Milford Township
Fish, Game, and Forestry Association


The Straight Shooter

News

Presidents Column - March 2009

George D. Honeywell
Now that the holidays are over and life returns to normal we need to focus on the future.

We understand the modern times are more hectic and 24 hours in the day doesn’t seem to be enough to accomplish what we have on our plates; so, we thank all the members that help in keeping the Club moving. If you look through the inside cover you will see several people wear many hats in the operation of the Club. You will also see a new a Director listed in the 2008/2009 column, thanks to John Finnegan for stepping up to fill the recently vacated spot. You will also see the Forestry Committee Chairman position is in need of new name. We wish to thank Mark Huber and John Irvine for their service to the Club and wish them well in these tough times and hope they find some of that precious free time in their lives.

Top Stories

  • For the Good of the Association

On January 29th Richard Helm and Mike Kulhanjian audited the Treasurers books and ledger and found all to be in order.

Natural Lands Trust walked the property with Dennis Young on January 23rd and found the grounds to be in great shape and the Club to be maintaining the property as per the conditions of the agreement.

A neighbor couple approached Dennis Young recently and reported the heard rapid fire shooting on the pistol range a few weeks prior. They did not give a specific date but did note there were several cars in the drive. They were not complaining but noted it just sounded different than normal. We ask all members to help police the property, if you see anyone not adhering to the Club rules please get as much information as you can i.e. date, time or description of cars and or license numbers. We are not asking you to approach anyone if you are not comfortable but any information you can pass on to an Officer or Director would be great.

Anyone interested in becoming a Hunter Education Instructor please contact us and we will get the information on the Instructor’s course for you.

The Bluebird nesting box project went off well with 17 youngsters building 25 boxes several of which will be donated to the Township. We wish to thank PGC Officer Layton, all that attended and those that donated their time and materials to make this happen at NO Cost to the Club. Check for the picture of the participant’s and their nesting boxes on the Club website.

  • Building Committee
    Chester Dotts

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th @ 7:00 p.m. at the Club House to review the revised plans prior to their delivery to the Engineer.

  • Membership
    Libby and Matt Bauman

We had two (2) new member applications submitted for review by the Membership Committee.

Renewals to date total $4,925.00.

Please contact Libby or Matt with any discrepancies with your mailing address

  • Fishing Reports
    Bob Meas

Kids Rodeo will be May 9th; stream will be open to all members after 1:00.  Fish have been ordered for stocking.  An area was identified to add a small trail to make it easier to get materials back along the stream.  Plans for the trail will have to be approved by the Lands Trust.  Bob Meas will follow up.

Dennis talked with the Fish Commission regarding their TAP program for stream improvements.  An application was filled out Jan. 9th and the Fish Commission will be out in April to look at possible site for stream deflectors.

The raffle calendars to benefit the rodeo will be available at the next General Membership Meeting, please stop by and get some or call us and we will mail them out to you.

The Kids Fish Rodeo will be held May 9th. The stream will open to all members @ 1:00 p.m. We will have  one (1) stocking of the stream this year. The club is applying for the dam permit in preparation for the rodeo and looking into grant monies from the PA Fish Commission to help in the purchase of the fish. The next newsletter will have the work party dates for stream clean up, please come out and help the kids have a memorable day.

The raffle calendars to benefit the rodeo will be available at the next General Membership Meeting, please stop by and get some or call us and we will mail them out to you.

  • Game
    George D. Honeywell

Most of the general hunting and trapping will be done when you get this newsletter, but keep in mind there is still opportunity to hunt until Spring Turkey season opens. Coyotes are everywhere in the State and are a great target species..

  • Forestry
    John Irvine

    The shag bark hickory blocking the road by target #26 has been cleared to allow travel.

  • Archery
    George D. Honeywell

    The new practice butt targets, relocation of 3D targets 27, 28, 29 and 30 and the new exit trail will be completed prior to the opening shoot (March 22nd) until then please use the existing 30, 40 and 50 yard targets from the sand mound.

  • Shoots
    George D. Honeywell

    The spring Ham Shoot is set for Sunday March 29th 12 noon until? Mark your calendar and come out for an afternoon of fun.

  • Ranges
    Phil Fachet/Chester Dotts

    Both ranges are in good condition.

    PA Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs
    Dennis O. Young

    New Bald Eagle nests are being built along the Delaware River.  Nockamixon rifle range is set to re-open this year.  Discussion on proposal to limit use of ranges to hunting arms only; also, a proposal requiring users to have a current hunting license or permit to use ranges.  There is a new manager for Nockamixon State Park, Obie Derr.  January 18th is the state meeting for the Federation; costs approximately $6,000 or $ 500 per county.  There are 8 clubs in Bucks County, that equates to $60 per club.  A meeting is slated for the 25th to voice opposition to motion to use crossbows in the archery season – this motion was passed. 

    Dennis was elected Vice-President.

  • Grounds
    Gary Erbe

Spring clean up the Saturday March 28th – day before the Ham Shoot.

  • Work Parties

March 1 work will be done on the Archery Range and around the stream for the Rodeo.

  • 50/50 and Membership Drawings

Two (2) prizes were handed out in the 50/50 drawing and the member drawn in the membership drawing was not present, next month will be worth $15.00.