President’s Message - January 2025

"Huntin', Fishin', Conservation, Youth"

We have closed out 2024 with another every successful Fall Raffle. I want to thank all of those who donated gifts, and those who bought and sold tickets. The funds raised enable us to continue to sponsor youth events, maintain our facilities, and give back to our community. The X-Card shoot has really taken off so far this year. I want to thank Skip, Brian, Ann, Fuzzy, and Austin. These folks show up every second and fourth Sunday at 9:00 AM and get ready for the 10:00 AM shoot. They will be shooting until the end of April then  will restart in September to finish out the year. We have a pretty good following of shooters from all over who frequent these matches, including women and children. The public is always welcome to attend. Meat and cash prizes are given to match winners.

For 2025, the Board of Directors have agreed to purchase steel plates and new archery targets. Was Huddleson has taken over archery and will have shoots beginning this year. We're excited to see what kind of interest we have from adults and youth wanting to learn how to bow-shoot. More info to follow later.

Starting in May, Jonathan and Wes Pickering will start the Rimfire shooting program in addition to the new "Outlaw" steel plate centerfire shoot. These shoots, along with Bowling Pin shoots, will be held on Sunday afternoons. Dates will be announced on our Facebook group page and on our website calendar.

Of great importance is membership renewal. Our dues structure is set on a January through December fiscal year. Since we were late to get this information out, membership privileges will be extended until February 28th. Dues for members are $25, youth memberships are $5. In addition, Range Passes for open shooting are $25 for open shooting months. And individual daily pass is $2 for members and $5 for non-members. Our mailing address has changed since we now have a new Treasurer - Jonathan Pickering. All mail for the Fayette County Fish & Game should be sent to 1113 Campbell Street, Washington C.H. OH, 43160. Please make sure your application and renewal is printed and legible when mailed. Renewals may also be dropped off at our shoots or at the lodge during our regular meeting night. Additional news for Lodge Rentals - cost is $60 per day for members and $100 for non-members after a vote of the board.

The tentative date for this year's Youth Trout Derby is Saturday, May 3rd - for ages 15 years and younger. Trout will be stocked on Friday, May 2nd, and the two ponds at Washington Park will be closed to fishing until the Youth Trout Derby has concluded at 2:00 PM. After then, the ponds will be open for adults and the general public. An Ohio fishing license is required for everyone 16 and older. All Ohio bag limits apply. We are currently looking for additional sponsors for the Youth Trout Derby and are asking for donations toward prizes. We are grateful to be receiving some additional help from thew Washington Fire Department this year. A free lunch will be provided for all youth participants. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM and fishing will be from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Donors and sponsors - please contact Butch Wyatt at 740-606-0172 or Skip Mitchell at 740-505-0798.

Summer wouldn't be the same without our regular shooting events. Mike Lott will be leading the 22 Silhouette shoots and Don Leasure will lead the Bench shoots. Open shooting will return with some changes, and the dates will be posted later. I want to thank our range officers who donate their time - it is greatly appreciated. We will have a Wound Class coming up for range officers to attend.

If you haven't been to the range lately, we have been able to obtain some dirt to build up the pistol and 50-yard range backstops. We will also be working on a new barrier separating the two pistol ranges and will do some additional work on the 100-yard barrier. We still need more dirt for these projects, so if you know anyone who has some to spare, please let Butch Wyatt know (740-606-0172).

2025 is looking to be a very busy year. We are grateful to be able to give back to our community. This January 21st, we were able to present the Fayette Firearms 4H club with a $500 check which will assist them in purchasing supplies for their shooting program.

There is something for everyone, so plan on coming down and supporting the Fayette County Fish & Game. Regular monthly meetings are held at the lodge on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM.

Sincerely,

Butch Wyatt