFDs in boats of all types throughout the year. While most Type I, II, and III lifejackets will not prevent hypothermia, they do give the victim one less thing to worry about: staying afloat.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police encourages all boaters to take a state-approved boating safety course. Visit the Massachusetts Boat Safe web page at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatrvsafe.ht m for links to the MEP boating course schedule, other approved course providers, and information about state boating laws.

Turkey Hunting Reminders

The spring turkey hunting season opens throughout most of Massachusetts on April 30, 2012. Do you have your turkey permits? Have you found a place to hunt?

Are you familiar with safe turkey hunting methods? If successful, how do you report your turkey harvest? MassWildlife offers the following information for turkey hunters regarding new permit procedures, turkey hunting opportunities and safe turkey hunting methods to follow when hunting.

Turkey Permit Reminder– In order to legally hunt turkeys, licensed hunters must obtain a turkey permit. With the new electronic MassFishHunt system, there is no longer a deadline to apply for a turkey permit, hunters may simply purchase a permit via home computer (www.mass.gov/massfishhunt) or by visiting a license vendor or DFW office to get their permit. A hunting license is required when purchasing the permit.

Information for Youth Turkey Hunters – NEW THIS YEAR: This year, minors 12 - 14 years of age who successfully completed the Youth Turkey Hunt Program will be issued a Youth Turkey Hunt permit with two tags. The permit

Outdoor Message

and tags will be valid for both the Youth Turkey hunt date of April 28, 2012 and the regular spring turkey hunting season. The youth permit and tags are not valid for fall turkey hunting. As in the past, young turkey hunters aged 12-17 years-old who successfully completed the Youth Turkey Hunt Program in a previous year and plan to hunt on April 28, 2012 must obtain a Youth Turkey permit by completing the Past Participant Application found at <www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/y ath/pdf/yath_past_particpant_form.pdf>.

Applications may be mailed or dropped off at: Youth Turkey Permit, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive), Westborough, MA, 01581.

Remember that the daily bag limit is 1 bird/day for both the Youth Turkey Hunt date and the duration of the spring turkey hunting season. All other turkey hunting regulations apply to young turkey hunters.

Turkey Harvest Reporting – Successful turkey hunters must check their turkeys in at an official check station for the spring turkey hunting season. Because the MassFishHunt online harvest reporting system is still under construction, there will be no opportunity to report turkey harvest on line. A list of turkey check stations is posted at: www.mass.gov/ dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/turkey/tur key_check_stations.htm Turkey Hunting Safety Tips– Finally, all turkey hunters are urged to hunt safely.

Being completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot will reduce the chance of hunting accidents and the number of hens that are mistakenly killed during the spring season. Turkey hunting can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it has associated dangers that the hunter must keep in mind. The wild turkey has a keen sense of sight and can easily detect movement and colors that are out of place in the woods, making the use of complete camouflage or drab colored clothing almost a must. Camouflage not only reduces the turkey's chance of seeing the hunter, but also has the same effect on other hunters, increasing the chances for accidents. Hunters sneaking up on (stalking) other hunters who are calling and hunters who are wearing turkey colors (red, white, blue, and even black) are involved in a high percentage of reported accidents. Putting these following safe turkey hunting practices to use will help to ensure that turkey hunting will remain a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience.

• Don't stalk birds; sit or stand and call the turkeys to you.

• Don't wear red, white, blue or black anywhere on your body where the colors might be exposed during your hunt.

• Don't hide in a place where your view is obstructed.

Further tips on turkey hunting safety from MassWildlife and the National Wild Turkey Federation can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreati on/hunting/turkey/turkey_safety_tips.htm . ★ GUNS AMMO ANTIQUE WEAPONS RELOADING EQUIPMENT ARCHERY SUPPLIES

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 Page 11

THE GOAL FOUNDATION

Promoting the safe and lawful use of firearms through public education

37 Pierce Street ● PO Box 306 ● Northborough, MA 01532 Phone 508-393-5133 ● Fax 508-393-5134

President: David Tetzloff Secretary/Treasurer: Michael D. Yacino Directors: Al Bonney, Dee Bonney, Don Holmes, Coach Russ Doucette, Coach Kevin Winters, Joe Colbert

Massachusetts Gallery Pistol League Championship, May 12th at Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club Donald Holmes – GOAL Foundation Pistol Coordinator I’d like to thank all those who made last year’s Championship match so successful.

Both the competitors and range personnel made it a great day.

Taunton is not available to host the Championship this year. We thank them for being very good hosts and hope to work with them again in the near future.

The date of Saturday, May 12 has been chosen for the Massachusetts Gallery Pistol League Championship. The Angle Tree Stone Rod and Gun Club of North Attleboro will be our host. Its just north on Rte. 152 from the Rte. 95 exit. Just waiting for confirmation from the Club.

As you know not many clubs have the range capacity to handle these matches. If

you know of any that would like to host I would be pleased to move the match round. Taunton, Braintree and Sharon have hosted in the past.

If for any reason there is a problem at Angle Tree, I am hoping Sharon or Braintree will step up. Right now they are deadlocked for the South Shore League Championship so it will be a couple of weeks to iron that out.

Please get back to me with your champion teams information so I can get them a relay time.

Note that I have increased the fee to $75. I have also attached the finance report for the match from last year. I intended to raise it last year and was lucky

Mike Yacino visited Cape Cod Fish & Game in early April and has been travelling to promote the positive missions of The GOAL Foundation and the Mass Junior Conservation Camp. If your club would like to hear more about these worthy causes, please call The GOAL Foundation at 508-393-5133.

Photo by G. Lemire

not to lose money on the match at the old rate. Also notice I donate the certificates as well as my time to run and report on the match. The few dollars this match does generate go only to our state team at Camp Perry.

Light refreshments will be available at range.

FYI: The indoor state championship match looks like it may be at Smith & Wesson this year, probably in the Fall.

The state championships need to be run to keep up our reputation with the NRA and of course for our state team members to shoot under match pressure and to raise funds for The GOAL Foundation and support our state teams.

TIME: SATURDAY May 12, 2012 Up to 8 teams 4 relays 8:30am to 3:00 pm.

Relay times will be assigned by match director. Early relays will be filled first.

Teams should arrive no later than ½ hour prior to relay time.

PLACE/HOST: Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club, 57 Kelley Boulevard, North Attleboro, MA 02760. 508-695-0902 COURSE OF FIRE: NRA 900 Gallery Team Match – B-2, B-3 50’ targets.

Up to 6 shooting members per team.

Top 5 scores to count for team score.

ELIGIBILITY: Members of champion teams representing gallery pistol leagues of Massachusetts. Must be bona-fide members of Club team and have completed minimum number of matches to be eligible for league awards (typically ¾ of league matches).

COST: $75.00 per team. Checks should be made out to Donald Holmes.

Proceeds of match are used for Trophies, Certificates and any profit left over for The GOAL Foundation state team

The GOAL Foundation would like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations: J. Gugliemino, T. Brown, B. Van Roo, P. Kress, J. Monahan, R. Miller, D. Kusser, F. Barry, M. Zyra Jr., C. Wesson, B. Wedlock, G. Darey, M.D. Yacino and J. Horton in Memory of Ferdinand Merritt.

The GOAL Foundation would also like to thank the following clubs for their generous donations! Woodville Rod & Gun Club, Braintree Rifle & Pistol Club, Bass River Rod & Gun Club and Barre Sportsman’s Club.

A special thanks to all that have helped support The GOAL Foundation by purchasing our raffle tickets as well as those that have been helping to sell them! We have 3 great prizes to give away in May so good luck to all!

Make a Donation to The GOAL Foundation

The GOAL Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that supports education and training programs for the responsible use and ownership of firearms. This fund is also used to help defer some of the cost for our Junior Shooters to compete in national competitions.

I would like to help The GOAL Foundation. Please accept my tax-deductible donation of: _____$25

_____$50

_____$75

_____$100

_____other

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ______________

The GOAL Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation.

Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mail your check or money order to: The GOAL Foundation, PO Box 306, Northboro MA 01532

Page 12

The

Outdoor Message

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fees at Camp Perry Matches.

(The GOAL Foundation pays NRA team fees only. State team members pay their own entry fees and provide their own ammo, travel, etc. to participate at national matches.)

AWARDS: The GOAL Foundation trophies will be awarded to winning teams. Results/Trophies and Certificates will be delivered to designated team contacts.

Generally, NRA rules as specified in the NRA Pistol Rule Book will govern unless stated otherwise by the match director. Club safety rules will be observed and no handling of firearms is allowed outside the range areas without permission of match/club officials.

All teams will bring a non-shooting scorer to score/check team targets. This is consistent with most league matches and will help facilitate the match.

Scorer/checkers will decide by mutual agreement or ‘coin toss’ who will ‘score/check’. Teams that fail to provide a scorer will have a volunteer appointed by the match officials.

Match director or designated officials will appoint an experienced scorer as “Referee” prior to start of relay to render final decisions of disputed scores.

Examples of disputed scores would be targets not agreed on by scorer/checker or appealed by shooter to team captains without decision. All referee decisions are final.

Team Captains or appointees will sign relay score sheet accepting scores for their teams.

MATCH DIRECTOR: Donald Holmes 143 Perry St. Stoughton, MA 02072 781-344-1413 e-mail: ssrplpistol@verizon.net Relay Assignments: 8:30 am: Team 1 & 2 10:00 am: Team 3 & 4 11:30 am: Team 5 & 6 1:00 pm: Team 7 & 8 Only squadded if needed.

Financial report for the match: Match Funds and Fee Income: Bank from 2010 = $ 50 Total checks: 4 teams x $60 = $240 Total cash:2 teams x $60 = $120 TOTAL INCOME $410.00 Expenses: 2 Checks to The GOAL Foundation $120.00 Target expense:(35 shooters x 9 targets X.06/target) = $18.90 Refreshments: Honey Dew (donuts) $22.99 Tedeschi (milk) $ 3.18 ADJ-Match Momento Decals $ 53.13 -3 Trophies $104.66 US Mail- Bubble envelopes & trophies Postage $13.78 Certificates Postage $1.28 TOTAL EXPENSES $337.92 NET PROFIT: $72.08 Bank Carried over for next year = $ ($50) Total Profit to State Pistol Team = $22.08 Respectfully submitted: Donald Holmes 143 Perry Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 ssrplpistol@verizon.net Cell phone 617-365-2051 ★ May 2012

Last Chance for The GOAL Foundation Raffle Tickets!

The GOAL Foundation will be drawing the winners of their raffle in just a few days! The winners were scheduled to be drawn at The GOAL Foundation board meeting on May 3rd. However, the meeting date was changed to May 10th.

So if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet - this is a sign! Don’t miss your chance to win a great prize while supporting The GOAL Foundation.

Tickets are $10 each.

All prize winners will be contacted directly by The GOAL Foundation personnel.

Funds from The GOAL Foundation Raffle will be used towards anticipated building expenses and expanding support for junior shooting teams.

We have 3 great raffle prizes: a week’s stay in a 4 bedroom home on beautiful Cape Breton Island N.S.; a full day of fishing for 4 people aboard Jac's Mate out of Wellfleet MA; and a half day of fishing for 4 with Tuna Hunter Fishing Charters out of Gloucester MA. Details and more information on all raffle prizes are listed below.

1 week stay/Cape Breton Island N.S. Home Discover wild life at its finest! Enjoy 200 acres of land with trails for hiking

from Ocean front home shown above, located on the Old Cabot Trail. The home includes 4 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 1 TV room, 1 playroom w/ping pong table, 2 full baths and 1 outdoor beach shower.

Other local attractions include:World famous Highlands National Park, horse back riding, whale watching, golf, Celtic music, fishing and kayaking! National Geographic has listed Cape Breton Island as the #1 Island to travel to in Canada or the US. The winner will be provided contact information to plan the week to be taken with the homeowner.

Full Day Striped Bass Fishing Trip for 4 with Jac’s Mate/Eastham, MA Captain George Ministeri welcomes you to come aboard Jac's Mate for sport fishing from Wellfleet Harbor. The Captain knows where the big ones are and can set you up with the right bait and pole to maximize your chances of snagging the catch of the day. Contact Jac's Mate for a productive and

Training Opportunities on the Way! In previous months, there was quite a listing of training courses, which were funded and promoted by The GOAL Foundation.

The GOAL Foundation intends to contract with those approved to instruct and cover a wide spectrum of courses for both young and old. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors and our part-time

administrative assistant are presently working to put together a new team of instructors, dedicated to bringing learning opportunities to the public.

If you are interested in becoming a member of our training team, please contact Michelle at 508-393-5133 or email foundation2012@verizon.net ★

The GOAL Foundation Junior Smallbore Postal Matches

The GOAL Foundation runs conventional smallbore postal matches to promote the shooting sports among young people.

Any Massachusetts boy or girl who has not yet reached their 20th birthday by December 31st of 2011 may compete.

Clubs or organizations submit the scores once a month to The GOAL 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 GOAL 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 GOAL Foundation, please send them directly to Michelle Kirouac, 37 Pierce St., 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 have of your junior teams. I'm sure they would love to see those in The Outdoor Message!

For questions or details, please contact Michelle at 508-393-5133.

There will be no fee charged to participate in this program. The GOAL Foundation believes that the importance of attracting new shooters is the highest priority.

Donations are greatly appreciated. ★

SPARKY’S GUN SHOP www.sparkys45.com

e-mail: sparkys45@aol.com May 2012

The

The GOAL Foundation Raffle Ticket Order Form

Name____________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

I would like to purchase ____ tickets

Total amount enclosed ____

Please mail me a receipt ____ I do not need a receipt ____ _______________________________________________________________

Return with payment to: The GOAL Foundation, 37 Pierce Street, Northborough MA 01532. may2012 responsible sport fishing experience!

508-255-2978, email: Phone: jacsmate@comcast.net or visit: www.home.comcast.net/~jacsmate/.

½ day Striped Bass/Bluefish fishing for 4 with Tuna Hunter Fishing Charters/Rockport, MA Striped Bass and Bluefish charters are our most popular, as striped bass are plentiful in Cape Ann waters, easy to catch for new anglers and offer actions throughout one's charter. Striped Bass/Bluefish fishing charters offer light tackle fishing action in close to the rocks and island shores of Cape Ann, MA. Stripers and Bluefish are often taken trolling live bait or select lures or umbrella rigs - a great hit, and a great fight! Striped bass fishing and bluefish charters are great for young anglers, or those who wish to enjoy the scenery of Cape Ann MA and comfort of close proximity to land. Contact Captain Gary Club

Cannell at 978-407-1351 for more information! Or visit his website: www.tunahunter.com.

The GOAL Foundation extends our sincere gratitude to the generous donors of these prizes - R. Doucette, G. Ministeri and G. Cannell!

If you have any questions contact Michelle via email at foundation2012@verizon.net or call her at 508-393-5133. ★

The GOAL Foundation Postals

Junior

Name

Prone Stand

Kneel

Marlborough Fish & Game Harvard Sportsman Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club

Margot Lee Nick Hildreth Ben Regin Jacob Carman Joe Pikul Evan Lagrant

200 154 176 150 149 179

190 82 104 94 35 94

190 50 152 158 102 159

Intermediate Junior Marlborough Fish & Game Marlborough Fish & Game

AJ Carmody Adam Amatucci

175

55 111

137

78 84 118

136 128 155 148 118

Lenox Sportsmans Club

Marlborough Fish & Game Harvard Sportsman Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club

Bass River Rod & Gun Club Bass River Rod & Gun Club

Sub Junior Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Hopedale Pistol & Rifle Club Harvard Sportsman Club Harvard Sportsman Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Nenameseck Sportsmens Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Lenox Sportsmans Club Marlborough Fish & Game Marlborough Fish & Game Bass River Rod & Gun Club Bass River Rod & Gun Club Bass River Rod & Gun Club

Outdoor Message

Rebecca Nicholson

Gianna Ferrecchia Dana Cochrane Andrew Williams Dennis Pikul Jacob Adams Margaret O'Brien Ross Hughes Travis Toelken Steve Bohin Geno D'Agostino Mac Litishin Kirklan Doherty

Jessica Grindell Marisha Florindo Austin Quinn Logan Quinn Ahrin Helka Cole Leonard Angel Guerrero Alison Stienstra Emily Stienstra Amanda Rutkowski Kole Griffin Millette Jacob Edelen Brendan O'Brien Collin Williams Patrick O'Brien Zuzu Demetrius Steve Silverman Steve LaRochelle Will Kipp Mansel Marangoni Paul Ferrecchia Billy Soto Alyssa Kuehne Sara Kuehne Ryan Kyle

177

132

163 172 185 155 181 164 178 155

50 130 168 86 115

178 158 181

153 56 138

139

146 169 175 145 152 151 107 147 170 107 152 86 89 166 149 175 160 159 128 33 155 82 177 157 164

78

168

138 176 154 122 151

172 70 155

1st P, 1st S, 1st K 3rd S

2nd P, 3rd K 3rd P, 2nd S, 2nd K

1st K 1st P, 1st S 2nd P 3rd P 3rd K

3rd P, 2nd S, 2nd K 2nd P, 3rd S, 3rd K

2nd P

76 42 31 67 51 75 71 76 53 22 52

50 46 43 119 75

138 133 117 121 10 84 105 82 79

3rd P 1st S

3rd S

2nd P, 2nd S, 1st K 2nd K 1st S 3rd K 1st P

Page 13

Massachusetts 2012 Outdoor Pistol State Championships, Aug 25-26 at Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club A 2700 WITH LEG MATCH & DISTINGUISHED REVOLVER MATCH. 50 yard slow fire - 25 yard timed & rapid.

45 shooting points. The matches are registered by the National Rifle Assoc.

Current NRA Rules will govern.

Advance registration is required for squadding. Please register early. The range has 45 positions. Send $10 (nonrefundable) and your choice of date to: Rick Sten, 23 Gorham Ave, Pembroke, MA 02359. E-mail r.sten@verizon.net The package entry fee of $40 includes registration fee and all individual and aggregate matches for the 2700. Package fee for 2 guns is $30 and $25 for one gun. $10.00 per individual for "Leg'' match shooters. If you only shoot the leg match the registration fee is $10.00. Please make checks payable to Rick Sten.

Matches start at 9 am on Saturday, 10 am on Sunday.

Competitors must show a validated current outdoor classification or score record book. Unclassified competitors will compete in the Master Class.

Firearms: 22 caliber and center fire as per NRA Rules for Conventional Pistol.

Trigger may be weighed and will be weighed if National Records are broken.

Scoring: Competitors will pass score cards to the right. Plugs and gauges will be used only by designated range

personnel. Competitors are responsible for repairing their own targets. Bring your own stapler. (NO Ceiling Tile Staplers permitted.) The official match referee will rule on challenges. If there is no referee a 3 man jury will be called. A $2.00 fee will be paid for each challenge.

All slow fire will be on the NRA B-6 50 yard slow fire target. All timed and rapid will be on the NRA B-8 target for 25 yards for timed and rapid fire.

Award Schedule: Open each match.

First in each class if at least five present and shooting; Second if ten; Third if fifteen; Fourth if twenty. Civilian and Service (including National Guard and Reserve) categories. Additional categories if sufficient competitors (5) present and shooting. Awards will be cash.

Match 1 - 22 Cal. Slow Fire, 20 Shots Match 2 - 22 Cal. National Match Course, 30 Shots Match 3 - 22 Cal. Timed Fire, 20 Shots Match 4 - 22 Cal. Rapid Fire 20 Shots Match 5 - 22 Cal. Sub Aggregate Match 6 - Center Fire Slow Fire. 20 Shots Match 7 - Center Fire National Match Course 30 Shots Match 8 - Center Fire Timed Fire. 20 Shots Match 9 - Center Fire Rapid Fire. 20 Shots Match 10 - Center Fire Sub Aggregate Lunch Break

✮✮

Match 11 - 45 Cal. Slow Fire. 20 Shots Match 12 - 45 Cal. National Match Course.

30 Shots Match 13 - 45 Cal Timed Fire . 20 Shots Match 14 - 45 Cal. Rapid Fire. 20 Shots Match 15 - 45 Sub Aggregate Match 16 - Match Grand Aggregate For 2700 Match 17 - E.L.C. "Leg Match" 30 Shots Match 18 - Distinguished Revolver Match (see rules on NRA web site) NOTES: 1. E.l.C. Service Pistol Match 1. Shooters must supply their own "Leg Match" Ammunition. Ammunition must be any safe 230 grain round nose jacked bullet for 45 cal. and 124 or 115 grain round nose jacked bullet for 9mm.

Or any ammunition allowed by CMP. All Leg match ammunition will be inspected before shooters are allowed on the firing line. The Match Referee will have the final decision. All triggers will be weighed.

2. If the NRA or CMP changes sanctioning fees for match, Angle Tree reserves the right to change the match fees by the same amount.

3. Attendance has been very good in the past. Send your request for squadding in early. Should capacity be exceeded, priority will be given to 3 and/or 2 gun shooters.

4. Please note that the above schedule

Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide ✮ ✮

is in the order for the match.

5. Cold cut sandwiches will be provided at no charge.

6. All competitors should check in no later than 30 minutes prior to the start time. Angle Tree reserves the right to reschedule any competitor arriving after that time to make room for post entries present at the range. Post entries accepted to range capacity for any relay if such rescheduling does not delay the start of the next relay.

7. Any shooter under the age of 18 must have a parent in attendance or a notarized parental permission letter before they are allowed to shoot. The Match Director will have the final decision.

8. Distinguished Revolver Match: You must supply your own ammunition. .38 must be 158gr Lead Round Nose or Semi Wadcutter. Factory or remanufactured reloads. Personal reloads are allowed.

Triggers will be weighted and must be 2 ½ lbs. in single stage.

For further rules and information see the NRA website www.mynra.com For your records: Circle the date for which you would like reservations and keep the match program in a safe place.

You will be contacted only if there is a problem squadding your selected date.

This will be your only record of your selections. ★

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 GOAL 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

Acupuncture

Acupuncture Center of Canton (Jeffrey S. Wernick, Lic. Ac., LICSW) Canton MA www.acupuncture.mysite.com 781-828-6636

Archery Supplies

Eryleen Archery Pro-Shop (Emery Loiselle) Burlington MA 781-272-0244

Attorney

Attorneys & Counsellors at Law (Josef J.D. Gazzola) 781-235-4989

Building/Remodeling

Roche Home Improvement (Gregory Roche) Sagamore MA 774-696-2470 Phillips Fine Carpentry & General Contracting (Phillip DeFreitas) Groton MA 781-718-7123 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

Computer Consulting

S&H Associates (Steven Sotsky) Framingham MA 508-656-0613 www.sandhcomputers.com

Computer Software Services

Information Server Company (Pascal Cleve) Sudbury MA 978-443-1435

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 Segal Constable Services (Len Segal) Sharon MA 781-784-5924

Consultant on Liquor Liability Issues

Truth or Dare (Brad Greenfield) Wellesley MA 781-789-0675

Deep Sea Fishing Trips

Tuna Hunter Fishing Charters (Gary Cannell) Rockport MA 978-407-1351 www.tunahunter.com

Dentist

Dental Care North (John Kozlauska, DMD) Lynnfield MA 781-334-2520

Page 14

Electrical Contractor

Morse Electric (Richard A. Morse) Rowley MA 978-948-2727 EJ Kennedy Master Electrician (Eric Kennedy) North Attleboro MA 508-TUG-WIRE

Firearms Instruction

Joe Nava, Fairbanks AK 907-479-2340

Flooring

Touchdown Carpet & Flooring (Doug Gibbs) Marlboro MA 508-480-8552 Argopoxy Floor Coatings (Eric Gustafson) Southampton MA 413-203-5143

Graphic Design

On Point Graphics (Steve Moore) Norton MA 508942-8125

Gun Sales

Mike’s Gun Shop (Jon Green) Northboro MA 508641-0116

Gunsmithing

LaRocca Gun Works (Mike LaRocca) Worcester MA 508-754-2887 ww.laroccagunworks.com

Masonry & Hardscape Supply

Promotional Imprinting

Gumption, Inc. (Joe Cassia) Malden MA 781-3226400 Sky Line Screenprinting (Tom Bashista) Southampton MA 413-527-6299 www.skylinescreen.com MCA Promo (Michael Amburgey) Lunenburg MA 978-582-3662

Real Estate

Scharpenter Realty (Jack Scharpenter) Lakeville MA 508-946-5602 Amaral Resendes Realty (Kevin Landry) New Bedford MA 508-542-4973 Peter Neslusan at the Mercure Group 508-2777503

Scaffolding

Cape Cod Staging (Kevin Kelleher) New Bedford MA 508-992-2411, Cranston RI 401-9416660

Security EJ

Kennedy Security/Life Safety Systems Contractor (Eric Kennedy) North Attleboro MA 508-TUG-WIRE

TLC Supply, Inc. (Donald Ross) Quincy MA 617773-0055

Septic Inspection

Strategic Payment Systems (Michael Roux) Canton MA mroux@spsprocessing.net www.spscreditcardprocessing.com 978-3377126

Signs, Truck Lettering, Graphics

Merchant Services/Credit Card Processing

Mortgage/Real Estate Loans

Bank of America (Lex Towle) Peabody MA 978869-2424 Diamond Funding (Brian Hazard) Milford MA 508395-1559

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

For more information about the Gun Owners’ Buyers Guide call 508-393-5133.

The

Outdoor Message

Lane Septic Inspection (Brian Lane) Walpole MA 508-212-2916 Signmaker1.com (Leonard Mort) Millbury MA 508-865-2382

Stained Glass

Custom Stained Glass (Jack Hurley) South Easton MA 508-238-0386

Steel Buildings

Metal Building Concepts (Brian Robbins) Raynham MA 508-828-1368

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

Vacation Resort

Liberty Haven Ranch (C.D. or Jeanne Tavares) Wickenburg AZ 623-640-7880 www.libertyhaven.com

Website Development

Gumption, Inc. (Joe Cassia) Malden MA 781-3226400

May 2012

HOLYOKE REVOLVER CLUB, INC.

P.O. Box 543 - Holyoke, MA 01041 - 413-539-9345 - holyokerevolverclub.com

Friends Of NRA Banquet

President - Normand Desilets Secretary - Richard Asselin Directors - George Apgar, Jr. Vice-president - Joseph Knapik, Jr. Membership Secretary - William Burgess Joseph Kingsley Treasurer - Richard Moreau Governor - Daniel Jones James King

The Pioneer Valley chapter of the Friends of NRA will hold its annual banquet on May 11 at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. Tickets are $40, and are available from George Apgar and Norm Desilets. The event features door prizes, raffles and auctions for firearms, sporting memorabilia, jewelry and art. Last year the attendees took home more firearms from this banquet than from any other in the New England states.

The Friends group is the fundraising arm of the NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides grant money for youth programs, training, range development and other educational efforts. The club has received grants for the junior rifle program and several range improvement projects.

Cookouts

The club tradition of cookouts before the monthly meetings will resume on May 2.

Burgers, dogs, chips and dessert will be available. Voluntary contributions are welcome. Cooking begins at 5:30.

Firewood

Downed wood from last fall’s storm is being cut up and stacked along the road between the clubhouse and the rifle range.

Members are welcome to take the wood home for their own use.

100-Yard Range Project Complete

The Holyoke Revolver Club has completed a large-scale safety improvement project at the 100-yard rifle range. The project involved relocation and access improvements to the parking area and the construction of a concrete barrier along the west edge of the range.

The NRA Foundation funded $5000 of this project through its range grant program. “The HRC and its members

wish to thank the NRA Foundation for their support and generosity,” said project chairman Joe Knapik. “This capstone project is of great significance and further promotes HRC’s growing success as a provider of shooter education programs.”

Spring cleaning

Club members cleaned up the grounds on April 14. Another cleanup is scheduled for May 5, when a wood chipper will be on site for disposal of branches and brush.

Volunteers are welcome.

HRC Joins NSSF

The board of directors recently voted to join the National Shooting Sports Federation. The NSSF is a trade association of the firearms industry whose mission statement is “To promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.” The NSSF sponsors programs for clubs to improve their facilities and protect the environment,

Badges

Following a recent discussion by the board of directors, the membership voted at the February meeting to purchase plastic ID carriers so that HRC members can display their membership cards while on the club ranges. 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.

Junior Rifle

The club’s junior rifle program meets on Thursday evenings at 5. The junior program is open to 12 – 20 year-olds with parents’ permission. Several Scout organizations have received Merit Badge training, as the club instructors are now certified as merit badge counselors.

Interested parties should call the club phone at 539-9345. Jim Torrey is in charge. Adult volunteers are needed.

Women On Target

Ann Robinson and Robin Torrey are planning a Women On Target session to be held at the club at a date to be announced. Anyone interested in participating in the NRA-sponsored event should contact Ann or Robin.

New Members

Joining the club at the April meeting were junior shooter Henry Johnson of Westfield, Greg Pronovost of Chicopee, Ed Mooers of Easthampton, Darren Lebeau of Brimfield, Brian and Linda Stebbins, and David MacRae, all of Holyoke.

HRC Hats and Patches

Hats and jacket patches embroidered with the club’s logo are now available for sale from Membership Secretary Bill Burgess.

Memberships

The club encourages its members to join the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners’ Action League. 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.

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

Robert Lombardi David Matuszek Ronald Mehlhorn

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.

The Saturday .22 benchrest matches have resumed. Setup is at 9 am and shooting starts promptly at 10. HRC members should check the calendar on the club website. Any rimfire rifle with iron or telescopic sights may be used. Ron Mehlhorn is in charge.

Fun Shoots

Dave Sparko conducts fun shoots on Tuesday evenings at the club. Competitors shoot .22 pistols at steel plates and a “Dueling Tree” of spinning targets, trying to move all of the discs to the opponent’s side of the tree. Match schedules will be posted on the club’s website and calendar.

Pistol Course

Holyoke Revolver Club conducts an NRA Basic Pistol course every month.

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 413-539-9345. The club is now listed on the NRA website and will appear on a zip code search for NRA instruction. The club now has more than a dozen NRA-certified pistol instructors and a similar number of certified Range Safety Officers. The course is fully booked until June, and there are students registered for the July session. Marshall Johnson is chief instructor.

50/50 Raffle

Derek Davis won $27.50 in the April drawing. Bob McAndrew's’s name was picked to win the members’ drawing, but he was not present, so the money will be in the May drawing. ★

Your kids may know about firearms safety, but do their friends?

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program could save their life.

Call 508-393-5133 to invite Eddie Eagle to your school.

MASSACHUSETTS FIREARM MANUAL (ExPANDED AND UPDATED)

A reader sent in this photo with the description “Snapped this shot on a rainy morning, while attending a Fishing Derby with my daughter.”

SWIFT RIVER GUNWORKS

Gunsmith - 25 years - Full Service - Full Time

450 State St., Belchertown MA 01007 413-658-5690 www.sr-gunworks.com

Civil and criminal sanctions are serious - Jail sentences added and expanded.

Call 413-323-4052 9-4 days, 9-11 AM Saturday

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

Estimates over the phone Quote on Examination DEALER - CLUB DISCOUNTS FOR VOLUME

DOUGLAS F. EVERETT, GUNSMITH May 2012

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

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Outdoor Message

Page 15

BARRE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB

Next Event

PO Box 111 - 221 Spring Hill Road - Barre, MA 01005 978-355-4643 Email: barresportsmansclub@gmail.com ~ Website: www.barresportsmansclub.org

Steak & Lobster, June 3, 1:30 pm, tickets $25/each, Call John (Fig) at 978-8578202.

Membership

We are at capacity for membership – 175 members. There is now a waiting list.

Please don’t discourage anyone who might be interested in applying, just be sure they know there is a waiting list, and that when openings occur people will be called in the order their application was received to fill a vacated spot.

RENEWALS have been mailed. If you did NOT receive one, and you had an address change in the last year that was not updated with us, be sure to get one off the website and mail it in ASAP so that you get renewed.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS have the event dates printed on the back, AND have the new gate code (which will become effective with the installation of the new combination locks slated for June). Please be sure to get your card to obtain the code.

Pertinent Reports

REMINDER WHEN AT THE CLUB – WHEN YOU LEAVE, PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU IF YOU ARE LAST TO LEAVE.

Big Turkey Award

Be sure to sign up at the Club. Youth and adult welcome – a dollar to enter.

Grand Slam Fishing Derby

978-724-0213 Mark Keonig March 3rd event was a wonderful success, well attended, great food, awesome raffle and we also made some money towards our club expenses! Way to go, Mark!

Youth Turkey Hunt Training Class

The training had the highest youth signups yet, with 21 youth attending the class. Breakfast was served, with the training following which included both in class as well as hands on shooting, gun safety, and call training for each of the attendees. Lunch was served, and due to the cool breezes and temperatures, plenty of coffee consumed by all!

Secretary’s, treasurer’s February and Bar February reports were all read and accepted.

March 10th Game Supper

Will start up in May, Monday evenings; exact date to be announced at the next Club meeting.

Food prep began the first part of the week and cooking of some absolutely scrumptious dishes followed. It was VERY well attended, the food was delicious and a good time was had by all.

The event cleared a significant return, which will certainly be well utilized for continued upkeep and events at the club.

Archery Trap

Will also start up in May, Wednesday evenings; exact date to be announced at the next Club meeting.

Sporting Clays Thursdays at 5:30 pm.

Pistol

Pistol shoots are now back to 3rd Saturday at 9 am. Any questions, call Bert DuVernay at 413-477-6529.

.22 Shooting

starts May 8th at 6 pm.

Gate and Key Updates Keys for the building are still in process; updates as known are available from the VP. There will be a new gate lock which will be installed in June with a combination lock.

2012 Schedule

PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW THE CALENDAR AS SOME CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE (PRIVATE FUNCTION DATES ADDED, AS WELL AS OTHER RESERVATIONS FOR SHOOTS. MAY 2012 Thursday, 3rd – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Thursday, 10th – 7:30 pm, BOD Monday-Tuesday 14-15th – MALAFIA Gun Course Saturday-Sunday 19-20th – BOY SCOUTS CAMPOUT

JUNE 2012 Sunday, 3rd – 1 pm, Steak & Lobster Dinner (POC Fig 978-857-8202) Tuesday-Wednesday 5-6th – MALAFIA Gun Course Thursday, 7th – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Friday-Saturday 8-9th – GIRL SCOUT CAMPOUT Thursday, 14th – 7:30 pm, BOD

21 youth turkey hunt training class attendees with their turkey targets. Lucky for the turkey population on that Saturday that they were only shooting at paper targets!

JULY 2012 Thursday, 5th – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Thursday, 12th – 7:30 pm, BOD Friday, 13th – RESERVATION - Vintage Shoot AUGUST 2012 Thursday, 2nd – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Thursday, 9th – 7:30 pm, BOD

SEPTEMBER 2012 Thursday, 6th – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting, (ELECTION OF OFFICERS) Sunday, 9th – 11 am, Clambake (POC Fig 978-857-8202) Thursday, 13th – 7:30 pm, BOD Sunday, 30th - 2 Club shoot (Petersham & Barre)

OCTOBER 2012 Thursday, 4th – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 6th – FALL HUNTER’S KICKOFF (POC Rob 978-7717013/Meridith 978-434-7932) Thursday, 11th – 7:30 pm, BOD Meeting NOVEMBER 2012 Thursday, 1st – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Saturday, 3rd – 9 am, Youth Pheasant Hunt (POC Chris Duggan 978-9285878) Sunday, 4th – 10 am, Turkey Shoot (POC Rob D. 978-771-7013) Thursday, 8th – 7:30 pm, BOD DECEMBER 2012 Thursday, 6th – 7:30 pm, Club Meeting Thursday, 13th – 7:30 pm, BOD

Tickets Now Available for 2nd Annual Fall Sportsmen’s Classic

October 6, 2011 at Barre Sportsmen’s Club, 6 pm Only 1000 Raffle Tickets - $20/ticket Purchase of a raffle ticket gets you dinner and entry to the event. Tables of sporting and outdoors items will also be raffled off, in ‘bulk’ or ‘meat raffle’ style at the event, besides the drawing for the ‘big’ raffle.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A TICKET, PLEASE

CUT OUT, FILL IN AND MAIL THE COUPON BELOW. Prizes include: 1-Binelli Super Nova Pump 12 Gauge shotgun waterfowl edition, 3”1/2 inch, 28” barrel, max-4 camo finish; 2-Binelli Super Nova Pump 12 Gauge Shotgun, rifled slug 3”1/2 inch, 28” barrel real-tree camo finish; 3-Stoeger Condor Competition Plus 12 Gauge over/under Shotgun, 28” ported barrels adjustable comb, palm swell, blued/gloss wood finish; 4-CZ Bob White 20 Gauge side by side Shotgun 26” barrel, straight English style grip, blued/walnut finish; 5Browning Silver Hunter 12 Gauge Shotgun 3”, 28” barrel, aluminum alloy receiver, vent ribbed barrel, satin walnut stock, semi-auto; 6-Lanber 12 Gauge Shotgun, 3”, 28” barrel stainless steel engraved receiver, wood stock, semi-auto; 7-Remington 870 Super Mag 12 Gauge pump shotgun combo, field/slug barrels, 3”1/2, 26” barrel black/wood finish; 8Mossberg 500 model 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun combo field/slug barrels, 28” barrel, wood/blued finish; 9-Binelli R1 30-06 Rifle 22” barrel, base for scope, AA grade satin walnut finish, blued barrel, semi-auto; 10-Thompson Center .308 Venture Predator Bolt Action Rifle 22” barrel, fluted scope, 3 round detachable mag, Real Tree Max-1 camo finish; 11Remington 770 7mm Rem/Mag rifle, 22” barrel, 3x9 scope, stainless steel/Real Tree camo finish, bolt action; 12-Thompson Center Hot Shot Youth model .22 long Rifle, single shot, youth sized peep site for easy training, rifled barrel, auto safety, real tree apg camo finish, break open; 13Thompson Center Triumph Bone Collector .50 caliber muzzle loader, 28” barrel, rifled sites, reversible hammer extension, speed breech, power rod, flex tech stock, Real Tree AP finish; 14Diamond Outlaw Compound Bow package; 15-PSE Crossfire cross bow with scope package.

Special thanks to: GRR Gear, Buck Rub Sporting Goods, Neri Painting, & Mark Belliveau and Smith & Wesson. ★

2nd Annual Fall Sportsmen’s Classic

Barre Sportsmens’ Club

Include a check for $20 per ticket desired to purchase, written to ‘Barre Sportsmen’s Club’ (or BSC): Name:______________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ City:___________________________________ State:__________ Zip:_________ Phone: (_______)__________--______________________ ___ Check here if you will be attending the event.

Mail check and this coupon to: John Neri, PO Box 607, Barre, MA 01005 Page 16

The

Outdoor Message

May 2012

AYER GUN & SPORTSMEN'S CLUB

Next Meeting

255 Snake Hill Road - Ayer, MA 01432 978-772-9748 Email: ayergsc@verizon.net Website: http://www.ayergsc.vzwebsites.com/

President - Ernie Johnson DirectorsVice President - Buddy Shorey Don Anderson- Chair Treasurer - CJ Moore Brent Routhier, Gary Secretary - Darlene Johnson Coke, Roger McPadden, Sergeant of Arms - Walter Peeler Norman Reynolds, Justin Field Captain - Barry Schwarzel Harvey, Miles Donell

May 3rd at 7:30 PM.

Welcome New Member Edward Degagne

April Meeting Summary Our monthly members meeting was held on April 5th at 7:30 PM.

Youth

We had a very successful Easter Egg Hunt. The weather was great All the children enjoyed a pink lap to sit upon and the and the kids had a fantastic time. lovely smile Gail English shared at our Easter party.

Thank you to all who came Members of all ages enjoyed visiting with the Easter Bunny. through and helped to make this event a success. We couldn’t do it Mother’s Eat Free! look on the back bulletin board at the club without you. Also, a big thanks to VETERAN’S FISHING DERBY or check your email.

A vote was held relative to the proposed Catherine, Becca and her friend. We really May 17th by law change to replace the current 5.7 appreciate your help.

CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY and 5.7.1 with: May 19th, 8 AM-Noon us on Facebook at: 5.7 All portions of the Clubhouse Visit First 50 Children receive free fishing http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ayershall be non-smoking. poles.

We had our best Spring Meat raffle ever!

The vote was approved and there will Gun-Sportsmens-Club/265885770137669 Event is free to local children!

Thanks to everyone who helped and a no longer be any smoking within the ARC FISHING DERBY special thanks to Sue, Gayle and Phyllis building.

June 2nd for soliciting all the prizes.

DAY FISHING DERBY FATHER’S RIB DINNER The Outdoor Message June 17th May 12th at 5 PM CLAM BAKE As members of the club you receive a MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET Barry is looking into the possibility of copy of The Outdoor Message newspaper.

August 18th ★ May 13th, 7-11 AM holding another Youth Archery Clinic They are now offering this digitally so around the June timeframe. that you can receive it via email instead of the hard copy you now receive. This would be a savings of approximately 40¢ per person per The president assigned a committee month. Please let Darlene know by consisting of the following people: Paul either leaving a message with your Farley, Kevin Davis, Bob Pare and Gerry email address at the club or emailing Quigley. This committee is chartered to Darlene at AYERGSC@verizon.net review the processes for making payments letting her know if you would rather to individuals and working with CJ receive this via email. This could relative to cashing out the register. amount to a good savings for us.

To view the full meeting minutes

By Law Change Vote

Annual Meat Raffle

News

UPCOMING EVENTS

Archery

By Laws

We had a full house at our Meat Raffle. It was such a success due to the expertise of MC Phil Ferges III -- Thanks, Fabulous Phil!

TOMBSTONE Trading Company

508-867-6800

Junction of Rt. 9 & Rt. 148 Brookfield, MA

HUGE SELECTION OF USED HANDGUNS - 1911’s in 10mm, 45, 38 super, 9mm Also - target, personal defense, cowboy, plinking, shotguns, rifles and much more.

You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.

--John Quincy Adams May 2012

Traditional Archery, Muzzleloading Firearms & Accessories ● ● ●

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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 ● ●

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 12 PM to 7 PM Sat. 10 AM - 4 PM

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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 -The

Outdoor Message

Page 17

FIN, FUR AND FEATHER CLUB OF WELLESLEY AND NATICK Pistol and Rifle Report Construction on the Outdoor Pistol Range is nearly complete. The range was reopened on Saturday, April 14th.

The new baffle system eliminates the "blue sky" that a shooter can see above the range backstop when sitting or standing at the firing line. This is a proven blue-sky elimination technique that is widely used at ranges across the country to eliminate the likelihood that any bullet will travel over the berm and leave the range. (Such an errant shot is usually the result of an unintended discharge.)

Targets may only be placed on the target and plinking stands provided by the club, and their distance from the firing line should be carefully considered.

Shooting at a distance of 75 feet is generally appropriate for those shooting .22 caliber rifles and those active in the sport of bullseye target shooting. Those shooting larger calibers such as 9mm and .45 caliber should place their target stand closer to the firing line, typically between 15 and 25 feet, but never farther than 50 feet.

As Club Members, we have all made a very significant investment in the installation of these structures, and we must all insist of ourselves and all other members and guests that shooters execute carefully aimed fire at all times, and specifically avoid damaging any of the new structures. Again, they serve to eliminate the possibility of an unintended discharge from exiting the range, and we will need to maintain them for many years.

As a part of this range upgrade, we have updated some of the rules for use of the facility. Please understand and abide by these rules: 1. All members must swipe in with their cardkey, even if another member has opened the door ahead of them. (Card reader to be installed in May.) 2. All members and guests must sign in and out. A log sheet is provided inside the range building, in a mounted cabinet.

3. No shooting downrange. All shooting must be from the covered firing line.

4. All targets must be placed on the target frames or plinking stands that are provided. As in the past, placing any target on the ground is absolutely prohibited.

5. Firing into the target frames is prohibited and will constitute the

PO Box 272, 100 Larch Road - Millis, MA 02054-0272 508-376-2977 www.finfurandfeather.us

destruction of club property. Target stands must be placed close enough to the firing line to ensure that all of your shots are on target.

6. Metal targets of any kind are prohibited, including swinging metal targets.

7. Holster use is prohibited. If you arrive at the range with a holstered firearm that you intend to use, you must unholster it, make it safe, and keep it benched when not being fired. You may reload and reholster it when ready to leave the range.

8. When policing your brass and discarding your trash, be sure to also return the target frame you've been using to the storage space within the range building.

As soon as a card reader is installed, access to the Outdoor Range will be via cardkey only. Please note that cardkey access to the Outdoor Range will not require any additional fee of members who already hold either a Clubhouse cardkey or an Indoor Range cardkey.

Members who do not have a cardkey will need to obtain a Clubhouse cardkey. ($5 one time payment.)

Skeet and Trap Report

Women on Target. The NRA and GOAL Foundation's Women On Target program will be held here at the Fin, Fur and Feather on Saturday, June 2nd. This event introduces women ages 16 and beyond to the enjoyment of the shooting sports.

Guests learn about firearm safety and proper shooting fundamentals in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

Each participant will attend a seminar on Massachusetts Firearms Law given by Jon Green from GOAL. After lunch, the guests will shoot rifle, pistol and trap.

Each participant will receive a Massachusetts Basic Firearm Safety certificate allowing them to apply for a Firearms Identification Card or a License to Carry. For more information, and to sign up, see our Women On Target page on the club’s website.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the stocking. After 3:00 PM on Saturday the pond will then be available to members.

• Finally in the month on Thursday, May 31st we will be hosting the Seniors Fishing Derby from 9:00 AM to 4 PM. The pond will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for stocking.

As a final caveat, it is important that the level and quality of the water in the pond is adequate to support the lives of the trout. The fish hatchery we use, which is located in Medway, will be testing the water in the pond and will make this determination before each of the stocking dates.

General Information

As of the April 9th Board of Directors meeting it was voted to prohibit cigar smoking in the Clubhouse, including the kitchen, living room and hall, but not including the outside porch. Cigar smoking is also allowed down at the Skeet and Trap field house. Please be considerate of your fellow Club Members by abiding by this rule.

New Members

Membership applicants in April: John Celi - Wellesley Victor Ceroli - Norfolk Kosta Davos - Needham Michael Heffernan - Wellesley Daniel Holland - Sherborn Burton Hurlock - Needham Bruce Lovely - Dedham Kenneth Newton - Medfield Christian Newton - Medfield Drew Schildwachter - Millis Ivy Scricco - Boston Scott Zager - Millis Note: The next New Member Safety Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 13th at 11am.

Calendar of Events The .22 Caliber Summer Pistol League is now happening every Wednesday evening in the Indoor Range. This is open to all members who want to learn formal gallery shooting. There are many experienced shooters who are very willing to instruct new shooters on Wednesday.

They can also use their experiences on the best firearms that can be used for this type

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Five Stand. We are starting a new layout for the Five Stand field. Hopefully we will have several new towers erected that will give us the flexibility to easily modify the direction the targets are thrown. This will make each new layout an interesting game.

Club Skeet Championship. On Sunday, May 20 we will hold the annual Club Skeet Championship which will start at 12:00 PM. This is not a lucky target shoot, but a shoot for score. There will be classes assigned to each shooter depending on the shooters previous year’s classification or by “Known Ability” for those shooters who did not shoot a previous Championship.

Fish and Game

CALL JAKE BOWEN AT 1-800-243-3006

The fishing season has begun and we will be stocking the trout pond multiple times this spring.

• The Club Fishing Derby will be on Saturday, May 5th starting around 9:00 AM. Please remember that the pond is CLOSED to fishing the previous Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in order for the newly stocked fish to become acclimated to the pond water.

• The following Saturday, May 12th will be the Boy Scouts Fishing Derby starting at 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Once again the pond will be closed the previous

OR EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: JAKE@INTERSTATEARMS.COM

WWW.INTERSTATEARMS.COM

Page 18

of competition. We always recommend that new shooters should not go out and purchase a firearm without first taking advantage of the wide variety of advice from our experienced shooters.

The

Outdoor Message

May 5 7 12 13 17 20 31 June 2 4 9 10 10 14 21 24 July 9 12 15 19

Club Fishing Derby, 9 AM Board of Directors, 8 PM Scouts Fishing Derby, 12 PM New Member Safety Mtg, 11 AM Practical Shoot, 8 PM Club Skeet Championship, 12 AM Seniors Fishing Derby, 10 AM Women On Target, 8:30 AM Board of Directors, 8 PM WOT Rain Date Golden Shoot @ Medfield, 10 AM New Member Safety Mtg, 11 AM .22 Cal Pin Shoot, 8 PM Practical Shoot, 8 PM President's Shoot, 12 PM BOD and Quarterly Mtg, 8 PM .22 Cal Pin Shoot, 8 PM New Member Safety Mtg, 11 AM Practical Shoot, 8 PM

Info & Updates

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 . ★ May 2012

MASPENOCK ROD & GUN CLUB

March 26, 2012 Meeting After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our public servants, members of the armed services, deceased member William Smith, Jr., the meeting was called to order by President Dick Zontini. There were 38 members in attendance. There were 5 new members voted in. Welcome to Maspenock Eric Haggerty. Joseph Lacroix and Tammy Mainini.

Treasurer’s Report

Jeff Croteau provided the treasurer’s report and the 2012 budget.

Financial Secretary

Dick Zontini reported that there are 322 regular members, 77 life time members, 14 spousal, 14 junior rifle and 5 juniors, 7 students and 6 military. The total membership is 455.

Recording Secretary

Minutes were sent to Message.

The

Outdoor

Directors

Dennis Dorr gave the directors report.

Topics will be discussed by the committees.

Trap

Buddy Mainini reported that there has been plenty of shooting. The committee will be discussing the possibility of a junior program, ordering clays and upcoming events at their next meeting.

New members may use their two free rounds either on Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 PM, or on Sundays, 9:00 AM to whenever.

Structure and Grounds

Tony Manbucca noted that there was an issue with the heating system that was fixed. The club now has a new vendor for oil.

Tony commented on the financial plan.

P.O. Box 42 - McGill Lane - Milford, Mass. 01757 www.MaspenockRodandGun.org He noted that in the past we have been in a reactive mode and this plan will make us pro-active.

Jeff Croteau said that the gutters will be fixed this month.

Rifle Range

Dave Kirschner reported that the committee should have information regarding a blue sky system within the next couple of weeks.

Terry Thomas reported that there will be a silhouette shoot in April. More will be scheduled.

Dave spoke about State Representative John Fernandes. He is running unopposed. Dave noted that he has been a great friend of the sportsman.

Junior Rifle

Old Business

Dewie Mann reported that the Fishing Derbies will be May 5th for the kids and May 6th for the adults. There was a good turn out last year and hopes for the same this year. An appropriation was requested for fish and supplies for the derbies and was approved by the membership.

Dave G. asked about the disconnection of the chimney. The club is waiting to hear back from the vendor.

Archery

Archery is still looking for someone to chair a committee. Once a committee is established, organized shoots can be scheduled. Anyone interested should contact one of the directors.

Entertainment

There will be a family style Porketta Dinner held April 21st.

Manny reported on the biggest match of the season that was held in Reading. It was a 3 position air rifle match. A number of our juniors shot with precision air rifles and 2 shot with sporters. Taunton dominated the match. Maspenock’s junior Chris Rooney took the silver medal. It was a good day. The last day for juniors is April 20th. The banquet is being held on April 21st at Marlborough.

Dave Gregoire spoke about the NRA grant applications that are submitted every year. An appropriation for a new safe was requested and approved by the members.

Worcester County League

L.A. Jones reported that the last meeting was at the Nimrod league of Holden.

WCL received 4 applications for Conservation Camp. 3 were picked to attend. The next meeting will be on 4/20.

Anyone interested in attending should see L.A. The WCL banquet will be held 4/2.

L.A. had raffle tickets for the event.

Indoor Pistol Range/ Outdoor Pistol

New Business

A member asked about the clam bake for this year. It is going forward according to the directors.

Good Of The Club

Manny informed the membership that Massachusetts resident Sarah Shearer has been selected to represent the U.S. in air rifle at the Olympics. She shot 2 600’s at the NCAAs. L.A. raffled off a brand new shotgun case.

Dick reminded members to make sure doors are locked and closed when leaving the club.

The monthly cash raffle was won by Dave Kirschner. It pays to attend meetings!

Food was provided by Bob Clemente, owner of Purchase Street Market, after the meeting. Thank you, Bob. Motion was made to pay the billsApproved Motion to adjourn- Approved Respectfully submitted, Michelle St.Gelais ★

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Mark S. Lewandowski

Charlie Bertrand showed the plans for the outdoor pistol range that will have 10 shooting positions. A new burm will be created. An appropriation was requested to begin work on the shooting stations and was approved by the membership.

Buddy Mainini reported on the steel plate shoot. There were 22 participants.

Another one will be scheduled possibly 4/29.

Indoor pistol is winding down. They need new shooters. It is a gallery course.

The top 5 scorers make up the team score.

All were encouraged to come try it out.

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STANDISH SPORTSMAN’S ASSOCIATION

Membership

P.O. Box 258 East Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02333 www.standishsportsmans.com

We welcomed Jerome Hebard and Dennis Vallee as our newest Charter members at the April business meeting. The membership also voted in the (21) new Temporary Associate members read at last month’s meeting. All new members must attend a club orientation session before they receive a key to the club. Bill Ewell and Lefty Kravitz are on the orientation committee. An orientation manual is given to all new members as an introduction to our club. It contains all the range rules plus the administrative information about how the club works, committees, dues, keys, etc. We have a new requirement we are trying out this year that requires all new temporary Associate members to help out with one work party, committee assignment or club event to be eligible to become a Full Associate member. It is the new member’s responsibility to meet this work requirement; we will not be “chasing” folks to get them to help out.

Dick McMahon also read an additional (8) new Temporary Associate membership

applications for the first time. The (8) new applicants are: Adam Butler, Joseph Butler, Crystal Condon, Maurice Fisher, Scott Lambert, Robert Maloney, Louis Butler and Sarah Dunn.

Kid’s Fishing Derby

Our annual Standish Sportsman’s Association Kid’s Fishing Derby, held in the memory of Edna and Ernie (“Bones”) McNevin, will be coming up on Saturday, June 2, on the license free weekend. We are hosting the fishing derby at Burrage Pond off Elm St. in Halifax, again this year. We thank the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for permission to use the property. The club provides worms for bait and we decided that bait would be limited to the use of worms or artificial bait, no shiners or other types of bait, which might give an unfair advantage to some. Remember this Fishing Derby is for the kids and especially to introduce fishing to youngsters who have never fished before. Jeff Sampson and his committee will be looking for members to help setup and run the fishing derby on

Business Meeting - Thursday May 3 at 7 pm Board of Directors - Thursday May 24 at 7 pm

that Saturday morning. Members can show up at the clubhouse, or go directly to Burrage pond early on Saturday, June 2.

This is an excellent opportunity for new members to meet their work requirement and also have a great time helping the kids enjoy the fishing!

Club Website

All members are asked to visit our club website at <http://www.standishsportsmans.com> to get the most up to date info on activities at the club. Thanks to Bob Phillips and Jim Powers for all their help in setting up and running this website. Bob Phillips is the point of contact to get the website updated with new information and photographs of club activities. Let us know what features and information you would like to see on this website so we can keep improving it for all the members. The membership voted to add WiFi/internet capability to the club so dealers and members will have it available to them. You must contact Bob Phillips to get an authorized password to access the clubs’ WiFi.

Cowboy Action Shooting CAS practice dates have been changed from the first Saturday morning of every month to the second Saturday and fourth Saturday every month. Lefty Kravitz reported they have been getting good turnouts of shooters due to the mild weather we’ve been having. Please show up at 9:00 am to help with setup if you want to enjoy the shooting beginning at 10:00 am.

Trap and Skeet

The trap and skeet committee will be putting on a FREE BBQ dinner for members at the clubhouse on July 8.

There will be no charge to members, but you must sign up ahead of time on the list to be posted on the club bulletin board.

The trap and skeet committee has begun enforcing the rule to ask folks to turn off cell phones on the trap and skeet ranges so you do not disturb the concentration of the shooters, even though we have a few shooters who are disturbed already!

Around The Club

We ask all members to be careful and slow down on the club entry/exit road.

Excess speed causes pot holes and damages the road. Our public works department (Bill Ewell and Jerry Snuffer) have worked long and hard to keep the road in good shape over the winter, please do not destroy it. We also ask you to be careful where you park on club property.

Please stay in the parking lot/spaces and do not block other vehicles in. Also, do not park on the side stone walls, where someone has already caused some damage. Please remember that the spaces in front of the right side of the clubhouse entry walkway are all reserved for handicap parking.

Our final shipment of new tables has arrived. Thanks to John Fabroski for ordering our new tables and for making us some money disposing of the old wooden tables. A few of the old wooden tables that were still in good shape have been saved for loaning out to members. We will not be allowing the new tables to leave the property.

Thanks to Ed Souza and Dennis Vallee for their recent repair work in the clubhouse. Thanks also to Jack Walsh for helping to paint the skeet houses.

Pistol Range Upgrade

The members voted to appropriate funds to repair and upgrade the indoor pistol range. Thanks to Ken Kelley and his committee for scoping out the work and getting the estimates together so the membership had something to work with.

New Pavillion

The membership voted to appropriate funds to begin construction of a new 30 ft by 60 ft covered outdoor pavilion in the pine grove to the right of the clubhouse.

John Fabroski gave a presentation at the March Directors meeting and at the April business meeting, showing the details of the pavilion construction and the associated costs. Thanks to John and his committee for getting all this information together and presenting it to the club.

Respectfully, Tim Santry ★

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The

Outdoor Message

May 2012

CAPE COD FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION

Depot Street, North Harwich MA 02645 - Club Lodge 508-432-4457 Mailing Address: PO Box 119 Harwichport MA 02646

May Meetings

President Jim Gillespie 1st Vice President George Baggitt Treasurer Ricardo Vasconcellos

2nd Vice President Dan Welch Secretary Bob Preston

The Annual Club Meeting and Election of Officers will be held on Tuesday evening, May 8th, 2012. Dinner will be served at 7 PM and the business meeting will begin at approximately 8 pm. The menu for the evening will be prime rib of beef. All members are reminded to arrive early for a good seat.

Please be advised that the May Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

Raffle

Jim Gillespie Just a reminder that our club will be raffling off a 30-06 rifle at the May Don Davern, Ronald Girelli, Peter Donovan and Mike London enjoyed their March Photo by Peter Donovan Annual Election and Business Meeting. 18th Florida Pig Hunt. Nicely done, gentlemen!!

Tickets are $10 each and there will only be 150 tickets sold. Like all of our President, Vice President (1), Vice commitment of four workhours. Failure to do so will result in a $50 assessment for monthly meetings, members can expect a President (2), Treasurer, Secretary, Club Clerk or a seat on the “Board” is urged to the following year's dues. number of other raffles that evening. contact George Baggitt at any club meeting or on the trap range any Sunday Morning.

Mike London Currently running for re-election are: Please be advised that while no date has President: Jim Gillespie, Vice President George Viprino been set for this event, all members are #1 George Baggitt, Vice President #2 Dan Sorry, folks! All members need to be encouraged to watch this space for future Welch, Treasurer: Ricardo Vasconcellos, reminded that the gate is to be closed and details. This popular family activity will Secretary: Bob Preston, Clerk: Jill locked each time any member enters or be placed back in the club calendar and Savage. Directors: Al Savage, Mel Peck, exits the club facilities. The only details will be available shortly. Anyone Roger Bassett, Harry Watling and Sean exception to this rule is when the club is wishing to help plan or coordinate this Baggitt. open to a public event such as trap activity is encouraged to contact Mike shooting, scheduled 3D Archery Events, London at any business meeting. turkey shoots, slug shoots and etc.

Close The Gate Department

Annual Pig Roast

Plinking Range Dedicated to Robert B. Our To Open

Howie Bearse The new Plinking Range will open shortly. All members and their guests are asked to take note of the new signage being posted on this range as well as to all our ranges. These regulations govern the safe firearm usage of each facility.

Members are hereby reminded that they are individually responsible for the proper conduct of both themselves as well as their guests. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS WILL RESULT IN THE POSSIBLE EXPULSION FROM THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP. We need everyone to always be vigilant!

Dues Season Is Here!

All members are reminded to watch for their special mailing being sent to each of your addresses. It is that time of year again when renewal membership applications are being sent out. All dues must be paid before the annual meeting in May. All members are also reminded that failure to pay your membership fees on time will result in loss of access to the club grounds as the changing of the locks on the clubhouse and front gate will commence the day after the annual meeting.

Nominations Committee

George Baggitt Members wishing to seek office and contribute to the management and administration of this organization are strongly encouraged to contact the nominations committee. There are several seats on our club Board of Directors as well as seats of the Executive Officers that are up for consideration. So anyone interested in running for the Office of May 2012

Archery Department

Al Savage April has passed and with that is the end of our club’s 2012 3D Archery Program.

That means all the animals are “chased” back into the storage locker until next January! The club Archery Committee wishes to remind everyone that they are still shooting on the club’s indoor archery range each Wednesday Evening at 7:30 PM. Anyone with a compound bow, reverse curve or long bow is welcome. To all who have crossbows, please feel free to bring them along as well. For additional details please see Al Savage at any club meeting.

NRA Training Department

Peter Donovan This month’s NRA Home Firearms Safety Course will be held Tuesday, May 15th at 7 PM. Anyone interested in ascertaining his or her firearms identification card (FID) or license to carry (LTC) is encouraged to attend this invaluable course. Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. Please contact Peter Donovan or George Baggitt at any club meeting. Last month our club hosted ten students.

Membership & Workhours Department

George Baggitt All members are 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.

Please be advised that all new members who come into our organization during the 2012 - 2013 membership period are reminded that you are responsible to fulfill your obligatory The

“Hamming It Up” Department

Bob Bates This year’s shoot was held on Sunday, April 1st, 2012. We were a bit worried because as of 9 AM we only had five shooters, however by 10 AM this event was in full swing! Our club posted ten full lines of trap that morning and we gave out ten ham prizes. Winners were Jim Gillespie, Bob Fratus, Rusty Crocker, Leam Welch, Al Nardini, Peter Morgavio, Bob Preston, Andy Smith, Jim Hartley and Dan Welch.

Trap Range

Dan Welch All members are reminded that Trap is shooting Saturday Mornings at 10 AM, Sunday Mornings at 9 AM as well as Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 12 noon. The cost to shoot is a mere $3.00 per round of 25 clay targets. Non members will pay just a dollar more! Our trap range is open to all whether you are a novice, a rookie, an expert or an ATA superstar. Everyone is welcome so come on down and join us for some shooting fun! For details please call Dan Welch at 508.274.8262.

Driving in New Jersey

Bill Scheck While Bill has been “wintering” in the Sunshine State of Florida he has forwarded us this piece to educate us all on traveling in and around his home state of New Jersey. Please read on!

Here we go! There is no other state like it anywhere! How to drive in Jersey!

Seriously, there are only two things needed to drive effectively in New Jersey.

A horn and a middle finger! Everything else is superfluous, including knowing where you are going. For those of you who live in Jersey or have lived there,

Outdoor Message

these things may come as no surprise. For those who haven't traveled there before, BEWARE! BE PREPARED AND BE AFRAID….BE VERY AFRAID!!

1. You must first learn to pronounce the city name, it is “NORK”, - rhymes with FORK, not “New-ark.” Also, Trenton is not pronounced Tren-ton, it is “Trent-in.”

2. The morning rush hour is from 5 AM to NOON. The evening rush hour is from NOON to 7 PM. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning.

3. The minimum acceptable speed on the turnpike is 85 mph. On the parkway it's 105 or 110. Anything less is considered "Sissy.” (Just ask the former Governor of New Jersey.)

4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. New Jersey has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a fourway stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second, however, in Monmouth and Burlington counties, SUV-driving, cellphone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.

5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out and possibly shot.

6. Never honk at anyone. EVER! Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.

7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in all of Jersey. Detour barrels are moved around during the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting.

8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, cats, barrels, cones, celebs, rubber-neckers, shredded tires, cellphoners, deer, other road kill and the homeless feeding on any of these items.

9. “Mapquest” does NOT work here.

None of the roads are where they say they are or go where they say they do. All the Turnpike EZ Pass lanes are moved each night, once again to make your ride more exciting.

10. If someone actually has their turn signal ON, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been "accidentally activated".

11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be "flipped off" accordingly. If you return the flip, you'll be shot.

12. Do not try to estimate travel time just leave Monday afternoon for Tuesday appointments, by noon Thursday for Friday appointments, and right after church on Sunday for anything on Monday morning. HAPPY MOTORING! Until next month…Bob Preston ★

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UXBRIDGE ROD & GUN CLUB West Street - PO Box 412 - Uxbridge MA 01569 www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com

Pres. Berube called the APRIL 2, 2012 meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Paul Soares lead the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Secretary’s Report

Jaime Moloney read the Secretary’s report for Chris Britt. Bob Miller made a motion to accept; Ray Moloney seconded.

Treasurer’s Report

Paul Soares read the Treasurer’s report for Jerome Jussaume. Jack Briggs made a motion to accept; Bob Miller seconded.

Committee Report There were no reports from Audit, BMP, Club House, Forestry, History, Kitchen, Land and Pond, WCL, Work Hours and Website.

Game

Jon Quinn reported that a work party will be held on April 28th to work on the stocking pen. There is a sign up for work hours.

Trap

Dario DePasquale reported that shoots are held on Thursday night at 6 PM and Sundays at 10 AM, weather permitting.

Pres. Berube ordered the trap machine this week. The Committee met and discussed the repairs that are needed to be done on the Trap house. The expenses are not bad. They will let us know when the trap machine is delivered. Members will not be able to use the Trap range when the machine is being installed, only a few days.

Archery

Jack Briggs reported that the range is going well. He has repaired some targets and the loam pile was moved.

Probationary members who need hours, please contact him.

Pistol

Bob Miller reported that a pistol shoot will be held on April 22nd at 9:30. He needs help and anyone needing work hours please show up at 9:30. Anyone using the range, please pick up the brass and cardboard that you use. He put out new frames with cardboard. Please staple the targets to the cardboard, not the frame.

Rifle

Ray Moloney, Jr. reported that on March 17th he made repairs and cleaned the range. Yarding pipes used for marking need to be changed. People are still shooting at the frames. People need to stop doing this!

Membership

Ed Gervais reported that the new probationary list as well as the updated waiting list has been posted in the glass cabinet. To all the new members at the meeting there is a sign-up sheet at the main table which will be provided every meeting for you to sign. Don’t forget to sign-in to get credit for your meetings you attend.

Newsletter

Ed Gervais reported that a new and updated membership list was sent to The Outdoor Message. Anyone wishing to receive it via email form rather than mailed to them in paper form, either let me or The Outdoor Message know, so your subscription can be changed to how ever you want it.

Fish

Pres. Berube reported the pond was stocked on March 31st, at 10:00 AM and closed for a week and will reopen on April 7th with an Adult Members Fishing Derby, which will run from 8-10 AM. Registration will run from 7-8 AM at the Club House and the kitchen will be open for breakfast. Derby rules will be given out at registration; there will be a one line, 2 fish limit with size and time taken to determine the winner. No culling allowed as always.

It also has come to his attention that a very few members are bringing in guests with them to fish in our pond. Unlike our rifle and pistol range, under no circumstance is anyone other than a club member of any designation allowed to fish our pond. Anyone bringing in an outsider to do so is fragrantly breaking club rules and will be brought up to the Board of Advisors and then the floor for disciplinary action in regards to their fishing privileges being revoked and possible expulsion from the club.

Also, general rule #26 is not being observed and reminds people that it reads “Members are to wear their badges at all times while using club ranges and while fishing at the club pond!”

Other tentative stocking dates at this point will be Saturday, May 5th at 10 AM, closing the pond for a week and reopening on Saturday, May 12th at 8 AM with the Children’s Fishing Derby. Registration will be from 7-8 AM with the derby running from 8-10:30 AM. Prizes and trophies will be awarded as in the past in all three age categories. The tentative fall stocking will be on Saturday, September 8th at 10 AM closing the pond for a week and reopening on Saturday, September 15th at 7 AM. Pres. Berube reported that he has heard from other members that they are hitting some pretty good fish on a variety of baits

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The

now, so there’s time to get in some good fishing before the pond is closed for stocking. Please remember to use our pond at your own personal and safe discretion and to respect other sportspeople also! Enjoy yourselves and please keep our catch recording sheets up to date.

Grounds & Maintenance

Ken Marcotte reported that a spring cleanup will be held on April 14th at 9 AM, with a rain date April 21st.

Officers

Paul Soares reported that Jon Quinn and he have finished 5 duck boxes. They were disappointed in the usage of the boxes.

While they were doing this, they discovered beavers built a dam and that is why water level has been high.

Board of Advisors

Harry Ramasco reported that he was elected Chair and Bill Wurzburg as Vice Chair for this year. The Board met on March 26th and discussed the motion that Jerome had referred to the Board on March 5th, regarding the development of a capital plan. The Board suggested that a meeting will be held on April 30th at 7 PM with Advisors and Chairpeople to discuss past and future operations of each committee.

Old Business

Ed Pokornicki is holding a kids course on April 28th-29th at the Club. There will be a $25.00 registration fee and they will be only accepting 15 kids for this course. The class is filling up fast; there are only 4 openings left.

Pres. Berube made a motion at the last meeting for By-Law, Under Article #3, Life & Honorary Members to read-An Auxiliary Member being the spouse or significant other of a full member who attains Life Member status under our requirements also be afforded the privilege of Honorary Life Membership as long as that person also meets the requirements of the club for life membership criteria. This was voted on at the meeting. Unanimous.

New Business

Harry Ramasco made a motion to name the new field as “Robert Knapik Field”.

Rob has been a member since childhood.

He has put in long hours and saved the club money by providing pro-bono legal work/attorney, and engineering for the club. In the past he has turned down accepting life membership several times for everything he has done for the club at no cost; Ed Pokornicki seconded.

Unanimous.

Dario DePasquale made a motion to appropriate money to purchase 189 cases of biodegradable clay pigeons; Bob Brooks seconded. Unanimous.

Joe Lenardo made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm; Jon Quinn seconded.

Respectfully submitted, Chris Britt, Secretary

www.uxbridgerodandgunclub.com

2012 Annual Enfield Shoot

When: June 9th, 2012 Where: Uxbridge Rod & Gun ClubRifle Range Time: 10:00AM Cost: $10.00 for the 1st Event $ 5.00 each for the 2nd and 3rd Event There will be 3 Classes of Fire.

1. The British Enfield 303 Caliber (No Modifications) 2. All Military Rifles Open Sites Only.

3. Open Class any Rifle Open Sites or Optics Cash prizes will be awarded.

2012 Fishing Season

(Tentative Stocking Schedule) Saturday, March 31st -10 AM - Reopen Saturday April 7th-8 AM with the Adult Members Fishing Derby from 8-10 AM Saturday, May 5th – 10 AM-Reopen Saturday May 12th –8AM with the Junior Members Trout Derby from 8 AM - 10: 30 AM Saturday, September 8th- 10 AMReopen Saturday, September 15th- 7 AM ★

Have you ever enjoyed the chirping of baby ducks? Touched their soft fuzz before their wings grow in? Spring is an amazing time in nature - flowers and trees bud and bloom. Waterfowl are hatching their babies. Mammals are getting ready to birth. You probably won’t get this close to a flock of baby ducks in the wild, but be sure to enjoy the beauty of nature this season. If you capture a moment on film or digitally - send it along to The Outdoor Message for publication. Mail to PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532 or email to editor@theoutdoormessage.com.

Outdoor Message

May 2012

FITCHBURG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB

289 Rindge State Road (route #119) in Ashburnham, Massachusetts http://www.fitchburgsportsmensclub.org/

Dear Fellow Sportsmen, Our monthly meeting was held on Monday, April 2, 2012. Pres. Philip A. Madonia III welcomed all and opened the meeting a 7:32 PM with a moment of silence for deceased members and members of the Armed Forces lost in the Global War on Terrorism, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Meeting Minutes

The Secretary read the minutes of the 138th Annual Banquet held on March 5th, 2012. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes as read.

Pres. Madonia asked how many received The Outdoor Message by mail. A show of hands indicated the vast majority were receiving the club news by mail. He received a letter from the Editor stating that the publication would not be publishing GOAL news as GOAL had decided to stop using the publication due to increased costs to GOAL. The publication had been previously funded partially by GOAL and the clubs. Pres.

Madonia said that the cost of printing had been held down for many years and we will pay approximately 61¢ per paper issue and those receiving the paper via email would cost the club around 20¢ per email. GOAL members will not receive The Outdoor Message paid by GOAL. The club will continue to use this media for news of the Club’s activities.

All members (Secretary’s Note) are requested to contact the Secretary if you want to receive the news via email. Please email the Secretary at twoguns2@verizon.net, giving your current email address and name if you want to receive the news via email. Those members wanting to continue receiving the news in it’s paper form do not have to contact the Secretary.

Correspondence

A letter from The Outdoor Message was received and read by the President.

Mailings from the Mass Council of Sportsmen, Ducks Unlimited and club mailings were also received.

New Member Applications

Vice Pres. Randy A. Nichols read the applications of: Edson Kaarela, Larry Bennett, Joseph Spofford, Karl Swanson, Michael Theriault, James Spofford, Jacob Nevala, Robert V. Siano, Neal Beaugard, John Steinhart, Bruce A. Barnes, Andrew Woolfrey, Chris Travers and Travis S. Rixford. A motion was made to accept into the club after Director’s review. Once accepted, we hope you will participate in our workdays and activities.

Treasurer’s Report

James J. Belliveau reported that all bills are paid. He still has “300” Drawing tickets available for the April 29 drawing at 1:00 PM. He will drop from membership those members who have not paid their Dues by the May 7th Meeting.

House and Grounds

Dennis Ring reported that Philip A. Madonia Jr. had painted the tables in the meeting hall and they looked great. Tom Forgues and Dennis painted the floor in the Kitchen and Members Room on a Sunday morning. He reported that the May 2012

committee is looking into window blinds/shades and the window trim as well as painting the stairs. Janitorial work is being checked into.

Workdays were discussed and the first one of the year will be on Sunday, April 22nd commencing around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM with a breakfast being served to the workcrew, a hearty lunch will be served around Noon. The picnic tables will be put out, firewood gathered, sprucing up the clubhouse and area along with trash removal is planned. Please note that ALL RANGES ARE CLOSED ON WORKDAYS. The dates of the workdays are: Sundays, May 19th, June 10th, August 19th and September 30th.

Pres. Madonia thanked Dennis Ring, his Father and Tom Forgues for the work they did on their free time.

Fish and Game

Leo B. Ross thanked everyone for the honor of being the Sportsman of the Year.

He said there are many other members worthy of the recognition.

He reported that $500.00 of Trout are to be stocked. They will range from 12” to 15”. Friday the 27th at 6:00 PM will be the stocking and volunteers are needed, he said that youngsters are welcome to help with the stocking along with their Fathers and Mothers.

Stocking for the Children’s Fishing Derby will take place on Friday, May 18th at 6:00 PM. The Kid’s Fishing Derby will take place on Sunday, May 20th with registration starting at 7:00 AM. There is no fee for registration and all fish caught may be kept. The Derby will start at 8:00 AM and end at Noon. Kids ages 14 and under are eligible to participate. Each will have a choice of a free hotdog or hamburger with a soft drink and potato chips. This derby is open to the PUBLIC, please tell your friends and neighbors about it.

Leo said that the price of Pheasant is around $6.50 per bird. He will try to get 100 birds to stock.

Trap

was introduced and is conducting the Youth Turkey Hunt along with Esther. He has 14 kids signed up and has received donations from the Mass branch of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Coca Cola. The 28th will be the actual hunt and the kids must attend a 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Orientation.

Archery

Mike talked about archery and said that he would be glad to head up an archery program for the club. Interested members should contact Mike at 978-386-5670.

Vice Pres. Randy A. Nichols said that he will look into pricing of archery targets as some of our 3D targets are the worst for wear. A small deer target runs around $484.00 while a large deer target runs around $586.00 Retail. He will see if we can get a club discount.

Mike said that some clubs are having brass collection containers on their ranges and are having success in having the collected brass provide a source of income for range maintenance, etc. He said that Chris Travers will be attending Bow Hunter Education.

WCL

John Root brought in the latest issue of the Worcester County League of Sportsmen’s News. He attended a WCL meeting on March 16th where Bill Davis, Central District Wildlife Manager spoke about the Boy Scouts in Spencer having problems with the town about Pond access as well as advisory councils have many issues with cutting of Red Pine, etc

by DCR and may issue a moratorium. He said that the April meeting of the WCL would be at the Leicester Rod & Gun Club. He has tickets for a firearms raffle which would be drawn at the WCL Banquet on the 28th.

Kitchen

Will need help in prepping for the Kid’s Fishing derby. 100 birds to be ordered possibly more. Suggested donation is $10.00. More info at the May meeting.

New Business James J. Belliveau said that we need a name for a camper by April 9th. We reserved one slot.

Raffles

Attendance: Member #448, Ken Denis was not present, the prize for the May 7th meeting will be $125.00.

The 50/50 was won by Dennis Wallace.

Good and Welfare

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:30 PM. Hope to see you there.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully Submitted Yours in Sportsmanship George F. LeBlanc, Secretary

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, May 7, 2012, Range Orientation 6:00 PM Monday, May 7 2012, Membership meeting 7:30 PM Monday, May 14, 2012, Range Orientation 6:00 PM Monday, May 14, 2012, Director’s meeting 7:00 PM Sunday, May 20, 2012, Kid’s Fishing Derby & Chicken BBQ, 8:00 to Noon, Food served at Noon. Public invited.

Monday, June 4, 2012, Range Orientation 6:00 PM Monday, June 4, 2012, Membership meeting, Chowder night, Guest speaker will be James L. Wallace, Executive Director, GOAL Sunday, June 10, 2012, WORKDAY 8:00 AM til ? All Ranges Closed. All Ranges closed for the Fishing Derby.

Monday, June 11, 2012, Range Orientation 6:00 PM Monday, June 11, 2012, Director’s meeting 7:00 PM NO MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN JULY. ★

Esther Erickson said that Trap shooting should start around the end of the month.

Trap starts at 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and is open to the public. The Rifle Range is CLOSED on Tuesdays at 6:00 PM once the Trap season starts.

Training

Esther said that Hunter Ed class is filled and although filled, sometimes someone will fail to show, so it may pay to come and see if there is an opening caused by an absence.

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Fresh & saltwater rods & reels, line, tackle, hundreds of flies

-- F LY T YING --

Supplies, tools and classes

NRA Handgun Courses --- Live Bait --- Boating Accessories The

Outdoor Message

Page 23

INDEPENDENT SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, INC.

Club Location: Mirimichi Road - Foxboro, MA 02035 Club Phone: 508-543-9887 Mailing Address: PO Box 902 - North Attleboro MA 02761

Web address: www.independentclub.com Email address: independentsportsmensclub@gmail.com

Web Site

Look under the “Latest News & Calendars” section for the latest news, announcements, or schedule changes, including any announcements of range unavailability.

Meeting Times

Board Meeting: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. Membership Meeting: 1st Tuesday of March, June, September and December at 7:30 PM.

Orientation

New member orientation is held at 9:00 am on the 4th Sunday of each month. All new members must attend a session in order to get a gate key. If you plan to attend, please call Vinny Tuzzo. 508-5437029.

Range Times

Skeet, Trap: Wednesday, 5:00 to 8:00.

Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00. Open to the public.

5-Stand: Wednesday nights, 5:00 to 8:00; Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00.

A F F O R D A B L E

Open to the public.

Sporting Clays: Saturday & Sunday, promptly at 1:00. Open to the public.

Weather permitting.

Pistol & Rifle Ranges: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to sunset.

Sunday and Holidays from 12:00 PM to sunset. Open to members. Limited guests visits.

Spring Cleanup

The board has selected Saturday, May 12th from 9:00 to 12:00 as club clean up day. Please bring rakes, shovels, etc & guns. It will be a great time to fill your club yearly 5 work hour requirement. You will have a lot of fun working and joking with your fellow members.

Membership News

Welcome new members: Denny Brooks from North Attleboro Donald Marceau from South Attleboro Robert Marceau from South Attleboro Daniel Brenn from Franklin Wayne Farrington from Chepachet Gerald Keller from Foxboro Gerald Coletta from Norfolk

S E R V I C E S

Members of NRA and GOAL

Shotgun Sports News

TRAP: Singles and doubles.

5 STAND: Occasionally, the field might not be open our normal 3 days/week due to the lack of a volunteer scheduled to run it that day. So, ALWAYS check our website, under Latest News and Calendars, to see if it’s open before driving over to shoot. Joe Coyne, 508376-5749 coynej@gmail.com

Pistol & Rifle News

Please do not tack targets to the wooden crossbars on the pistol target frames.

There are usually a number of fairly large IPSC cardboard silhouettes in the rifle pavilion that can be attached to the wooden crossbars. Place your targets on the cardboard. Shooters are destroying the crossbars but more importantly, the missed shots are bordering on being too high on the range. Safety first!

Scheduled Shoots are open to the public.

During scheduled shoots, these ranges are CLOSED, until approximately 1:00 PM.

Reminders

• 7:30 am Setup; 8:30 am Signup; 8:50 am Shooters Meeting; 9:05 am Start Time • NEW shooters are ALWAYS welcome! If a new shooter shows up at 8:00 am, we would be happy to give them some personal instruction before the shoot begins.

• Ear protection, and eye protection with side protection, is required.

For shoot information contact Paul Remick III, 508-384-4150 SHOOT SCHEDULE (all on Saturdays): Apr 28th, Action PISTOL Shoot May 5th, Action RIFLE Shoot May 19th, Action PISTOL Shoot Jun 9th, Action SHOTGUN Shoot Jun 23rd, Action PISTOL Shoot Jul 14th, Action "3-GUN" Shoot Jul 28th, Action PISTOL Shoot Aug 4th, Action REVOLVER Shoot Aug 25th, Action PISTOL Shoot Sep 8th, 22 Rimfire Action RIFLE Shoot Sep 22nd, Action PISTOL Shoot

Outdoor Message is now available electronically!

The

If you would like to receive your subscription by email, send an email to editor@theoutdoormessage.com

Keith G. Langer, Attorney at Law Admitted in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Firearms licensing, administrative appeals and litigation.

Wills, trusts and family law issues promptly addressed.

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION FOR GOAL MEMBERS 255 Harvard Lane, Wrentham, MA 02093-1069 Phone: 508-384-8692 Fax: 508-384-3547

The

508-695-4852

TOLL FREE 800-473-3006

Rt. 152 / 580 Kelley Boulevard, North Attleborough MA Page 24

The

Sportsmen’s Yard Sale

Mike Remillard 508-883-5947 mikeremillard@comcast.net I’m going to need lots of sporting equipment & man town items for special shotgun shoots and all 3D Archery Shoots. The club could use the money generated from these donations.

Customers get great pleasure looking through these second hand items and there face lights up when they make a purchase.

Please donate.

From the Editor

Mike Remillard 508-883-5947 mikeremillard@comcast.net Ed Bouchard is always getting work assignments. The clubhouse kitchen walls need reworking. All shooting sports committees have work for you to do. Give any of us a call and pick up a little job.

Complete your 5 hour club work commitment. Bring a gun & enjoy our ranges with your club member friends.

NOTE on Meeting Times

Please note the Meeting Times change to 7:30 for ALL meetings. ★

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Shiners l Night Crawlers l Dillies l Trout Worms l Meal Worms REGISTER NOW FOR NRA/STATE FIREARM SAFETY CLASSES

Mike Remillard 508-883-5947 mikeremillard@comcast.net Our collection of Rinehart targets is well on its way. As other targets get shot up, we will replace them with Rinehart. Shooting lanes have been changed by our 3D Archer and bow hunter, Joe Brown, along with our experienced crew of archers, hunters and workers. Twelve of our targets are downhill, tree stand type shots.

A novelty shoot is planned. Bob, Sue, Rosie and Rob are planning July’s menu.

Shoot dates: July 22, August 12. Please join us for these fun shoots & good food.

New England’s Most Active Outdoor People

Mailing Address

FISHING SUPPLIES

3D Archery News

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“You Won’t Believe Our Prices” THE AREA’S LARGEST SUPPLIER OF BLACK POWDER RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, HANDGUNS AND ACCESSORIES

Oct 13th, 22 Rimfire Action PISTOL Shoot Oct 20th, Black Powder Shoot Oct 27th, Action PISTOL Shoot Nov 3rd, Western 3-Gun Shoot (Cowboy) Nov 10th, Action PISTOL Shoot Dec 8th, Action PISTOL Shoot

Enclosed is my ❒ Cash ❒ Check ❒ Money Order

Return form and payment to 37 Pierce Street, Northborough, MA 01532

Outdoor Message

5/12

May 2012

SHIRLEY ROD & GUN CLUB

Kittredge Road, P.O. Box 327, Shirley, MA 01464 Tel: 978-425-2570 www.shirleyrodandgunclub.com Shirley Rod and Gun Club Meeting Minutes – 04/12/12 Meeting called to order at: 7:36 PM Members present – 53

New Members (8)

Anne Poole – Ayer, Ma. Tim Vansipe – Acton, Ma. Tysha Cote – Shirley, Ma. Peter Dunn – Shirley, Ma. Jerry Fortuna – Leominster, Ma. William Lynch – Gardner, Ma. Paul Murphy – Templeton, Ma. David Reichart – Leominster, Ma. Kenneth Faulkner – Pepperell, Ma. Shane Cardona – Leominster, Ma. The Secretary’s Report was read and accepted.

The Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted.

Communication and Bills was read and accepted.

Leigh Blakely announced that Jim Finnerty had been elected to the board of directors of GOAL.

Archery

Leigh Blakely announced that we are still looking for an Archery committee chair person. Tom Boucher volunteered to help with the setup of the Wednesday night 3D shoots. We will start Wednesday night 3D shoots in May.

Fish

Sarah reported that the bait for the kid’s fishing derby was on consignment at Blue Northern.

Sarah reported that the following fish for the kid’s fishing derby had been ordered from High on the Hill Fishery: (100) 6-8 inch Brookies (100) 8-10 inch Rainbows (100) 10-12 inch Rainbows (100) 12-14 inch Rainbows

Grounds

Vernon Gustason (Gus) reported that there is no grass to be mowed yet.

Buildings

Jeff Adams had no real report. Staining of the buildings to begin as soon as the weather gets better.

Kitchen

John Corwin – Not present – No report.

Leigh thanked Tom and Lynda for the excellent dinner.

Bar

Craig Carpenter - Not present – No report.

Ranges

Tony Celona reported that new card board and strapping has been restocked at the ranges. Please, no trash on the ranges.

The ranges will be shut down on April 14th during the Women’s becoming an outdoor hunter, Turkey session. Ranges will reopen once the session is complete.

Tony Celona thanked Jim Wheeler for material donated to build the gun racks.

Leigh Blakely asked that members not shoot at the white clips that are used to hold paper targets onto the strapping.

Leigh does not want to have a full time range officer.

Tony Celona mentioned that there are May 2012

now dud buckets on both ranges. Please utilize the buckets.

Membership

John Stewart reported that we now have 366 members. Leigh asked John to get a stack of membership application forms to be kept at the gun club.

John Stewart reported that new pins for the 2012 membership need to be ordered.

100 pins did not last with 366 members.

Finance Committee

Frank Esielionis announced that the Finance chair is open if anyone would like to take it over. Please see Leigh Blakely if interested.

Indoor Range Building

Don Miller - Not present – No report.

Advertising

Rodney Huff announced that he will be running an ad in the Shirley Volunteer for the Memorial Day meat raffle.

New Business

Buff McKelvie spoke about the upcoming egg shoot being held on April 28th. The shoot will start at 2:00 PM in the rifle range. Buff had a handout/flyer available.

Buff McKelvie announced that the club only has a cord and a half left for cord wood raffles. Need 2 to 3 more cords for the raffles. Buff would be having a wood splitting and stacking work party this Saturday, April 14th starting at 8:00 AM. Please come down whenever.

Tony Celona spoke about holding a youth hunting program for turkeys at the gun club. Tony is looking for 10 volunteers to teach the youths on how to hunt for turkeys. Volunteers would be responsible for taking a youth out to their hunting area to shoot a turkey. Please see Tony if you are interested.

Jim Finnerty announced that he would like to hold a lead bullet casting clinic on Saturday, May 19th. The gun club and porch in front of the gun club would be used. A motion was made and accepted to allow the use of the gun club and front porch for a lead bullet casting clinic on Saturday, May 19th.

The

Old Business

Buff McKelvie thanked everyone who helped out with the meat raffle.

Jim Finnerty announced that he plans on having a basic pistol safety course in July. It will be a one day course.

Leigh Blakely thanked everyone for their help with the game supper. Leigh especially thanked his main chefs, Paul and Tony Celona. They were maestros at coming up with very delicious dishes.

Leigh thanked everyone who had donated game for the supper. Leigh will take game donations even now for next year.

Leigh Blakely mentioned the upcoming Spring cleanup being held on Saturday, April 21st. Please come on down to help clean up your gun club.

Bring any lawn tools you have or would like to use.

Good and Welfare

Don Osmer made a motion to adjourn.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Event Calendar

May Wednesday Night 3D shoots start – Wednesday, May 2nd – 5 pm until dark Monthly meeting – Thursday, May 10th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm Memorial Day meat raffle – Thursday, May 17th – 7:00 – 9:00 PM June Monthly meeting – Thursday, June 14th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm 4th of July meat raffle – Thursday, June 21st – 7:00 – 9:00 PM July Monthly meeting – Thursday, July 12th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm August Monthly meeting – Thursday, August 9th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm AUGUSTFEST – Saturday, August 11th noon until dusk Labor Day meat raffle – Thursday, August 23rd – 7:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday Night 3D – last of regular shoots – Wed. Aug. 29th – 5 pm until dark

September Wednesday Night 3D Broad Head 1 of 2 shoots – Wed. Sept. 5th – 5 pm until dark Wednesday Night 3D Broad Head last shoot – Wed. Sept. 12th – 5 pm until dark Monthly meeting – Thursday, Sept. 13th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm Ducks Unlimited Shoot/Auction – Sunday, Sept. 16th – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm October Monthly meeting – Thursday, Oct. 11th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm November Monthly meeting – Thursday, Nov. 8th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm TURKEY SHOOT – Sunday, Nov. 18th – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm December Monthly meeting – Thursday, Dec. 13th – 7:30 pm. Dinner served before meeting – 6:30 pm

Officers and Chairs

President: Leigh Blakely 978-273-0105 Vice President: Jim Finnerty 617-3208012 Treasurer: Mike Slocumb 978-621-6050 Secretary: Rodney Huff 978-660-8309 Grounds: Vernon Gustason 978-8080227 Building: Jeff Adams 978-877-1328 Range: Tony Celona 978-577-7884 Fishing: Sarah Celona 978-577-7883 Archery: Leigh Blakely 978-273-0105 New Range: Don Miller Kitchen: John Corwin 978-793-0117 Bar: Craig Carpenter 781-844-4487 Membership: John Stewart 978-4591870 Finance Committee: Frank Esielionis 978-425-4739 Advertising: Rodney Huff 978-660-8309 VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED AT THE MANY EVENTS THAT KEEP OUR CLUB FINANCIALLY STRONG! THIS IS YOUR CLUB! Please call an officer or committee chair person to volunteer today. ★

Outdoor Message CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale: Kimber .22 target rifle Mod 82 Government Heavy bbl., single shot professional competition rifle. New, unfired, in Kimber factory box. Front and rear target sights, adjustable stock, adjustable sling swivels and support slide. This is an unfired DCM rifle. $700. Winchester Mod 94 cal 32 W.S. mfrd in 1942 Ser #12215xx. Excellent condition $675. Remington Mod 513 TR “Targetmaster” 22 cal heavy bbl, target sights, leather govt style sling, Excellent condition $425. Call Herb 508-385-0855 (Cape Cod).

For Sale: Circa 1945 17’ wooden canoe. Recently, nicely restored and garaged since. Very gently used. $700.

Please call Greg 508-823-6836 or email GGBoyd@tmlp.com for more

info and pics.

BOW CLEARANCE - 40% off MSRP on many new, non-current Top Model Bows from various manufacturers. See Photos, Descriptions, Prices on website www.emeryloiselle.com ERYLEEN ARCHERY 781-272-0244. Also MATHEWS dealer.

Wanted!!

Military items for educational purposes and collection.

Uniforms, swords, hats, medals, bayonets, flight jackets, helmets, flags.

Anything - any country. Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam.

Longtime Historian and Collector.

Also buying old guns and gun parts, old ammo and other related items.

Paying cash, I buy it all! Call Randall

978-772-2563 R.T. Chagnon Construction serving Bristol and Plymouth counties.

Additions, in law apartments, complete interior and exterior remodeling and home improvement. Licensed and insured. www.RTChagnon.com Call Rich at 774-263-7638 U.S. SILVER DOLLARS WANTED. Paying $25 each. Also buying all other coins. Higher pay than coin shops or mall buyers. Call Lin at 781-956-8891.

For Sale: Bench Stock-Duplicator.

New, unpacked motor, Spare parts, Weight about 70lb. Ask $300. Please call 508-904-4044 or email to swampls@hotmail.com for photos and info.

CLASSIFIED RATES: $4.00 per insertion for 30 words or fewer. $1 for each additional group of 10 words or fewer.

Advance payment required. Send check, payable to The Outdoor Message, to 37 Pierce Street, Northborough MA 01532.

The

Outdoor Message

Page 25

RHODE ISLAND STATE RIFLE & REVOLVER ASSOCIATION PO Box 10177 - Cranston RI 02910 - 401-573-0260

President: Charles Hawkins, Sr.

Executive Officer: Joseph Graf

Treasurer: Stephen P. Hogan stephenhogan@msn.com

Narragansett Bay Area Friends of NRA

Gail A. Hogan, Chairwoman The Friends of NRA is a 501(3)(c) organization. That means when you attend this most worthwhile event some of your contributions, in the form of a silent bid or live auction bid, are tax deductible. In case you were wondering, our 17th

Annual Friends of NRA banquet will be held on Friday, October 12, 1012, at the West Valley Inn, located at 4 Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI, 02893. Doors open at 6:00 PM. We promise a good time!

The other reason I wanted to discuss this subject was to inform you of the opportunities this grassroots organization brings to you and your gun club. It’s the

Do you have a firearms or sporting business in Rhode Island?

This publication reaches all current members of the Rhode Island State Rifle & Revolver Association. To find out how to get your business name out to hundreds of RI sportsmens, contact editor@theoutdoormessage.com for rates and information.

Assistant Executive Officer: Elizabeth Clupny

Secretary: Gail A. Hogan gahogan777@hotmail.com

grant process. The reason we raise funds is to help fund grants. These grants help to support the shooting community. Whether it is gear or firearms for your juniors shooting program or improvements to your club, you can apply for grant money.

Ask me how? It’s easy! This is the third year of the on-line application process and the FNRA store. Everything is spelled out. Besides, I am always available to sit and hold your hand. That’s free too!

I won’t bore you with many details, just the ones that tell you how we, in our little State of Rhode Island, have progressed. Our state has funded 26 grants totaling $43,725.44 since inception. Since the Narragansett Bay Area Friends of

NRA started to hold banquets we have had 2,728 attendees and raised a total of $99,291.33, not to mention the fun we have had. Not too shabby for our Little Rhody! Did I mention how hard the Friends Committee works to help support the above facts? So, this year I ask that you invite a family member or friend to help grow our event and enable us to continue to reach even higher. Let’s keep the shooting sports going far into the future.

If you have announcements you would like to be published upon our Rhode Island page please e-mail me at gahogan777@hotmail.com. ★

SOUTHBOROUGH ROD & GUN CLUB

Calendar of Events

s Every Sunday at 1 PM: Trap/Skeet s Every Thursday at 6 PM: Trap/Skeet

From The President

I want to take this opportunity to thank Mark Monique and Brian Smith for their continued effort with the SR&G Junior Rifle program. These two gentlemen spent nearly every Monday night since last October with the 18 members of the Jr. team teaching many of them the basics of rifle shooting, and several more advanced shooting skills. We appreciate your efforts in getting our youth into the shooting sports.

I also would like to thank Bob Thompson and his elves for pulling together an absolutely delicious Corned Beef Dinner for St. Patrick's Day. Bobby was at the Club every day for 3 weeks seasoning the beef. Over 70 people attended the dinner and no one went home hungry.

Southborough Rod & Gun is in the process of evaluating the possibility of publishing our own newsletter in an attempt to save some money. I am looking for individuals with experience publishing newsletters to assist in putting one together. We (SR&G) have a significant amount of members that receive e-mails from me on a regular basis, but I know many of the members would prefer to receive paper copies. Please contact us southboroughrodandgun@gmail.com or by dropping a note off in the mailbox on the Directors' Room door to let us know if you can help out and/or how you want to receive a newsletter.

Biddeford, ME Augusta, ME

Concord, NH

Manchester, NH

Rifle Committee

- Steve Chouinard On March 11th, 7 members and guest showed up to shoot in our modified 3-Gun shoot at the outdoor range. Participants shot at steel targets set at 50' with centerfire pistols, silhouette targets set at 100 yards with center-fire rifles and steel targets set at 50 yards with a shotgun.

This was a timed-event with penalty seconds added for missed targets and bonus seconds subtracted for rounds remaining after all targets were down. The winner of the day’s event was John Paras, followed closely by Bobby Andrews.

On Sunday, May 20th we will be hosting a .22 Rimfire Benchrest competition. Targets will be at 50 yards.

Accuracy is not the object of this event... tightest grouping of 5 shots will be the winner.

Contestants are allowed to use a front rest only, no rear support. There will be both Scoped and Iron-sight Divisions.

Safety briefing and explanation of the course of fire will begin at 9:45 AM, first shots at 10:00. If you have any questions about the rules or anything else, contact Steve Chouinard at stevechouinard@hotmail.com.

Trout Pond

– Dave Sawyer After a generous donation, the pond has been stocked with brookies, rainbows, goldens and some large steelheads. If you catch a golden, please take your pictures quickly and return it to the pond.

The Adult Derby will be held on Sunday morning, MAY 6th. This is for members only and their children ages 13-

DiPrete Promotions, Inc. 2012 GUN SHOWS

Biddeford Ice Arena 14 Pomerleau St, I-95 Exit 32 Augusta Civic Center 76 Community Drive Everett Ice Arena I-93 exit 14 East onto Loudon Rd Radisson Hotel Center of NH 700 Elm St, I-293 Exit 5

Show Hours: Saturday 9-5 Sunday 9-2 Page 26

Club Location: 254 Fruit Street, Hopkinton MA Mailing Address: PO Box 91, Southborough MA 01772-0091 508-435-3736 www.srgclub.com

Apr 28 - 29

Aug 25 - 26 Sep 1 - 2

Sep 29 - 30

www.dipromo.com 603-225-3846 The

18. Breakfast will be served at 7 am, fishing starts at 8 am 2012 Officers/Directors and ends at 10 am. Baits NOT President Steve Chouinard 508-380-3563 Steve-Chouinard@hotmail.com TO BE USED during the Vice-President Dave Therrien 508-839-2981 Derby are Powerbait and dave.therrien@verizon.net Marshmallows. ONE ROD Secretary Larry McCoskery 774-245-2805 ONLY can be used while larry.mccoskery@gmail.com fishing! Prizes will be given to Treasurer John Gerstenlauer 978-692-2653 the youth for Trout caught. johnmgerst@comcast.net Bragging rights for a year for Directors: Bobby Andrews Arthur Holmes Mark Monique Brian Smith the Adults. Please catch, Bob Mumfordt John Paras measure and release as much as possible. There will be a 3 2012 Committees fish limit to keep.

Archery: Bobby Andrews 508-934-9854 The Kids Derby will be on rhandrews@yahoo.com Saturday MAY 19th. The Building & Grounds: Paul Monique 508-881-3732 Derby will be for Members montysrg@verizon.net and their Guests children up to GOAL/Newsletter Editor: Mike Matteson 603-966-6709 WB5JMJ@AMSAT.ORG and including 12 years old.

Breakfast at 7 am; Derby Ham Radio: Larry McCoskery 774-245-2805 larry.mccoskery@gmail.com begins at 8 am until 11 am.

ALL BAITS can be used to Junior Rifle: Mark Monique 508-872-3872 mmonique@savogran.com; Brian Smith 508-966-0045 fish with. LIMIT TBA at the bsappraisal@comcast.net start of the Derby. PLEASE, Pistol: Jim Tomasetti 508-429-2664 Adults, let the kids do as j.tomasetti@verizon.net much fishing on their own as Primitive: Ray Pillie 508-877-5331 possible. It's their Derby. Public Relations: Tom Oertel 508-429-7614, 508-878-9680 toertel@comcast.net Lunch will be served at the club house and prizes for fish, Rifle: Steve Chouinard 508-380-3563 SteveChouinard@hotmail.com etc. caught will be given away at noon. Children must be Skeet: Bob Valli 508-429-2183 defauser@yahoo.com Sporting Clays: Travis Powell travispowell@comcast.net present for prizes.

Training: John Gerstenlauer 978-692-2653 A sign has been posted by johnmgerst@comcast.net the pond for powerbait use Trap: Mike Pearson 508-879-9625 jmpearson@rcn.com and marshmallows too, which Trout Pond: Dave Sawyer 508-341-7651 you can use after the kids arborman60@yahoo.com Derby. The range will be Web Administrator: Mike Giovannucci 508-788-9923 mikeg@srgclub.com closed until 11 am, May 19th during the kids derby. class for the year on March 24 and we had VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO 16 students requiring three shooting HELP. squads (which means the volunteer team FYI the FISHING has been GREAT!!! had an extra-long day). Thanks to our Trout are hitting on flies, lures and volunteers: Gary Carey, Steve Chouinard, worms. Where are you new members? I Greg Chvisuk, Doug Daniels, Chris haven’t seen you yet. It's your pond, Errington, Domenic Padula, Mike Come On Down to fish or watch. BRING Pearson and Russ Pearson. The students THE KIDS, GET THEM OUT OF THE were great and they made the long day HOUSE, ENJOY THE GREAT worth it all. Hey all you seasoned WEATHER! shooters, do you remember the three NRA Please use caution and drive slow when basic safety rules? Hint: they all start with driving by the pond. Along with the the word “Always”. fishermen/women, there are often kids, Our next NRA Basic Pistol class is dogs, and guys in wheelchairs enjoying scheduled for May 5. Please contact John the pond.

Gerstenlauer at johnmgerst@comcast.net

NRA Training

– John Gerstenlauer We held our second NRA Basic Pistol

Outdoor Message

or 978.692.2653 for more information or just visit the club website at www.srgclub.com for more information.

A flier for the 2012 classes, suitable for sharing, is available there. ★ May 2012

WRENTHAM SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION

PO Box 83 - 7 Madison Street - Wrentham, MA 02093 508-643-1322 - www.wrenthamsa.com

Club Event Schedule

Meetings: Advisory Board: First Monday of the Month, 7 pm; General: Second Monday of the Month, 7 pm

May 12 ....Sausage Dinner Jun 3 ........ Chicken BBQ Jun 16 ...... Youth Day Aug 12..... Kiver Fest Sep 16...... Pig Roast Oct 8 ........ Hunter’s Night Dec 15 ..... Xmas Party All Dates: We could use help during any event listed above. Please contact the club to get appropriate committee contact.

New Members be sure to fulfill your work party commitment.

Website

comments.

Range hours are 7 am to ½ hour after sunset Monday through Saturday, and 9 am to ½ hour after sunset on Sundays.

The lighted Pistol Range is open until 9 pm each night.

There will be no range use during scheduled archery events.

If you are interested in doing reloading, and never knew how to get started, you can contact John Dennis and he will set something up.

For more information or interest about the range or events you may contact John Dennis 508-384-7607.

Date Apr 29 May 20

http://www.wrenthamsa.com

Range

The range is a private range except during shoots. Other than those times, nonmembers are only to use the range as a guest when they are accompanied by a member in good standing.

Competition shoots at the club are held on Sundays at 1:00 PM. The entry fee is $20.00. You will shoot 10 targets at 2 distances. The distances normally are 25 and 50 yards for rifle.

The distances normally are 15 and 25 feet for pistol. Prizes of steaks or gift certificates are awarded to the highest shooter of each round. Shooters may only win twice, once at the closer distance and once at the further distance. The shoots are open to all. Plan on 50-60 rounds for rifle and pistol shoots, less for black powder and shotgun slug shoots.

Any ideas for future shoots would be greatly appreciated; you may contact John directly or email the editor with your

Jun 10 Jun 24 Jul 8 Jul 22 Aug 5 Aug 19 Sep 9 Sep 23 Oct 7 Oct 21 Nov 4 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 16 Dec 30

Shoot Schedule 2012 Pistol, Center Fire Rifle, Military (no scope) sling allowed Rifle, .22 Rim Fire, Benchrest Pistol, Black Powder Pistol, center Fire with 3” barrel or shorter Pistol, Rim Fire Rifle, Military (No scope) Ultimate shoot The Great Vegetable shoot (Sidelock) Pistol, Rim Fire Rifle, .22 Rim Fire Rifle, Center Fire, Benchrest Military Rifle and Pistol (Sling Allowed) Shotgun, Slug and Gauge Rifle, Black Powder Rifle Pistol, Center Fire 25 and 50 yards Military Rifle, armrest permissible

All Shoots Start Promptly at 1:00 pm

Trap

Trap shoots every Thursday at 7 pm and Sunday at 10 am. The cost is $3 per round.

There is to be no lead shot fired at the trap field. Wrentham Sportsman is a non-toxic shot only trap field.

There will be no trap shooting during scheduled archery events.

Newcomers are always welcome.

There is always help for newcomers. The winter league is coming sooner than you think, so get to the trap range on Thursday night and get practiced for the upcoming league season.

Steel shot ammunition is always available at all trap shoots.

For more information or interest about the trap range or events you may contact Dave Deschamps 508-883-7959.

Fish & Game

New members see the fish and game committee to get work hours signed off.

For more information or interest in fish and game you may contact Gary Duquette at 508 584 3415 or e-mail at Gyduke28@msn.com Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish feed him for a lifetime.

Note League Schedule Change: The practice archery range now is

lighted and open until 9 pm at night.

3-D shoots for 2012 are as follows: May 6, August 26, September 2. As always our 3-D course uses Rinehart Targets.

For more information on any of the Tricounty league shoots visit <http://www.oldbow.com> For more information or interest about archery or events you may contact Chuck DuPont 508-520-3339.

Junior Members

Junior membership to the club is for ages 13-18 and is a yearly fee of $5.00.

Notes From the Kitchen

As always we will be serving a meal on Meeting Nights Cost is always $5.00. Check at the club for details.

2012 Officers President First V.P. Second V.P. Rec Sec. Financial Sec. Treasurer

Jim Stella Tom Stella Dan Sbardella Keith Sharron Howie Taras Suchy

Do You Have a Story?

If you are a member and would like to have your story, photograph or information published in the next issue of The Outdoor Message, my contact information is Chuck DuPont email: cdupont@assabet.org ★

The Sportsman’s Calendar . . .Competitive Shooting Matches and Special Shooting Events

ARCHERY

Aug 24-25: Archery Charity Shoot Wednesdays: 3D Fun Shoots Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA Jonathan archery@woburnsportsmen.com Wednesdays 6 pm: Indoor Paper League Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 250 High Street Manville, RI msrgc.com

BLACK POWDER

Sundays 10 am - dusk: Black Powder Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA blackpowder@woburnsportsmen.com

CONVENTIONAL

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 22 Rimfire Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA Dick 22bench@woburnsportsmen.com May 20, Jun 17: Lead Benchrest Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA Nick leadbenchrest@woburnsports men.com

COWBOY

Wednesday evenings, Saturdays 9 am

May 2012

- 12: Black Powder Cowboy Shooting Art 978-687-9504 ext 1 4th Sunday 8:45 am: IDPA Matches Woburn Sportsmen’s Association Nenameseck Sportsman’s Club PRACTICAL SHOOTS 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bacon Road Bedford, MA Palmer, MA May 12, Jun 23, Jul 21: RI Police blackpowder@woburnsportsmen.com Pistol Combat League Norm 413-967-3797 Monthly: Cowboy Fast Draw practice www.nenameseck.com/idpa Scituate, RI and matches George 401-639-8573 SPECIAL EVENTS & Groveland, MA gpesare7@hotmail.com 617-921-7942 May 13, Jun 10: Running Deer SHOWS johnnybourbon@comcast.net Woburn Sportsmen’s Association Apr 28-29: Sporting Goods and Gun 155 Middlesex Turnpike Show HIGHPOWER Bedford, MA Monument Beach Sportsmens Club May 5, Jun 24, Aug 19: CMP Bill 199 MacArthur Boulevard (Rt 28) Woburn Sportsmen’s Association runningdeer@woburnsportsmen.com Bourne, MA 155 Middlesex Turnpike 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 4th Saturdays: 508-830-5012 Bedford, MA IDPA League Club Matches blima@maritime.edu Robert cmp@woburnsportsmen.com S&W Shooting Sports Center May 6: 13th Annual Herricks Cove Springfield, MA Wildlife Festival PIN & PLATE SHOOTS 413-846-6400 Herricks Cove 1st & 3rd Sunday, 1 - 4 pm: Single 1st Sunday Rockingham, VT Action Shooting Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Ascutney Mountain Audubon Manville Sportsmen’s Club 57 Cherry Street 802-722-3355 250 High Street Gloucester, MA May 6: Fishing Derby Manville, RI 978-283-0304 So. Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club Bob 401-773-7720 www.capeannsportsmansclub.org 60 Warren Road randies@cox.net 1st Sunday Townsend, MA 4th Sunday Springfield Sportsman’s Club 978-597-8733 Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford May 6, May 20, Jun 3: Biathlon 215 Wood Hill Road North Hixville Road Monson, MA practice North Dartmouth, MA 413-267-9652 Jun 23: Biathlon Dave 508-984-9589 3rd Sunday, 1 pm Georgetown Fish & Game Club Lake Avenue Advertise your events for FREE here!

Georgetown, MA Send information about any club Craig 508-265-2255 3rd Saturday, 10 am events that are open to the public to Lawrence Rod & Gun Club Webster Street editor@theoutdoormessage.com.

Lawrence, MA The

Outdoor Message

Harvard Sportsmens Club Littleton County Road Harvard, MA Chris chris@bikewaysource.com May 15: Ladies Night, 6 pm Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road Hanson, MA 781-293-1953 May 20: Children’s Fishing Derby, 7 AM Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club 289 Rindge State Road Ashburnham, MA George, Secretary 978-342-5928 Jun 3: Annual Youth Fishing Derby sponsored by Hanson Rod & Gun Club, 7 - 11 am Wampatuck Pond adjacent to the Hanson Town Hall Hanson, MA 781-293-1953

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

TRAP

Wednesdays: Greater Lowell Trap League Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA trap@woburnsportsmen.com ★

Page 27

SOUTH FITCHBURG HUNTING & FISHING CLUB

Mailing: P.O. Box 687 - Townsend MA 01469 Location: 60 Warren Road Townsend MA Club phone 978-597-8733 * Secretary’s email: jamesyeaton@hotmail.com Web site: http://www.southfitchburghuntingandfishingclub.org

The April 7, 2012 Membership meeting was called by the President, Bill Farnam at 3:06 pm. There were 21 members present. The President took a moment to install our newly elected range officer, Larry Bevis because he was not able to attend last month’s meeting. The President also presented him with an award for taking 1st place at fishing derby from last year. Congratulations to Larry.

Board meeting: May 3, 2012 at 6:30 PM Membership meeting May 5, 2012 at 3:00 PM There were no New Members.

Past Functions

The club held a fishing derby on April 8th (yea we know it was Easter)! We still had some die-hard fishermen/women who attended and caught some nice trout.

Taking both 1st and 2nd was Bob Souther (JR) and Blake Dobson took 3rd. Bob of course also took the pool for the biggest trout and the pool for the smallest went to Doug Albert. (I don’t have the sizes of the trout on the report but do know that they were in the 16+ down to 11” – I will have these for you next month).

Upcoming Events

As mentioned in last month’s report those interested in shooting prior to the monthly meetings, they started at the April meeting. This will take place up to the August meeting so why not plan on showing up and trying out your skills against some of your fellow members.

Start time is at 1:00 pm.

Set for May 6th from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm we will hold a public fishing derby.

The fee to fish for adults is $12.00 and

South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club 60 Warren Road Townsend, MA 01469 Club’s Number- (978) 597-8733 2012 Calendar

Sunday, May 6th..................Member/Guest Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, May 20th................Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, July 1st ..................Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, August 26th ...........Meat & Seafood Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, September 16th.....Kid’s Only Derby, 9 am - 1 pm Sunday, September 23rd.....Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, October 7th............Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, November 4th........Fishing Derby, 7 am - 1 pm Sunday, November 18th......Slug Shoot, 10 am Sunday, November 18th......Turkey Raffle, 1 - 4 pm Sunday, December 9th........Holiday Raffle, 1 - 4 pm

kids 14 and under is $6.00. Breakfast and lunch is available. Make sure to bring your own bait because we don’t supply it!

Then on May 20th we have our 1st Meat and SEAFOOD raffle to kick off SUMMER! The raffle will run from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. There will be a variety of BBQ meats and seafood to choose from. Come on down and try your luck.

Scheduled for September 22nd, beginning at 7:00 am and running until September 23rd until 1:00 pm the club will be holding a 30 HOUR FISHING DERBY. Tickets are $20.00 in advance up to September st and $25.00 after that date.

Fee includes the following: 2 nights of camping, pancake breakfast (1 morning), Door prizes. The will be 3 cash prizes paid on the total length caught over the 30 hour period! Tickets will be available online on the club’s website or may be picked up at any club function/meeting.

New Business

There has been a “sign up” sheet posted in the clubhouse- no set dates for any scheduled work parties as of yet. Here’s how it works: Put your name and phone number down when we get enough to help out with projects that need to be done during the summer. When we are not busy running functions we will give you a call to see if you are available. Those helping will be served lunch. This club belongs to ALL MEMBERS so we should all care about its upkeep and try to lend a helping hand when called upon. Donating just a couple of hours makes a big difference – Enough where it is noticed. So stop by and add your name to the list. And stop asking yourself what you can do to help; it could be as easy as ripping tickets for our raffles!

Good and Welfare

Get well thoughts go out to Chet Moreau who was recently in the hospital for awhile. It was good to see him back at the club.

“Lunch” is now being offered at the club meeting for a low price so why not plan on eating with us? Next month we will offer chicken wings and hot dogs.

Members are reminded that your daily fish catch is now 3 and juniors are at 2, until further notice.

Not present to win the attendance drawing was Edna Seymour. The 50/50 raffle was won by Carlos Pagan, it was worth $31.00. Carlos had lady luck with him as he also won the consolation prize.

The club held the big drawing on the 100-club tickets this month. Winners were as follows.

(5) $20.00 Winners #93-Bob Dion (Bob), #54-Carlos Pagan (Bob), #23Chet Moreau (Bob), #29-Louis Marion (Bob), #64-Bill Farnam (Bill) (2) $50.00 winners #100-Shaun Sirios (Vern); #58- John Pierce (Bob) (2) $75.00 winners #47- Jason Moreau (Bob) $47- Jason Moreau (Bob) (1) $100.00 winner #9-Jim Yeaton (Bob) The big winner of the day was our President, Bill Farnam, #92!

Tickets sellers make sure you remember to turn in your $$$ for the next set of drawings for the next 4 months, the next big drawing will take place at the August meeting!

With no further Business the meeting adjourned at 4:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Brenda Saucier ★

The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Education & Training

GENERAL TRAINING

978-256-6216 or BLUESTAG@COMCAST.NET May 12: Responsible Use of Lethal NRA Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Force offered by AWARE Safety, Personal Protection in the Harvard Sportsmen's Club Home; Private Shooting Lessons; 250 Littleton County Road Advanced Tactical and Concealed Harvard, MA Carry Courses Register at www.aware.org Central MA Area May 21 & 24: Firearms Safety First Defense Firearms, Inc. The following TRAINING offered Training 508-278-6844 AS NEEDED: Woburn Sportsmen’s Association www.firstdefensefirearms.com NRA Home Firearms Safety, NRA 155 Middlesex Turnpike Mass Basic Firearms Safety, NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Personal Bedford, MA Basic Pistol, NRA Home Firearms Protection, Mass Basic Firearms John Safety, NRA Basic Rifle Safety education@woburnsportsmen.com Dedham & Braintree, MA Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club Daily: NRA and Mass Certified Pistol Mitchel mitch1055@comcast.net Ayer, MA Course and FID Card Course FID & LTC Courses Dan 978-870-7298 Distribution Firearms Services Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club dan.damato@comcast.net 10 Colonial Road Suite 209-C 57 Cherry Street NRA Basic Pistol, Mass Basic Salem, MA Gloucester, MA Must pre-register 978-741-0044 Firearms Safety 978-283-0304 Worcester Pistol & Rifle Club 3rd Saturday: NRA Home Firearms capeannsportsmansclub.org Boylston, MA Safety/Mass Basic Firearms Safety NRA and Mass State Police Certified amerigunteacher@yahoo.com Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford Pistol Course, Shotgun Shell reloadNRA Basic classes, Advance Tactical North Hixville Road ing, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, classes North Dartmouth, MA Refuse to be A Victim Dynamic Incident Response Must pre-register R.J. 508-676-9861 Hampden and Worcester Counties Mike 781-258-6577 dynamic Last Thursday and Last Saturday: Conrad 413-739-3015 incidentresponse@comcast.net Basic Firearms Safety & Handling www.FirearmSafetyClass.com Mass Basic Firearms Safety, NRA Worcester County Jail and House NRA Basic Pistol, NRA First Steps Home Firearms Safety, NRA Basic of Correction Hanson Rod & Gun Club Pistol, NRA Rifle, NRA Shotgun 5 Paul X Tivnan Dr Davis Road Carver, MA West Boylston, MA Hanson, MA John 508-728-5899 Pre-register Julie 508-854-1800 x2442 hansontraining@gmail.com jedduf@gmail.com Weekends/Monthly: MA Certified NRA and MA State Police Certified Pistol Course, Law Enforcement and NRA Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Pistol Course Safety, Tactical Pistol, Concealed Civilian Training Leominster, MA Carry, Private Accuracy Workshops Franklin County League Michael 978-534-2484 Central Mass 721 River Road firearmsinstruction@gmail.com www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com Deerfield, MA Smallbore Rifle Courses License to Carry Alan 413-863-2964 Ludlow Fish & Game Blue Stag School Monthly: Massachusetts Firearms Sportsmen’s Road Chelmsford, MA Safety

Page 28

Bristol County Ray 508-336-5724 blar1@comcast.net Quarterly: 2-day Defensive Handgun IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Simsbury, CT Dennis 860-651-4911 www.im-safe.com

The

Outdoor Message

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, Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun; Mass Basic Firearms Safety; NRA/NMLRA Muzzleloading South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net State Certified Basic Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol, Rifle, Personal Protection, Shotgun, Muzzleloading Swansea, MA Richard 508-673-8263 NRA Home Firearms Safety, NRA 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

HUNTER EDUCATION

The Basic Hunter Education Course is mandatory for first-time hunters or hunting license buyers in Massachusetts. Topics include safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. Courses are provided at no charge to participants.

Students who successfully pass the course receive a Certificate of Completion that is accepted for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and for people 15 or older making application for a (continued on page 29)

May 2012

The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Education & Training

(continued from previous page)

Firearms Identification Card with their local police departments. The certificates are also accepted in North America for the purchase of a hunting license.

There are two ways prospective students can find Massachusetts Basic Hunter Education courses.

1) Check the DFW website regularly at <http://www.mass.gov/ dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_cour se_schedule.htm>. Courses are posted 2 months ahead of time. You must call the Hunter Education office to reserve a seat. Courses posted fill up within days of posting, so you must act fast.

2) Get EARLY notification of courses, before they are posted on the website by filling out a form online at <http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/ dfw/education/hed/hed_find_course .htm>. You must call the Hunter Education program to reserve a seat.

If you don’t have a computer or have access to the internet, you can also call the Hunter Education Program office in Ayer at 978-772-0693 and ask for postal notification of the next Basic course scheduled in near you.

What if you enrolled in a course and then something prevents you from attending? In consideration of others, please notify the Hunter Education office that you are unable to participate. There is always a waiting list and it's important to let others know that a slot has opened.

Meanwhile, your information can be put back into the notification system for another course.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING Jun 2: Range Safety Officer Lowell Sportsmen’s Club 50 Swain Road Chelmsford, MA Rick training@lowellsc.org

The following courses offered AS NEEDED: All NRA Disciplines, RSO Training Blue Stag School 978-256-6216 or BLUESTAG@COMCAST.NET NRA Range Safety Officer Certification Holyoke Revolver Club Holyoke, MA 413 539-9345 or roblombardihrc@comcast.net.

NRA Instructor & RSO Training Greater Lowell area Ken 978-692-6818 Gun_Safety@comcast.net NRA Instructor Courses Instructional Shooting Inc. 164 Andover Street Lowell, MA Must pre-register 800-984-4867 www.instructionalshooting.com NRA Instructor Courses for Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Personal Protection, Range Safety Officer and Reloading Metallic or Shotgun IM-SAFE Firearms Training Center Simsbury, CT Dennis 860-651-4911 www.im-safe.com

NRA BASIC PISTOL

May 5 Southborough Rod & Gun Club 254 Fruit Street Hopkinton, MA John 978-692-2653 johnmgerst@comcast.net May 12, Jun 16 Lowell Sportsmen’s Club 50 Swain Road Chelmsford, MA Rick training@lowellsc.org Jun 9: Basic Pistol Class offered by AWARE Harvard Sportsmen's Club 250 Littleton County Road Harvard, MA

May 2012

Register at www.aware.org Wednesday Evenings Cape Cod Steven 508-548-5879 www.capecodgunsafety.com Monthly. Must pre-register Hamilton-Wenham Rod & Gun Mike 978-815-6989 Every 2nd Wednesday Ludlow Fish & Game Sportsmen’s Road Ludlow, MA Les lprentice@verizon.net Every 3rd Saturday Holyoke Revolver Club 431 West Cherry Street Holyoke, MA 413-539-9345 3rd Sunday Brockton, MA Charles 508-238-1586 chuck@cdavisgroup.com Saturdays & Sundays Instructional Shooting Inc. 164 Andover Street Lowell, MA Must pre-register 800-984-4867 www.instructionalshooting.com Monthly Starfire Haverhill, MA Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 Monthly - Must pre-register Eastern Rifle & Revolver Club 315 Walnut Street Lynn, MA Sonny 781-599-9882 Twice Monthly Western Massachusetts Robert 413-232-7700 Monthly Tactical Dynamics Firearms Training Foxboro, MA Rob 508.982.8307 rob@tacticaldynamicsfirearmstraining.com or www.tacticaldynamicsfirearmstraining.com

The following courses offered AS NEEDED: Blackstone Valley Area Blackstone Firearms Training LLC Fred www.basicpistol.com Braintree, MA John 781-848-0047 jrwalsh@beld.net Central Cape Area Harwich, MA Steven 508-432-8036 Central Massachusetts www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com Central Massachusetts First Defense Firearms, Inc. 508-278-6844 www.firstdefensefirearms.com Central Massachusetts Richard 508-876-9270 training@competitionspecialties.com Central Massachusetts Charlie 508-981-6402 crfcook@verizon.net Dedham, MA Tom tparisi@comcast.net Hampden and Worcester Counties Conrad 413-739-3015 www.FirearmSafetyClass.com Hanson, MA Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road hansontraining@gmail.com Harvard, MA Michael 617-803-1307 instructor@voland.net Holliston, MA Holliston Sportsmen’s Association 137 Bullard Lane Ed 508-881-0850 Lenox, MA Lenox Sportsmen’s Club New Lenox Road Lou 413-442-4550 Greater Lowell area Ken 978-692-6818 Gun_Safety@comcast.net Marlboro, MA Marlboro Fish & Game 1 Muddy Lane Mark 508-393-7575

Maynard, MA Maynard Rod & Gun Club 45 Old Mill Road Kenyon 508-361-4259 trackertx17@yahoo.com New Bedford, MA Joe 508-863-0464 www.nbpistolinstructor.com Revere, MA Boston Firearms Training Center 796 Broadway Tom 781-284-6677 www.bostonfirearms.com Sharon, MA Sharon Fish & Game 307 East Street Dan captdan33@aol.com 781-784-5806 Shrewsbury, MA Mike 508-330-9430 South Shore/Cape Cod Steve 781-974-3920 www.southshoregunsafety.com South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net Southboro, MA Chuck 508-485-1430 Swansea, MA Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 Tewksbury, MA Stan 978-658-7308, 978-436-0639 Westboro, MA Self Reliance Firearm Training 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Steve 508-963-6073 Westford, MA Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc.

Jim 978-392-7996 gunsafejim@verizon.net Weymouth, MA Chris 781-812-2541 shootsafe4u@aol.com Weymouth, MA Weymouth Sportsmen’s Club Joseph joefeepistolinstruction.com Tiverton, RI Steven 401-624-2649 steventsr@hotmail.com

NRA BASIC RIFLE

3rd Sunday Brockton, MA Charles 508-238-1586 chuck@cdavisgroup.com

The following courses offered AS NEEDED: Dracut, MA Black North Firearms & Training Tony 978-337-4044 blacknorth@comcast.net.

Greater Lowell area Ken 978-692-6818 Gun_Safety@comcast.net South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net Swansea, MA Richard 508-673-8263

R.J. Kozik 508-676-9861 3rd Sunday Brockton, MA Charles 508-238-1586 chuck@cdavisgroup.com 3rd Tuesday Cape Cod Fish and Game Off Depot Street North Harwich, MA Jack 508-394-9466 Evenings & Weekends Metrowest Boston, Eastern Mass Mike 508-734-1156 or www.homegunsafety.com

796 Broadway Tom 781-284-6677 www.botnfirearms.com Shrewsbury, MA Mike 508-330-9430 South Shore John 781-963-7785 john.monti@comcast.net South Shore/Cape Cod Steve 781-974-3920 www.southshoregunsafety.com Southboro, MA Chuck 508-485-1430 Swansea, MA Richard 508-673-8263 The following courses offered AS Swansea, MA NEEDED: Mike or Richard 401-413-2313 Braintree, MA Westboro, MA John 781-848-0047 Self Reliance Firearm Training jrwalsh@beld.net 290 Turnpike Road, Ste 6, Box 390 Central Cape Area Steve 508-963-6073 Harwich, MA Westford, MA Steven 508-432-8036 Stony Brook Fish & Game Assoc.

Central Massachusetts Jim 978-392-7996 www.centralmassfirearmsacademy.com gunsafejim@verizon.net Central Massachusetts First Defense Firearms, Inc. NRA PERSONAL 508-278-6844 PROTECTION www.firstdefensefirearms.com Clinton, MA Wednesday Evenings 978-368-8065 Cape Cod gubber1@verizon.net Steven 508-548-5879 Hampden and Worcester Counties www.capecodgunsafety.com Conrad 413-739-3015 Monthly www.FirearmSafetyClass.com Starfire Holliston, MA Haverhill, MA Holliston Sportsmen’s Association Lynne & Edward 978-373-4325 137 Bullard Lane The following courses offered AS Ed 508-881-0850 NEEDED: Greater Lowell area Central Cape Area Ken 978-692-6818 Harwich, MA Gun_Safety@Comcast.net Steven 508-432-8036 Marlboro, MA Greater Lowell area Marlboro Fish & Game Ken 978-692-6818 1 Muddy Lane Gun_Safety@Comcast.net Mark 508-393-7575 South Shore Maynard, MA John 781-963-7785 Maynard Rod & Gun Club john.monti@comcast.net 45 Old Mill Road Swansea, MA Kenyon 508-361-4259 Richard 508-673-8263 trackertx17@yahoo.com Milford, MA REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM Dave 508-243-1521 The following courses offered AS New Bedford, MA NEEDED: Joe 508-863-0464 Greater Lowell area www.nbpistolinstructor.com Ken 978-692-6818 Revere, MA Boston Firearms Training Center Gun_Safety@comcast.net ★

NRA BASIC SHOTGUN Monthly Ludlow Fish & Game Sportsmen’s Road Ludlow, MA Ray 413-596-3288 cr2smith@charter.net

NRA HOME FIREARMS SAFETY

Weekly RKBA Personal Safety Training 129 No Main Street, Room 302 Mansfield, MA Jeff 508-944-3797 www.massltctrain.com 1st Tuesday and Thursday monthly Scituate Rod & Gun Club Rte 3A Scituate, MA 781-545-1510 secretary@scituaterg.com 3rd Saturday. Must pre-register Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford North Hixville Road North Dartmouth, MA The

Outdoor Message

Page 29

WOODVILLE ROD & GUN CLUB

252 Wood Street ~ Woodville, Massachusetts 01784 508-435-4148 ~ www.woodvillerodandgun.com

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 2012 5/5/2012 5/12/2012 5/19/2012 8/4/2012 8/25/2012 9/9/2012 10/13/2012 10/27/2012 10/31/2012 11/3/2012 11/22/2012 12/8/2012 12/9/2012

Margarita night Kids Fishing Derby Deep Sea Fishing Seafood Bake Club Cleanup Chicken BBQ Porketta Feed Adult Halloween Party Kids Halloween Party Comedy night Thanksgiving Adult Christmas Kids Christmas

Condolences

Our deepest sympathy to the families of Tim Donovan, Warren Plante and Terry Vogel. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Trap Shooting

Effective 4/3/2012 the trap range will be opening before our meetings. The time is 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. As long as there is interest in shooting trap before the meeting, they will open.

Attention all new members. In case you didn’t know - every new member is entitled to (2) free rounds of trap. If you did not get your free rounds, please stop down the trap range on any Sunday and see one of the committee members.

Note of Thanks

There are so many jobs done at the club that are behind the scenes. We’d like to say Thank You to David Laquidara for all our awesome signs advertising our events.

You do a fantastic job with getting our advertising out. We really appreciate it, David.

Letter from our President

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone has survived this brutal winter...

It was a sad day for me when the decision was made to cancel the Ice Derby, but I was bothered more by having to cancel the Kids Ice Derby/Event. It's really rewarding to work with these kids and watch them as they drag a fish out of the hole by the lips! Oh well, there's always next year.

But we had a knock-up Game Feed.

Give Karl Dakai and Ed Grant thanks for all the hard work they did. You would be proud to hear all the great compliments our guests had that night (fantastic, best ever, never tasted game as good as this, etc...).

Greg Leal has been doing a lot of repairs around the clubhouse and deserves a hand for his efforts; he just about rebuilt the rotary oven, the down-stairs range is open with new work on the back stops, ventilation, and the target hanger winch system has been rebuilt. Never mind that he's on the trap range every Sunday!

We will need a few boats on Monday, April 16th, at 4:30 to stock trout into Lake Whitehall. Please be on the water by this time. If you can bring a clean trash barrel to transport the trout it would be a big help. Bring the kids down, they get a charge at seeing the big lunker fish!

Please enter the trout derby, the more who enter, the more money I will win (ya, right....).

Coming up on Saturday, April 28th, we are having our annual club clean-up. Last year I was amazed at the number of people who showed up and the amount of work that was accomplished by this small army of members. I would not mind being amazed again...

We have plenty of items that need attention, from sweeping cobwebs to raking pine cones, don't worry, we have the job for you! This is a great way to meet fellow club members and get a work detail out of your way (need to perform 3 your first year). If you have special skills, like masonry or carpentry, bring your tools of the trade, as we may want to put them (and you) to use. Other implements of destruction (rakes, shovels, chainsaws, etc...) will be required as well. If you got them, bring them...

That's all I want to say for now.

Have a great weekend and I hope to see you 'round the clubhouse soon!

Lee Wright, President

Welcome New Members

Stephen Albanese, David Small, Ben Stickney, Dave Nulty, Tom Varano, William Calvario, Joseph Bleakney, Michael Lavin, Dave Petrini, Rick Odel, Igor Zaoutine and Dean Bogan.

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.

According to GOAL’s Friday News email alert on March 16 “...effective immediately GOAL has severed ties with The Outdoor Message and will no longer be publishing our news with them.” That means copies of The Outdoor Message sent to Woodville Rod & Gun Club members, which were previously paid for

by GOAL, will no longer be paid for by them.

The Outdoor Message Cooperative is pleased to announce that, starting with the April 2012 issue, The Outdoor Message will be available digitally, emailed directly to those members requesting it that way! Those preferring to receive the paper in its traditional format will continue to receive their subscription by mail.

The first step would be to obtain the email addresses of those members who wish to receive the electronic version.

Electronic delivery will be at a cost of 20¢ per member, per month. Members choosing the electronic option will ONLY receive the electronic version, by email, and will NOT receive the paper version by mail.

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. The cost for the printed and mailed version remains 61¢ per member per month.

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 Remillard Karen karen.remillard@emc.com.

Reminders

• If anyone knows of a member who is sick or hospitalized, please let us know.

You can leave a message at 508-4354148.

• Please remember to lock the gate behind you if you are the last or only person 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 bring a friend, weather permitting. Trap starts at 1:30 pm on Sundays. The public is welcome.

Trap Shooting on member meeting nights from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, if enough interest to open the range.

Scholarship

The club offers a $500 scholarship each year. Call the club, email David Laquidara at oct31st@comcast.net or go to our website for more info. Many local students have benefitted from our scholarship over the years.

Clothing

If you’re interested in club clothing see Cherryl Barrett, or send an e-mail: cherryl_b@hotmail.com. There is also a signup sheet at the clubhouse. There will be a nominal deposit for clothing being ordered.

Hall Rentals

The hall is available for rentals, please contact, Kim Clark at: kimba57@comcast.net or leave a message at 508-435-4148. ★

The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shooting Practices

ARCHERY

Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Bullseye Pistol Shooting 250 High Street Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club Wednesdays: Indoor Archery Manville, RI 57 Kelly Boulevard Woburn Sportsmen’s Association msrandgc@gmail.com North Attleboro, MA 155 Middlesex Turnpike Barre Sportsman’s Club ljr26thf@yahoo.com Bedford, MA 221 Spring Hill Road Mondays & Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm indoorarchery@woburnsportsmen.com Barre, MA Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Wednesdays 6 pm: Archery John 978-355-4071 1529 Fish Road Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association Tiverton, RI BLACK POWDER 7 Madison Street John 508-675-2946 Wrentham, MA Sundays 10 am - dusk 2nd & 4th Monday 7 pm: Big Bore Dave 508-883-7959 Woburn Sportsmen’s Association Pistol Shoot Wednesdays 7 - 9:30 pm 155 Middlesex Turnpike 3rd Saturday 1 pm: Blacklight Pistol Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford Bedford, MA Hanson Rod & Gun Club North Hixville Road blackpowder@woburnsports Davis Road, off Elm Street North Dartmouth, MA men.com Hanson, MA Paul 508-993-2117 Sundays 8 am - 12 pm Bill 781-585-8225 Thursdays 7-9 pm Leominster Sportsmen’s Assoc.

Tuesdays: Pistol League Monument Beach Sportsmen Club 1455 Elm Street Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Dump Road off MacArthur Blvd Leominster, MA 57 Cherry Street Monument Beach, MA Gloucester, MA Club 508-759-5653 CONVENTIONAL PISTOL 978-283-0304 Thursdays: Indoor Paper, 3D Archery Mondays 6:30 pm: Conventional Tuesdays 8-10 pm: .22 NMC League Saturdays: Women’s Indoor Archery

Page 30

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Outdoor Message

Mass. Rifle Association 290R Salem Street Woburn, MA Steve 781-862-6516 Wednesdays 8 pm: .22 Pistol League Hopkinton Sportsmens Assoc.

95 Lumber Street Hopkinton, MA Mark 508-529-4207 2nd Sunday: Action Pistol Fall River Rod & Gun Club Sanford Road Westport, MA Bob 508-995-7768 3rd Saturday 9 am Barre Sportsman’s Club 221 Spring Hill Road Barre, MA Bert 508-413-6529

COWBOY SHOOTS

Saturdays 9 am - noon Woburn Sportsmen’s Association

155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA blackpowder@woburnsportsmen.com

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Sundays 10 am Woburn Sportsmen’s Association 155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA highpower@woburnsportsmen.com 1st Saturday 9 am, 3rd Sunday 1 pm: CMP Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road, off Elm Street Hanson, MA 781-293-9872 4th Sunday 1 pm: DCM Shoots Maspenock Rod & Gun Club McGill Lane, Milford, MA Dave 508-478-6211 (continued on page 31)

May 2012

The Sportsman’s Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shooting Practices JUNIOR

Mondays 6 - 9 pm: Junior Rifle Saturdays 7:30 am-12:30 pm: Junior Pistol Woburn Sportsmen’s Assoc.

155 Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA jrrifle@woburnsportsmen.com jrpistol@woburnsportsmen.com Mondays 6 pm: Smallbore Rifle Hopkinton Sportsmens Association Lumber Street Hopkinton, MA Kris 508-254-6221 or 508-881-3868 Mondays 7 - 9 pm: Junior Rifle Reading Rifle & Revolver Haverhill Street Reading, MA Bob 781-246-4860 Tuesdays 7 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Harvard Sportsmen’s Club 250 Littleton County Road Harvard, MA 978-772-6534 or rjjr@charter.net Tuesdays 7 pm: Sporter Air Rifle Fridays 7 pm: Smallbore Rifle Maspenock Rod & Gun Club McGill Lane Milford, MA Dave 508-243-1521 Wednesdays 6 pm: Smallbore Rifle Hanson Rod & Gun Club Davis Road, off Elm Street Hanson, MA Rick 781-293-6185 Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle Ames Rifle & Pistol Club 110A Canton Street North Easton, MA Bob 508-238-8563 Wednesdays: Smallbore Rifle Sagamore Rifle Club Sagamore, MA Leon 508-888-2474 Wednesdays 5 - 9 pm: Smallbore Rifle Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club 460 Britannia Street Taunton, MA Sid 774-473-7934 Wednesdays: Junior Indoor Air Rifle Saturdays: Junior Indoor Archery Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club 250 High Street Manville, RI msrandgc@gmail.com Saturdays: Smallbore Rifle Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc.

Forest Street Pembroke, MA George 781-871-0003 Sundays 5 pm: Smallbore Rifle Lenox Sportsmen’s Club 258 New Lenox Road Lenox, MA 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 Reading Rifle and Revolver Club Haverhill Street Reading, MA Bob 978-474-0695 Duane duaneb1953@yahoo.com Beginner & Advanced Programs Mass Rifle Association 290R Salem Street Woburn, MA Maureen mrmttrcktt@aol.com 781-933-9020

PRACTICAL SHOOTS

1st & 3rd Monday 7:30 - 10 pm: IDPA Practice Harvard Sportsmen’s Club Littleton County Road Harvard, MA www.harvardsportsmensclub.com 1st & 3rd Sunday, 1 - 4 pm: Single Action Shooting Manville Sportsmen’s Club 250 High Street Manville, RI Bob 401-773-7720 randies@cox.net

May 2012

(continued from previous page)

SMALLBORE

Rochester, MA Belchertown, MA Leominster Sportsmen’s Association Paul 508-763-4226 Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 pm; 1455 Elm Street Skeet: Sundays 11 am; Wednesdays 5 Wednesdays 9 am Noon Leominster, MA Tuesdays 5 pm - dark: .22 Rimfire Lowell Sportsmen’s Club Trap, Skeet, Modern Skeet, Five Stand: pm Benchrest Rifle Scituate Rod & Gun Club 50 Swain Road Sundays 11:30 am - 4 pm Lee Sportsmen’s Association Rte 3A Chelmsford. MA Trap, Skeet, Modern Skeet: Saturdays 565 Fairview Street Scituate, MA president@lowellsc.org 11 am - 3 pm Lee, MA 781-545-1510 Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Ludlow Fish & Game Club Pete 413-274-1623 secretary@scituaterg.com Standish Sportsman's Association Sportsman Road pviale@frpaper.com Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 - 3 pm; Off Burr Lane Ludlow, MA Barre Sportsman’s Club Thursdays 6 - 9 pm; Saturdays 1 - 3 pm East Bridgewater, MA Marshall 413-585-8662 221 Spring Hill Road Easthampton Fish & Game John 508-378-7696 Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm Barre, MA Rt 10, College Highway Trap & Skeet: Sundays 12:30 pm Fin Fur & Feather Club Tony 978-355-4474 Southampton, MA Franklin County League 35 Crystal Springs Road Mondays 7 pm, Wednesdays 5:30 pm: 413-527-9340 721 River Road Mattapoisett, MA 22LR Pistol League Skeet: Sundays 9 am - Noon; East Deerfield, MA 508-758-6790 Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Tuesdays & Thursdays 5 - 8 pm John 413-863-8068 Trap: Mondays 5 - 9 pm 250 High Street Stockbridge Sportsmen Club Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand: Saturdays & Methuen Rod & Gun Club Manville, RI Route 102 Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Wednesdays 5 - 8 240 Tyler Street msrandgc@gmail.com Stockbridge, MA pm Methuen, MA Gary 413-298-3623 Independent Sportsmen Club Eli 978-683-3261 SPORTING CLAYS Paul 413-528-0859 Mirimichi Road Trap: Sundays 10 am; Wednesdays 6 Every Day 9 am - Dusk Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm; Foxboro, MA pm Peace Dale Shooting Preserve Wednesdays 6 pm Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm Maspenock Rod & Gun Club Peace Dale, RI Townsend Rod & Gun Club Georgetown Fish & Game Club 1 McGill Lane 401-789-3730 Emery Road Lake Avenue Milford, MA Saturdays & Sundays 1 - 4 pm Townsend, MA Georgetown, MA L.A. lajtax@comcast.net Independent Sportsmen Club Jim 978-597-9121 Mike 978-463-9970 Saturdays and Sundays 12 - 3:30 pm Mirimichi Road Trap: Thursdays 6 pm - dusk Trap: Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Fin, Fur & Feather Club Foxboro, MA Trap & 5 Stand: Sundays 9 am - 1 Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club 100 Larch Road Saturdays 9:30 am - 1 pm pm 57 Cherry Street Millis, MA Western Mass Bird Dog Club Skeet & 5 Stand: Tuesdays 6 pm Gloucester, MA 508-376-2977 87 Charles Farnum Road 978-283-0304 Trap & Skeet: Sundays 10 am - 2 pm dusk Granville, MA Walpole Sportsmen’s Association capeannsportsmansclub.org Skeet: Wednesdays until 1 pm Jim 413-538-8941 Lincoln Road Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm; Tuesdays Springfield Sportsmen's Club Saturdays Noon - 5 pm Walpole, MA 6:30 - 9 pm; Wednesdays 6:30 - 9 pm Woodhill Road Fall River Rod & Gun Club 508-668-6919 Women Only Trap: 2nd Saturday 1 - 4 Monson, MA Sanford Road Trap: Sundays 1 - 4 pm pm Skeet field 413-267-9230 Westport, MA Westford Sportsmen’s Club Hanson Rod & Gun Club Al 413-222-8322 508-673-4535 West Street Davis Road Trap: Sundays 9 am; Thursdays 3 pm; Sundays 9 am - 12 pm Westford, MA Hanson, MA Saturdays 10 am Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Club Tom 978-692-4974 781-293-9872 Monument Beach Sportsmens Club 57 Cherry Street Sundays 12 - 4 pm; Tuesdays, Trap, Skeet, 5-Stand: Sundays 9:30 Dump Road off MacArthur Blvd Gloucester, MA Thursdays & Saturdays 10 am - 4 am - 2 pm; Tuesdays 6:30 - 9 pm; Monument Beach, MA 978-283-0304 pm; Wednesdays 7 - 9 pm Thursdays 10 am - 1 pm Club 508-759-5653 capeannsportsmansclub.org Fall River Rod & Gun Club Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Assoc.

Trap, Skeet & Wobble Skeet: Saturdays Sundays 9:30 am - 2 pm Sanford Road 95 Lumber Street & Sundays 1 pm Hopkinton Sportsmen's Assoc.

Westport, MA Hopkinton, MA Angle Tree Stone Rod & Gun Club 95 Lumber Street 508-673-4635 Chaulk 508-842-6208 57 Kelly Boulevard Hopkinton, MA Trap: Thursdays 7 pm wnigro@monarchspring.com North Attleboro, MA Chalk 508-849-7877 or Wrentham Sportsmen’s Assoc.

Trap & Skeet: Sundays 1 - 4 pm, Joe 508-699-6730 chalknigro@gmail.com 7 Madison Street Thursdays 6 - 9 pm Trap: Wednesdays 7 pm Sundays 1 - 4 pm Wrentham, MA Southborough Rod & Gun Club North Brookfield Sportsmens Club Fin, Fur & Feather Dave 508-883-7959 254 Fruit Street 20 Boynton Road 35 Crystal Spring Road Trap: Wednesdays 6 - 9 pm Hopkinton, MA North Brookfield, MA Mattapoisett, MA Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm Mike 508-879-9625 508-867-9216 508-758-6790 Skeet: Saturday & Sunday 12 - 4 pm jmpearson@rcn.com Trap: Sundays 9:30 am - 1 pm; Sundays 10 am - 2 pm Tuesday & Thursday 6 - 10 pm Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Fridays 12 - 3 pm Springfield Sportsmen's Club Wallum Lake Rod Gun Club Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 - 9:30 pm Cape Cod Fish & Game Woodhill Road 200 Brook Road Trap: Sundays 9 am - Noon Depot Street Monson, MA Harrisville, RI Riverside Gun Club North Harwich, MA Al 413-222-8322 401-568-7171 or 401-568-5640 16 Wilkins Road Peter 508-430-1072 Sundays 10 am, Wednesdays noon Trap: Sundays 9:30 am; Wednesdays Hudson, MA Trap & Skeet: Saturdays & Sundays dusk 5:30 pm www.riversidegc.org 10 am - 2 pm; Wednesdays 10 am Petersham Gun Club Manville Sportsmen's Rod & Gun Club Trap: Sundays 10 am, Wednesdays 5 noon 158 Nelson Road 250 High Street pm, Fridays 9 am, Saturday Noon 5-Stand & Sporting Clays: Petersham, MA Manville, RI Lawrence Rod & Gun Club Wednesdays 10 am - noon; Saturdays Parker win59pe@hughes.net msrgc.com Webster Street 10 am - 1 pm Thursdays 5:30 pm Trap: Sundays 10 am - 1 pm; Lawrence, MA Old Colony Sportsmen’s Assoc.

Barre Sportsman’s Club Saturdays 12 - 2 pm John 978-470-0327 159 Forest Street 221 Spring Hill Road Smithfield Sportsman's Club Trap: Tuesdays 9 am - 12 pm Pembroke, MA Barre, MA Walter Carey Road, Off Route 5 Skeet: Thursdays 9 am - 12 pm Dick 781-585-1875 Randy 978-632-8708 Smithfield, RI Trap & Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Trap: Thursdays 6 - 9 pm Dave 401-949-1525 Thursdays 6 10 pm, Saturdays 12 Nimrod League of Holden TRAP & SKEET Trap: Sundays 10 am - 12 noon; 4 pm Coal Kiln Road Trap: Sundays 9 - 11 am Thursdays 4 - 7 pm North Leominster Rod & Gun Club Princeton, MA Nashoba Sportsman's Club, Inc. Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Lancaster Avenue www.nimrodleague.org 924 Main Street 1529 Fish Road Lunenburg, MA Sundays 10 am Acton, MA Tiverton, RI 978-840-6322 Sippican Rod & Gun Club Trap: Tuesdays 6 pm Trap & Skeet: Sundays 9 am - 12 pm 215 Dexter Lane Clubhouse 401-624-3959 ★ Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club Route 119 Ashburnham, MA List your club events free of charge in Esther 978-827-3340 Trap The Sportsman’s Calendar!

Barre Sportsman’s Club Event Category: 221 Spring Hill Road Barre, MA ❑ Education & Training ❑ Competitive Events ❑ Informal shooting & practices Mike 508-867-8867 Date of Event: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Trap: Saturdays & Sundays 10 am Event Description: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ noon Woburn Sportsmen’s Association Event Location: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 155 Middlesex Turnpike ____________________________________________ Bedford, MA Contact Person, Phone, Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Bob 781-275-7323 trap@woburnsportsmen.com ____________________________________________ Trap: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Email: editor@theoutdoormessage.com Fax: 603-642-4327 Swift River Sportsman’s Club Mail: The Sportsman’s Calendar, PO Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532 79 Moore Road The

Outdoor Message

Page 31

HANSON ROD AND GUN CLUB

Davis Road - PO Box 101 Hanson MA 02341

President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer:

Phone 781-293-9872

www.hansonrodandgunclub.org

May Meetings Please be advised that this month’s regularly scheduled Business Meeting will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, May 10th, 2012.

The May Board of Directors Meeting will be held at 7 PM on Thursday, May 24th, 2012.

22 Caliber Steel Shoot

Dave Gonsalves On Sunday, May 13, 2012, from 11 AM to 3 PM, at the outdoor pistol range is the timeframe of the next scheduled .22 Caliber Steel Plate shoot. There will be three stages, five runs on each stage to shoot. You will need your .22 caliber, semi-auto rifle or handgun, five magazines and lots of ammo. Revolvers work only if you have speed loaders. As always, eye and ear protection is required.

Cost is $5. Scores are recorded to help you track your improvement and, of course, for bragging rights.

June 3D Archery Shoot and Club J.O.A.D.

Mike Hurney All members are reminded that June is quickly approaching and our club 3D Shoot is scheduled for 7 AM on Sunday, June 10th, 2012. The setup for this shoot will be Saturday Morning, June 9th, 2012.

Any members who wish to pitch in and earn workhours are urged to contact Mike Hurney on the indoor archery range any Monday evening or at any club business meeting.

Please be advised that our club Archery department now features a full Junior Olympic Archery Development Program or J.O.A.D. Our Junior Archers are shooting on Monday Nights at 6:00 PM. Members wishing to have their junior archery enthusiasts become more efficient with a bow and arrow are encouraged to bring their respective youngsters to this weekly event. Please be advised that all Robin Hood wannabes will be instructed each week for a mere $3:00 fee. 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!

Junior Rifle

Rick Zadrozny Wednesday Nights on the indoor range at 6:30 PM is the timeframe of our Junior Rifle Program. Juniors between the ages of 10 and 18 are urged to try out this program. This is a great way for a kid to get introduced to the sport of competitive target shooting. Members are urged to bring their kids and/or grandchildren to this event. In return they will have a lot of fun for not a whole lot of bucks!!

Junior Trap, Ages 12 - 18

Executive Board: Dave Gonsalves Greg Williams Rick Zadrozny

Trap shooter Bill Sargo pledging to "Bring Home The Bacon"! Bill broke the most green targets and was truly a force to be reckoned with at our recent Trap Range Ham Shoot.

Adam Preston At the April Business meeting junior member Kyle Grant was awarded his plaque for shooting his first 25 straight run of targets. Kyle started shooting trap about a year ago. We hope that this is the first of many shooting accomplishments from this junior member.

Congratulations, Kyle!

As for our Junior Trap Program, the timeframe is 6:30 PM on the following Thursday nights weather permitting. Please mark Thursday, May 3rd, May 17th and May 31st on your calendars. Now that the warmer weather is upon us all junior shooters from the ages of 12 to 18 are encouraged to attend this new program for shotgun enthusiasts. A reduced range fee of $7 includes 25 rounds of either 12-gauge or 20-gauge ammunition. Loner shotguns are available. Interested shooters should contact Adam Preston at 774.406.1573.

Trap Range Ham Shoot

Dan Grant On Sunday, April 1st, 2012 our trap range held their Annual Trap Range “Lucky Bird” Ham Shoot. Over 18 shooters came forward to compete for ham prizes. Eight participants each won some nice nine to ten pound hams for their Easter dinner table! Pictured inset are some of our lucky and semi skilled clay shooters with their respective prizes. This event has always been popular with our trap shooters. A good time was had by all!

Spring & Summer Trap League

Fishing Derby

Ernie Watson All members are reminded that this year’s Annual Youth Fishing Derby is slated for Sunday, June 3, 2012. As usual the event will be held at the pond adjacent to the Hanson Town Hall. All youngsters from the area towns are invited to attend and many prizes will be available for the kids to enjoy. Last year our club hosted over 100 kids from all over the area. This event is free to all the participants and is popular amongst a gang of kids. We have held this event for quite a few years and at this point we have amassed quite a following of young anglers. Anyone wishing to help out with this event is encouraged to contact Ernie at any club Business Meeting.

Lydia MacLellan and her two siblings at last year's Annual Youth Fishing Derby. Each year this event gets bigger and bigger.

Jim Dwyer All trap shooters are reminded that this year’s Norman C. Preston Memorial Spring & Summer Trap League is scheduled to start on Wednesday, May 9th at 6:30 PM. This annual event will run for 16 weeks. Participants must shoot two rounds of 25 targets for at least 12 of the 16 weeks to qualify for a trophy prize. As in previous years all participants will be classified into three groups based on their known ability and shooting proficiency. Prizes will be awarded to overall Club Champion and Top Gun as well as first, second, third, etc. in each of the three groups of participating shooters. An awards banquet will be scheduled at the conclusion of the event. The entrance fee is $25. Interested shooters are urged to see Dan Grant or Jim Dwyer at any club business meeting or on the trap range any Wednesday Evening or Sunday Afternoon.

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

508-947-5900

State NRA Certified Pistol Safety Courses

Twin County League

Mike Dunn Any interested shooters wishing to shoot the .22 Caliber NRA Gallery Handgun Course are urged to contact Mike Dunn as soon as possible. More shooters are needed as there has been some increased interest in forming a team to participate in this program.

Club Store Open For Business

Jon Soroko Members are urged to check out the new offerings of the club store. New for 2012 are some beautiful polo style golf shirts as well as some new quarter zip sweatshirts.

Jon has also received a variety of club hats. Get ‘em while they are hot!!

Regarding Work Hours

www.middleborogunshop.com

Most recently a member stated his own opinion about his “workhour experience.”

194 East Grove Street (Rt 28) Middleboro MA 02346 HOURS: MON/TUES/FRI/SAT 9 - 5; THURS 9 - 7 Page 32

Mike Dunn Bob Preston Mitch Soroko Bill Segalla

The

Outdoor Message

Angelo Nuby John Coyman Barbara Dunn

Trap committee member Jim Dwyer who also won a ham prize during our recent shoot. Trap has been picking up with the warmer temperatures. In all eight squads shot on this day!

Evidently this particular individual had begun to accumulate quite a few earned hours in recent months. He stated for the record. “It is a great way to reduce your dues for next year and it is also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise!

Besides… you know what this crap would cost me in a gym?!! Truthfully…I can’t go wrong!!” Anyone ever think that pitching in around your club could be attributed to lowering one’s cholesterol and blood pressure!

Our current workhours program allows members to reduce their annual dues payment by a credit of $3.00 per earned hour worked. There is a limit of 25 hours which can be thereby credited. The ability to reduce your overall dues by $75 is considered attractive to a number of our fellow members. HELL!! We never thought about the aerobic benefit! Go figure!

Ladies’ Night

All members are reminded that our monthly Ladies’ Night is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 6 PM. For the minor cost of $10 our guests of the fairer persuasion can learn how to shoot a handgun and hopefully further their interests in the shooting sports. This developing interest has most recently motivated a number of these ladies to join our club. It seems that Connie, John & Mitch and the committee have had their hands full as this event generally draws a crowd of about 15 to 20 shooters each month. All interested ladies are urged to reserve their space early (via the club website) as seats are limited.

Basic Pistol Course

Mitch Soroko and John Coyman The May NRA Basic Pistol Course will be administered on Saturday, May 19th, 2012 at the clubhouse beginning at 8:30 AM and run till about 5 PM. Any interested member, guest or associate wishing to ascertain their Massachusetts License to Carry a Firearm is urged to take this course. For details please contact John or Mitch at any club meeting.

Until next month…Bob P. ★ May 2012