Redwood Falls Sportsmen’s Club News
Spring 2015
Has cabin fever set in yet? Are you dreaming about getting out to the range and breaking some clays with your new shotgun? Maybe shooting the steel targets with your CCW firearm? Perhaps seeing how tight of a group you can shoot with your favorite rifle? Or, trying out the new sights for your bow at the dedicated Archery range? The weather has been nice, maybe you have already been out.
I got to looking at previous newsletters and they are all about the same. What we did last year, what we are planning on this year, and changes and improvements to the range. Here is some new stuff. Membership is up! That is a good thing. Is it because of social media, an increased interest due to politics, or maybe just a new generation has discovered that shooting is fun. It begs the question, are we doing everything possible to provide a safe and enjoyable venue? What can be done to get more folks out shooting trap and other matches? These questions don’t have to be rhetorical. Let us know.
Americans have always enjoyed friendly shooting competitions. Whether it is brother trying to out shoot sister, state team vs state team at the Nationals, two old guys at the range seeing who buys the next soda pop, or High School trap teams at State, there is a spirit to compete.
We are looking forward to a busy year. The Echo Charter HS and Wabasso HS trap teams are going to be on the trap field fair weather or foul in April and May. During the summer months, the 4H Shooting Sports are going to be at the range most Saturday mornings. There is plenty of room to share.
Starting in May there is trap shooting on Tuesday nights. Come out for a date night with your SO and try the trap range. For less than a $20 bill you can shoot two rounds of trap. Then treat them for dinner afterwards at the Golden Arch Supper club or another fine establishment in the area. Another option is to form a five-man team. All boy, all girls, co-ed, makes no difference. Beginners are welcome. The league runs Jun-Aug, the best 12 of 14 rounds. You can shoot ahead or make up missed rounds at anytime. The only expense is your shotguns shells and $3.50 for 25 targets. Come out and give it a try!
We applied for a cost-sharing range improvement grant from the State. Later in the spring, we are installing voice activated controllers for the two trap ranges and lights on one of the ranges.
Pat Domeier, a club member, has donated three steel targets for the rifle range. We’ll get those in place after the thaw.
There are two CMP Rimfire Sporter matches (9 May and 12 September) and possibly a Vintage Military bolt action/M1 Garand match. We did run a M1 Garand Battle of the Bulge match in December. Turnout was small.
River Valley Arms and Ammo is again conducting Women’s Night at the Range the first Wednesdays of the month May to August. In addition, they offer several training courses from CCW to Women Only classes. For more information or sign up contact Heather at http://rivervalleyarms.com .
Did I mention the archery range is open. Please, please, please no firearms on the archery range.
It shouldn’t have to be said but we have members shooting at blue bird houses east of the trap range with a .243 Win. Someone used a shotgun rack from the trap range as a target holder on the pistol range. Take a moment and pick up your steel 7.62x54R steel casings, 20 ga slug hulls, shot up targets, other brass and trash, etc. If you pack it in, pack it out.
Our annual banquet this year is 11 Apr this year at St Catherine’s Catholic Church at 6:30 PM. The prizes for this year’s raffle include a Remington Model 870 20ga shotgun, Pheasants Forever print, $100 and $50 cash, plus many more items.
Don’t forget to visit our website https://rwfsportsmensclub.com/ and give us a ‘Like’ on Face Book https://www.facebook.com/rwfsportsmensclub . So between the web site, Face Book, the email list, and the twice a year newsletter we are trying to get the word out to everyone.
The Sportsmen’s Club is sponsoring the MN DNR Hunter Safety Course again. Tuesdays and Thursday nights 6-9 PM starting 7 April through 30 April with the Field Day on 2 May. To sign up contact Steve at 507-430-6636, Charlie at the Running’s gun counter, or River Valley Arms and Ammo.
As always, safety is a big concern. Regardless where you are: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; Never point it at anything you don’t want to destroy; Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot; Be aware of your target and what is beyond it. There may be a Life Lessons test on this someday. Be prepared! Life Lesson you ask? That is where you get the final exam before you receive the training.
Firearms fascinate children. Gun proof them. When you are not there to supervise, teach them three simple steps from Eddy Eagle:
- Don’t Touch. 2. Leave the room. 3. Go tell an adult.
Be safe! Shooting is fun.
Club Officers
President: Steve Whittet
Secretary/Treasurer: Larry Weidell
Board: George Mashing, Bob Rohlik, Tom Morely, Zach Anderson, B. J. Tersteeg, Pete Weis
A hard copy will be mailed in March along with raffle tickets __________________________________________________________________________________________
2015 MEMBERSHIP ~ REDWOOD FALLS SPORTSMENS CLUB
By sending in your membership early, the membership committee will not have to contact you. Thank You!
Shooting Range gate lock entry combination changed after the Annual Meeting.
Membership – $32
Name____________________________________ Address______________________________________ City/State/Zip_________________________________
___ Raffle Tickets – $5
Phone _____________________________
Email address__________________________________
Newsletters issued twice yearly. If you prefer to get the newsletter via email please check ____
A hard copy will be mailed in March along with raffle tickets
Mail to: Redwood Falls Sportsmen’s Club, PO Box 104, Redwood Falls MN 56283, pay online, or drop off at River Valley Arms and Ammo