COMMITTEE RULES

The following material represents the current Committee Rules as adopted by the respective committees for the operation of their venues. Questions regarding the interpretation or implementation of any such rules should be referred to the appropriate committee chairperson.

Committee Page

Falling Plate Range 1

Fishing 1

House and Grounds 3

Hunting 3

Land Management 6

Rifle and Pistol 6

Sporting Clays 12

Trap 13

Falling Plate Range

Because of the inherently necessary safeguards when shooting any firearms at steel targets, the following requirements shall be implemented for any and all shooting on the Falling Plate Range (FPR).

1. A Falling Plate Range Officer must be present at all times when shooters are utilizing the FPR.
2. A single shooter may never use the FPR. A second individual, capable of calling for and/or providing emergency assistance, must be present at all times when FPR shooting occurs.
3. Eye and ear protection are mandatory for all FPR shooters and spectators, including those in the parking lot.
4. No jacketed ammunition may be used. Only lead or copper-washed bullets are permitted.
5. Shotguns and centerfire rifles are not permitted.
6. Rimfire plates may only be shot with .22 rimfire firearms.
7. Posted safety rules and commands must be used at all times.

In order to qualify as a Falling Plate Range Officer you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Senior membership in FCF&GPA for two full years.
2. Thorough familiarity with the operation and mechanics of the FPR, as evidenced by having served a minimum of 20 hours in FPR supervision.
3. Completion of the NRA Range Safety Officer certification.

Fishing

RULES and REGULATIONS for the 2006-2007 FISHING SEASON

1. 2006-2007 Fishing Season is from February 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007.
2. Members must sign-in before fishing and sign-out after fishing. Members that do not sign-out "Total Trout Killed", will be charged 3 fish.
3. During hunting season, fishing will not be allowed on “stocking” Saturdays &

Wednesdays. Please wear fluorescent orange for your safety while hunting season is open.

4. The stream will be closed during fish stockings. The Fish Committee will start the fishing after the stocking, once they are ready.
5. Each angler may only fish with one rod at a time.
6. All members must wear membership badges and back patches while fishing. Members not wearing back patches will be asked to leave the club grounds.
7. Guests are not allowed on Stocking Dates(see below). There is a fee for people 21 and older. Guests under 21 are free. A fee of $10 must be mailed to the club, If the fee is not received by 12/1 a $15 fee will be assessed to your yearly dues. The combined total for a member and guests is six trout killed, no more than three per person and all fish come off member's season total. Jr. Members can not bring a guest. No more than three guests per day. Not signing in a guest will cost you your fishing privilege. When signing in a guest, put the person’s name and guest in parenthesis and your badge # in the badge # location. For no charge guests write guest NC. People on inter-committee shooting list are exempt from guest fees. Write checks to F.C.F.&G.P.A.. Mail to Bob Sutay. Example: John Doe (guest) 999 or John Doe Jr. (Guest NC) 999.
8. Once you kill three fish, you can only fish with a single barbless hook and no bait fishing. All remaining fish must be released unharmed.
9. Junior members without a Connecticut fishing license must be accompanied by an adult member 16 years of age or older while fishing.
10. Junior members with a Conn. fishing license may fish without an adult.
11. The use of corn for chumming is prohibited.
12. No cleaning of fish in the stream or along the banks.
13. No wading in the stream, except below the bend.
14. No changing of fish once they are on a stringer or other means of keeping.
15. No lifting or snagging of fish. All foul hooked fish must be released.
16. The State of Connecticut requires a CT fishing license for anyone 16 years and older.

FISH KILLED LIMIT: ALL MEMBERS 3 per day with a maximum family take of 10.

SINGLE SENIOR MEMBERS - 25 Per Season

FAMILY (SENIOR plus JUNIOR, SUB-SENIOR and AUXILIARY MEMBERS) - 50 Per Season

The maximum for any individual family member is 25

Exceeding the season limit will cost $8 per fish

ONLY 1 FISH 16" or greater can be killed per angler per day

NO KILL AREA / TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA RULES

1. No Kill Area will start from the pool below the junction pool to the bend, marked by two signs.
2. Fly or Spin fishing in this area with a single barbless hook only.
3. No bait fishing in this area.
4. Fish caught in the No Kill Area must be returned to the No Kill Area, unless authorized by the Fish Committee to be placed in another area.
5. The opening and closing of No Kill Area will follow the general rules.
6. The purpose of the No Kill Area is to provide good sport fishing for everyone year round. Fish caught in this area and returned to the stream do not count toward your fishing record.
7. From November 1 to February 28 bait maybe used, but only one trout can be killed per day, from the Trout Management Area.

PERSONS FAILING TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES WILL BE BROUGHT UP BEFORE THE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE.

WORK HOURS

One-half hour will be credited for helping stock.

Stream Improvement independent projects approved by fish chairman

Stream Improvement group projects

Please note in the fishing sign-in sheets time worked.

Committee Chairman: Robert Sutay, 888-1800, email rsutay@i2s.com

February 6, 2006

House and Grounds

4/16/97 A sign will be erected at the gate notifying members of ID requirements.

6/21/00 Borrowing of tables, chairs, etc., must be approved by the chairman of House and Grounds.

2/21/01 The gate will be kept in a closed position except for

• Archery 3D shoots
• CT Traveler events
• Buckmeyer Events
• Game Dinner
• Hunting seminars
• Juniors Day
• Registered shoots
• Youth program
• Women’s Day
• Winter Leagues

Hunting

Hunting Rules and Regulations - Revised September 2005

Pheasant Season October 2005 to February 28th, 2006

You are required to know the rules and regulations. Please read and understand them and comply with them. There will be no exceptions!

Pheasants/Bird:

1. Membership back patch and current Connecticut hunting license (or a copy) must be worn on the outside of your jacket or vest while hunting on club property.
2. Blaze orange hat, blaze orange vest and eye protections are mandatory while hunting or walking in the woods during hunting season. At least 400 square inches of blaze orange must be worn while a field whether hunting or just walking.
3. Before hunting you must register by name, date membership number and time you started hunting in the register book at the upper clubhouse. Immediately after hunting you must complete the registry, identify the game taken, record the tag number and sign out. Failure to follow these procedures will result in your being charged for a full days Bag Limit.
4. Hunting Periods:

· Saturday - 2 periods, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. then 1 p.m. to dusk.

· Weekdays - Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri- 7 a.m. to dusk.

· Wed - 8 a.m. to dusk

· Thanksgiving - 8 am

· 2005/2006 Season New years Day hunting will follow a regular Saturday schedule.

5. Bird Stocking Times:

· Saturday 7 a.m. and 12 noon

· Wednesday at 7 a.m.

· Thanksgiving at 7 a.m.

· New Years Day 2005/2006 regular Saturday Schedule.

6. All members will be allowed to park at the upper clubhouse on stocking days provided provided you are there at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hunt. If you are late park at the fisherman's upper parking area and walk up. No rear access via Walker Hill Road.

7. No vehicles may drive past the lower clubhouse as follows

· Saturdays - 7:45 to 9 a.m. then again 12:45 to 2 p.m.

· Wednesday - 7:45 to 9 a.m.

· Thanksgiving Day between 7:45 to 9 a.m.

· 2005/2006 New years Day will follow a regular Saturday Schedule. (NY Day is actually Sunday, no hunting so Saturday we will have regular rules.)

Hunting Guest Rules

A guest is only allowed to hunt on NON-stocking days. The host member must pay the club $15.00 for each adult guest on club property. (Hunting guest policy to align with club guest policy.) Member and guest will share the member's bag limit and both must register in and out. The guest must display a guest pass and a valid current Connecticut hunting license on his or her back. Only life and Senior members have guest privileges.

Limits

1. Life, Senior and Sub senior:

1. birds per day regardless of species if applicable
2. 6 birds per week
3. 35 birds per season

2. Honorary, Associates and Juniors:

a. 2 birds per day regardless of species if applicable

b. 4 birds per week

c. 15 birds per season

All Birds regardless of species must be tagged!!

General Rules

1. Maximum of 20 persons a field at one time. (Front area from clubhouse to stream.)
2. Overflow of people may hunt the area from clays Field #5 and Walker Hill Road to the right of way to Steinkraus property. Observe set backs please!.
3. No hunting in the buffer zones. Watch for the posted signs if in doubt.
4. No hunting or shooting between the railroad tracks and Hammertown Road.
5. Shotgun only in the field. No handguns or rifles may be carried at all while bird hunting.
6. No shot larger then #5 allowed.
7. No rabbit or ground shooting on Saturdays, Wednesdays or holidays.
8. Please do not shoot birds until they are at least 6 feet off the ground.
9. No running of dogs on Sunday and no dogs in the clubhouse.
10. Dogs must be leashed prior to hunt and immediately after reaching daily limit or completion of hunt.
11. A member not hunting or without a gun, may run his/her dog for another member if the 20 total a field is not exceeded and must register in the book.
12. No more then one dog per hunter on stocking days. Owner of dogs repeatedly flushing birds out of range or out of control will be charged for such birds against his/her limits.
13. Two dogs per hunter on non-stocking days.
14. All guns actions must be open unless actually hunting.
15. On designated skeet practice days, currently Tuesdays, no hunting in the shot fall area.
16. NO HUNTING, SHOOTING OR RUNNING DOGS NEAR THE BIRD PENS!

NO EXCEPTIONS! NO EXCUSES!

Turkey and Deer Hunting? Please contact Game Chairman for details. Please read the monthly newsletter for changes to the rules or alerts of special notices regarding hunting. Any questions or concerns regarding hunting may be addressed to the hunting chairman or other hunting committee member.

10/18/95 All members with deer hunting permits must walk the property with the game committee chair

11/18/98 No more than four cars can park in the area near the Steinkraus property and this is allowed only at certain times of the year.

10/21/98 Deer and turkey hunting is only allowed past the end of the access trail into the new property

1/19/00 Deer hunters must be physically shown the property that deer hunting is allowed on and their permit must be signed by the person showing them the property.

11/1/00 Use of eye protection is mandatory with the 2001 hunting season

5/21/03 Individuals not returning the hunting placards will be fined $25 and banned from hunting turkey or deer for the year.

5/5/03 Turkey hunters will display a bright banner while going to and from their location and also mark their tree 360 degrees.

5/5/03 Blaze orange hats will be mandatory for bird hunting

Land Management

• Club members are not permitted to cut any trees – dead or alive. The committee has cut and established woodpiles. This wood is available free of charge to club members after prior notification of the committee chairman who will assign the areas from which cut wood can be taken.

Rifle and Pistol

The Range officer officiating is the sole authority on the range. He will, at his discretion, set the time limits on the firing points to assure that all will have ample opportunity to shoot. Members have priority at all times.

Any person willfully violating the below listed regulations, or failing to comply with the Range Officers directions, or in any way endangering the life or property of others, will be suspended from the range indefinitely and their names will be submitted to the grievance committee for suspension from the club.

1. The Shooting Hours: Sunday 12:00 noon to ½ hour after sunset (Range officers may open the range at 10:00 on Sunday if they so choose): rest of the week sunrise to ½ hour after sunset except when there are special events such as Trap shoots, Skeet shoots, Sporting clays shoots, Wed and Sat during hunting season, etc. Closed Easter Sunday.
2. Range will be closed during a registered skeet or trap shoot, by agreement with another committee running a special event, during a scheduled rifle/pistol work party, or on Stocking Days (Wednesday and Saturday) during Hunting Season.
3. There will be no firing on the range unless a Range Officer is on duty. Exception: a member may use the range without a Range Officer if he has attended the Independent Shooter Safety briefing, see Procedure below.

· Independent shooters are those individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely use the Rifle range at FCF&GPA.

· Independent shooters must maintain order on the range at all times.

· They must follow the range regulations to prevent possible property damage and personal injury.

· Independent shooters must cooperate with other Independent shooters who may also be using the facilities. Special attention must be given to “cease fires” such that all on the range know when it is safe to go down range and when it is safe to shoot.

BASIC INSPECTION PROCEDURES

After signing in, the Independent shooters will inspect the range to determine: Is the range clear of personnel (check behind the 25- and 50-yard berms); is the impact area of the intended firing point functional (is it clear of large stones or other objects); are the target holders properly aligned with the intended firing point; is the phone in working order.

Independent shooters may bring their spouse and junior children without a range officer on duty.

4. Guests are permitted only when a Range Officer is on duty. All guests must be accompanied by their host member and are subject to the following rules:

A. A guest fee of $5.00 is to be paid by each guest.

B. Range officers are entitled to have guests free.

C. Host and guest will share one firing position when the range is crowded.

D. A maximum of two guests per member are permitted at one time.

E. A parent or older responsible adult must accompany junior members.

5. A valid membership card is to be displayed at all times, otherwise you will be considered as a guest.

6. All persons using the range must register upon arrival, and sign out upon departure.

7. No alcoholic beverages are permitted before shooting or on the firing line at any time.

8. Eye and ear protection must be worn on or near an active firing line.

9. Only targets approved by the Range Officer are permitted. Examples of acceptable targets are on display at the range.

10. There will be no automatic firing on the range, and no shot shells are permitted. Exception, sighting in of turkey guns will be permitted in the following manner:

· Specific notation will be made in the range log that you are sighting in a turkey gun.

· All homasote target frames in the down range area will be laid down to protect them from shot and will be replaced at the conclusion of exercise.

· The plywood-faced frame will be used to hold targets. It will be stored behind the 25-yard berm.

· Shooting will be done from the established firing line.

11. There will be no cross-range firing.

12. Rapid fire will be permitted only with the express permission of the Range Officer on duty. Rapid fire will not exceed 15 rounds.

13. No handgun is to be fired at targets set more than 50 yards from the firing line without the express permission of the Range Officer.

14. All firearms must be pointed down range at all times. They must be unloaded and totally safe when not in actual use. No firearm is to be aimed or held in such a manner that a discharged round can stray from the range.

15. The Range Officer will periodically call a “cease fire” to change targets:

· Immediately upon direction to “cease fire” all firearms must be unloaded, made completely safe, and placed down on the bench.

· The Range Status Lights shall be used in the following manner; Red = range is hot, gun handling and firing permitted, Green = range is safe, OK to go down range, stay back of safety line, no gun handling.

· NO FIRARMS ARE TO BE HANDLED IN ANY WAY DURING A CEASE FIRE.

· Shooters will proceed down range to change targets only on the Range Officers direction to do so.

· Firing will commence only upon the Range Officers’ express permission to do so.

· Shooters will stay behind the safety line during a cease-fire.

16. All shooters must remove their targets and clean their position upon departure. Waste brass is to be picked up and placed in the receptacle provided.

17. All firearms must be unloaded at the firing line before leaving the range.

18. All scoped firearms not previously sighted in must be bore sighted.

19. No smoking at any time on the firing line.

RANGE AFFICER APPOINTMENT

All appointments to the position of Range Officer are to be made by the Rifle/Pistol Chairman.

1. Criteria for appointment

1. The prospective Range Officer must be a senior or associate member.
2. Must be thoroughly familiar with firearms and their safe handling and operation.
3. Must be trustworthy and responsible.
4. Must be familiar with the range operations and rules, and be capable of enforcing the rules.
5. Must exhibit good common sense to run the range responsibly.
6. Must Complete and pass the NRA RSO training course.

2. Procedure for appointment

1. Enter new Range Officer’s name and the date in the section provided for this purpose in the range book. The Rifle/Pistol Chairman or Chief Range Safety Officer must approve the entry and verify RSO status. Add name and telephone number to the master list of Range Officers.
2. Read range rules, guest polices, duties, etc.
3. Assign trial duty date working as assistant to an experienced Range Officer for two duty periods.
4. Issue badge and combination to RO Office.

3. Procedure to maintain RO status

A. Range Officer must sign up and perform range duty for two duty periods (10 hours) and 5 bonus hours of work party duty for a total of 15 hours.

B. Range Officers must attend a “Range Officers meeting” at least once per year.

4. Criteria for revocation of Range Officers appointment

1. A Range Officer’s appointment may be revoked by the Rifle/Pistol Chairman for:

1. failure to meet the above criteria;

2. Failure to attend Range Officer’s meetings without good reason;

3. Failure to perform Range Officer’s duty or for other reasons considered sufficient by the Rifle/Pistol Chairman. Such revocation shall be preceded by one verbal/written notice.

2. Revocation is to be conducted by a registered letter. In addition, an appropriate notation is to be made in the range book.
3. After a Range Officer’s appointment has been revoked in accordance with the above, it may be reinstated only at the discretion of the Rifle/Pistol Chairman after a suitable period of time.

RANGE OFFICER’S DUTIES

1. It is the Range Officer’s responsibility to recruit a replacement if he is unable to attend on a date for which he is scheduled for range duty. A Range Officer may shoot while at the range for duty only if another Range Officer is in charge. If you are on duty -- you are on duty!

2. A Range Officer should “keep an eye on” the range even when not on duty. If you see any unauthorized activity or person you should try to correct the situation.

BEFORE RANGE OPENS

3. Replace any Homasotes, which are no longer usable.

4. Get Range Book from RO Office and display conspicuously on firing line.

5. Get targets, rental equipment and cash box from RO Office.

6. Perform Range inspection, including:

A. Impact area functional?

B. Range area clear of personnel?

C. Are target holders properly aligned?

D. Emergency procedures reviewed and checked?

E. Is the phone in working order?

WHILE RANGE IS OPEN

7. Assure that everyone using the range signs in upon arrival and out upon departure. Check membership cards. Collect guest fees.

8. Supervise all activity at the range to maintain safely and good order. It is the Range Officer’s responsibility to make sure all rules are complied with. Any member or guest who, after a verbal warning, continues to disregards the rules must be ejected. Each such occurrence will be noted in the Range Log in detail.

9. Provide eye/ear protection (as available) to guests not having their own. Sell targets to those without them. Collect appropriate fees.

10. Set time limits (as necessary) at each firing point on days when the range is exceptionally crowded.

11. Keep accurate records of all money collected.

AFTER RANGE CLOSES

12. Sweep the firing line.

13. Empty trash cans

14. Report any required repairs/discrepancies, etc, in the Range Log.

15. Secure equipment for sale/rent and cash box in RO Office.

16. Complete financial and maintenance report form on reverse of Range Log.

17. Secure Range Log in desk in RO Office.

18. Post “time card” in Time Card Rack in alphabetical order.

INDEPENDENT SHOOTER

Certification to Shoot Without a Range Officer on Duty

A senior or associate member may be certified as an IS by completing the IS Safety briefing.

Procedure: After completion of Safety Briefing and explanation of the emergency procedures enter member’s name, membership number, date, and your signature in the section provided for this purpose.

Revocation of Certification

Any unsafe handling of firearms or failure to observe range rules will result in revocation of certification. Said individual will be notified by registered mail and an appropriate entry will be made in the Range Log.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

If an emergency occurs, the Range Officer must take charge of the situation.

The Range Officer should:

1. Call a Cease Fire, and direct shooters to unload and STAY IN PLACE.
2. Determine the extent of care needed, and either provide first aid and suggest injured party seek medical attention

OR

Ask those present for a doctor, EMT, or someone with First Aid training to assist the injured party.

3. If emergency services are needed, assign someone to call for help using the Range telephone. That person should:

A. Use the emergency Information sheet next to the phone for guidance.

B. Call 911; report what happened, how many people are injured, and their condition.

C. Direct Emergency Services to the Fairfield County Fish & Game Protective Association (“the Gun Club”) at 310 Hammertown Road (the front gate) or 14 Walker Hill Road (the back gate.)

D. Find out which gate EMS will go to, and tell the dispatcher to meet them at the gate.

E. Go to the designated gate immediately and direct EMS to the location.

4. If a second person is needed to ensure that EMS finds the location, assign and station the person.
5. Assign someone to take running notes of each occurrence and the time it took place.
6. Continue to provide aid as needed until EMS arrives.
7. Ask each person present if they saw anything related to the incident. If so, have them write down what they saw, and include their full name and telephone number.
8. Describe incident on the Injury Report Form.

Notes:

• The Range First Aid Kit is kept fully stocked and easily available in the range office and in the clubhouse.
• The telephone number for the range is (203) 426-8351. If the range phone is unavailable, ask those present for a cell phone.
• Reports must be made even for minor injuries.
• Always suggest that someone with a minor injury seek medical attention.
• The range sign-in sheet can be used to identify any shooters that may have left the scene if they are needed as witnesses.

11/20/96 There will be no smoking on the rifle/pistol range.

1/19/00 Rapid fire is allowed as long as it is under control. Magazines are limited to 15 rounds.

2/21/01 Qualified Independent shooters may not bring guests to the range in the absence of a range officer

5/5/03 Qualified Independent Shooter status is suspended effective immediately until completion of a range safety certification course.

9/22/04 Pistol carry permit classes can be held for members; enrolled members can sponsor up to two guests for such classes.

3/16/05 Club range safety officers certified as NRA Safety Officers should pay their own certification fees.

3/16/05 The Falling Plate range cannot be used without the appropriate range officer being present.

Sporting Clays

Safety Rules

1. Keep your gun action open at all times except when preparing to fire! 
2. If you are MOVING your gun action should be open.
3. ALWAYS keep your barrels pointed in a SAFE direction. 
4. Load your gun ONLY when you are in the station and ready to shoot.
5. Load only two (2) shells.
6. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot!
7. Know your target and what’s beyond it!
8. Mandatory Eye and Ear protection MUST be worn at ALL times by shooters as well as spectators
9. Carry your firearm so that it is not dangerous to others.  Do not carry your break-open gun over your shoulder.
10. Treat every gun as if it was loaded, “Safety is No Accident

Sporting Clays Rules and Etiquette

Winter League Logistics: Sign up will end at 9:30am. Please arrive early enough to register by 9:30. Each squad is numbered, please report to that number station for your initial start.

Shooting: Shooters at station six (6) begin the shoot. All other shooters at all other stations must wait until the shooters at station six have begun. The presentation for each station is listed on the extra sheet on your clip board. Squads may not alter either the Traps or the presentation. Each station presents a pair of targets:

* Simultaneous pair: two targets released at the same time which may be shot

in any order.

* Following pair: two targets, one right after the other at normal machine cycle

speed.

* Report pair: two targets,first one on your call, next target released after the

first shot is fired.

If for any reason a machine either needs to be loaded or checked, only certified trappers that are members of FCFG can load or work on the machines. If at any time there is a manual machine on the station again only certified trappers that are members of FCFG may pull targets.

Targets and scoring: Only the first shooter on the station may ask to view a pair, NEW RULE: if you come up to a station and there is a squad shooting we would appreciate it if instead of viewing targets that you have already seen you would just get up and shoot, this would move things along in a more timely fashion. Malfunctions and no birds, all NSCA Rules will apply.

• Each shooter has a right to know the score awarded, therefore the score keeper shall announce “dead” or “lost” which ever the case.
• When a report pair is thrown, and the second target is a no bird, the pair must be shot over with the first target “lost” or ‘Dead” being established.
• After the final station, each squad shall clean up the station area of all hulls and trash, placing them in the receptacle provided.

Trap

7/16/97 Prices for trap doubles will be $3 Committee, $5 Members, $8 Guests.