Minutes of Pendleton Sportsman’s Club meeting on March 7, 2006

Call to Order.  Meeting opened by President Dennis Loftis at 1844.

Approval of February’s minutes as published.

Report of Secretary / Treasurer.  Given by Steve Karns.  New membership year started 1 October and previous annual membership dues expired September 30th.  49 Active paid members, 45 military / 4 civilians.  We had 3 new members join the club at this months meeting.  Total $1086.13 in account. A check was written for $240.00 to cover the NRA RSO course.  Another check was written for $49.33 to cover supplies provided for the Greenhead shoot on February 11th. 

Committee Reports

- Membership Committee – Club membership dues are $20 per year and are effective for one year from time of activation.  Dues can be paid at Club meetings or mailed in.  See the Club Website for mailing address at http://thesportsmansclub.netfirms.com.

- Buildings and Grounds – Future Club meetings will be at building number 24065 in the 24 area next to the PX and Gym. The new location is working out great for the club. Please help spread the word of the new location.

- Publicity Committee – Club Patches are available from Tom Johnson the Clubs Secretary / Treasurer.  Please contact Tom at a meeting or event about purchasing your Club patch, cost is $5.  Recommend Club members sew the Club patch on their hunting vests to publicize the Club.  For those who missed the January/February Ducks Unlimited magazine the Sportsman’s club was featured with the waterfowl hunting aboard the base.  Corporal Sloan, from the Scout, attended the Greenhead shoot and took several pictures.  These pictures along with an article were featured on the Marine Corps web site.

- Hunting Committee

– A reminder to all those hunters having withdraws about this time of year that coyote season is available year-round aboard the base.  You will need your hunting license and base permit. 

- Jeff Guilloz announced that he would be holding a meeting on March 31st to start a Delta Waterfowl chapter.  All those interested should contact Jeff.   

  - Hunters are reminded and encouraged to pick up their fired shells when in the field.  Also, help police trash found while hunting.

- Fishing Committee – Free fishing trips still available through the Dana Wharf Sportfishing.  See Fishing News on the Clubs website for information and contact one of the coordinators.  Dana Warf has lessened the restrictions to where active duty can now go for free through the entire week including weekends now. 

- Fred Wolfrom from Pacific Coast Bait and Tackle was present and announced that Pacific Coast Bait and Tackle will honor the Pendleton Sportsman’s Club by offering a 10% discount to active members of the Club.  He also offered the use of their certified weigh station free of charge to those curious to the exact size of their catch.

- Lake O’Neil’s water temperature is currently 69 degrees and is 10” from the spill point.  

Old and unfinished business

   - A rifle sight-in is scheduled for the 15th of April.  We are planning on conducting the shoot starting at 0800 on range 103.

   - Hunter Education Safety Course information

   - Frank Alessio at the Escondido Fish and Game Association conducts the classes.  To get more information contact him at 760-743-8718.

   - The Club still needs to get members qualified as Range Safety Officers (RSO) and Officers-In-Charge (OIC) by the Base.  Any Club member can receive the training and become qualified as an RSO / OIC.  The Base RSO / OIC course is given every Friday starting at 0700 in building 2399. 

   - Lake O’Neill and Pulgas Lake Sportsman’s Club work project is winding down.  Volunteers are needed to work this Wednesday through Saturday, 0900-1600.  Contact Tom Lhuillier at 725-3360 to help.

   - A Potluck dinner consisting of members hunting and fishing game is planned for March 18th at 1200.  The location will be building 24065, please contact Wayne and Jimbo, our two members-at-large to RSVP.

New business

   - Members are encouraged to send emails to John Cullen, former Vice-President of the Club, who is currently serving in Iraq at jdjrc@hotmail.com.

   - Members are requested to review the current Hunting Program Base Bulletin and submit any recommended changes via email to Club Secretary Steve Karns at stevekarns@hotmail.com.  The current bulletins will be posted on the Club website for your review.  Your recommendations are critical to continue to improve the hunting and fishing opportunities on board the base.  We have made tremendous progress and improvements this last year and we need to continue our efforts.  Please review and make your recommendations they are important.

   - The Del Mar Fairgrounds will be hosting a fishing expo from 15-19 March.

Future Hunting

- Hunting during the off season is available for rabbits, squirrels and coyotes.  The hunting hours will be 0800 to 1800.  Please call the warden’s office at 725-3360 to ensure that there are open areas and that the fire danger conditions allow hunting. The camping program at Cocklebur and Red Beach has openings available for RV’s.  An annual pass is required which is available at the Wardens Office Building (WOB) building 25155.

Other News

   Anyone interested in adopting a 4-year old female German Shorthair should contact Fred Wolfrom for more details.

The next Club meeting will be on 11 April at 1830 in Bldg 24065. 

Adjournment.  Meeting adjourned at 1921.