Club History
In the late 1940`s - early 1950`s - out-of-town goose hunters were overrunning area farms with detrimental effects on wildlife populations. A group of local men - George Woodward, Mike Dalieden, Orville Atkins, Dutch Atkins, Charlie Dickinson, Skip Bale, and Art Paul got together with Charlie Clay from the Dowagiac Gun Club to see what could be done. It was decided to form a club named the Fennville Rod and Gun Club. The club was formed in 1954. The immediate goal of the club was to print and distribute signs requiring hunters to get permission from landowners to hunt.

Early meetings were held at the American Legion Clubhouse. George Woodward was the first President. Early meetings and shoots were held at Walt Robbins property on 123rd. Claire Harrington tore down a school building in Douglas and donated it to the club, with the understanding that the club would rebuild it on our present site as our clubhouse, which was completed about 1956.

The Fennville Rod and Gun Club had a small building where the pistol range is now located that was put up in approximately 1955. Originally they had just one trap field. The trap was both hand loaded and cocked. In 1973 electicity was added and the skeet fields were built. bonds were sold to finance these improvements. In 1983 the north trap field was added, along with the bathroom addition. In 1985 the extra storage room was added on the west end of the building. The pole barn was added in 1991, and we`re still growing!

Submitted by J.D. Brake

COMMUNITY SERVICE DATES FOR 2009

• The Fennville Rod and Gun Club does it`s part in helping to keep the Fennville area beautiful by lending a helping hand and keeping a stretch of M-89 litter-free as part of the statewide "Adopt a Highway" initiative. Dates for the 2009 season are April 17th, July 10th, and Sept. 11th. Meet at the What-Not Inn at five pm and walk from there. Bring your gloves and bags, we will see you there!

• Hunter`s Safety Dates for the 2009 season;
• June 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th
  
• July 20th, 22nd, 24th, and 25th
• August 17th, 19th, 21st, and 22nd
• September 14th, 16th, 18th and 19th
• Classes are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at the clubhouse. Monday through Friday classes are 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Saturday classes are 8:00am until 12:00pm.
• You must attend all four classes to graduate.
• Students 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Cost is 8.00 per student (subject to adjustment)
• For more information you can call the club during shooting hours, or call 269-561-8183 / 269-227-3661

Fennville Rod and Gun Club is 100% Handicap accessible

Remember, volunteers are not only welcomed but encouraged and badly needed