President's Newsletter

Happy New Year!

As we move into 2025, we are slowly making improvements to some of our shooting disciplines that we hope will get more involvement in the matches that we offer. Maybe even increase what we currently have scheduled. Ammunition has become more available and hopefully will continue to be in ample supply. I’m hoping the price may ease some but that is yet to be seen.

Starting off with updates with the shotgun range: We are looking into a card reader system on sporting clays. This system is used all across the nation and has proven to save up to 35% in unpaid targets that hit the ground. The range will then be able to be open most of the time during daylight hours. It will be available to members only and their guests. Each member that wants to use the range will be required to take an online course and sign a Memorandum of Understanding after completion every year. After that, a combination to the gate will be given. Purchases can be made for cards of 100 or 300 targets at a kiosk. These purchases can be made by credit card only, directly at the range, or from a board member in any amount at a board meeting. The member will be responsible for the card. If it’s lost or stolen they cannot be refunded or cancelled. If a thrower were to start to malfunction the shooter will simply move to the next station and report the malfunction to a phone number that will be posted. There will be some issues that arise at first as we learn, but in the end it will offer shooting more than one day a month. If this works out, we may offer one skeet range down the road but not trap. This is a plan we are working through, nothing is final as of this time. I would really like some input from the shotgun guys who may have shot at venues using this process. We are simply trying to get the range open more. We will also set up a schedule to change the course every other week to keep it interesting.

High Power Rifle: I’ve been asked if anyone would be interested in holding a Postal Match shoot that the Cast Bullet Association offers. I believe, and may be wrong, but it is a match held every quarter of the year. Please let me know if you are interested.

Rimfire Range: we have made some vast improvements to the rimfire range. We currently offer 22 benchrest matches monthly weather permitting. The 50 yards match, has 2 classes, open and factory. It is any 22 rimfire rifle, any sight. I would highly suggest a scope however. Awards are given to the winner of each class. It’s a fun, easier match and only requires about 100 rounds of ammo. You can learn an awful lot about the 22 rimfire cartridge and judging wind which we have a good supply of at Vale.

Please keep an eye out for our annual meeting coming soon. You are always welcome to any board meeting the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of every month located at the Plaza Inn in Ontario. Update your membership for 2025 and watch the calendar on our website, snakeriversportsmen.com.

Sincerely,

Bob Smith

Snake River Sportsmen