Wasting Money?

[SmeeAgain]

Most of my adult life I've bought hunting & fishing licenses every year. Last time I went fishing was in the 1960s. As for hunting, I went one time about 1990ish.
Why? Because I believe our precious resources need to be managed and that takes money. It's a small price to pay to preserve that for future generations.
I recently found a gun range worth supporting! I have my own land to shoot on, and do quite often so I don't frequent gun ranges.
But... I'm seriously considering buying an annual membership in this one just to support it. If I do, I'll continue it until they quit doing things right.
Like the lucenses, I'll never use it but it's worth it knowing others have a safe place to shoot.
BTW... NRA hasn't seen a dime from me in decades. I quit supporting them shortly after they quit supporting us.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

I'm not sure what you're asking.

Are you asking if paying a fee to a club that you won't shoot at just in hopes that others have the chance to shoot is a waste of money? If so I would agee thats a waste of money.

I also have my own property that I can shoot on. I would never pay a range money that I won't actually use.

If I'm not understanding the situation then please clarify.

 

[nettlle]

I have a range to shoot at home and a very nice indoor range about 10 minuted from home. I am blessed in that way. Sometimes, in the bitter winter months, I will pay for a month's membership at the indoor range. Still I much prefer shooting at home. Especially now. I have a new 1911 I am working up loads for and I can run back and forth between the range and my reloading press to tweak the loads. This saves an unbelievable amount of time when working up a load.

It's supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow. I have a fresh batch of hand loads to try tomorrow. I am not going to the indoor range to try them.

 

[bannockburn]

SmeeAgain

recently found a gun range worth supporting! I have my own land to shoot on, and do quite often so I don't frequent gun ranges.
But... I'm seriously considering buying an annual membership in this one just to support it. If I do, I'll continue it until they quit doing things right.
Like the lucenses, I'll never use it but it's worth it knowing others have a safe place to shoot.

If I had my own property to shoot on I sure wouldn't be looking for a privately owned range to waste my money on, especially if I wasn't planning to use it. And while it's quite magnanimous of you to want to give financial support to the range so others might use it, there's no guarantee that the range will be run properly and remain open some time in the near future.

Save your money and use it to maintain your own range or spend it on ammo, targets, new guns, etc.

 

[Mn Fats]

I think I get what the OP is saying. But wouldn't it be ironic if the range had a membership limit and you were taking up a spot.

If it's a struggling range, maybe you could volunteer or just spread the word around.

Either way, it's your money. I shoot on smee own land almost exclusively.

 

[Buzznrose]

Another option to support the range is to buy and gift memberships to folks who could use the help. May want to ask at the range office.

 

[JTHunter]

There are no public outdoor ranges near here and only one, very expensive, indoor range for handguns.
The closest outdoor range has been embroiled with the county government for several years because of their closeness to a certain Air Force flightline but they have won every case. Unfortunately, the last time I checked, their annual membership fees were well over $300 and they also required some hours of "sweat equity" to maintain the property and facilities.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have places in the bush where i can shoot for free. I also belong to 2 gun clubs. I use them too. I pay my dues and donate my time as well. I also clean the target stands of peoples targets they let behind. This year the one is having a fund raiser for veterans. Im going to donate items for the Chinese auction. For them to raise some funds too. If one has the extra money. I see no harm in helping out ranges and the game commission.

 

[SmeeAgain]

I'm not sure what you're asking.

Are you asking if paying a fee to a club that you won't shoot at just in hopes that others have the chance to shoot is a waste of money? If so I would agee thats a waste of money.

I also have my own property that I can shoot on. I would never pay a range money that I won't actually use.

If I'm not understanding the situation then please clarify.

This is the first range I've seen in a VERY long time that I'd be willing to shoot at & bring friends & family too.
Mainly because the VOLUNTEER range officers keep it as safe as humanly possible.
While they aren't in danger of closing, they do need funding for expansion.
The place is exceptionally clean too. Everyone is required to claim their targets & pick up their brass etc. If they don't want to take it home there is a place you can donate it.
Members get discounts through several local FFLs and access to DCM ammo! That in itself would pay for the membership.
They even have handicapped access to the firing line.
It's very reasonable at $50 per year per family. Pretty sure I could swing that without putting a mortgage on the ranch.

 

[SmeeAgain]

Another option to support the range is to buy and gift memberships to folks who could use the help. May want to ask at the range office.

THAT is far better than any idea I've come up with! I'll definitely be looking into that.

 

[Steve S.]

I agree with the OP because he is spending his money in a manner he wishes that infringes on me not one bit so not rendering support makes little sense to me.

 

[Demi-human]

If you wish to be charitable and donate to a company you like, instead of buying Wayne another suit, far be it from me to stop you.

Maybe see if the money donated could go to a youth firearms instruction class. They are the future.

Carry on.

 

[Hartkopf]

This is the first range I've seen in a VERY long time that I'd be willing to shoot at & bring friends & family too.
Mainly because the VOLUNTEER range officers keep it as safe as humanly possible.

Sounds like these VOLUNTEER range officers deserve a gift card to BassPro or Academy or a restaurant to keep their enthusiasm up. Just thinking of another place you could put your money if you don’t actually use the range.

 

[Barbaroja]

Buying hunting and fishing licenses is a great way to support hunting and fishing conservation in your state.

 

[buck460XVR]

I know of many folks that have never hunted a duck in their life...yet they buy duck stamps every year. Same with our State pheasant,Turkey and Trout stamps. The proceeds from these stamps goes directly towards the sustainability of these species, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects. Don't have to kill those animals in order to enjoy having them around. License proceeds around here also goes to the general fund with 57 cents going to Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Another 19 cents goes to law enforcement. Not only does this help game species, but also indirectly contributes to non-game species. So buying stamps and licenses you don't use helps everybody and is a subtle way to contribute. I buy a Patrons license every year that while I use many of the benefits it includes, it also includes licenses, stamps and application that I have not, nor will ever use. I feel it's a good investment. I also belong to two small Sportsman clubs in the area. Hardly ever use their ranges, and rarely attend meetings. The money for membership is small, yet they do more than run a range. They do hunter/shooter education and habitat and species improvement, like raising pheasants for release and helping with local fish stocking. Goods things that I feel I help support. I do not consider any of it a "waste".

 

[Barbaroja]

I know of many folks that have never hunted a duck in their life...yet they buy duck stamps every year. Same with our State pheasant,Turkey and Trout stamps. The proceeds from these stamps goes directly towards the sustainability of these species, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects. Don't have to kill those animals in order to enjoy having them around. License proceeds around here also goes to the general fund with 57 cents going to Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Another 19 cents goes to law enforcement. Not only does this help game species, but also indirectly contributes to non-game species. So buying stamps and licenses you don't use helps everybody and is a subtle way to contribute. I buy a Patrons license every year that while I use many of the benefits it includes, it also includes licenses, stamps and application that I have not, nor will ever use. I feel it's a good investment. I also belong to two small Sportsman clubs in the area. Hardly ever use their ranges, and rarely attend meetings. The money for membership is small, yet they do more than run a range. They do hunter/shooter education and habitat and species improvement, like raising pheasants for release and helping with local fish stocking. Goods things that I feel I help support. I do not consider any of it a "waste".

OH YES! Duck stamps are a fantastic way to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. They make great gifts and the art is always stunning.

 

[Gus Chiggins]

It's similar to contributing financially to a forum. You don't have to, but it's your money and if it supports something you enjoy, spend away!

 

[kmw1954]

I understand the question and support the premise. Here too the fees from License and stamps goes back into the DNR for land management, education, habitat, shooting ranges and boat ramps.

As was also mentioned does this facility have a membership cap? If so maybe help fund another shooter that otherwise may not have the means to join. Also why not use it? Many clubs also hold shooting events for members or even organized leagues.

Two years ago I came out of retirement to work as an RO at one of our Public ranges. I did not do it for the money because if it was all about income there are certainly other areas I could go back to work and earn twice or more as what I make here. I did it to get out, make new friends, enjoy myself doing something I truly enjoy, shoot when not busy and enjoy seeing all the wonderful firearms.

Here also in Wisconsin is a private sportsmans club that for seniors is only $25.00 per year that I thought about joining only they are only open 3 days per week, have limited range stations for rifles and pistols and mostly cater to trap. It is also almost an hour trip each way. So I have not joined.

 

[SmeeAgain]

There were several outstanding ideas posted already... like sponsoring safety / shooting classes for kids, a "thank you" to the volunteers, and buying memberships for others.
Volunteering myself isn't an option. I'm just too busy. Somehow I've managed to be working harder & longer now that I'm retired than I did when actually working.
I'm not rich by any means but can easily afford putting a few dollars towards things that I feel are important.

 

[SmeeAgain]

I know of many folks that have never hunted a duck in their life...yet they buy duck stamps every year. Same with our State pheasant,Turkey and Trout stamps. The proceeds from these stamps goes directly towards the sustainability of these species, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects. Don't have to kill those animals in order to enjoy having them around. License proceeds around here also goes to the general fund with 57 cents going to Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Another 19 cents goes to law enforcement. Not only does this help game species, but also indirectly contributes to non-game species. So buying stamps and licenses you don't use helps everybody and is a subtle way to contribute. I buy a Patrons license every year that while I use many of the benefits it includes, it also includes licenses, stamps and application that I have not, nor will ever use. I feel it's a good investment. I also belong to two small Sportsman clubs in the area. Hardly ever use their ranges, and rarely attend meetings. The money for membership is small, yet they do more than run a range. They do hunter/shooter education and habitat and species improvement, like raising pheasants for release and helping with local fish stocking. Goods things that I feel I help support. I do not consider any of it a "waste".

I don't know about duck stamps but in my state tags for deer, elk & antelope are allocated according to wildlife population. I wouldn't want to upset the delicate balance by buying tags / stamps with no intention of taking the animal. Kinda defeats the purpose of management.

 

[buck460XVR]

I don't know about duck stamps but in my state tags for deer, elk & antelope are allocated according to wildlife population. I wouldn't want to upset the delicate balance by buying tags / stamps with no intention of taking the animal. Kinda defeats the purpose of management.

Big difference between "tags" and "stamps" here. While you may need a "stamp" to hunt/fish a species, it is not a "kill tag" nor is it a license. In most instances you need all three. As for kill tags, the numbers issued are not only because of current population numbers, but because of past "success" ratios. These ratios include folks that are poor hunters and those that did not hunt, intentionally or not. I doubt very much if you would upset any "delicate" balance. Here we are given "X" amount of antlerless tags for deer with each deer license we buy, depending on the area we hunt. The last few years it has gone back and forth between 6 and 8 for me. I haven't shot an antlerless deer for many years. I leave that to the kids and grandkids. Doubt if I have skewed the DNR's numbers at all.

 

[SmeeAgain]

Big difference between "tags" and "stamps" here. While you may need a "stamp" to hunt/fish a species, it is not a "kill tag" nor is it a license. In most instances you need all three. As for kill tags, the numbers issued are not only because of current population numbers, but because of past "success" ratios. These ratios include folks that are poor hunters and those that did not hunt, intentionally or not. I doubt very much if you would upset any "delicate" balance. Here we are given "X" amount of antlerless tags for deer with each deer license we buy, depending on the area we hunt. The last few years it has gone back and forth between 6 and 8 for me. I haven't shot an antlerless deer for many years. I leave that to the kids and grandkids. Doubt if I have skewed the DNR's numbers at all.

Well... there you go... using facts & indisputable logic to support your views!
If this were Facebook, your rebuttal would certainly violate "Community Standards" because you made sense.
Fortunately speaking the truth is allowed here... for now.