LL-HSA Club Meeting 2-29-2024
Meeting was brought to order at the Bootjack Fire Hall by President David Saxton. 26 members were in attendance, including all officers except Gregg Saxton and Tom Grimm. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence for Ray Douglas, Russ Laurin and Leonore Gherna, whom all passed away recently. The Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were read and approved. At that time we had 110 paid members, with 68 also being NRA members. A notice was read by REA that they have increased electric rates.
House/Deer Feeding report: The Clubhouse is faring well with the mild winter. It will remain winterized until weather stays above freezing. People are using the ranges. Polite signage has been posted reminding shooters to please become members or attend with current members, and for everyone to follow the range rules. Clean Kill Pest Control sent a notice that they will schedule with Jim Hamlett to do bug spraying in May or June. Jim has not heard from the company that refurbishes pool tables, but he will contact them again. Deer feeding is going well, with positive comments from feeders.
Hunter Ed: Keith reported that the Michigan Tech Hunter Ed course for early May has been postponed &/or canceled. Copper Island Academy would like us to teach at Camp Lahti May 15 or 16 in the afternoon.
New Pistol Range: John Richards reported via email that he has not heard from the DNR regarding the grant to build/improve our ranges. His email included ideas to design the covered firing line, asking for the assistance of Bob Buzzo and any other carpenters in the Club to work in the spring to possibly build trusses, as well as the other parts of the firing line. He expects to return to the UP by the end of May. Doug McIntosh showed photos of “shooting stands” that he designed and will build to use at the new pistol range. Sounds like some great improvements this summer!
Rifle/Pistol Ranges: Doug expressed extreme dissatisfaction that the 25 and 100 yard posts have been shot off with apparent 12 gauge slugs. There were suggestions to add cameras to the range to identify who is misusing the property. It was also suggested that the current pistol range be retrofitted to a shotgun range once the new pistol range is completed. Matti Moyryla offered to make an angle iron “target” for shotgun shooters to deter them from using the rifle targets. Several members offered to help do repairs on the ranges. The gate has been closed and locked. Current members and their guests may use the ranges. A work bee will be scheduled. Everyone is asked to help if they can. Many hands make light work!
Trap shooting will resume on Thursdays when the weather permits. Contact Vern Heusinkveld ASAP if you need shooting supplies, as he is ordering the truckload of trap skeet soon: 906-370-5795. Matti & Vern are inquiring if anyone is interested in forming trap shooting teams. Call or text Matti if you are interested: 906-370-4889.
It was mentioned that Paul LaVanway (one of our ranges is named in his honor) is the author of a book called “Brockway Mountain Stories”. It’s available at Mudminnow Press.
A motion was passed to pay our NRA dues of $40. Paul Bylkas made the motion, with Keith Machiela seconding it.
New Club T-shirts and hats are being ordered. Extras will be available for sale at future meetings and the Clubhouse.
Our 50th Fishing Derby June 9th was discussed. All members are asked to think about where THEY spend money, and kindly ask those businesses for a donation of goods, gift certificates or a check, all of which will be used at the Derby and for our other philanthropic endeavors, such as Hunter Ed, Marv Hopf Scholarship, Deer Feeding. (Ideas for businesses: dentists, chiropractors, barbers, any small or large business or restaurant. If you spend money with them, they will be more likely to donate!) The businesses will get ample advertising for their donation on our Website, Facebook page, and at the Derby. If you make contact with a business, kindly let Laura Hamlett know so businesses aren’t contacted twice. We have solicitors that cover specific areas. If you would be able to help canvass a specific area, let Laura know. 806-790-7798. Posters and donation receipts are available. In addition, we need help in the kitchen and other areas of the Derby on June 8th/9th. Everyone is welcome, and we ask that you invite friends/family to help. Let’s work as a team to make this 50th Derby the best ever!
Glenn Schuldt won the 50/50 of $24, part of which he donated back to the Club. (The rest he earmarked for his “future beer fund”.) Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. Next meeting will be March 28th at 7pm. (This will be the last 7pm meeting, as April will return to the 8pm meeting time.) Check your email prior to the meeting , as weather will determine whether the meeting will be at the Bootjack Fire Hall or our Clubhouse.
Meeting was brought to order at the Bootjack Fire Hall by President David Saxton. 26 members were in attendance, including all officers except Gregg Saxton and Tom Grimm. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence for Ray Douglas, Russ Laurin and Leonore Gherna, whom all passed away recently. The Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were read and approved. At that time we had 110 paid members, with 68 also being NRA members. A notice was read by REA that they have increased electric rates.
House/Deer Feeding report: The Clubhouse is faring well with the mild winter. It will remain winterized until weather stays above freezing. People are using the ranges. Polite signage has been posted reminding shooters to please become members or attend with current members, and for everyone to follow the range rules. Clean Kill Pest Control sent a notice that they will schedule with Jim Hamlett to do bug spraying in May or June. Jim has not heard from the company that refurbishes pool tables, but he will contact them again. Deer feeding is going well, with positive comments from feeders.
Hunter Ed: Keith reported that the Michigan Tech Hunter Ed course for early May has been postponed &/or canceled. Copper Island Academy would like us to teach at Camp Lahti May 15 or 16 in the afternoon.
New Pistol Range: John Richards reported via email that he has not heard from the DNR regarding the grant to build/improve our ranges. His email included ideas to design the covered firing line, asking for the assistance of Bob Buzzo and any other carpenters in the Club to work in the spring to possibly build trusses, as well as the other parts of the firing line. He expects to return to the UP by the end of May. Doug McIntosh showed photos of “shooting stands” that he designed and will build to use at the new pistol range. Sounds like some great improvements this summer!
Rifle/Pistol Ranges: Doug expressed extreme dissatisfaction that the 25 and 100 yard posts have been shot off with apparent 12 gauge slugs. There were suggestions to add cameras to the range to identify who is misusing the property. It was also suggested that the current pistol range be retrofitted to a shotgun range once the new pistol range is completed. Matti Moyryla offered to make an angle iron “target” for shotgun shooters to deter them from using the rifle targets. Several members offered to help do repairs on the ranges. The gate has been closed and locked. Current members and their guests may use the ranges. A work bee will be scheduled. Everyone is asked to help if they can. Many hands make light work!
Trap shooting will resume on Thursdays when the weather permits. Contact Vern Heusinkveld ASAP if you need shooting supplies, as he is ordering the truckload of trap skeet soon: 906-370-5795. Matti & Vern are inquiring if anyone is interested in forming trap shooting teams. Call or text Matti if you are interested: 906-370-4889.
It was mentioned that Paul LaVanway (one of our ranges is named in his honor) is the author of a book called “Brockway Mountain Stories”. It’s available at Mudminnow Press.
A motion was passed to pay our NRA dues of $40. Paul Bylkas made the motion, with Keith Machiela seconding it.
New Club T-shirts and hats are being ordered. Extras will be available for sale at future meetings and the Clubhouse.
Our 50th Fishing Derby June 9th was discussed. All members are asked to think about where THEY spend money, and kindly ask those businesses for a donation of goods, gift certificates or a check, all of which will be used at the Derby and for our other philanthropic endeavors, such as Hunter Ed, Marv Hopf Scholarship, Deer Feeding. (Ideas for businesses: dentists, chiropractors, barbers, any small or large business or restaurant. If you spend money with them, they will be more likely to donate!) The businesses will get ample advertising for their donation on our Website, Facebook page, and at the Derby. If you make contact with a business, kindly let Laura Hamlett know so businesses aren’t contacted twice. We have solicitors that cover specific areas. If you would be able to help canvass a specific area, let Laura know. 806-790-7798. Posters and donation receipts are available. In addition, we need help in the kitchen and other areas of the Derby on June 8th/9th. Everyone is welcome, and we ask that you invite friends/family to help. Let’s work as a team to make this 50th Derby the best ever!
Glenn Schuldt won the 50/50 of $24, part of which he donated back to the Club. (The rest he earmarked for his “future beer fund”.) Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. Next meeting will be March 28th at 7pm. (This will be the last 7pm meeting, as April will return to the 8pm meeting time.) Check your email prior to the meeting , as weather will determine whether the meeting will be at the Bootjack Fire Hall or our Clubhouse.