Sportsmen discuss Mother’s Day Kids’ Fishing and club rentals

The May Membership meeting of the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club was called to order by President Kris Dippold. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Secretary Joe Hoffman read the minutes from the April meeting and they were approved as given. Joe, who is also membership chair, reported that the club now has 893 registered members. Joe requested that anyone with memberships to return them to the club. Treasurer Jerry Goetz presented the financial report for the month of April, and this was approved as given.

Committee Reports: VP Bill Simbeck talked about the tree and shrub planting on Saturday and the amount of help which was available. He noted that we had over 62 helpers, which included two Girl Scout Brownie (Daisy) troops and Boy Scout Troop 199. The Club is very appreciative of all the help.

Director Dan Caskey suggested that the dumpster be emptied and to discuss whether the club should buy a set of forks for the tractor. The members decided that the cost will be looked at and a decision made at the June meeting.

John Dippold reported on receiving trout from the Camp Owners and he noted that the club will be stocking Middle Fork and the Clarion River on Thursday May 5. John also stated that he had a call from Pinecrest to come and fish on June 8. It was noted that Pinecrest has been coming to fish for the past eight or 10 years and the people really enjoy it. This was approved.

Director Bill Kotalac reported that the ranges are in decent shape, however he is still seeing shotgun holes in the target mats. He stated that this really cuts the life of a mat. He suggested that anyone wanting to try out their shotgun, bring a box from home and use that as a target.

Joe Hoffman, commenting on the pistol range, noted that some members are using rifles on the steel plates as there are holes in the plates. He stated that is what the rifle range is for.

The Bridge at Crooked Creek “which is not there” was again discussed and the Club is waiting for some answers from our Representative and Game Commission.

A discussion on upcoming work at the farm and lodge includes the storm water drain from the upper hatchery as the present drain is broken in a few places. Also discussed was the probability for reseeding the clubs’ food plots. An estimate will be gotten to check what the cost will be for reseeding these plots.

Jerry Goetz, who manages the rentals, at the lodge suggested that all rentals for the lodge be managed through ABB. He stated that this way there is insurance at the lodge, as well confirmed dates for the Lodge. There was a discussion on when the farm (pavilion, barn) is rented as there have been instances where people brought their campers to stay overnight, and the premises have been rented for just one day. This will be discussed at future meetings.

There will be a County Sportsmen Federation Meeting at the Camp Owners on May 11 at 8 p.m.

The next membership meeting will be held on Monday, June 6 at 9 p.m. at the farm.