November 2022
Dec 2022 – No General Membership Meeting
Jan 2, 2023 - General Membership Meeting
Feb 6, 2023 - General Membership Meeting
Mar 6, 2023 - General Membership Meeting
President's Message
Fall has officially arrived. Cool nights, frost on the pumpkin, leaves to be raked and wild game to be hunted. Let’s not forget, if you are a Walleye chaser, November traditionally produces the biggest fish of the season. And not to be overlooked, the streams are loading up with big Steelhead trout. November offers abounty of fish and game regardless of your passion. Our fall dinner Saturday October 15th was a resounding success! A special thanks to all who worked so hardbehind the scenes to put this event on and a special thanks to all who attended. Thank You All!!!
Our Fall pheasant release is fast approaching on Saturday November 5th. Same day we will be hosting our Annual Youth Pheasant Hunt. The youth hunt is by advanced registration only and is near full. Also, that same Saturday we will host a US Veterans Pheasant hunt in the afternoon. We are also close to full for this event.
Now for a matter of important business, for the past several years your officers and trustees have hotly debated the idea of raising our annual membership fees. At our October officers and trustees meeting it was again discussed and unanimously agreed upon to raise our annual dues effective January 2023. New dues schedule will be as follows:
Regular Members (under 65 at the first of the year):From: $75 annual plus $50 gun raffle total $125 per year.To: $125 annual plus $50 gun raffle total $175 per year
Senior Members (65+ at the first of the year):From: $60 annual plus $50 gun raffle total $110 per year.To: $100 annual plus $50 gun raffle total $150 per year*
Current Senior Members over age 75 there will be no increase. This is a one-time exception only forcurrent Senior Members born 1947 or before.
We realize nobody likes to see an increase regardless of the circumstance. However, for the club to continueto grow and offer improvements to "our" property we need to be financially sound. We have some exciting plans we want to bring to reality sooner than later. Enjoy the bounty November brings and wishing you and your families a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
Regards, Kevin
Membership Bulletin
It is time to begin planning for your membership renewal for 2023. I will begin accepting renewal dues starting in December, 2022. As Kevin stated, for the first time in many years, the Officers and Trustees have resigned themselves to the distasteful but necessary step of raising dues. Given this new dues schedule, we are still the cheapest Hunt and Gun club around. To reiterate, the dues schedule for 2023 will be as follows:
Regular Members (under age 65 at the beginning of 2023):Total = $175.00, comprising of dues of $125.00 plus $50.00 gun raffle tickets.
Senior Members* (age 65 and over at the beginning of 2023):Total = $150.00, comprising of dues of $100.00 plus $50.00 gun raffle tickets.
*There will be a one-time exemption for those current members who are 75 years old or older. Those current members who were born in 1947 or earlier will not see a raise in their dues – they will remain at $110.00.
There are three different methods of renewal:
1. Website: (LaGrangeHuntClub.org > Membership > Membership Application / Renewal.)
2. In person at a General Membership Meeting (See 2023 Calendar)
3. By U.S. Mail. Please mail a check or money order with the appropriate amount to:LHFCP.O. Box 131LaGrange, OH 44050
As always, you have all of 2023 to renew. However, the gate lock combinations will change on April 1st, 2023 and if you have not renewed before then, you will not have your 2023 badge and therefore will not have the new combination. So please, get your renewal in before the middle of March 2023 to avoid interruption in your access to the club grounds.
Also, if you know of someone who may be interested in joining, the application for membership is available on the new website (https://lagrangehuntclub.org/membership-info/membership-form/.) They can either join directly online, or they can print the Application and Waiver and send via email (LaGrangeHuntClub@gmail.com) or via USPS to the address above.
Regards, Rick
Junior Membership
The Junior Members Fund will provide a sponsorship to help cover the camp fees for The Lake & Trails – Youth Hunting / Shooting Camp again in 2023. Our Junior Members President, Jace Walters himself has attended all four years of this camp. Jace wants kids to go to this camp because it is a really good learning experience because you get to learn how to shoot many types of guns; including rifles, pistols, air guns, black powder and some archery items as well. You will also get the chance to throw axes, make a knife and even make primitive items. You will also learn about wildlife, how to trap, and even get your Ohio Boaters License and Hunter Safety Course if you need to. And most importantly, you get to hangout with other kids who like the outdoors like you do.
To qualify for the sponsorship you need to help out at a couple general memberhsip meetings and do a work party. Attend a general membership meeting and talk to the Junior Members President, Jace Walters for complete details and to sign up. If you would like to contact Jace email him at Recreation@JaceWalters.com
When you patronize supporters of JaceWaltersRecreation and the Junior Membership please remember to tell their management THANK YOU for their SUPPORT!
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Firearms Range News
Several impromptu work parties were held during the month of October. The expansion of theshooting shed for the 100 yard range is progressing –all excavation work, grass planting, gravelinstallation, and brush clearing is complete. The shed itself will not be expanded until next spring after allowing the earth to settle over the winter,however there is a single outside bench in the footprint of the shed. An archway was erected at the foot of the bridge over the creek to honor our late president, Howard Hines. The sign will be installed in a small revealing Saturday, November 12th at 2:00pm. Attending will be Ruthie Hines, Howard’s widow, and most of the Officers and Trustees. All others are invited to attend as well as we thank Howard with this honor. The bridge over Wellington Creek has had roofing shingles attached in an attempt to mitigate the slippery conditions that sometimes exist, especially in Winter.
Hours of operation: 9:00am-dusk, Mon.- Sat.; 12:00pm-5:00pm, Sun.Work Parties: Will be scheduled on a weather-permitting basis. If you are able to help or contribute in some way, please contact Mike Beckwith or Roger Maynard and leave a message.
Remember to lock the gate behind you when leaving. The locks must have the combination dialed in to close, then roll the dials to lock.Make sure you review and adhere to the rules: SAFETY FIRST!! Always, Always, Always, Always! We have never had an accident at our range – don’t be the first to break this 90-year-old record! Remember your badge. Without it, you will be considered to be trespassing on club grounds and asked to leave! Sign in and sign out. Review the rules before each use of the range. They are posted on the boards. Pick up after yourselves. Police your brass and trash. Be courteous to fellow members. If you have any questions, or find a deficiency, please contact your 2021/2022 Range Marshal Mike Beckwith or Roger Maynard.
Archery Range News
Come spring, one of the first changes you will see will be in the 3D Archery range. More animals will be put out, and in a manner where they will not need to be removed in order to mow the grass. Future plans include creating a walking 3D course in order to help simulate hunting and tournament conditions. After that a slight redesign of the bag target range.
Special Announcements
2023 Wild Game DinnerFor the 3rd consecutive year, we were forced to cancel our annual Wild Game Dinner. The first 2 years were covid-induced, and while covid was certainly a concern this year, the primary issue was the lack of donations of wild game, without which we certainly couldn’t have a Wild Game dinner. This event is our 2nd largest fundraiser every year
Calling All Tradesmen! Your Club NEEDS you!The rental house the club owns is in need of repairs. The septic system is under repair as I write this, but the house also desperately needs a bathroom remodel. We are hoping to save $$$ on this by appealing to the membership for assistance. Any plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. that are willing and able to donate some time or expert advice to the club on this projectbwould be saving us a considerable amount of our finitenfunds.P.S. – The house will also need a roof in the next few years. If you can help with that project, let us know.