2021
March Virtual Meeting and Club Activities during the Pandemic
In light of the current in-person meeting restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the board decided to keep the club membership engaged and informed by holding a virtual general membership meeting in March. The future of the club, in the face of dwindling membership, as well as the status of upcoming fishing trips will be the agenda items for this meeting. The chairs are still planning to conduct the normal fishing trips, but start them a little later in the spring this year. A meeting invite for the virtual meeting in March will be sent out via email and will include instructions on how to join.
The board is still planning to conduct an in-person Spring Membership meeting. This meeting is tentatively being planned for May. We are hoping by that time the gathering restrictions will have been relaxed. More information on that meeting will be sent out as the plans are confirmed.
2020
Fall Membership Meeting - 4 Oct
The fall membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sunday 04 October from 1300 to 1930 at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club (7039 Signal Hill Rd. Manassas, Va.) We will again offer skeet shooting to members, followed by the social hour, dinner and membership meeting. We will be serving food in individual serving containers and will practice social distancing during the meeting. We offer a chance for some great door prizes for the members who attend. Members can shoot up to two rounds of skeet or trap at club expense, but must provide their own shot shells. The shot size MUST be 71/2 or smaller (i.e. 8 or 9). Shells can be purchased on site. Additional rounds for members and all rounds for guests will be at the individual's expense. There is no cost for dinner to members in good standing; cost for nonmember guests is $30.00. Guests who join at the meeting will incur no additional dinner cost. Sean Gallagher will be sending out an invitation via email. Please RSVP promptly to permit the caterer sufficient lead time for food ordering and to ensure we have enough door prizes.
Spring Membership Meeting Postponed
The board decided to postpone the spring membership meeting that was originally planned for 3 May until 14 June due to the current social distancing orders in effect. The board will re-assess this decision as 14 June approaches. The board agreed to offer Trap and Skeet shooting on the 3 May date for those interested provided the FFR&G club range remains open. If you plan to shoot trap and skeet on 3 May please RSVP to Dave Eoff. The club will cover the range fees for two rounds of skeet or trap. Members must provide their own shot shells. (Shot size must be 7.5, 8 or 9)
Seeking News Articles for Club Email Blasts
In an effort to keep club members better informed, the board has decided to increase the frequency of communications. We will do this in the form of a periodic email containing links to timely articles of interest to the club. We are calling this the “DIA Blast”. We plan to send blasts out monthly to all members, especially when items cannot wait until the next newsletter. Information should be in the form of a website link, which directs members to the actual website that contains the information of interest. We can use your help. PLEASE SEND THE WEBSITE LINK RATHER THAN CUT AND PASTE INFORMATION FROM THE WEBSITE. Simply send the link with a brief title of what it is about to Louis Cappucci and he will consolidate and blast out the list of links periodically to all members. Information must be of general interest to the club such as announcements for county or state hunting lotteries, local gun shows, new or pending hunting or fishing regulations, articles about chronic wasting disease, member’s equipment for sale, etc. etc. We will not publish generic advertising for businesses. The one item that does not have to be in the form of a website link is equipment for sale by club members. Members should submit links for consideration to Louis Cappucci at: louis.cappucci@gmail.com
Last Call for Annual Best Fish, Game & Article Awards
Don’t forget to send nominations for club hunting and fishing awards. It’s easy to enter. Just send measurements of your fish or game in accordance with the guidance on our website, snap a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Send nominations to Dennis McNulty, (dbigbalance@yahoo.com). The award criteria and measurement guidance are posted on the club website at: http://www.diarodandgunclub.com/documents . As a reminder, game harvested on any hunting trip is eligible, but only fish caught on DIA sponsored trips are eligible for awards. All awards will be presented at the spring membership meeting.
The list below are current nominations for 2019 Fish and Game Awards:
Dennis McNulty- buck
Maston Gray – Newsletter article
Bill Brewer – Wahoo
Dave Burpee - antelope
Also remember you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. Articles don’t necessarily have to be from DIA sponsored trips. Just send a photo of your trip and a short story of the trip to share your adventure with the club.
Seeking Club Trip Sponsors
Have an idea for a hunting or fishing trip that you think other club members would enjoy? We are always seeking members who want to sponsor a trip even if they fall outside our normal fishing trips or hunting events published in the newsletters. These could range for a trip to the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of native Brook Trout with a fly rod, or maybe a pheasant hunt at a local game preserve? If so, let one of the board members know and we can help you get the word out to the membership. If there is enough interest, the board would make it an official club sponsored trip so any costs could be defrayed using the standard club discounts.
Equipment for Sale
Below are items for sale by one of our members:
FOR SALE:
Winchester Model 101, 12-gauge shotgun
28” barrel. Full & Modified chokes.
Good condition w/case. $675.00
Joel Lutkenhouse, 703-250-4482, lutkenhouse1@juno.com
Do you have any shooting, fishing or hunting equipment you would like to sell or give away? If so, send the announcement to Dennis McNulty and he will include it in the next newsletter.
2019
Upcoming Fall Membership Meeting
The board is planning for the Fall Membership meeting at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club on Sunday, 22 September. The address is: 7039 Signal Hill Rd. Manassas, Va. 20111. The club will once again cover the range fees for two rounds of skeet or trap. Members must provide their own shot shells. (Shot size must be 7.5, 8 or 9). We will provide a BBQ dinner and door prizes. Please RSVP in a timely manner so that we can obtain an accurate head count for food. An invite will be sent out via email. (Note: the date is pending final approval by the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club. If 22 September is not approved, the alternate date will be 29 September.)
Annual Membership Dues are Due
It’s that time of the year again. Dues for 2019 are unchanged at $40, and are payable now. Please make checks payable to DIA Rod and Gun Club, Inc, and send to our Membership Chair Bernie Gately, 9121 Lake Braddock Dr., Burke, VA 22015-2136. Please keep in mind that our annual membership dues are our only source of income and are needed to continue to host discounted fishing and hunting activities as well as host the two annual membership meetings.
Spring Membership Meeting set for May 5th
The Spring Membership meeting will be held at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club: 7039 Signal Hill Rd. Manassas, Va. 20111 on 5 May. The club will once again cover the range fees for two rounds of skeet or trap. Members must provide their own shot shells. (Shot size must be 7.5, 8 or 9) We will award our annual Fishing and Hunting Awards. Please RSVP to Bernie Gately via the instructions provided in the email invitation.
Seeking Entries for the Annual Best Fish, Game & Article Awards
As the 2018 fall hunting and fishing seasons come to a close, club members are asked to submit photos of your calendar year 2018 season catch or harvest for consideration of recognition during the Spring Membership Meeting. The award criteria are attached posted on the club website at:
http://www.diarodandgunclub.com/documents/. The club member harvesting the biggest species of fish or game will be recognized with a certificate at our upcoming spring meeting. No story is required for fish and game awards. Just measure your fish and game in accordance with the instructions in the criteria, snap a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Any big game animal taken on fair chase hunts are eligible, but only fish caught on a DIA sponsored trip are eligible. Send a photo, measurements and the name of the club member certifying the measurements to Dennis McNulty, (dbigbance@yahoo.com). This year FINAL AWARD ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 30th of APRIL. Note that DIA Recognition Awards are for fish and game taken during the 2018 calendar year. Any spring gobblers taken this spring can be submitted for consideration for next year’s awards. Also remember you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. Articles don’t necessarily have to be from DIA sponsored trips. Just send a photo of your trip and a short story of the trip to share your adventure with the club.
Leroy Bussells Estate Sale.
The estate of Leroy Bussells is currently offering the items listed below:
-- Savage Model 111, left hand bolt action 30.06, with Nikon Scope 3 x 9, synthetic stock. Paid Cabela’s sale price of 499 plus tax last November and only fired on the range once. Make a fair offer
-- 30.06 ammo - excellent Hornady Superformance 150 gr and 165 gr SST; Rem Corelokt 150 and 165 gr, several other brands also available , make a fair offer
-- Caldwell Shooting bag rest retail 19.99, make a fair offer
-- Nikon Laser Range Finder, Black RangeX 4K, top quality, brand new in box, 6 power, 2 mile capable, retails for 499. make a fair offer
Call Ed Fortunato for purchase or questions: 703-622-9323
Do you have Equipment for Sale?
Do you have any shooting, fishing or hunting equipment you would like to sell or give away? If so, send the announcement to Dennis McNulty and he will include it in the next newsletter.
Virginia Deer Carcass Transport Restrictions
As Chronic Wasting Disease spreads across the nation, Virginia has imposed restrictions on what deer parts can be transported into the state. The attached website gives all the details: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/cwd/transporting-carcasses-into-and-out-of-va/
Seeking Volunteer to Publish Club Newsletter
The club is seeking a member to publish this newsletter. The job is easier than it looks as most of the contributions come from the board or committee chairs. The newsletter publisher simply consolidates them into one document and sends to the board for review and dissemination to the club. If interested, please contact Dennis McNulty, (dbigbance@yahoo.com).
New REAL ID requirements to enter Military Bases
Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government (to include entry onto Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico), will require you to present an upgraded REAL ID compliant credential or another form of approved identification in order to access secure federal facilities. This means you will need a REAL ID compliant identification to enter military posts to hunt! You can read how to upgrade your present Virginia driver’s license to REAL ID standards at: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#real_id.asp
Want to become a Member of the Board?
The board will hold elections this fall for its nine board members. We know that at least two new board members will be needed, so if you want to have a larger say in club activities and policies, now is your chance. The board meets four times a year to make decisions regarding the club. If interested please let one of the existing board members listed at the end of this newsletter know.
Spring Membership Meeting Tentatively Set for 28th of April
Pending facility confirmation, the Spring Membership meeting will be held at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club: 7039 Signal Hill Rd. Manassas, Va. 20111. The club will once again cover the range fees for two rounds of skeet or trap. Members must provide their own shot shells. (Shot size must be 7.5, 8 or 9) We will award our annual Fishing and Hunting Awards. More information and RSVP instructions will be provided in an upcoming email invitation.
Seeking Entries for the Annual Best Fish, Game & Article Awards
As the 2018 fall hunting and fishing seasons come to a close, club members are asked to submit photos of your calendar year 2018 season catch or harvest for consideration of recognition during the Spring Membership Meeting. The award criteria are attached posted on the club website at: http://www.diarodandgunclub.com/documents/. The club member harvesting the biggest species of fish or game will be recognized with a certificate at our upcoming spring meeting. No story is required for fish and game awards. Just measure your fish and game in accordance with the instructions in the criteria, snap a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Any big game animal taken on fair chase hunts are eligible, but only fish caught on a DIA sponsored trip are eligible. Send a photo, measurements and the name of the club member certifying the measurements to Dennis McNulty, (dbigbance@yahoo.com). This year FINAL AWARD ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 15TH of APRIL. Note that DIA Recognition Awards are for fish and game taken during the 2018 calendar year. Any spring gobblers taken this spring can be submitted for consideration for next year’s awards. Also remember you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. Articles don’t necessarily have to be from DIA sponsored trips. Just send a photo of your trip and a short story of the trip to share your adventure with the club.
Changes in Club Discounts for 2019
The board has decided to change the way discounts are applied for club sponsored trips. In the past there was a flat $15 discount per trip for up to two sponsored trips per member. These discounts checks were mailed to each member. This process was cumbersome for the Treasurer and caused him to send many checks for small amounts. In the future, each trip organizer will apply a standard $10 discount per member, per trip and charge that person accordingly when fees are collected for the trip. (i.e. the trip sponsor will include the discount at the “point of sale” when each member pays the sponsor for the trip). The sponsor would then settle with the Club treasurer for a one-time reimbursement of the total discounts applied for the trip.
This change will reduce the number of small discount checks being written to multiple members, simplify the application of discounts for the treasurer, and save on postage and check costs for the club.
Seeking Volunteer to Publish Club Newsletter
The club is seeking a member to publish this newsletter. The job is easier than it looks as most of the contributions come from the board or committee chairs. The newsletter publisher simply consolidates them into one document and sends to the board for review and dissemination to the club. If interested, please contact Dennis McNulty, (dbigbance@yahoo.com).
Equipment for Sale
Do you have any shooting, fishing or hunting equipment you would like to sell or give away? If so, send the announcement to Dennis McNulty and he will include it in the next newsletter.
Want to become a Member of the Board?
The board will hold elections this fall for its nine board members. We know that at least two new board members will be needed, so if you want to have a larger say in club activities and policies, now is your chance. The board meets four times a year to make decisions regarding the club. If interested please let one of the existing board members listed at the end of this newsletter know.
Status of M1911 and M1 military Surplus Sales
Below is a link to an article explaining the status of surplus M1911 and M1’s. Supplies of 1911s have been exhausted, but M1s are still available. https://www.military.com/kitup/2019/02/22/how-get-historic-m1-rifle-and-other-military-surplus-weapons.html. M1 ordering information can be found on the CMP's M1 info page.
2018
Changes in Club Discounts for 2018 - The board has decided to change the way discounts are applied for club sponsored trips. In the past a 15% discount was applied based on the total cost of each particular trip. The accounting for this proved to be a bit cumbersome. In an effort to simplify the administration and tracking of discounts, the club will now offer a flat $15 discount per trip for up to two sponsored trips per member. This will make the accounting easier while still encouraging members to participate in club sponsored events. Activity sponsors need to coordinate with the Treasurer to ensure the proper discounts for each member are applied. The Treasurer will keep a running list of each member’s discounts.
Annual DIA Club Fish, Game, & Newsletter Award Entries - As the 2018 hunting and fishing seasons get into full swing, club members are asked to submit photos of your 2018 season catch or harvest for consideration of recognition during the 2019 Spring Membership Meeting. The award criteria are attached with this newsletter for your reference. No story is required for fish and game awards. Just measure your fish and game in accordance with the instructions in the criteria, snap a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Any big game animal taken on fair chase hunts is eligible, but only fish caught on a DIA sponsored trip are eligible. Simply send the photo and measurements and the name of the certifying club member to Dennis McNulty, (dbigbance@yahoo.com) for consideration. Note that DIA R&GC Recognition Awards are for fish and game taken during the 2018 calendar year. Also remember you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. Articles don’t necessarily have to be from DIA sponsored trips. Just send a photo of your trip and a few facts to share your adventure with the club.
The Club's spring membership meeting will be held on May 20, 2017 at the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club, 7039 Signal Hill Rd, Manassas, VA 20111. Plans include skeet and trap shooting from 1:00-4:00PM, a social hour from 4:30PM with drinks and hors d' oeuvres, a guest speaker *, and lastly our Club business/membership meeting. Club hats will be available at the meeting. Put this on your calendars today please!We will have exclusive use of one skeet and one trap range and will continue to offer up to two free rounds of skeet/trap shooting to members in good standing. Non-member guests must pay the FFRG guest fee per round. Check in with our Club’s range officers at the range to participate. Members and guests must provide their own hearing and eye protection to be on the range and their own shotgun and shot shells. Only number 9, 8 & 7 1/2 shot size is permitted on the range. Shells are available for purchase on site.There is no cost for members' refreshments; cost for a guest is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per youth and may be paid at the door. Guests who join the Club on May 20th will not be charged the separate refreshment nor shooting fees.Please RSVP to Bernie Gately at <bernard.gately@verizon.net> by May17th. Just reply to this email with the information requested below.I will attend: shooting only_____; social only_____; both_____; not this time_____I’m bringing _____ guests for: shooting only_____; social only_____; both_____.*We are working to provide an interesting guest speaker for the social.Fairfax Rod & Gun Club is located at 7039 Signal Hill Rd, Manassas, VA 20111, phone 703-368-6333. Directions to Fairfax Rod & Gun Club may be found at <http://www.fxrgc.org/index.cfm?section=10&pagenum=203 >.
2017
Local Ducks Unlimited Events
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017
REGISTRATION 09:30 AM - ALL SHOOTERS ON COURSE BY 10:30AM
Registration at open-air pavilion (far end of parking lot)
SPORTING CLAYS 50 targets; tournament scoring
LUNCH, RAFFLES, & AWARDS (at completion of shoot) (BBQ, snacks, & beverages)
WHERE: PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TRAP & SKEET CENTER
▪ 10400 GOOD LUCK ROAD, GLENN DALE, MD 20769
(301) 577-7177 / 7178
▪ Rental guns & ammo are available at the club (Note: No reloads with rental guns)
COST: $75.00 – SPORTING CLAYS, FOOD, & BEVERAGE
▪ Online in advance or cash/check (payable to DU) at the event; Greenwing (youth/-18) $40
▪ Door prize drawing for all participants
▪ Gun raffle for DU Sponsors (sponsor levels start at $300, includes shoot & BBQ)
▪ Opportunities for corporate & individual underwriters with signage
****************************** *************************
This event is open to competitive and non-competitive shooters and open to everyone
Please pass this invitation to friends
Seeking Entries for Annual DIA Club Fish, Game, and Newsletter Awards
As the summer fishing season comes to a close and hunting season approaches, club members are reminded to submit photos of your season’s catch or harvest. No story is required for the biggest fish and game awards. Just measure your fish and game, snap a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Then send the photo and measurements and the name of the certifying club member to any board member for consideration and possible recognition during the next spring membership meeting. (Board emails are provided below). Also remember you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. They don’t necessarily have to be from DIA sponsored trips. Just send a photo of your trip and a few facts to share your adventure with the club. The “best” story will also receive recognition during our spring club meeting.
DIA Rod and Gun Club Fall Meeting and Dinner
The Fall Dinner meeting is tentatively scheduled for 29 October at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club. We will again offer skeet shooting to members, followed by the social hour, dinner and membership meeting and guest speaker. We will see a continuation of the higher value door prizes for the members who attend. Members can shoot up to two rounds of skeet or trap at Club expense, but must provide their own shot shells. The shot size MUST be 71/2 or smaller (i.e. 8 or 9) Shells can be purchased on site. Additional rounds and ammunition for members and all rounds for guests will be at the individual's expense. There is no cost for dinner to members in good standing; cost for guests is $30.00. Guests who join at the meeting will incur no additional dinner cost. Once we lock in this date, Bernie Gately will be sending out an invitation via email. When you receive the invitation, please RSVP right away to permit the caterer sufficient lead time for food ordering and to ensure we have enough door prizes. Address for the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club: 7039 Signal Hill Rd. Manassas, Va. The following is a link to the directions:
Board of Director Elections
We're nearing that point in our Club's two-year cycle when we'll be offering a new slate
of candidates for election to the Board of Directors. If you would like to serve the
membership and influence the focus and direction of the Club, please immediately notify the Club Secretary, Rick Mrstik that you'll stand for election. The elections will be
conducted via email. The ballot will be sent out by Rick Mrstik. Please vote so that we
have a quorum and can continue club operations without interruption.
Seeking Entries for Annual DIA Club Fish, Game, and Newsletter Awards
As the summer fishing season comes to a close and hunting season approaches, club
members are reminded to submit photos of your season’s catch or harvest. No story is
required for the biggest fish and game awards. Just measure your fish and game, snap
a photo and get a fellow club member to certify your measurements. Then send the
photo and measurements to any board member for consideration and possible
recognition during the next Spring membership meeting. (Board emails are provided
below). Also remember that you are encouraged to share any hunting, fishing or
outdoor stories with the club in the form of a newsletter article. Just submit a photo of
your trip and a few facts to share your adventure with the club. The “best” story will also
receive recognition during our spring club meeting.
Comment window is open for proposed VDGIF Rules and Regs changes. Please review the pending changes at <http://eepurl.com/cG1Sgn> and send in your comments to help VDGIF shape the next hunting bills. Don’t complain unless you “vote”!
Virginia Duck’s Unlimited Convention & Annual Alexandria DU Dinner
The 2017 Virginia State Duck’s Unlimited Convention will be March 10-11, 2017 at The Tides Inn Resort in Irvington, Virginia. This year DU will be celebrating their 80th Anniversary. Since 1937, DU has conserved more than 13 million acres of waterfowl habitat throughout North America and more than 45,000 acres here in Virginia. The attached link has all the details for the event.
http://www.ducks.org/virginia/events/44238/virginia-ducks-unlimited-state-convention
In addition, the Alexandria DU Annual Banquet & Benefit Auction will be held on April 21, 2017 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street Old Town Alexandria. This event has SOLD OUT for 5 years in a row and will sell out again this year! Purchase your tickets and tables early before they are SOLD OUT. Join friends and family in support of conservation efforts impacting the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. For more information and ticketing visit:
http://www.ducks.org/virginia/events/44442/alexandria-du-annual-banquet-&-benefitauction
2016
Bobwhite Nesting Season
May is the month when bobwhite quail breed and sit on nests. VDGIF asks that you disk fields
before mid-April to avoid destroying nests. Fallow land is used by a number of other species,
including deer, turkeys and rabbits, too.
Spring Membership Meeting Sunday, May 1, 2016 – Save the Date
Rick Mrstik has once again secured the Izaak Walton League, Centreville, for the meeting. Additional information will be provided as the date approaches, but please mark your calendars now.
Great American Outdoor Show
The Belvoir Bowhunters have invited us to accompany them on a day trip to the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA on Monday, Feb 8. Cost is $55, which includes round trip bus ride, admission to the show, and buffet breakfast. Depart at 7:00am from the Backlick North Park and Ride lot. Depart the show at 5:30pm, return to Park and Ride approximately 7:30pm.
Contact Jim Zolinski at (210) 319-0792, james.zolinski@verizon.net.
2015
Alex Kosyak is looking for recoil pads
Talk about flying south for the winter, Club Member Alex Kosyak and his son are going to Argentina over the Christmas holidays to hunt doves. Alex is looking to borrow or buy used, strap-on recoil pads for the trip. If you have one you can part with or loan,
Alex can be reached by email at penaty7@yahoo.com
Volunteers Needed.
If you can spare some of your outdoor time this deer season, we need some help with the deer hunting program at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge. Our Club has supported this program every year since it began and we hope to continue into the future. Your three or four hours on one or more days would help us accomplish what needs to be done. We're planning an afternoon check of all the hunt stands in November to fix the simple things we identify. We'll move deer on the four hunt days (5 Dec youth hunt, 10 & 17 Dec, 11 Jan) and a fifth possible hunt date on 21 March -- all half day events. The youth hunt is an afternoon event; the remaining hunts are mornings only. If you haven’t already signed up at the fall membership meeting,
please let Bernie Gately know at 703-425-1494 or by email to
Fall Membership Meeting and Dinner. Our Club’s semiannual membership meeting
and dinner is fast approaching. Doublecheck your calendar to be sure you’ve blocked out
Sunday, the 20th of September. We are confirmed for the Isaak Walton Facility in Centreville,
VA from 1:00 to 7:00 PM to enjoy skeet, trap, camaraderie, several great door prizes and our traditional barbeque dinner. More details and RSVP information will be in a separate invitation
published in the next few days.
Elections to the Board. The military is always looking for a few good men and women
and now the DIA Rod and Gun Club is in the same situation. We have enjoyed a vibrant
membership with good leadership for the past two years but part of that equation is about to
change with the departure in December of at least two Board members. Our departing Board
members have served with distinction and we are now looking for the good men and women to
take their place. If you have enjoyed the benefits of the Club and want to do something in return,
now is your chance. The commitment is to attend four Board meetings and two semi-annual
meetings a year for the next two years. This is your chance to help the club and at the same time infuse new ideas and energy into the Board. We are volunteers led by volunteers and hope
you can help. If interested or need more information, send me an email with your phone number and I will be in touch. Send to Dave Burpee at burpeed@verizon.net.
Blanchard Outdoors. Club member De Brown and former member Ken Blanchard have a new online radio show (Blanchard Outdoors), and invite fellow members to check it out. The program airs every Sunday from 7-8 pm. Go to BlanchardOutdoors.com for all the details.
Spring Membership Meeting and Dinner.
The Club's spring membership meeting and dinner will be held on May 3, 2015 at the IWLA
facility in Centreville, VA. Plans include skeet and trap shooting from 1:00-5:00PM, a social hour at 4:30PM followed by dinner, our guest speaker, and lastly our Club business/membership meeting.
Club hats will be available at the meeting. Put this on your calendars today!
We will have exclusive use of one skeet range and will continue to offer up to two free rounds of skeet shooting to members in good standing. We hope to have access to a second skeet or trap range
that afternoon to accommodate all members who wish to shoot. Non-member guests must pay the IWL guest fee per round. Check in with Bob Zebell at the range to participate. Members and guests must
provide their own hearing and eye protection to be on the range and their own shotgun and shot shells. Only sizes 71/2 and 8 shot are permitted; larger sizes will not be allowed. Bob will have a
limited number of 12 gauge shells for sale at $6.00 per box.
There is no cost for members' meals; cost for a guest meal is $25.00 and may be paid at the door (checks preferred). Guests who join the Club on May 3d will not be charged the separate meal fee nor
the shooting fees, and should bring a completed application form with them. Forms are available from our web site at <www.diarodandgunclub.com>.
Please RSVP to Bernie Gately at <bernard.gately@verizon.net> NLT April 30th. Just reply to
this message with the information requested below. To diligently manage the Club’s resources, we need an accurate headcount to avoid over-ordering food. There will be no telephone
follow-up/reminders.
I will attend: shooting only_____; dinner only_____; both_____; Not this time_____
I’m bringing _____ guests for: shooting only_____; dinner only_____; both_____.
Izaak Walton League is located at 14708 Mount Olive Road, Centreville, VA, phone 703-631-4495. Directions to The Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Izaak Walton League may be found
at <http://www.arlingtonfairfax-iwla.org/location.html>
Guest Speaker. Mr. Martin L. Gary, Executive Secretary of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission [PFRC] has accepted our invitation to speak at our spring membership meeting. His commission sets the yearly fishing limits for the tidal Potomac River, which is managed separately from both Maryland and Virginia fish and game authorities. Mr Gary will be joining us early for some clay shooting. Please make him feel welcome if you see him on the range.
Volunteers Needed.
If you would like to help out with one or more of the managed deer hunts here in the northern Virginia area and haven’t already signed up at the fall membership meeting, please let Bernie Gately know at 703-425-1494 or by email to bernard.gately@verizon.net. The available dates are below.
19 Nov: Fairfax County hunt at Sully Woodlands Park; 2 volunteers
08 &10 Dec: Occoquan Bay NWR; 2 volunteers each day
For Sale by Member.
Bow only used a few times, very fast.
X-I legion magnum compound bow, 60-75 lbs adjustment weight
10 Easton XX75 2216 arrows with feather vanes
6 Thunder head broad heads
Quiver
New string on bow
Bow in excellent shape
$135.00 – Call Andy Tirch if interested (703) 670-3203.
2014
Fall Membership Meeting and Dinner.
Our Club’s semiannual membership meeting and dinner is fast approaching. Doublecheck your calendar to be sure you’ve blocked out Sunday, the 14 of September. We are confirmed for the Isaak Walton Facility in Centreville, VA from 1:00 to 7:00 PM to enjoy skeet, trap, camaraderie, several great door prizes and our traditional barbeque dinner. More details and RSVP information will be in a separate invitation published in the next few days.
Volunteers Needed.
We need several members to help move the deer at Occoquan Bay NWR on 6, 8 & 10 Dec. The youth hunt on the 6th is for about two hours on Saturday afternoon. For the lottery hunts on 8 & 10, we are there from 9:00 to 3:30 (or whatever time you can
contribute). There may also be a 3d hunt on Jan 9th. If you can help out and maybe get to hunt as well, please let Bernie Gately know at 703-425-1494, or via email at bernard.gately@verizon.net
Spring
Membership Meeting/Dinner. Our semiannual
membership meeting and dinner is set for Sunday, May 4th, from 1:00 - 7:00 at the IWLA Chapter in Centreville, VA. We will have exclusive use of one skeet range from 1:00 until 5:00, and will
continue to offer up to two free rounds of skeet shooting to members in good standing; ammunition is included. For skeet and trap shooters we will have on hand 12, 20 and 28 gauge shotshells. We hope
to access a second skeet or trap range that afternoon to accommodate all members who wish to shoot. Non-member guests must pay the IWL guest fee per round and provide their own shotshells. Check in
with Bob Zebell at the range to participate. Members and guests must provide their own hearing and eye protection to be on the range and their own shotgun.
The indoor portion of the agenda will begin about 4:30 with a social half hour in the Field House, followed by our traditional BBQ dinner at 5:00. The business meeting will follow dinner. We are
fortunate this year to present VDGIF’s preeminent expert on bears in Virginia who will also explain the implementation of the new Sunday hunting statute which goes into effect on I July. We should be
out of there before 7:00. There is no cost for members' meals; cost for a guest meal is $25.00 and may be paid at the door. Guests who join the Club on the 4th of May will not be charged the separate
meal fee nor shooting fees.
RSVP (Y or N) to Bernie Gately at bernard.gately@verizon.net, or (703) 425-1494 NLT Apr 30th. Izaak Walton League is located at 14708 Mount Olive Road, Centreville, VA, phone
703-631-4495. Driving directions are at the end of this newsletter.
Prince William County Occoquan District Deer Public Meeting. On Monday, March 31, 2014 the Occoquan District Supervisor’s Office will host a Public Meeting on the Issues of Wildlife and Deer Management in Prince William County. The meeting is open to the public and will feature presentations from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and Charles Smith, former Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch Manager for Fairfax County Park Authority and a member of the Prince William Wildflower Society and Prince William Conservation Alliance. Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A session.
Board
of Directors: The 2014-2015 Board of Directors met early January 2014 and elected Dave Burpee as President, Dave Eoff as Vice President and Rick Mrstik as Secretary.
Other positions and contact information for the entire Board will be in each newsletter.
Dues Update: For the first time in more than 30 years, we are forced to
raise our membership dues. Dues for 2014 will be $40, an increase of only $5 from years past. The increase was necessitated by increased costs associated with Club activities such as
the Spring and Fall Membership Dinner and the subsidies for hunting and fishing events.
Spring Membership Meeting and Dinner. Watch this space for details about the spring meeting. The Board is actively pursuing plans and will publish information once
all the loose ends are locked down. The event should be in May.
2013
Election of Officers. At the Board of Directors meeting on January 13th, The Board unanimously re-elected Dave Burpee as President, and Dave Eoff as Vice President. It also elected Rick Mrstik as Secretary. Bob Zebell's continuing appointment as Treasurer was reaffirmed.
Volunteer
Activities. Thank you to
all the Club members who volunteered to help with deer hunts at the National Wildlife Refuge and at Fairfax County's Sully Woodlands. You made a difference for some hunters while contributing your
limited time in the outdoors to assist with deer management activities. We hope to see some fresh faces next year!
This is a good time to mark your calendars for the youth fishing event at Occoquan Bay NWR on May 17th. Bring your own kids and grandkids and help some disadvantaged youngsters learn how to fish.
More details will be provided when they are available.
Fairfax County Police are seeking several volunteers to help recover and process deer harvested during their sharpshooting operations in the County parks at night. Several dates and parks are available for you to choose from. If this is something you'd like to help with, let Bernie Gately know right away and we'll put you in contact with the key personnel. The program is currently underway, so prompt responses are important. (703-425-1494)
Board of Directors Elections: Please watch your inbox/mailbox for your ballot for the upcoming Board of Directors elections for 2014-15. Vote for 9 candidates and return your ballot to Club Secretary Bob Duncan.
Dues Update: For the first time in over 30 years, we are forced to raise our membership dues. Dues for 2014 will be $40, an increase of only $5 from years past. The increase was necessitated by increased costs associated with Club activities such as the Spring and Fall Membership Dinner and the subsidies for hunting and fishing events.
Archery Team Update.
More good news for our Club! Our archery team was selected by Fairfax County to hunt Burke Lake Park as part of the Archery in the Parks Program.
Fall Membership Meeting and Dinner. Doublecheck your calendar to be
sure you’ve blocked out Sunday, the 6th of October for our fall meeting and
dinner. We are confirmed for the Isaak Walton Facility in Centreville, VA from 1:00 to 7:00 PM to enjoy skeet, trap, camraderie, several great door
prizes and our traditional barbecue dinner. More details and RSVP information will be in an addendum to this newsletter to be published next week.