21^ST CENTURY GUN CLUB

By Jerry Wehner, Executive Vice-President

I recently attended a seminar sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the National Association of Shooting Ranges (NASR). Neither of these associations is in competition with the NRA but rather their missions respectively are the advancement of all shooting sports, not just competitive ones; and the development, advancement and betterment of shooting ranges. In fact it was stated that hardly a week goes by when an official of one of these organizations does not speak with an official of the NRA.

The focus of the seminar was on bringing shooting ranges into the 21^st century. No longer is it acceptable to go along with the thinking that "this has always been a shooting range and it will stay that way", "we were here first", "we're so small nobody knows we even exist", or "they can't sue us we're incorporated". Such thinking can only get a club in trouble.

A list of some of the topics discussed:

Public relations and effective communications with

• Local government officials
• Building and code enforcement department
• Police departments
• Neighbors
• Other gun clubs

Introducing new shooters to the "game"

• Safety and shooting instructions
• First Shot Program
• Scouts
• 4-H
• Women on Target
• Scholastic Clay Target Program

Physical facilities

• Range safety
• Sufficient backstop and berms
• Range maintenance and cleanliness
• Solar or geothermal use
• Range Stewardship Plan

Club operations

• Business plan
• Financial planning and stability
• Computer software for operations

If anyone would like more information or would just like to talk about any of the listed items, or for that matter, any other club related issues please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help. In addition, rest assured if you need information that I don't have I will do my best to get it for you. .

At the conclusion of the seminar I took the liberty to thank NSSA and NASR on behalf of ISRPA for their hospitality (they furnished hotel rooms and all meals for all the participants). All state associations were invited to attend, however only 9 showed up for the seminar. I was very proud to be there on behalf of ISRPA. The whole event was very well run and very educational.

In closing, although not a part of the seminar, I would like to point out two things that Indiana has in place regarding shooting ranges: Indiana has a "range protection" law, which states that a range cannot be shut down simply because of the noise generated by "normal" shooting activities. Indiana also addressed the issue of lead at non-military outdoor ranges in 1997, even before the federal government adopted its standard.

I like to point things out like this; it speaks well for Indiana's foresight and commitment to the Indiana Constitution which states in Article 1, Section 32. Arms-Right to bear: "The people shall have the right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State".

Once again, please contact me for further information. Jerry Wehner: vp@isrpa.org or 812-534-3258

WANTED

Any gun club that uses a software program, either commercial or "home-made" to conduct club business, or uses either geo-thermal or solar power for heat or energy and would like to share that information, please contact Jerry Wehner.