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2020
January 18th
The Venture Crew Youth will be using the Indoor Range. The Indoor Range closed for this event from 12:30 PM to 4 PM
January 1st
Mark your calendars for the annual Club Gun Show. It will be held January 11th, 9AM to 4PM and 12th, 9AM to 3PM at the Nescopeck Community Fire Hall at Route 93 and Zenith Road.
2019
December 31st
The shell of the new building is complete and the keys were turned over at 4 PM. This is a great first step in providing a future training area and meeting place for the club. Thanks to Doug Samsel for pursuing this venture.
December 26th
Building Program updated photos
December 20th
The New Clubhouse building was ongoing under the Project management of Doug Samsel. Thanks, Doug for the initiative and time you spent in getting this Building Project going. Pictures taken up to December 20th are posted below (thanks to Bill Whitebread for the photography.
The Building Permit, Electrical, and Plumbing permit were issued by Criterium/Peters Engineering as well as the sewer laying installation drawings.
Materials for running the water and sewer lines were purchased from T.E.A.M. Supply, Inc.
The building shell is being constructed by Fisher’s Roofing $ Construction out of Turbotville.
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December 19th
The Berwick High School Rifle team is off to a great start in their 2019-2020 season with 4 wins and 0 losses in 2019. Congratulations to the team and head coach Cathy Curtin. Thanks also to the Club and our members for allowing them to practice and compete out of the NHRC Indoor range.
Also, congratulations to Shane Levan, who earned his 5,000th career point.
In the Press Enterprise newspaper, December 17th, 2019
LEVAN EARNS 5,000TH POINT
Shane Levan earned his 5,000th career point Dec. 10 during a home match against North Pocono. From left: Bo Orlando, athletic director; Skeet Levan, father; Lisa Levan, mother; and Cathy Curtin, coach
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November 7th
Update on the building project.
• In August, the Zoning permit and the building permit were approved.
• September, the construction inspection permits completed.
• October, the engineering plans and drawings for the Sewer project were finished
• November, the first materials arrived at the site;, the Septic vault, sewage lines, and water lines.
• Soon coming is the excavation for and the laying of the sewage and water lines to the site.
November 1st
RANGE IMPROVEMENTS ARE COMING SOON!
A bright new improvement is coming to the Nescopeck Hunting & Rifle Club. As part of the club’s philosophy of providing for the members and youth of the area, the club is adding a 32’ x 48’ meeting/training building to the site which will include running water and sewage. The new building will be located where the existing club sign and flag pole are currently installed. The new facility will include ADA compliant restroom facilities, a kitchenette area and a 32’x32’ meeting/training area.
The parent membership has accepted a proposal to erect the building shell. To date the club has procured the Zoning, Building, Electrical and Plumbing permits. In an effort to keep costs down, the club will be looking for members who would like to help and volunteer their time and talents to help us complete this project. The skills we will need, but not limited to, are: Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Drywall, Painting, HVAC & Cement work.
The building project will be completed in separate Phases. Phase 1 (Beginning mid- October) involves connecting to the Nescopeck Borough sewer system and to the PA American Water System. This will involve running nearly 800 feet of water line and close to 500 feet of 8” sewer line. It is the club’s responsibility to install these lines. Phase 2 (target date – last week in Nov) of the project will be completed by the contractor. It will include the installation of the weather tight building shell, ceiling installed, including R-48 ceiling insulation and concrete floor. The remaining phases will be completed by the NHRC Membership. Phase 3 (Beginning mid -December) will consist of the installation of the bathroom and kitchenette walls, plumbing, electrical service, hard wire the building and the installation of the drywall and HVAC. Phase 4 (Early Spring 2020) will involve pumping out and filling in the existing privies and converting them to running water and connecting to the sewer system. This will include installing heat and insulation. Installation of sidewalks to the bench rest area will be included in this phase. Phase 5 (Early Spring 2020) will focus on connecting the new facility to the indoor pistol range via a sidewalk. Phase 6 (Spring 2020) involves remodel of the indoor range includes the following projects: update the wiring, replace the oil burner furnace with a new high efficiency gas or electric ceiling mounted unit, and to remove the carpet and install a water resistant hard floor that will also resist absorbing dust.
If you are interested in volunteering your help, please contact Project Manager Doug Samsel 570-204-0398 or Marty Sippel 570-868-8105 or Eric Stout 570-854-2039
October 21st
The Nescopeck Hunting and Rifle Club is proud to sponsor the Berwick High School Rifle Team. The club has been doing so for almost 20 years. Team practices are in the indoor range on Mondays and Wednesdays from now through March of 2020. The team will have home competitions on Tuesday December 10th and Thursdays on December 17th, January 9th and January 16th. On these dates of practice and competitions, the indoor range will be closed from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
September 28th
The club has purchased an improved trap thrower! It has greater capacity of targets, but more importantly it is a “wobble trap” and can throw doubles. It will be installed following this years scheduled season, but who knows, we may schedule a shoot or two this winter after it’s installation.
September 10th
We’re opening a new offering to the club…..ladies trap introduction/training. Any women who want to be brought into trap shooting can be introduced/trained by two of our trap shooting members. It’s offered Tuesday nights after the scheduled trap shoot. Please contact Bill Whitebread @ 570-441-3428 or e-mail to wwhitebread@gmail.com or contact Mike Paltjon @ 570-401-6951 or email paltjon52@gmail.com.
August 25th
The Nescopeck Hunting and Rifle club is pleased to announce that a new building will be constructed on the range property. It’s purpose will be for training classes and special events (biathlon) as well as a more comfortable place for the monthly meetings. Stay tuned for more information.
Just a reminder…..the meetings for September, October, and November are on the second Friday (07:30PM) of the month and there isn’t a meeting in December.
The weather forecast looks promising for this coming Tuesday’s trap (September 10th starting at 05:30PM). Also, the cost for Junior shooters (<21 yrs old) has been reduced to $2.00/ round) to increase the number of younger shooters at trap.
August 16th
The Monday night Youth shooting will be canceled for the next two weeks. No shooting on the 19th and the 26th. Monday night shooting will resume September the 9th.
August 13th
A successful night of Trap shooting was completed with 6 squads participating. The numbers of shooters continues to be lower than 2018, but it’s good to see the shooters we get.
August 6th
Hooray…we got another night of trap shooting, though not without some rain at the end of the event. What is it with Tuesday and rain being together.
July 28th
The NHRC promotes youth shooting and training to further the future of our sport. So when the opportunity arose to support the Columbia/Montour Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in buying an inflatable BB gun range, the club donated towards their purchase. Best wishes to the Columbia/Montour BSA and the future of their young perspective shooters.
July 28th
YOU ASKED FOR IT! BEGINNER TRAP SHOOTS
All female members and non members who would like to learn to shoot trap, please contact Bill Whitebread 570-441-3428 or e-mail to wwhitebread@gmail.com. We will plan a trap shooting event to show you how easy and fun it is. This will be for ladies who would like to learn to shoot without the pressure of going to a regular trap shoot. The beginner class will be held at another time other than the Club’s Tuesday night shoot.
Although it is not required to own a shotgun to participate, if you have a shotgun please bring it with you. In addition, if there are any male members who would like to learn to shoot trap other than on a Tuesday Night also contact Bill (contact info above) to set up lessons with other beginners.
July 26th
We’ve had issues with damage to the club facilities, but more important is that the damage was not reported. If you inadvertently damage or even find damage when you arrive at the range, you must report it. Please notify Doug Samsel at 570-204-0398 or Bill Whitebread at 570-441-3428.
The club now has a policy addressing “Damage to Club Property” and is found under the “rules” tab of this website.
July 23rd
Tuesday nights Trap Shoot attendance has been down this year. Some, but not all of the cause would have been the rainy Tuesdays. One thing we’re working on is attracting younger shooters. Shooting Fees for those under the age of 21 will be going from $4.00 per round to $2.00 per round.
Tuesday night’s shooting begins at 05:30PM
Video Player00:0000:26
July 13th
The second Pa Biathlon of 2019 was held at the NHRC. The weather was great and the turnout was too, 51 participants, 10 out of state and one even from Dallas Texas.
Victor Eckrote, age 15, who shoots with the youth group at NHRC finished 3rd out of the 51 participants. Congratulations Victor!
Victor Eckrote 3rd place overal
Thanks also to the NHRC club members who helped in setting up and running the event.
Friday July 12th setup:
Richard Haraschak
Bob Harter
Mark Vukmanovich
Saturday July 13th event:
Tony Camillocci
Rich Rinkus
Kathy Beck
Richard Haraschak
May 18th
The first of the two Biathlons to be held at the NHRC went smoothly with pristine weather. Turnout of competitors was limited, however those who competed seemed pleased with the event.
Many thanks to those club members who helped make it happen. This includes Bob Harter and Rich Rinkus who worked Friday on setting up the range, and to Bob Beck, Kathy Coslett, and Tony Camillocci who supported the day of the event.
May 4th
The May 2019 Work Day was a great success thanks to a fantastic turnout of club members and cooperative weather. A thanks for the help goes to Tony Camillocci, Tom Makuch, Dave Prince, Rich Serra, Gabe Allesi, Dave Suhocki, Jerry Grink, Tim Ebert, Al Gizenski, Mark Weibel, Scott Green, Joe Coakley, Bob McCarthy, Jim Sapak, Marty Sippel, Doug Samsel, Rich Yoder, Mark Vukmanovich, Bill Whitebread, Bob Hettinger, and Eric Stout.
Naming just a couple of tasks completed; there were additional tables built for the defensive firearm range and the range was leveled and boundary posts cemented in. For the indoor range, the ballistic rubber plates were all removed and replaced as necessary, and the lead was removed from both in front of and behind the backstop. Outside, the old cement posts for the grounds boundary were removed and the new wooden posts sized and trimmed.
Special Notice:
In the May publication of the NRA magazines there is an article of great importance to all of us as NRA members. The article is labeled “STOP THE NRA SHUTDOWN”.
This article is a critical warning to all NRA members that New York governor Cuomo is out to put the NRA out of business. He’s doing that by messaging every bank and insurance company in the US that financial institutions who refuse to sever ties with the NRA will be harassed, hassled, and persecuted into submission.
If he’s successful, and the banks and insurance companies comply with his message (which some have already done); without financial institutions to work with, the NRA will go out of business.
The NRA has filed suit stating that Cuomo’s actions are to silence the NRA. This suit will probably be the biggest 1st Amendment legal case of our lifetimes. The suit’s outcome, in preserving the NRA’s existence, is essential in preserving the chief defender of our 2nd Amendment rights.
Because of the importance of the outcome of this suit, the Nescopeck Hunting and Rifle Club unanimously voted on Friday 4/26/2019 to donate to the NRA in support of their legal actions. It’s being suggested that you, as an NRA member, read this article and consider its importance to your 2nd Amendment rights.
March 1st
Update your calendar’s now for the Club Work Day on May 4th, starting time is 8AM. This just one of the ways to contribute your time to helping keep the clubhouse and ranges clean and up to date.
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March 1st
The indoor range is now open to all on Wednesday evenings through the summer now that the Berwick High School Rifle Team season has ended. However, the range remains closed on Monday evenings after 3:30 PM for the Youth Shooting Program.
January 27th
The Indoor Range has reopened following repair to damaged retrieval systems.
Thanks to all our members who supported the repair. They include Lee Radley, Greg Braskie, Mike Paltjon, Ed Borkowski, Mark Vukmanovich, Doug Samsel, and Bill Whitebread.
A reminder to all club members to notify Doug Samsel at the phone posted in the club house if there is any malfunction or damage to the retrieval system or range house noted while using the range.
January 19th
The indoor range is closed until further notice due to damage to the retrieval system.
2018
November 11th
Completed yet another work day. Today was mostly for installing new posts on the Ridge Road border of the club, but the indoor/outdoor carpet was laid on the prone area of the Rifle Range. Thanks to all those who helped. They included Jim Davis, Rich Rinkus, Mark Vukmanovich, Bill Whitebread, Doug Samsel, Eric Stout, and Lead for the day’s activities, Rich Yoder.
November 10th
Today, November 10th, was concealed carry courses at NHRC. The weather was very cold and windy, but that didn’t stop the instructor, Larry Surkin and the trainees from learning and practicing concealed carry practices.
October 28th
As part of the ongoing Indoor Range Improvement Project, the last of the six lane target retrieval system was installed. This process has taken time, and will continue in the future with improved lighting, a range ceiling, and other plans. But it is being accomplished due to our members coming together and working together.
Thanks to the following for their help in the indoor range improvement project.
Rich Rinkus, Tom Shultz, Pete O’Donohue, Mark Vukmanovich, Doug Samsel, Marty Sipple, Bill Whitebread, Rich Yoder, Brian Wark, Jim Williams, Nannette Sasinski-hogue, Mike Paltjon, Joe Catone, Mark Weibel, Rudy Fellin, Nick Triano, Brian Wark, and Eric Stout.
October 22nd
Classes are filled for Larry Surkin’s concealed carry training on November 10th. The advanced concealed carry is 09:30 AM to noon, revolver from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and bug gun from 3 PM to 3:30 PM.
Those attending should remember to bring 100 rounds of ammo (50 and 50 for bug gun), a cover garment, eye and ear protection, a quality holster (the one you carry, please no junk holsters), and an extra magazine or speed strip/speed loader for revolver. The bug gun course requires both your edc and bug gun carry holster.
The November 10th date will be rescheduled only if there is heavy snow or severe weather. However, the classes will take place in light rain/snow or cold.
The Defensive Firearm range will be closed to non-participants during this training.
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October 21st
After another Sunday mornings work (10/21/2018), the automatic retrieval system on the indoor lane was increased to 5 out of 6 lanes. One more to go. Thanks for those who participated. There was Bill Whitebread as the lead, Jim Williams, Nannette Sasinski-hogue, Doug Samsel, Eric Stout, and Mark Vukmanovich.
Bill Whitebread, Jim Williams, and Nannette Sasinski-hogue
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October 16th
Thanks to the shooters who attended the last seasonal Nescopeck Tuesday night trap shoot. It was a rainy summer and we didn’t get that many shoots in, but here’s hopes for next year.
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October 14th
Many thanks to Mark Weibel for his donation of an outstanding rolling toolbox for the club.
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October 14th
We had a great turnout today to install several lanes of the automated retrieval system on the Indoor Range. Bill Whitebread headed the group in completing three lanes (1, 2, and 3). Lanes 4 and 5 remain on the pulley system until next Sunday. Attending were Bill Whitebread, Jim Williams, Nannette Sasinski-hogue, Mike Paltjon, Joe Catone, Mark Weibel, Rrudy Fellin, Nick Triano, and Eric Stout. Nice work!
Nick Triano, Jim Williams, Mike Paltjon, and Nannette Sasinski-hogue
Nick Triano, Jim Williams, and Mark Weibel
Bill Whitebread and Nick Triano
Volunteers for next Sunday’s work on the retrieval system are asked to contact Bill at (570) 441-3428 or wwhitebread@gmail.com.
October 3rd
For those NHRC members who’d be interested in carry training, please email or phone NHRC member Larry Surkin. His “advanced handgun” class is full, but there is still one opening in the “revolver basics”, and two openings in the “back up gun (BUG) basics”. The classes will be held November 10th. Please contact Larry by email at deadeyedefensive@gmail.com or by phone at (570) 951-7841.
From Larry:
“Will be in touch via email with info on each class. Please remember all will need about 100 rounds of ammo, quality holster (please no junk holster, if unsure contact me) extra mag or speed loader or strip for revolver, eye and ear protection.
Bug gun class, your primary carry pistol and your bug with the method you carry it, ammo for both needed(50 rounds each gun)
Also bring cover garment
REMINDER – THE DEFENSIVE FIREARM RANGE WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY
Thanks, Larry”
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October 2nd
The trap machine was successfully repaired and additional maintenance completed Tuesday the 25th. The evening trap shoot was held for 4 squads of shooters. Probably the rainy morning and early afternoon and the yearly Bloomsburg fair contributed to the low turnout.
We had great weather for Tuesday night’s shoot on October 9th with 8 squads of shooters and enough ATA shooters for the big 50. _____________________________________________________________________________
September 19th
Though it’s only mid September, it’s time to start planning for the Annual Gun show on January 12th and 13th of next year. This event takes lots of support. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Marty Sippel via email…….. Martnal@pa.metrocast.net.
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September 1st
Revisions to the Club’s Range rules were approved August 24th. The revisions to the rules are listed on this website and are being added to each of the individual ranges. Be knowledgeable of them, and follow them always. One of the changes to the general club rules is that non-members must also sign in on the log sheets. They also must check that they’ve completed a liability waiver form within the calendar year.
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The weekly “open to public” Trap Shoots will be on Tuesday nights continuing through October 16th. The starting time is 05:30 PM. There is a $3.50 fee per round per members, and $4.00 fee per round per non-members.
ATA Big 50 shoots will also be held in conjunction with the weekly Tuesday night shoots. These are restricted to current ATA members. Club Members fee is $09.00 and non Club Members fee is $11.00 for 50 targets shot in 2 squads over the night. We presently are only shooting singles at 16 yards..
For the Trap Shoots, as long as we have support and there is interest, we will be offering hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and Gatorade, and candy bars. Thanks to Rich Yoder for initiating this.
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New swinging gates have replaced the chains that previously were at the three access points to the club. To improve security to the club grounds, the two gates away from the clubhouse entrance will be made lock and key entrances accessible to the parent members. These two gates may be unlocked when supporting club events.
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The second Pa Biathlon event for the year 2018 held at NHRC (July 14th) was an overwhelming success. The weather was great and the attendance level (61 participants) was outstanding. I had several positive comments from the runners on our club holding this event and looking forward to its future events.
The club house was filled with first timers, a great indication that there is renewed interest in this event.
But what was really exceptional was the support of the club members in supporting this event. Many of the NHRC members joined in carrying out this event.
Thanks for:
Magazine reloading
• Bob Beck
• Marty Sipple
• Larry Surkin
Range safety and direction
• Mike Paltjon
Event logistics and tracking
• Rich Rinkus
Photography
• Kathy Coslett
And congratulations to Victor Eckrote, Berwick Junior High School, for finishing first in his age category.
Pictures and race results will be posted here as they become available.
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The NHRC has approved a indoor range improvement package, consisting of automatic target positioners, ballistic backstop compound, and rubber wall coatings. Part of the installation was completed on June 13th and 14th. Continuing work will occur throughout the summer and will be announced on this web site and via NHRC emails. Volunteers are appreciated.
Picture left, Doug Samsel, Mark Vucmanovich, and Marty Sipple
Center: Ballistic stops installed
Picture right (installing the wall sound barrier) – Mark Vucmanovich, Doug Samsel, Marty Sipple (on the ground), and Bill Whitebread (right).
Current participants in the range improvement manual work to date include Rich Rinkus, Tom Shultz, Pete O’Donohue, Mark Vukmanovich, Doug Samsel, Marty Sipple, Bill Whitebread, Rich Yoder, Brian Wark, and Eric Stout.
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The club successfully completed it’s first ever ATA trap shoot on Thursday, June 7th. Though the turnout of ATA registered shooters was low, the weather was great and there was an excellent turnout of volunteers. Thanks to Cal Nagle for introducing and initiating us to this event. Those who attended were:
NHRC Volunteers
Cal Nagle Mark Vukmanovich
John Garside Eric Stout
Mike Paltjon Nick Triano
Bob Hettinger Alice Sippel
Doug Samsel Marty Sippel
Bill Whitebread
Shooters
Cal Nagle
Mike Paltjon
Jim Michaels
Dick Mills
*Thanks also to Rich Yoder for arranging the food services for this meet.
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The first of two Biathlon events at NHRC was successfully completed May 19 despite very rainy and cool weather. Turnout, because of the weather was limited, but many enthused athletes participated. Those who attended were undeterred by the weather and had a great spirit of athleticism, both in running and shooting.
First time contestant, and Berwick Junior High School student Victor Eckrote placed 8th out of the 25 contestants. Great job Victor.
Thanks to club members Bill Whitebread, Doug Samsel, and Mary Anne Peterline for their helping the Pa Biathlon Group in pulling off this event.
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Thanks to all those who helped at the Club Workday on Saturday, May 5th. There was a fantastic turnout, the weather was perfect, and a lot of grounds maintenance jobs, as well as special projects completed. Thanks for your help; your response to this event was fantastic.
Members who did sign-in are as follows, but thanks to all, even if we missed you at sign-in.
Nick Triano, Mary Peterlin, Mike Pucci, Tom Makuch, Eric Stout, Jason Higgs, Rich Serra, Jeff Mason, Jr., Chris Myers, Bill Whitebread, Brian Hooper, Rudolph Fellm, Steve Moleski, Marty Sippel, Martin Ryman, Jeff McElrath, Hope Hettinger, Bob Hettinger, Rich Yoder, Larry Bedziecki, R. Scott Green, Mark Vukmanovich, Steve Zeak, John Kalena, Kevin Merges, Scott Wise, Don Beck, Kathy Coslett, Gabe Alessi, Mike Rospendowski, Kyle Whitebread, Dave Suhocki, Bob McCarthy, Scott Miller
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Control for the Indoor Range auto-positioning target system is as follows. The controls allow for automatic 21 foot or 50 foot. Adjustments are possible using the controls.
Just depress the left arrow of the control for 21 foot target placement or the right arrow for 50 foot placement. Do not hold the button but for a 1/2 second. To move the target further or less in distance, use the in (top) or out (bottom) push button to adjust to your desire. The middle button, the stop button, stops all movement of the target positioning system.
If you have problems or questions, please call Doug Samsel @ 570-204-0398.
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* Members are limited to having only 2 guests (shooters or non-shooters). Each guest attending with a member must sign in for each visit and must fill out a liability waiver form once per the calendar year.
* A reminder to all users of the indoor range. Rifle caliber cartridges are NOT allowed to be shot indoors. Likewise, shotshells, such as in the Judge .410 are NOT allowed to be shot indoors
Firearm Safety Rules
1. The muzzle MUST always be pointed DOWN RANGE.
2. All firearms SHALL be handled as if they ARE LOADED.
3. The firearm WILL NOT be LOADED until at the firing line.
4. KEEP your finger OFF the trigger until ready to fire.
5. When the firing line is hot, or shooters are ready to fire, no one GOES FORWARD of the benches for any reason.
6. PRIOR to going forward of the benches to change targets or collect brass, make sure the firing line is CLEAR, everyone has acknowledged the line is CLEAR, and has their firearm COMPLETELY UNLOADED, on the bench with muzzle pointed down range, magazines are removed, cylinders open, and bolt/action opened.
7. When the firing line is clear, or shooters are ready to go change targets, all shooters MUST GET UP AND AWAY from their firearms. Those physically limited MUST TURN away from their firearm. NO ONE will HANDLE a firearm when someone is down range! This means you DO NOT pick up your firearm for any reason, you DO NOT play with your sights, you DO NOT show another shooter one of your firearms, you DO NOT run a patch down your bore or clean your firearm, you DO NOT move firearms to or from your vehicle.
8. STOP SHOOTING immediately upon the command “CEASE FIRE” and follow directions from whom ever is in charge. The person who called the cease fire will take control or submit control to another person who can handle the situation.
9. CEASE FIRE will be called if animals are present on the Outdoor Range or the farmer is starting work in one of the adjacent fields. The range is closed whenever the farmer is working.
10. Defensive Firearm Range (DFR) and Outdoor Range ARE CLOSED during Trap Shoots, Pa Biathlon, and other special events.
Contact Us
- nhrc.clubnews@gmail.com
- 570-759-1783
- Nescopeck Hunting and Rifle Club, PO Box 1006, Berwick, PA 18603-0706
- Located at: 153 Ridge Road, Nescopeck, PA 18635 (intersection of Ridge and Pine Street)