THE ELK RIVER SPORTSMAN’S CLUB

MEMBERS’ MANUAL This book contains information about the club, its facilities and their proper

use, and the privileges and responsibilities of membership.

Included in this manual are the constitutional by-laws of the club and the Elk

River City Code, Chapter 50, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions; Division

2 Dangerous Weapons.

ORGANIZATION

The Elk River Sportsman’s Club is incorporated under the laws of the State of

Minnesota as a nonprofit organization. The club has been in operation since

January 2, 1946, when it was chartered as the St Louis Park Sportsman’s Club.

In 1962, the club’s range was in the path of the I-35W construction, so the

current club property – 304.71 acres – was purchased for $25 per acre. The club

was re-chartered October 21, 1997. The name was changed to Elk River

Sportsmans Club on August 17, 1999, and to Elk River Sportsman’s Club in

2009.

The club functions under the provisions of its constitution and by-laws. All

business matters are handled by a Board of Directors, which meets monthly or

as required by circumstances. The Board establishes the frequency and location

of general membership meetings, usually 7 PM on the third Tuesday of each

month.

During the months of April through October, meetings are held in the

clubhouse at the range. November through March meetings are held at a location

determined by the Board.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone over 18 years of age. A club member in good

standing who has donated 8 hours of work to the club during the previous year

may sponsor one candidate per year for membership. An application for

membership must be completed, and both the applicant and sponsor must attend

a meeting of the Board of Directors, which will consider all applications.

Initial membership cost is the annual dues plus an initiation fee. Thereafter,

the cost is the annual dues as established by club by-laws. Dues for the coming

year become payable on December 1st, and if not paid by the last day of

December the member is dropped from the membership rolls. The club roster is

for internal club activity use only and will not be distributed for any other

purpose.

Since 2010, all new members are required to be a member of the NRA. As

a condition of renewal, those members who joined in 2010 and thereafter must

provide proof that their NRA membership is current, or they must renew their

NRA membership as part of their ERSC membership renewal.

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The club is non-partisan and does not endorse any political party or candidate.

However, the club urges all of its members to review the qualifications and

records of all the candidates and vote, keeping in mind the best interests of our

club and the shooting and hunting sports.

Each year, members have the privilege and responsibility of electing, or being

elected to, a position as a club officer or board member. Candidates for office

are selected by a nominating committee and/or nominations from the

membership. All Annual, Senior and Honorary Life members are eligible to

hold office. The term of office is for one year, but an officer may serve any

number of terms.

Club officers consist of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary,

Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Finance Officer,

Research Officer, Conservation Officer, two Sergeants at Arms, ten members of

the Board of Directors, and an Activity Chair for each of the following

activities: Archery, 25-50 Yard, 100 Yard, High Power/KD, Pistol, Smallbore,

Shotgun, Firearms Safety, Camping, and Food Services. The Board of Directors

consists of all of the above, plus a Newsletter Editor appointed by the Board of

Directors.

FAMILY PARTICIPATION

The Elk River Sportsman’s Club welcomes and encourages the participation

of family members in the club activities and use of the range facilities. These

use privileges are extended to your spouse and members of your family under

the age of 18, but they must accompany you at all times. You are directly

responsible for their actions while on club property. Children are not allowed

within the club range areas without adult supervision.

The spouse of a member may become an Associate member, and juvenile

dependents may become Junior members, as outlined in Article III, Section (E)

of the constitution.

GUEST PRIVILEGES

The number of guests a member may bring to use the club facilities is limited

to three non-family guests. As defined in the previous section, only your

spouse and your children under 18 are considered ‘family.’

Additional guests beyond the limit of three will require a Range Use Request,

submitted to and approved by the Board of Directors. As their host member, you

will act as a Safety Officer, and you may not shoot while your guests are

actively shooting. You may demonstrate proper safety and shooting technique,

or take turns shooting.

Members have range use priority over guests, including your family members,

except during competitions or other club-sponsored events.

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RANGE USE REQUEST PROCEDURE

Classes require a Range Use Request, whether they are formal (NRA, DNR

Firearms Safety, 4H, or similar) or informal. Range Use Request forms are

available at the clubhouse or on the club website, and may be submitted by mail

or e-mail to the Corresponding Secretary.

Requests for classes require an appearance before the Board at a Board or

Member meeting. Classes require knowledgeable instructors, as demonstrated

by certification through the MN DNR, NRA, or other organization, and/or

proven experience teaching firearms safety and use.

Instructors must have their own liability insurance, or have insurance through

their sponsoring organization (DNR, 4H, etc.). Proof of insurance is required

before any class will be approved.

You are responsible for the conduct and actions of your guests/students, and

close supervision of each guest is required. You must accompany them at all

times. Do not ask or expect other club members to assume responsibility for

your guests!

GENERAL RANGE RULES

THE KEY WORD IS SAFETY

The club has developed rules of conduct and procedures for range use to

promote the safety of our members, guests, and the residents of the properties

surrounding our property. These rules are enforced, and it is mandatory that

they be observed at all times by every person who uses the range. These rules

are in addition to the basic safety rules for handling firearms and ammunition

(The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety).

{Specific rules for the various ranges follow this section}

1. Firing shall be limited to prepared ranges only, with their adequate impact

backstops. Only the target holders provided for that range shall be used.

Paper targets only, with the targets mounted in the center of the target

holder to prevent damage to the wooden structure supporting the target

holders. When putting targets on target holders, be certain that the targets

are at a height that will assure bullet impact in the berms from whatever

shooting position is being used.

Firing at objects on the ground or at targets mounted in such a manner that

bullets may strike the ground and ricochet is prohibited and shall not be

condoned for any reason. Firing at aerial targets with handguns or rifles is

prohibited on all range property.

2. Recognizing that modern firearms are often hard to single-round load,

magazines may be loaded with multiple rounds. Flag the chamber and

detach the magazine before leaving the bench or removing the firearm from

the bench. Leaving a loaded firearm unattended will be considered a serious

safety violation.

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3. ‘Rapid firing’ is not allowed on the 25/50 yard, 100 yard or KD ranges.

‘Rapid firing’ is defined by the NRA as less than 2 seconds between rounds.

The function-testing / test firing of firearms shall be done only on the Pistol

range, from 5 yards, using the three far right-hand targets only.

4. Restrict your firing to the range designed for that purpose:

Pistol Range

Pistols and revolvers, all calibers

Rimfire rifles and airguns

Carbines and rifles (except .50 BMG)

Police/self-defense shotguns, with shot or slugs (targets 14-22 only)

25 and 50 Yard Range

Pistols and revolvers, all calibers

.22 and other rimfire rifles

Centerfire rifles (except .50 BMG)

Black powder pistols and rifles

Shotgun, slugs only

100 Yard Range

Hunting caliber pistols/revolvers

Centerfire rifles (except .50 BMG)

Rimfire rifles

Black powder rifles

Shotgun, slugs only

Smallbore Range

.22 and other rimfire rifles

Airguns

Shotgun Ranges

Shotguns with #7 ½ shot and smaller only, no slugs.

Known Distance Range (KD)

Firearms appropriate for long-range shooting and not prohibited by KD

range rules (i.e., pistols and shotguns). Rimfire rifles are prohibited

except for organized club events. The firing of .50 BMG rifles requires

certification, and they are allowed only on the KD range (see KD rule 8).

5. Hunting on club property is prohibited, except with the approval of the Board

of Directors.

6. Members shall have priority over guests for use of the range facilities, except

for competitions or other club events.

7. Lock combinations are available to members only for access to our facilities.

Furnishing the lock combination to non-members is prohibited unless

approved by club officers for a specific reason.

8. The entrance gate is operated by a member’s proximity card, and is normally

closed. During an organized shoot or activity that is open to both members

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and non-members, the gate may be locked open by the Activity Chair or

event sponsor in charge, and he or she shall be responsible to clear out any

non-members after the event and close the gate.

9. Shooting is prohibited before 8:00 A.M., Monday through Saturday, and

before 9:00 A.M. on Sunday. No shooting is allowed after sunset. Sunset

tables are posted at each range. By special request and with the approval of

club Officers, night shooting for the training and qualification of law

enforcement officers has been approved as a controlled scheduled public

service.

We ask members to use discretion in their interpretation of sunset, as there

are times when light conditions are inadequate for shooting even before

official sunset times.

10. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on club property, or the use of

firearms while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, is prohibited.

Combining alcohol or drugs with the use of firearms is a violation of our

safety practices.

11. When any person is forward of the firing line at any point on the Smallbore,

25/50-yd, 100-yd and Pistol ranges, the range will be closed and all firearms

unloaded and actions left open with a chamber flag inserted, and the

shooters not down range are to step away from the benches and not handle

any firearms. The range shall not be reopened until a positive check has

been made for any person who may still be down range.

Warning beacons have been installed at the 100-yard and 25/50-yard ranges

to alert shooters that the range is closed, and members are required to use

them.

12. Firearms are to remain unloaded at all times except when on the firing line

and ready to fire. At all other times, actions are to remain open and the

firearms unloaded, or cased and stowed for transportation.

As a further safety measure, the use of chamber flags (ECI’s) is required at

all ranges, and flags are available at most ranges free of charge.

13. Any member seeing an unsafe situation or violation of range procedure shall

immediately call a cease-fire, and that range will be closed until the

condition is corrected.

14. Members must clean the range area after use, and take all targets and other

trash with them.

15. When you become a member of the Elk River Sportsman’s Club, or are

granted range use privileges, you agree to abide by all the club's rules and

policies as a condition of membership and will assist the club as a whole in

policing actions on the range. What you do with a firearm directly affects

each and every member.

16. Metal targets are banned on all ranges, though reactive plastic ‘shoot

through’ targets have been approved for use on certain ranges or under

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controlled conditions. When new target materials are developed, the Board

will consider whether they can be safely used on our range.

17. All-terrain vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles

are prohibited except on the established roads or for maintenance of the

range.

18. Horseback riding on any part of the range property is prohibited. Exceptions

to this rule may be granted for training purposes provided the Board of

Directors approves a written request.

19. Full-auto and ‘bump firing’ is prohibited on all ranges. 20. The Elk River Sportsman’s Club operates the range under the terms and

understanding of our Range Usage permit as issued by the City of Elk

River. We also comply with all the provisions of the Elk River, Minnesota

City Code; Chapter 50, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions; Division 2,

Dangerous Weapons. To understand the terms of our Range Usage Permit,

we must refer to those provisions in the Elk River City Code, specifically,

Section 50-117, paragraph (c), sub paragraph (3) and Section 50-118. This

paragraph outlines the responsibility of the club and its members to control

and confine the projectiles we fire to the range property. This will help

ensure the safety of our members and neighbors. Violations of this

ordinance could decide whether or not the club can continue as a shooting

facility.

21. Our range is bordered on all four sides by residential structures. Members

must be aware that any ricochets or stray bullets landing in those areas, or

heard by nearby residents, may be a deciding factor as to how long we can

continue to operate our range.

Any intentional violation of safety rules is considered sufficient reason

for the removal of a member from club property. Disregard for the

established rules may be sufficient cause for the Board of Directors to start

disciplinary action and could result in expulsion from the club under the

provisions of the constitution and by-laws.

KNOWN DISTANCE (KD) RANGE

1. Instruction in the safe use of the KD Range is required. This includes

instruction on pit operations (target carriers and target repair, etc.) in

addition to how to safely run the firing line. Contact the KD Chair to find

out when the next training session may be offered, or to arrange for

individual/small group training.

2. The 100 and 200 yard ranges are available for use by any member with a

known zero. Members may use these ranges any time the range is free.

The 300 and 400 yard ranges require the member to be certified as having the

skills and knowledge to use these longer ranges safely. This KD Range

Long Distance Certification can be accomplished in two ways:

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a. Possession of a current NRA Mid-Range or Long Range classification card

b. Successful completion of a KD Certification class and range/shooting test

A list of all KD Range Long Distance Certified members will be kept in the

clubhouse for verification purposes by the Range Attendants.

Members may bring guests to use the KD Range, but the member must insure

that their guests are competent to use the range.

3. Firing from the 600 yard line of the KD range is limited to only members who

hold a NRA classification card in Mid-Range or Long Range shooting.

Firing from the 600 yard line also requires permission from the KD chair or

assistant. Members without an NRA classification and all guests are only

allowed to shoot from 600 yards during organized club events.

A minimum of three people are required to shoot from 600 yards:

Shooter, spotter with scope, and a scorer in the pits. At a minimum, at least

one of the three or more participants must hold an NRA classification of

Expert or higher. The Expert ranked person will act as the spotter/coach for

the other shooters. Communication between the firing line and the pits is

required (phone or walkie-talkie).

Rifles must have a known zero. All shooting must be from the prone

position. Hunting rifles are allowed but only to confirm accuracy at this

distance, not for extended strings of fire.

4. It is strongly recommended that at least one additional person be present to

act as an observer and/or staff the pits when firing from the 100, 200, 300 or

400-yd lines of the KD Range. Communication between the firing line and

the pit is strongly recommended when shooting on the KD range (cell

phone or two-way radio).

5. All shooters, pit personnel and spectators must wear hearing protection and

safety glasses while firing is in progress. A billed hat is also recommended.

6. No firing is permitted at any time while personnel are forward of the firing

line and are not in the pit. Chamber flags should be used, or firearms cased,

during these times.

7. The firing of handguns or shotguns on the KD range is prohibited. Rimfire

rifles are prohibited except during special club events.

8. The firing of .50 BMG rifles is limited to club members, on the KD Range

only. Certification is necessary for shooting the .50 BMG on the ERSC

range. Contact the KD/High Power Activity Chair or .50 BMG Coordinator

for details.

9. Only targets provided on the target frames or those consistent with club rules

and attached to the target frames are allowed. Target frames are available in

the pit building. Targets must be placed in the target carriers and shooters

must fire at the target carriers that correspond to their shooting position on

the firing line.

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10. The target frames and range flags must be returned to the pit building when

shooting is complete.

11. Vehicles are not to be driven on the irrigated greens on the firing line.

Vehicles may approach these areas for loading and unloading.

12. Users of the KD Range and Practice Trap (Crazy Quail) Range must co-

operate and coordinate their activities. Range use is on a first-come/first-

served basis, with scheduled events taking precedence. Users of these ranges

must identify their presence by changing the sign located at the entrance to

these ranges.

The 100 or 200 yard lines of the KD range and the Sporting Clays range

may be operated simultaneously.

The 300, 400 or 600 yard lines of the KD range and the Sporting Clays

range may not be operated simultaneously.

13. There is a sign at the entrance to the road leading to the KD target pit. This

sign is 4x4 feet and is hinged in the center. When in the upright and hooked

position, it reads “KD RANGE.” When unhooked and lowered it reads “KD

RANGE ACTIVE – ROAD CLOSED AT FIRING LINE.”

There are additional signs on the back of the larger sign, which read “100

YARDS,” 200 YARDS,” “300 YARDS,” “600 YARDS,” “MATCH TODAY” and

“SHOOTING AT CRAZY QUAIL.” Hang one of these signboards below the

hinged KD sign, depending on the firing line you are using.

There are also chains to close the pit road at the firing line so no one will

drive to the pit while firing is in progress. All members are expected to use

these chains.

The chains and signs are intended to increase the SAFETY of

members and visitors by alerting them to the fact that shooting is in

progress on the KD Range, and use of the access road to the pits is restricted

to those using the range. Please use these signs any time you are shooting on

the KD Range or the Practice Trap/Crazy Quail range.

SHOTGUN – TRAP AND SKEET RANGES

1. Only one shell in the gun at a time, except when shooting doubles

2. All guns must be empty and actions open when moving from station to station

3. All guns must be unloaded with actions open at all times except on the firing

line or in a gun rack

4. Guns are to be pointed downrange at all times

5. No alcoholic beverages are allowed

6. Only shooters are allowed on all fields. Coaches are allowed with the

permission of the Scorekeeper.

7. Only shotguns with shot shells on all fields

8. Only target loads are allowed, 7 ½ shot size and smaller

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9. No hand traps on #1 and #2 trap fields

10. Eye and ear protection are required

These rules also apply at the Practice Trap / Crazy Quail range.

See also: KD Rules 16 and 17.

SMALLBORE RANGE

1. It is the responsibility of each individual shooter that their bullets impact the

berm area.

2. The Smallbore Range is limited to rimfire only, both .17 and .22 calibers,

and airguns.

a. There are 20 firing points on the shooting line. Targets can be placed in

pre-established 25 and 50-yard positions, with permanent provisions at

100 yards All target holders for the general public use will be hanging

on the target hangers at the 25 yd, 50 yd & 100 yd target lines.

b. Along with separate target holders for the different distance locations,

there are also different targets for Benchrest, Standing/Offhand, &

Sitting or prone shooting.

3. Besides the paper target carriers, there are positions for reactive targets at 25

yards and at 40, 60, 77 and 100 meters.

4. No firing at objects on the ground, and paper targets only – The only

exception being the plastic reactive targets. No balloons, cans, plastic,

glass or other materials.

5. Firearms are to remain unloaded, with the action open and a chamber flag

inserted, until you are ready to fire. Chamber flags are available on the

back side of the bulletin board.

6. Remain behind the firing line until all shooting has stopped and actions are

open and flagged.

7. Before going downrange, be certain all firearms are unloaded and flagged.

8. Eye and ear protection is required.

9. All DNR firearms training classes held at the Smallbore range should fire

from the marked distance of 50 feet, with the targets in the pipes locates

at 100 yards.

a. The target holders for all DNR firearms classes are hanging in the old

equipment storage shed.

b. The target holders in the new target shed are not to be used by the DNR

firearms training classes.

Once a Range Use Request for the Small Bore range is approved, the person

making the request should contact the Small Bore Activity Chair to

discuss the requested activity and any additional needs.

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100-YARD BENCHREST RANGE

1. Shoot at the target directly in front of your bench. Benches and targets are

numbered to insure you are firing at the correct target.

2. Targets should be placed in the center of the target frame (NRA-

recommended height) for safety.

3. No firing at objects on the ground, and paper targets only – No balloons, cans,

plastic, glass, or other materials.

4. Eye and ear protection is required.

5. Firearms are to remain unloaded, with the action open and a chamber flag

inserted, until you are ready to fire.

6. You may shoot from the bench, or from standing, kneeling or sitting. No

prone shooting.

7. Target changes: Remain behind the firing line until all shooting has stopped.

Turn on the warning lights and be certain all firearms are unloaded and

flagged before going down-range. Chamber flags are available from

dispensers on the line or in the trailer adjacent to the range. Step away from

the benches until the range and do not handle any firearms. Be sure that

everyone has returned to the firing line before turning off the warning lights

and loading any firearms.

8. The 100-yard range is primarily for rifles, but shotguns with slugs, black

powder firearms and hunting-caliber center-fire pistols may be fired on this

range. (No .50 BMG)

9. Rimfire rifles are permitted on the 100-yard range. However, if space on the

range is limited, rimfire shooters are required to yield their shooting

position to center-fire shooters.

10. No fully automatic firearms may be fired in full-auto mode on this or any

other range.

11. It is recommended that you sight in at the 25/50 range first, then move to this

range so you can be reasonably sure you are able to hit paper at this

distance.

25/50-YARD BENCHREST RANGE

This range operates very much like the 100-yard range:

1. Activate the warning lights to close the range for target changes. All firearms

are to be unloaded, with the action open and a chamber flag inserted, and

shooters are to step away from the benches and not handle any firearms

while others are downrange. You must be absolutely certain that all users

have returned to the firing line before turning off the warning lights and

handling or loading firearms.

2. Eye and ear protection are required.

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3. Targets should be centered on the target holders for safety (as per NRA

recommendations). Paper targets only, and no firing at objects on the

ground.

4. No shooting from prone, sitting or kneeling on the 25/50 – Benchrest or

standing positions only.

5. Any firearm may be fired on the 25/50 except for shot/buckshot (slugs are

acceptable) or .50 BMG.

The 25/50 is ideal for sighting in a telescopic sight or other optical sight – Begin

at 25 yards, and then confirm the settings at 50. Then confirm at 100-yards

before moving to the KD Range.

PISTOL RANGE

This is the only range where controlled ‘rapid firing’ is allowed as practice for

competition or self-defense, or to function-test firearms. ‘Rapid firing’ is

defined as less than 2 seconds between rounds.

Function testing / test firing for proper operation of any firearm is limited to the

5 yard line of the pistol range, using the three far-right target backers.

1. The pistol range is unlike any other range because shooters may fire from any

distance, from 0 to 25 yards. The shooter closest to the targets determines

where the firing line is – If someone is shooting at 9 yards, then the firing

line is at 9 yards. Do not shoot from any position behind other shooters,

even if they are on the far end of the range. If you want to shoot from a

position closer to or further from the targets, talk to the other shooters and

work it out.

2. The pistol range is normally operated as a ‘hot’ range – All guns will be

considered loaded at all times, unless they are in a closed case or a chamber

flag is inserted. For this reason…

3. Do not handle guns if anyone is downrange. You can load magazines, but

pistols should be holstered or in a closed case when not in use. You may

holster a pistol with the action open, then take it downrange to the firing

line to load and join other shooters.

4. Use of chamber flags is required to indicate the safe condition of guns at the

benches. Long guns placed on the gun racks will be presumed to be ‘safe,’

but flags in the muzzle or chamber are still desirable.

5. Hearing and eye protection are required.

6. Targets 13-20 should be used for self-defense shotgun loads or slugs.

7. You can use multiple target holders if there are few shooters on the range.

Just be sure all your shots will impact the targets, and share the range if

others want to shoot.

8. Take your targets home with you. The same goes for empty ammo boxes and

other trash.

9. Paper targets only. No balloons, cans, glass, or plastic, or metal targets.

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10. There is a ‘safe area’ (clearing barrel) at the left end of the benches – The

muzzle of a firearm can be pointed into this barrel for loading or unloading,

or while clearing a jam. You can also load/unload/clear on the firing line,

but the ‘safe area’ is available if you do not want to disturb others on the

range.

11. The lights on the firing line are for use by law enforcement agencies.

ARCHERY

Practice points only – No broadheads or other hunting tips.

All bow types are allowed, including longbow, compound, crossbow, etc.

CAMPING

A trailer/tent camping area directly west of the clubhouse is available for

member use, or by participants in club meets and events. Electric power and

water hook-ups are available for their convenience. There is no waste dump

station.

An open area for camping is located near the Pistol range, as well as a series

of smaller ‘primitive’ camping areas with fire rings. These areas have no toilets

or source of water.

Firewood is available in the area, and open fires are permitted during safe

outdoor burning periods, but must conform to open fire and other burning rules

as established for national forest areas and Elk River burning ordinances. Our

range is located in the Sherburne Forest Control Area.

Camping is permitted only in designated camping areas unless special

permission is granted by the Camping Chair, or approved by the Board of

Directors if time permits. Use of the clubhouse or other structures for camping is

prohibited unless approved by the Camping Chair or Board of Directors, or for

immediate protection from storms or other dangerous conditions.

1. Campfires must be confined to the approved fire rings.

2. No cutting of live wood for campfires. Campers are encouraged to use fallen

dead wood from the surrounding area.

3. All trash must be removed when you leave.

4. Children must be supervised at all times and may not roam the property

without supervision.

5. Pets must be under control at all times, and pet waste must be cleaned up.

6. A ‘quiet time’ will be observed after 10 PM so as not to disturb the neighbors.

7. No discharge of firearms is allowed in the campground areas at any time.

8. Camping units must be used at least 50% of the time on a per-week basis or

removed from the property.

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CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

The development of the range is a result of the efforts of the officers and

members. The financial structure of the club does not permit hiring outside help,

except in special circumstances, nor does it permit the purchase of all the many

materials needed for range construction and maintenance.

For this reason, all members are strongly encouraged to donate a minimum

of eight hours of work to club projects and activities each year. We have such a

wide variety of activities and work details that every member is able to help.

Work details are announced well in advance in the club newsletter. Also, we

frequently solicit donations of construction materials, which we use in

improving and expanding our facilities, as well as for routine maintenance. We

try to schedule work details for spring and fall to leave the prime summer period

free for shooting activities.

Spring Work Day is the first Saturday in May

Fall Work Day is the first Saturday after Labor Day.

GATES, LOCKS AND SECURITY

Our range is secured by two locked gates at the entrance road, and locks

secure all buildings in an effort to control theft and vandalism. The main gate is

electric, and requires use of a proximity card to enter or exit. A second “Special

Event Gate” is normally locked, and used only by maintenance and work parties,

or to promote a smoother traffic flow or access by non-members during special

events. The clubhouse is also accessed by use of the proximity card issued to

each member.

The proximity card will be for the use of the member for as long as his/her

membership is active, and is to be returned if their membership is terminated or

they fail to renew. A $20 lost card fee will be imposed to cover costs to the club.

A damaged card will be replaced at a lesser cost. The member’s proximity card

will be de-activated if dues are not paid by the established deadline for renewal,

or if the member violates club rules or policies, pending review by the Board of

Directors.

Other gates and buildings are secured by a four-digit combination lock. The

combination for these locks is for member use only, and a new combination will

be selected for each calendar year.

The member’s proximity card, and the combination to any locks, are for

member use only, and shall not be shared with any non-member, except with a

club Officer’s approval. The spouse and children of the member are considered

to be non-members in regard to the proximity card and combination locks. The

exception to this rule is if the spouse becomes an Associate member. See the

section “FAMILY PARTICIPATION.” Any member who loans his or her card

to a non-member may be subject to penalties, including have their membership

in the club revoked.

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Members are not to allow others through the gate unless they know them

personally. The on-duty Range Attendant will handle members who do not have

their member or proximity card with them, according to established procedures.

There are a number of small gates around the fence line perimeter of the

range that are used to get equipment on the outside of the fence for maintenance

purposes. These gates are secured with a keyed lock. The keys for these locks

are available from several of the club officers and are provided to the fence line

maintenance crews. Other buildings have locks that are controlled by the

officers of the club assigned these responsibilities.

Members and their guests are required to stop at the clubhouse on arrival

and before leaving the range to enter their names, time of arrival/departure,

ranges used, lead abatement information, and other information as may be

deemed necessary for safety and security, to track use of the club facilities or for

research or statistical purposes. This information is for internal club use only.

Members will display a membership card, supplied by the club, to show

their status as a current member while on the property, though work parties are

excused from this requirement for safety reasons. All members are encouraged

to approach any person unknown to them who is not wearing or displaying their

club ID, to determine whether they are a member, guest or non-member.

NEWSLETTER

The Board of Directors, through its Editor, publishes a club newsletter,

"WOODS, WATERS, WILDLIFE," which is mailed or sent electronically to all

members, usually monthly. Notice of planned events, policy changes, or any

other information relative to the operation of the club is published. Members

may use the newsletter to advertise items they want to buy, sell or trade without

charge, as long as they are related to club activities.

The club web site (www.ersportsman.com) also features a current calendar

of events, buy/sell/trade ads, a copy of the current newsletter, a map to the

range, membership applications, Range Use Request forms, and other features.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CLUB

A map to the range is available on the Club web site www.ersportsman.com

15

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

The name of this organization, a Minnesota Corporation, shall be THE ELK

RIVER SPORTSMAN’S CLUB.

ARTICLE II

The purpose of this club shall be to promote and take part in the conservation

of the forests, water, and wildlife of the State of Minnesota, and of the United

States of America. In addition, the club shall encourage its members and the

citizens of the community in organized archery, rifle, shotgun, and pistol

shooting and firearms safety, and shall strive to prevent passage of laws and

regulations that would abridge the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the

American citizen to keep and bear arms.

ARTICLE III

(A) Any person over the age of 18 who subscribes to the avowed purposes of

this club shall be eligible for membership.

(B) All applications for membership shall be submitted for approval to the

Board of Directors of this organization.

(C) The maximum number of memberships shall be determined by the Board of

Directors but shall not exceed 900. The number of memberships may be

increased by the Board of Directors not more than 50 memberships per

year.

The maximum number of members includes all paying memberships. This does

not include Honorary Life and Associate memberships.

(D) The following classes of membership shall exist in the club, subject to all

other membership provisions:

(1) ANNUAL - A member who pays such annual dues as may be

determined by the Board of Directors and approved by the general

membership. An Annual member shall enjoy all the rights and

privileges of the club.

(2) SENIOR – Persons age 65 or over may chose a Senior membership,

which differs from an Annual membership in that the 8-hour work

donation is entirely voluntary. Dues for Senior members shall be $50.00

less than for Annual members, but they may not receive any discount

for a work donation.

(3) HONORARY LIFE - An Annual or Senior member nominated for such

title by the Board of Directors and elected thereto by the general

membership at a regularly scheduled general membership meeting in

recognition of outstanding service to the club. Nominations for

Honorary Life membership shall be made to a club officer, and shall be

16

approved by the Board of Directors, prior to presentation to the general

membership. Annual dues, special dues, and special assessments shall

not be required of an Honorary Life member.

Not more than three (3) Annual or Senior members shall be elected as

Honorary Life members in any one calendar year. The maximum

number of Honorary Life members at any one time shall not exceed 15.

An Honorary Life member shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of

the club.

(4) ASSOCIATE - An honorary title for a person who is granted a

membership in the club and is so elected thereto by the Board of

Directors, intended primarily for the spouse of a member. An

Associate member shall be given only those rights and privileges as

may be determined by the Board of Directors, which may vary, with

the exception that he or she shall be a non-voting member, and shall not

have the right to speak on the floor of the general membership or Board

of Directors meetings. Rights and privileges granted to an Associate

member shall be made part of the individual membership card issued.

Any member in good standing may nominate a person for Associate

membership.

(5) JUNIOR - Any person under the age of 18 years who is a legal

dependent of an Annual, Senior or Honorary Life member and/or who

pays annually such dues as may be determined by the Board of

Directors. A Junior member shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of

the club with the exception that he or she shall be a non-voting member

and shall have no range privileges unless accompanied by or supervised

by an Annual, Senior or Honorary Life member in good standing. A

Junior member shall be issued a membership card but not a proximity

card.

ARTICLE IV

(A) All club members shall be strongly encouraged to be members of the

National Rifle Association. Since 2009, NRA membership has been

required for all new members.

Notice of any proposed increase in dues shall be in accordance with

ARTICLE X of the club's constitution.

Annual member dues, new member initiation fees or other fees or charges

for membership (plus applicable sales tax) shall be determined by the Board

of Directors and approved by the membership.

In addition to the annual dues, each member is encouraged to donate a

minimum of eight hours of work to club activities each calendar year. A

member who has donated eight hours of work devoted to benefit of the

club, as recorded by the Membership Secretary (See Article IV, Section E),

shall receive a $50.00 credit for the following year. A work donation for the

17

previous year is required to sponsor a new candidate for membership or

hold elective office.

Senior members are not eligible for a work discount.

(B) In addition to the optional work credit described in Sub A, every member of

the club will perform two or more shifts per year in the role of Range

Attendant. The Board of Directors will determine the actual number of

shifts required. Written directives outlining the duties of the Range

Attendant will be provided, but members shall not be encouraged to put

themselves in physical danger as part of their duties.

The method of determining which day a member will be expected to serve

as a Range Attendant will be decided by the Membership Secretary, and

approved by the Board of Directors. Members who are unable to serve as a

Range Attendant because of age or health may be granted a deferral, if the

Membership Secretary or his/her designee receives a written request and the

Board of Directors approves it.

Any member who is unable to fulfill his/her scheduled shift due to

unexpected illness, family emergency, changes in work schedule, or other

reason must advise the Membership Secretary and find a replacement at

their earliest opportunity. Failure to do so may result in a financial penalty,

a suspension of member privileges, and/or other action as determined by the

Board of Directors. Financial penalties, suspension of member privileges

and/or other action may also be imposed on members who fail to sign up for

or work the required number of shifts during the calendar year.

(C) Any member in good standing, while in active military service, shall be

considered a member in good standing without payment of dues or donation

of work. Any assessment, if levied, will become due and payable on the

member's return from active military service.

(D) Dues for the coming year shall become payable on the first of December of

the current year. A member whose dues are not paid by the last day of

December shall be ruled delinquent, and his name shall be removed from

the membership roster.

Delinquent members may be reinstated after the last day of December

provided the club membership is not full. Delinquent members must pay the

full amount of dues plus the initiation fee. Work credit will not be honored

for delinquent members.

(E) Applications to fill membership vacancies for the coming year shall be

accepted by the Membership Secretary after November 1st of the current

year. Each candidate must be sponsored by a member in good standing,

who has donated 8 hours of work for the previous year as recorded by the

Membership Secretary.

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(F) The method of recording a member’s work requirement by the Membership

Secretary will be the certification of the eight hour donation by a club

Officer or Board member on the back of the membership card.

(G) The membership may agree, by a majority vote taken at a regular meeting

of the club, to levy special assessments on itself. No assessment vote shall

be taken, however, until all members shall have been given at least one

month's notice of the intention to vote on an assessment proposal.

(H) All funds or moneys from club operations and activities shall accrue

directly to the treasury of the club and shall be accounted for by the club's

Treasurer. All donations and gifts, likewise, shall accrue to the club treasury

for general purposes unless the donor specifies their use for a particular

purpose.

ARTICLE V

(A) Regular meetings of this club for the transaction of ordinary business shall

be held at such time and place as designated by the Board of Directors.

(B) Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the President or

Board of Directors, or upon a demand in writing stating the object of the

special meeting and signed by not less than 10 percent of the membership

entitled to vote. Notice of the time, place, and object of any special meeting

shall be given to all officers and members in good standing not less than

seven days prior to the date fixed for the special meeting.

(C) Thirty members, including at least fifteen officers, shall constitute a quorum

to transact business at any meeting.

ARTICLE VI

(A) The officers of this club shall consist of a President, Vice-President,

Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary,

Treasurer, Finance Officer, Conservation Officer, Research Officer, two

Sergeants-at-arms, Activity Chairs for each of the special activities of the

Club {Archery, 25-50 Yard, 100 Yard, High Power/KD (Known

Distance), Pistol, Shotgun, Smallbore, Firearms Safety, Camping, and

Food Services} and ten members of the Board of Directors.

(B) The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected

officers of this club: The Activity Chairs as listed in (A) above, the ten

members of the Board of Directors elected from the general membership,

plus an Editor appointed by the Board of Directors.

(C) Officers and the elective members of the Board of Directors shall be

elected annually at the club's regular December meeting, and shall take

office at the January meeting.

(D) Candidates for office shall be nominated in one of two methods: (1) by a

nominating committee appointed May 1st of each year by the President, or,

(2) by nominations from the membership. The number of candidates for

19

any individual office shall not be limited, but members may only run for

one office per election.

(E) The Nominating Committee shall present its nominations for office to the

Board of Directors and the membership at a regular scheduled meeting

before September 30th

of each year. The Board shall accept the report and

present the committee’s nominations to the membership through the

October newsletter. After the Board accepts the report of the Nominating

Committee, the committee is automatically dissolved.

Nominations for office from consenting candidates from the general

membership shall be directed to the Corresponding Secretary in writing, to

be received by November 1st, for printing in the December newsletter. The

December newsletter shall be mailed and/or e-mailed to the entire

membership no less than two weeks prior to the election.

In addition, the committee shall recommend to the Board of Directors, on

behalf of individual members for outstanding service, any certificates of

recognition, awards, honorariums or honorary life memberships.

ARTICLE VII

Duties of the officers of the club shall be as follows:

(A) PRESIDENT - Shall preside at all meetings of the club. He or she shall be

a member ex-officio of all club committees and shall perform all such other

duties as usually pertain to his office such as the appointment of committees

and the calling of special meetings. He shall conduct all meetings according

to Roberts Rules of Parliamentary Procedure.

(B) VICE-PRESIDENT - Shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the

President. In addition, he or she shall also preside over the meetings of the

Board of Directors and shall serve as chairman of the Nominating

Committee.

(C) RECORDING SECRETARY - Shall record the minutes of all regular and

special meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. He or she

shall maintain the minutes and all club records in permanent form and shall

transfer these records to his or her successor. He or she shall assist the

Corresponding Secretary when necessary, and preside at membership

meeting in the absence of the President and Vice-President.

(D) CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - Shall be responsible for the writing of

all official club correspondence. The Corresponding Secretary shall be

responsible for the notification of all members of club meetings.

(E) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – The Membership Secretary shall collect

dues and issue cards to all members. The secretary will be responsible for

preparing and maintaining an official club roster. The official club roster

will be available for inspection by club members at meetings. The secretary

will maintain a record of membership classes and provide data, including

20

the number of work credits and Senior membership discounts, to the

Finance Officer for budgeting purposes.

(F) TREASURER - Shall receive and disburse all funds of this club, keeping

accurate records thereof according to the approved budget and ledger

format. All income and expense items are to be posted on a gross basis. He

or she shall render a monthly report to club members of expenditures,

income, and cash balances. The Treasurer’s books shall be open for

inspection by the Board of Directors at any time provided the Treasurer is

first given one week's notice of such inspection. An auditing committee of

three members appointed by the President shall inspect and audit the

Treasurer's books annually and report the results of such audit at the

December membership meeting. The Board of Directors may require that

the Treasurer be bonded in an amount equal to all moneys accessible to the

Treasurer. The cost of such bond shall be paid from club funds.

(G) SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS - Shall prepare the meeting place for each

meeting. They shall maintain order under the directions of the President or

presiding officer, and shall report any damage of property during the

meeting to the presiding officer or Recording Secretary. When directed by

the presiding officer, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall ascertain that all members

attending the meeting are in good standing and eligible to vote.

(H) CONSERVATION OFFICER - Shall be responsible for keeping the

membership informed on conservation and firearms matters pending before

governmental bodies. Likewise, he or she shall be responsible for

dissemination of this club's position on such matters to the appropriate

governmental bodies or other groups including conservation organizations.

He or she shall serve as a delegate to all conservation groups or other

sportsmen's organizations with which this club may become affiliated. The

Conservation Officer may appoint assistants, with the approval of the Board

of Directors, to assist in carrying out his or her duties, including serving as a

delegate or alternate.

(I) FINANCE OFFICER - Shall be responsible for the preparation of all

budgets. This officer is to be a member of the Board of Directors and

chairman of the standing committee on finance consisting of the Treasurer,

Finance Officer, and up to three members of the Board of Directors, as

appointed by the President. This committee shall meet as necessary to

complete the budget and address other finance-related matters of the club.

The fiscal year shall run from January 1 to December 31 of each budgeted

year. The Finance Officer will audit all income and expense items for the

past year and present a written summary to the general membership

meeting.

He or she will present an estimate of income and expense along with

comparative summaries of the two (2) previous years to the Board of

Directors at the November Board meeting for review and recommendation

21

to the general membership at the December general membership meeting.

Final responsibility for the budget shall be the Board of Directors.

Any expenditure must be part of the annual budget. Any proposed

expenditure up to $500.00, not included in the annual budget, must be

reviewed by the Finance Committee and presented to the Board of Directors

for approval. Any proposed expenditure over $500.00 must be reviewed by

the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors and presented to the

general membership for approval.

(J) RESEARCH OFFICER - Under the direction of the President and/or the

Board of Directors, the Research Officer shall gather data, conduct research,

write and publish procedures related to the club operations, present

summary reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors and the

general membership (not to include budget reports).

He or she shall maintain files and documents on status of land titles and

documents, non-profit corporations, tax exemptions, job descriptions and

operations procedures. Copies of the Research Officer’s data, research,

procedures, reports, recommendations, etc., shall be distributed to the elected

officers and the Board of Directors as required, and to the Recording

Secretary for inclusion in the club minutes.

The Research Officer, to the extent possible, shall function as club historian

to gather and maintain historical files. He or she shall be a voting member

of the Board of Directors.

(K) ACTIVITY CHAIRS - Activity Chairs for each of the special activities of

the Club (Archery, 25/50 Yard, 100 Yard, KD/High Power, Pistol, Shotgun,

Smallbore, Firearms Safety, Camping, and Food Service) shall be

responsible for the range area and activities to which they are elected. They

shall enforce rules and regulations pertaining to safety and conduct of all

members, and their guests. They shall plan work programs and shooting

activities in conjunction with the other officers and Board members. Insofar

as possible, all matches shall be conducted under the rules of the National

Rifle Association, Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Association, Minnesota

State Archery Association and/or the Amateur Trap Shooters Association.

The Food Service Chair will provide food for “official” Club events as

requested and approved by the Board of Directors. He or she may request a

fund advance for each event. Food-type prizes for any club event will be

charged against that event and not the food service budget. The Food Chair

will recruit assistants as needed.

The Firearms Safety Chair shall collect reports from members holding DNR

Firearms Safety training on Club facilities and report to the Board of

Directors the member’s name and the number of participants involved in the

class. The chair will also contact the Elk River Police Department and the

Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department to collect and record the number of

officers and deputies that receive official training on club property and

22

report their numbers to the Board of Directors. In-house firearms training

and any other non-DNR firearms safety training will also be recorded and

presented to the Board of Directors for data purposes. If and when deemed

necessary, the chair will propose an operating budget to the Board of

Directors.

(L) ADJUTANT ACTIVITY CHAIRS – The President may create Adjutant

Activity Chair positions as necessary for the continued functioning of the

Club. These positions and titles may include, but shall not be limited to,

Fence Line Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Road Maintenance Manager,

Junior Marksmanship Coordinator, and Youth Day Coordinator. Persons

who are appointed to these positions shall have many of the same duties and

responsibilities as an Activity Chair, including: the submission of annual

budgets as required; the administration of programs or activities;

coordination of their programs or activities with club officers, Activity

Chairs or other Adjutant Activity Chairs; seeking the donation of materials

and funds for their activities; and recruiting further volunteers to assist in

their activities. However, Adjutant Activity Chairs will not be considered

members of the Board of Directors, and do not have a vote on issues before

the Board, nor are they required to attend Board meetings unless their

presence is requested.

ARTICLE VIII

Duties of the Board of Directors shall be as follows:

(A) The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of this club, and shall

hold regular monthly meetings beginning with the month of January of each

year, and such special meetings as the Board deems necessary, or when

called by the President. Board of Directors meetings may also be held prior

to, during, or after a regular membership meeting, as necessary to complete

club business in an efficient manner.

(B) A simple majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum to transact

board business.

(C) The Board shall approve or reject all applications for membership.

(D) The Board shall make recommendations to the membership concerning the

amount of annual dues, special expenditures not included in the annual

budget and such assessments as may be necessary from time to time.

(E) The Board shall approve all budgets of officers and Activity Chairs of the

Club necessary to conduct the operation and business of the club. Such

budget requests will be prepared by the individual officers, and shall be

itemized and presented to the Board at the October meeting.

Preparation of such budgets is the responsibility of the Finance Committee.

The Finance Officer shall present said budgets to the Board of Directors for

their approval at the November meeting of each year. The final budget will

be approved by the general membership at the December meeting.

23

The Board of Directors shall not approve, nor recommend to the general

membership, a budget or budgets whose expenditures exceed annual total

revenues of the club. The general membership is prohibited from approving

a budget or budgets whose expenditures exceed the total annual revenues of

the club.

The Board may, at its discretion, amend the budget at any time during the

year, pending final approval by the general membership.

(F) During the budget year, any expenditure must be part of the annual budget.

Any proposed expenditure up to $500.00 not included in the annual budget

must be reviewed by the Finance Committee and presented to the Board of

Directors for approval. Any proposed expenditure over $500.00 must be

reviewed by the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors and

presented to the general membership for approval.

If an emergency or unforeseen circumstance arises that requires the

expenditure of funds that would exceed annual revenues, the Board of

Directors must first amend all other activity budgets to make available all

possible revenues to address the unforeseen event or emergency.

The Board of Directors, at a regularly scheduled or special Board meeting

that has a quorum, may amend the existing budget and recommend to the

general membership for approval an emergency amended budget to address

the unforeseen event or emergency. The Board must approve the emergency

amended budget by a two-thirds majority vote.

If an emergency amended budget is approved by the Board of Directors,

the general membership shall be notified by e-mail, by posting on the club

website, and by US Mail to those members who have requested the

newsletter by mail. The newsletter, e-mail and website posting shall contain

the reason for the emergency amended budget and a copy of the proposed

budget.

The emergency amended budget shall be considered at the next regularly

scheduled meeting or at a special or emergency general membership

meeting, but no sooner than seven days after the emergency amended

budget notice has been mailed, e-mailed or posted on the club website.

Approval by the general membership to adopt the emergency amended

budget must be by a two-thirds majority vote.

(G) The Board may pass resolutions concerning the operation of the club's

business and shall present such resolutions to the club membership for its

approval or rejection. Members of the Board of Directors who disagree on

approved Board resolutions may submit a minority report to the

membership.

No Officer or member of the Elk River Sportsman’s Club shall enter into

the negotiation of any contract of any type with any outside party without

written and/or documented Board authorization. Subsequently, no officer or

member shall sign or execute any contract of any type with any outside

24

party without Board and general membership approval. A representative of

the outside party shall be present at a general membership meeting to

answer questions prior to a vote by the Board and general membership on

the proposed contract.

No officer, Board member or club member shall contact or discuss club

business or operations with any non-member without the advance approval

of the Board of Directors. Exceptions will be made for the President and

Vice-President, or other club officers whose duties include contact with

entities servicing the club (such as contact with insurance, tax or bank

representatives by the Treasurer or Finance Officer, and similar duties).

This restriction shall in no way prevent Activity Chairs, officers or

members from ordering supplies or contacting vendors if such contacts are a

usual part of their duties, nor from other contacts that have been assigned by

the Board or an authorized officer. Any officer or other member authorized

to make outside contact shall inform the Board of any information learned

or transmitted at the earliest opportunity, particularly if it is potentially

damaging to the continued operation of the club.

A club member who violates this requirement shall, at the discretion of

the President and Vice-President, be notified in writing of the alleged

violation, and asked to appear at a meeting of the Board of Directors to

explain their actions. This notification shall be given to the member at least

15 days prior to the Board Meeting. The President or Vice President may

order the member’s proximity card be made inactive pending a decision by

the Board.

If the Board of Directors decides by majority vote that the member did

violate the requirements of this Section, the Board will then vote to take one

of these actions:

1) Censure the member, request their resignation from any elected or

appointed position, and suspend their membership for a period of one

year, including all shooting, voting and other member privileges, or any

other use of the club facilities. His/her membership will be re-activated

at the end of this suspension, with no payment of dues required during

the period of suspension, but the current initiation fee will be required

for the remainder of the year when their shooting and voting privileges

are restored.

2) Expel the member immediately from the club. Any member expelled

from the club by this process will not be allowed to re-apply for

membership in the future, nor will they be welcome on club property,

either as a guest of a member or at events open to participation by non-

members. The member will be trespassed from the club property, and

charged with criminal trespass if he or she returns, under provisions of

Elk River City Ordinance 50-31.

25

(H) Any officer of the club who becomes incapable or unable to perform his

duties shall be replaced by a successor named by the Board of Directors for

the balance of the officer's term of office.

(I) Any officer or club member who willingly violates club rules or engages in

activity or conduct contrary to the avowed purpose of this club may be

removed from office and/or suspended or expelled from membership by the

Board of Directors. Any disciplinary action shall require a majority vote of

the total membership of the Board taken only after the officer or member

shall have been notified in writing 15 days in advance of a hearing before

the Board.

(J) Members of the Board who shall fail to attend three consecutive meetings

of the Board without prior notice to another Board member or officer can be

replaced as a member of the Board.

(K) All such replacements, or the filling of Board vacancies caused by other

reasons, shall be made by the Board of Directors.

(L) The Board shall also serve as a publications and editorial board for any

newsletter or other official publication of this club. The Board shall appoint

an Editor-in-Chief for such publication, and he or she shall serve as a

member of the Board of Directors. The Editor-in-Chief shall be given the

authority to name assistants and staff members as he or she deems

necessary. The Board of Directors shall determine editorial policies of all

official publications

ARTICLE IX

Committees - The President shall appoint all standing and special committees

of the club, with the exception of the Activity committees, whose chairs are

elected by the membership. The number of standing committees shall not be

limited, but will include committees on nominations, elections, auditing of

funds, and membership. Each committee shall have three or more appointive

members.

ARTICLE X

Any proposed amendments to these Range Rules and Constitution may be

made by any member, and shall be forwarded in writing to the Corresponding

Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary will present any proposed amendments

at the next Board of Directors meeting for their review for consistency of text

and compatibility with the club’s stated goals.

The Board of Directors will recommend any amendments to the general

membership by publication in the next issue of the club newsletter. The

change(s) shall be discussed and may be voted on at the next general

membership meeting following the publication. Adoption of any proposed

amendments shall be by a two/thirds majority vote of those members present.

26

ARTICLE XI

In the event the Board of Directors should recommend selling or mortgaging

all or part of the club’s range property, these procedures must be followed to

properly inform the general membership:

1. A detailed plan must be prepared for the sale or mortgage of the property.

This plan is presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The plan

must include the following items:

(a) The amount of land involved, (b) survey of the land involved, (c)

where the money from the sale or mortgage will be deposited, (d) the type

of account into which the money will be deposited, (e) the interest rate on

the money deposited, (f) which Club officers will have control of the

money, (g) and under what circumstances the money may be withdrawn

from the account.

2. The sale or mortgage plan must be passed by the Board of Directors by a

2/3 majority of the total membership of the Board.

3. After the Board of Directors has approved the plan for the sale or mortgage,

the same plan must be sent to all members of the club via US Mail.

4. The vote by the general membership shall be by a ballot mailed to the

member along with the plan for the sale or mortgage. Members will have

21 days to return their ballots.

5. The proposed sale or mortgage must be passed by the general membership

by a 2/3 majority of the total membership of the club, using the supplied

ballots.

27

ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA CITY CODE

CHAPTER 50, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

DIVISION 2. DANGEROUS WEAPONS*

Sec. 50-111. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings

ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different

meaning:

Dangerous weapon includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) All firearms. The term "firearms" shall mean any device from which may be fired or

ejected one or more solid projectiles by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an

explosive substance; or for which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon

dioxide, air or other gas or vapor.

(2) Bows and arrows when arrowheads are made of all-steel barbless design, and the blade of

high carbon steel more than one inch wide for a single two-edge blade and of more than a

three-inch circumference for three or more blades with a weight in excess of 110 grains; or

when arrowheads are made with blades of mill-tempered spring steel containing a plastic

core or ferrule in excess of such dimensions and with a weight in excess of 90 grains; or

when arrows are poisoned or have explosive tips.

(3) All instruments used to propel a high-velocity pellet of any kind, including but not limited

to air rifles and compressed air guns.

(4) Slingshots.

(5) Any similar type instrument, whether such instrument is called by any name set forth in

this definition or any other name.

The term "dangerous weapon" does not include a stud gun or nail gun used in the construction

industry or children's popguns or toys.

(Code 1982, § 404.00)

Cross references: Definitions generally, § 1-2.

Sec. 50-112. Exceptions.

Nothing in this division shall be construed to prohibit the use or discharge of a dangerous

weapon in the lawful defense of persons or property, or in the enforcement of the law by

peace officers and other law enforcement personnel.

(Code 1982, § 404.10)

Sec. 50-113. Discharge and use generally.

Except as specifically authorized in this division, the discharge or use of dangerous weapons

within the city is hereby prohibited.

(Code 1982, § 404.02)

Sec. 50-114. Aiming at human beings.

The aiming of any dangerous weapon, whether loaded or not, at or toward any human being is

hereby prohibited.

(Code 1982, § 404.04)

Sec. 50-115. Selling or furnishing to person under 18 years of age.

The selling, giving, loaning or furnishing in any way of a dangerous weapon to a minor under

the age of 18 years without the written consent of his parent or guardian or of a police

officer or magistrate is hereby prohibited.

(Code 1982, § 404.06)

* State law references – Dangerous weapons, Minn. Stats § 609.66; local regulation of

firearms, Minn. Stats. § 471.663

28

Sec. 50-116. Handling and use by persons under 18 years of age.

No minor under the age of 14 years shall handle or use any dangerous weapon except while in

the presence of his parent or guardian. No minor under the age of 18 years shall handle or

use any dangerous weapon except while in the presence of his parent or guardian, or with

the written consent of his parent or guardian or of a police officer or magistrate.

(Code 1982, § 404.08)

Sec. 50-117. Hunting and shooting.

(a) Generally; written permission required. Hunting or shooting upon land within the city may

be conducted with the written permission of the landowner except as prohibited in this

section. No permission shall be required for the owner of such land, or members of the

owner's immediate family or guests in the company of the owner of the land.

(b) Prohibited areas. The discharge or use of a dangerous weapon shall be prohibited in

the following locations:

(1) On lands zoned AR, R1a (if platted), R1b, R1c, R1d, R2a, R2b, R3, R4, PUD, BP,

CRT (if platted), DD, MU-ERP, C1, C2, C3, C4.

(2) On lands zoned I-1 or I-2 if such zoning districts are contiguous on two or more

sides to lands zoned R-1b, R-1c, R-2, R-3, R-4 or PUD.

(3) Within 500 feet of any building, structure, platted area, public park, public trail, or

public/private school.

(4) Within 1,000 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of Lake Orono or the Elk River.

(5) The discharge or use of a dangerous weapon may be allowed in the prohibited

areas of subsection (b)(1)-(4) under the following circumstances:

a. At an organized gun club as defined in section 50-118 for the discharge of shotguns

from a currently existing permanent shooting pads and rifles from currently

existing shooting pads and target placements directed away from buildings and

platted areas; or

b. If an individual is a registered participant at an organized biathlon range in a public

park for the discharge of low velocity rifles at an established shooting range

directed away from the buildings, other public uses, or platted areas; or

c. Only archery target practice may occur at a city-permitted archery range within the

confines of a city park, as approved by the park commission and city council; or

d. A request in writing to hunt in these areas may be approved by the police chief or his

designee if the person requesting is either the landowner or has received

permission from the landowner, and the hunting can be done in a safe manner.

Granted requests require that the hunter(s) be issued a special permit which

shall be displayed at all times while hunting on the permitted property.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section:

(1) The discharge or use of BB guns, pellet guns and slingshots in a safe manner by

adults over the age of 18 years, or by minors under the age of 18 years who

are under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian, is permitted upon

any land within the city with the written permission of the landowner, except

that no permission shall be required for the owner of such land or for

members of the owner's immediate family or guests in the company of the

owner of the land.

(2) The discharge or use of dangerous weapons at indoor target ranges which are

operated in a manner to ensure that projectiles are contained on the premises

and within the target range and so as not to endanger the life or safety of any

person and which are otherwise consistent with the requirements of this Code

is permitted in any location within the city. A projectile leaving the premises

upon which a target range is operated or a person injured by a projectile fired

29

at the premises is prima facie evidence of the target range being operated in

an unsafe manner and in violation of this division.

(3) The discharge or use of dangerous weapons at outdoor target ranges which are

operated in a manner to ensure that projectiles are contained on the premises

and within the target range and so as not to endanger the life or safety of any

person and which are otherwise consistent with the requirements of this Code

is permitted at any location on lands zoned R-1a (unless platted), A-1, I-1, or

I-2 with the written permission of the landowner, provided that the discharge

or use of dangerous weapons at such target ranges does not endanger or

constitute a nuisance to adjoining or nearby properties. A projectile leaving

the premises upon which a target range is operated or a person injured by a

projectile fired at the premises is prima facie evidence of the target range

being operated in an unsafe manner and in violation of this division.

(d) No rifles shall be discharged within the city except at indoor target ranges which are

in compliance with subsection (c)(2) of this section and at outdoor target ranges which

are operated in a safe manner, which are located on lands zoned A-1, and which comply

in all other respects with this division. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "rifle"

does not include .22 caliber rim-fire rifles using .22 caliber short, long, or long rifle

bullets; or smooth-bore muzzle loading muskets of not less than .45 caliber and rifle

muzzle loading muskets of not less than .40 caliber that are incapable of being loaded at

the breech.

(e) Nothing in this section shall prohibit peace officers from enforcing the provisions of

state law applicable to firearms or the hunting of big or small game.

(Code 1982, § 404.12; Ord. No. 99-30, § 1, 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 00-10, § 1, 6-12-2000;

Ord. No. 10-13, § 1, 8-2-2010)

Sec. 50-118. Organized gun clubs.

(a) The city council may issue, upon application, a special permit to an organized

gun club. Such permit shall allow the firing of dangerous weapons on the club

grounds only by members and guests subject to such conditions as may be required

by the city council to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

(b) An organized gun club which has received a special permit from the city council

may, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 50-115 and 50-116, loan or furnish

dangerous weapons to minors under the age of 18 years to handle and use weapons,

provided that such dangerous weapons may be discharged and used by the minors

only on the club grounds and only under the direct supervision of an adult club

member or some other adult authorized by the club to supervise minors.

(Code 1982, § 404.14)

Revised version dated August 2, 2010

30

INDEX

.50 BMG restrictions ......... 4, 8, 10

100-yard Range rules ................ 10

25/50 yard Range rules ............. 11

300 & 400 yard firing line

restrictions ............................... 7

Activity Chairs ............................ 2

Activity Chairs, duties .............. 22

Adj. Activity Chairs, duties....... 23

alcohol consumption ................... 5

amending the constitution ......... 26

annual dues ............................ 1, 17

Archery rules ............................. 12

Associate membership ................ 2

ATV's, off-road vehicles ............. 6

Board of Directors ................. 2, 19

Board of Directors, duties ......... 23

Board of Directors, meetings ...... 1

budgets ...................................... 23

'bump' firing ................................ 6

burning restrictions ................... 13

campfire restrictions .................. 13

camping rules ............................ 12

chamber flags .......................... 5, 8

children ..................................... 13

club history .................................. 1

club officers .......................... 2, 19

club website address ................. 15

combination locks ..................... 14

Conservation Officer, duties ..... 21

constitution & bylaws ............... 15

Corresponding Sec., duties........ 20

Crazy Quail range ....................... 8

ECI use ........................................ 5

elections ................................ 2, 19

Elk River City Code .................. 28

expulsion of members ............... 26

Fall Work Day ........................... 14

Family Participation .................... 2

Finance Officer, duties .............. 21

firearms and calibers allowed ..... 4

Firearms Safety Chair, duties ... 22

Food Service Chair, duties ........ 22

full-auto firing ............................. 6

function-testing of firearms ........ 4

gates .......................................... 14

general range rules ...................... 3

guests .......................................... 2

hunting on club property ............. 4

Junior membership ..................... 2

KD range rules ............................ 7

KD road restrictions .................... 8

KD, 300-400 yd restrictions ....... 7

KD, 600 yd restrictions ............... 7

locks ...................................... 5, 14

Long Distance Certification ........ 7

meetings ................................ 1, 19

member & guest sign-in ........... 15

member dues ............................. 18

member meetings ........................ 1

members, priority over guests..... 5

membership .............................. 16

membership classes .................. 16

membership requirements ........... 1

Membership Secretary, duties .. 20

metal targets not allowed ............ 6

new member applications ......... 18

newsletter ............................ 15, 26

NRA membership ................. 1, 17

organization ................................ 1

padlock combinations ................. 5

padlocks .................................... 14

pets ............................................ 13

Pistol Range rules ..................... 11

practice trap range ...................... 8

President, duties ........................ 20

proximity cards ......................... 14

quorum ...................................... 19

Range Attendant duty ............... 17

31

Range Use Requests ................ 2, 3

rapid firing .................................. 4

Recording Secretary, duties ...... 20

Research Officer, duties ............ 22

security ...................................... 14

Sergeant-At-Arms, duties.......... 21

shooting hours ............................. 5

shotgun range rules ..................... 9

Smallbore Range - DNR classes 10

Smallbore Range rules ................ 9

Spring Work Day ...................... 13

target restrictions ...................... 10

target restrictions ...................... 12

test firing ..................................... 4

trap & skeet range rules .............. 9

Treasurer, duties ....................... 20

Vice-President, duties ............... 20

warning lights ..................... 10, 11

Work Credit ........................ 17, 18

work days .................................. 13

Colophony

This document was created and edited with Microsoft Word 7 (2010)

The 2009 Revisions Committee consisted of Dave Patenaude (President), Scott Olson

(Vice-President), Mike Bertram, Cathy Hagen (Board of Directors), and Gary Boham

(Board of Directors). A special thanks to Harry Stevens for research and historical perspective

Revisions to this edition are based on changes approved by the Board of Directors, Activity Chairs and General Membership since the 2009 and 2011 editions.