About Us
About Our Organization
Our History
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association is to promote safe hunting, sportsmanship, and the propagation of game and fish. The club also assists in the conservation of forest and stream, making game and fish laws, and fostering and perpetuating good will between the general public, fellow sportsmen, landowners, and game and fish authorities.
Our Beginnings
In 1930, local sportsmen began conducting meetings at the American House (currently the Cat’s Meow) Manheim PA for the newly formed Manheim Sportsmen’s Association. Their plan was to proliferate hunting and fishing interest in the local area. Meeting were discontinue during World War II, and the Association’s money was invested in war bonds. After the war, a small club house was purchased near Mollie’s Inn near the Lancaster /Lebanon County line. On January 8, 1953, the group renamed itself the Mollie’s Inn Gun Club.
Reorganization
The group temporarily disbanded in 1955 and then reorganized again in 1960. The first meeting was held in the Manheim Fire Hall then on East High Street, Manheim, PA. This was the start of the present organization, known as the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association, Inc.
Manheim Bicentennial Year
In 1962, Manheim Borough’s Bicentennial year, a joint effort of the Manheim Central School District and Club members in hand digging of the new indoor rifle range at what was the Manheim Junior High School building on Gramby Street in Manheim. The range also served as the Club’s meeting place for several months.
During this Bicentennial year, Club members also participated in Bicentennial events. Members were involved in the Bicentennial parade as well as other staged shows, for which the men grew beards and wore derby hats.
The year 1962 also saw the inception of programs such as Junior Conservation camp, Hunter Trapper Education classes, Memorial Day weekend kids fish derby, and the establishment of a game refuge area. In addition, a bass nursery program began, as did rabbit trapping in Manheim Borough, and a popular Travelogue Outdoor series held at Manheim Central High School.
In 1963, the Club began the annual antler judging program.
In 1964, the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association became incorporated as a non-profit organization.
Work began 1966 on an eighteen-acre tract of land purchased from the Donald Hershey farm on Hossler Road. It was developed into a recreational area, with a grand opening ceremony on September 8, 1968. The expanding membership soon necessitated the acquisition of a larger parcel of land. The present 32-acre facility at 552 Oak Tree Road, Manheim, PA was acquired at a sheriff sale on September 20, 1970. After zoning approval in May 1971, work begin on a new clubhouse, with completion accomplished two-and-a-half years later. The first meeting in the newly constructed clubhouse was called to order on January 2, 1974. Since that time, a continuing effort has been undertaken to keep the facility top-notch through maintenance and facility updating and improvements.
During 1989, work was started on the new indoor range. It was constructed under the specification of the National Rifle Association, and was designed with safety in mind. The 100 x 28 foot facility was completed, and a dedication ceremony was held on Sunday, September 23, 1990. Shooters were, and still are, required to take a mini safety course by a certified instructor before being allow to shoot on this indoor range.
After final approval in early 2001, construction of the 25 yd outdoor range was begun, and this project was completed in the Summer of 2002 by active club members who donated countless hours of hard work. The range was built under the supervision of a range design engineer, who spent a number of days with the construction firm who was hired to do the excavating for the project. It was officially dedicated and opened to the members in the Fall of 2002.
The next project was the building of the food trailer. This was started in early May 2003 by several club members, and completed and put into service at the 2004 Manheim Farm Show. The trailer was built in a member’s large garage and was built to meet the PA Food Codes. This food trailer produces the clubs second highest annual income, surpassed only by yearly membership dues. Also during the year 2003, the Association launched a website.
The year 2010 saw the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association fiftieth year since their reorganization in April of 1960. An open house and celebration event was held June 12-13, and was open to the public.
The year 2008 also saw beginnings of the Women-on-Target program, which was sponsored by the National Rifle Association (NRA). The club hosted several clinics for women to learn the use of rifles, handguns, and shootguns, held on the club’s indoor and outdoor ranges. These programs were taught by qualified NRA instructors. In 2009, the club continued programs such as the Lancaster County Conservation School, the annual Lancaster County Sportsmen for Youth Field Day, the Kid’s Fish Derby, Trout Stocking, Boy Scout Field Day, and maintained memberships in the National Rifle Association, Lancaster County Federated Sportsmen, and worked in cooporation with the Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission.
Also in 2009, seven years after completion of the 25-yard outdoor range, the club decided to make some improvements, and installed an underground drainage system due to wet conditions on the range. The left earthen wall was replaced with pre-cast concrete sections.
Another 2009 improvement was the repair and paving of the driveway, from Oak Tree Road to the club’s parking lot
Security cameras were added to indoor and outdoor ranges in 2006. Later in 2014, the old cameras were replaced with much-improved digital cameras. Card readers were added to the indoor range entrance door, the outdoor 25-yard range, and the rifle range entrance doors. Membership gives members access to an ID card reader that opens card access doors. The card readers provide the club with a record of what facilities are being used, by whom, and when.
June 2014 saw a replacement of rifle range building’s roof. Also, new shooting benches were built, and shelving and storage space for shooters’ supplies were added. At the same time, the barn roof was repaired, sealed, and painted. The task was finished in early July.
The club has been improving the memberships benefits to provide a more safe environment while sighting in rifles.
In January of 2017, the club Officers decided on a plan to replace all the overhead baffles on the 25-yard outdoor range. Dates were set for members to help on this major project. After receiving all the supplies, the start date for removing and replacing baffles was March 18. Work went great, and lots of members helped. March 25 was another big work day, and once again, there was another large turn-out of members. The renovation was a big improvement to the range and greatly appreciated by the members.
Currently there are two Trap Ranges, a 25-yard Outdoor Pistol Range, a 50, 100, and 200-yard Outdoor Shooting Range, a 10-target field Archery Course, and 25-yard indoor range available to members.
Outdoor Ranges Upgrade
In late 2014 and early 2015, the indoor range heating and air circulating system was upgraded. This air purification system was designed to remove dust and smoke from the use of handguns. Two infra-red heaters were installed on the ceiling behind the firing line. This improvement was necessary due to increased usage of the facility by a growing membership.
A much-needed parking lot was added near the rifle range in 2014. The lot was graded and stones were laid to provide additional parking for about twenty cars.
During the summer of 2016, the clubhouse received a complete outside makeover. The club’s roof was replaced on the total length of the building. The wood exterior walls were covered with tan vinyl siding.
Indoor Range
In late 2014 and early 2015, the indoor range heating and air circulating system was upgraded. This air purification system was designed to remove dust and smoke from the use of handguns. Two infra-red heaters were installed on the ceiling behind the firing line. This improvement was necessary due to increased usage of the facility by a growing membership.
A much-needed parking lot was added near the rifle range in 2014. The lot was graded and stones were laid to provide additional parking for about twenty cars.
During the summer of 2016, the clubhouse received a complete outside makeover. The club’s roof was replaced on the total length of the building. The wood exterior walls were covered with tan vinyl siding.
A Little Gun History
2nd Amendment
In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.
You won’t see these data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.
Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note my fellow Americans, before it’s too late! The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this History lesson. With guns, we are ‘citizens’. Without them, we are ‘subjects’.
During WW II the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!
If you value your freedom, please spread this anti gun -control message to all of your friends.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.
SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN! SWITZERLAND’S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE. SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
DON’T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.
Constitution
Section I. The name of this Association shall be “THE MANHEIM SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.”
Section I. The purpose of this association is to promote safe and responsible gun ownership, firearms safety, firearms training, shooting sports, safe hunting, sportsmanship, protect and propagate game and fish, to assist in the conservation of forests and streams, to assist in the making of game and fish laws, to foster and perpetuate a feeling of good will between the general public, sportsmen, landowners and game and fish authorities.
Section I. The membership of this Association shall be divided as follows: Adult, Junior, Family, Honorary and Life, as prescribed hereinafter by the by-laws.
Section I. Officers of this Association shall be elected for a one year term. Any officer may run for re-election as often as he or she desires. The officers of this Association shall consist of the following: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer.
Section II. All officers provided for in Section I shall, at the expiration of their term of office, remain in said office until their successor is elected unless officially removed from office.
Section III. Section III. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers and four (4) additional active members of the Association. Two (2) of the four (4) board members shall be elected yearly with a term of office to be two (2) years. The Board of Directors may be expanded to include two (2) junior members no younger than fourteen (14) years old to be elected for a term of one (1) year.
Section I. Committees of this Association shall be appointed as needed by the Board of Directors Annually and their duties defined at the time of appointment.
Section I. The President shall appoint, at the December meeting, a committee to audit the records of the Treasurer. This audit shall occur at the committee’s discretion between the December and the February regular meetings with a report being submitted thereafter to the membership at the February regular meeting.
Section I. The regular meeting of the Association shall be held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The date of the meeting may be changed at the discretion of the board.
Section II. Board meetings will be held prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Association on a date determined by the Board of Directors.
Section III. Special meetings may be held at the request of the Board of Directors or at the request of the majority of the members present at any meeting.
Section IV. A quorum to transact any business at any regular or special meeting of the Association shall consist of a minimum of eleven (11) members present.
Section I. As herein set forth by the Constitution and the By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall recommend to the members of the Association at any regular or special meeting a method by which said conditions may be established.
Section I. Amendments to this Constitution must be proposed, in writing, to the Board of Directors prior to a regular meeting. At the regular meeting, the proposed amendment must be signed by at least seven (7) members in good standing. The proposed amendment or amendments shall be carried until the next regular meeting and signed by at least seven (7) other members in good standing, and to procure adoption, must receive the votes of the majority of the members present at the second meeting.
Section I. Any real estate and/or other property requiring transfer to or from the Association shall be recorded in the name of “Manheim Sportsmen’s Association, Inc.” and shall be and remain the property of the Association. It can be released or transferred only when authorized by the members of the Association at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose, and then only by a motion duly passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and recorded as part of the minutes of that meeting. Such motion will be an authorization for the Treasurer, President and Recording Secretary to make such a transfer as the Association may direct.
By-Laws
Section I. Nominations of candidates for the elective officers of the Association shall be made by a nominating committee of two (2) members appointed by the president. The committee shall present the names of the nominees at the regular meeting in November with any additional nominations from the floor. The election shall be by ballot at the regular meeting in December with any additional nominations from the floor. The candidate receiving the most votes shall be declared elected by the president. Only current members are eligible to vote.
Section II. In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term of such elected office.
Section I. PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the President to be the presiding officer. He shall call all regular and special meetings prescribed by the Constitution and By-laws. He shall appoint all regular, special and subcommittees. He shall affix his signature to all legal documents of this Association. He shall be an Ex-officio member of all regular and special committees and attend to all other meetings and matters coming under his jurisdiction as President.
Section I. VICE-PRESIDENT: In the absence of the President at any regular or special meeting, as well as meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of regular and special committees, it shall be the duty of the Vice-President to assume the duties of the President.
Section II. RECORDING SECRETARY: The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Association’s regular meetings, the Board of Directors meetings and any special meetings. He shall notify the Board of Directors of all board meetings and attend all other matters coming under his jurisdiction.
Section IV. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: The Membership Secretary shall collect all members’ membership dues and forward same to the Treasurer of the Association, taking receipt and keeping a true record of their standings. He shall attend to all other matters coming under his jurisdiction.
Section V. TREASURER: The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all the money received and disbursed by him, showing specifically for what account collected and for what purpose expended. He shall give a detailed account of all money received and disbursed at each meeting as well as a yearly report during the first quarter of the year. He shall deposit all money belonging to the Association in the Fulton Bank of Manheim, in the name of “The Manheim Sportsmen’s Association, Inc.” or any other bank, if directed so by the Association, subject to withdrawal by check of the Treasurer of the Association only when authorized, and signed by the President or Vice-President and counter-signed by the Treasurer. He shall attend to all other matters coming under his jurisdiction.
Section VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to meet prior to the regular meeting of the Association for the purpose of discussing and recommending that which they may deem valuable for the good of the association. They shall manage and conduct the business of the Association in the interim between meetings and examine the books and accounts of the Association. They may approve the debts or obligations of the Association before being paid by the treasurer and report all of their actions at the next regular or special meeting. Five (5) directors must be present at any meeting to make a quorum.
Section I. Membership may be attained by any persons that are American-born or are naturalized citizens of the United States and of a good moral character. Membership renewal will open for the up-coming year on September 1st. Anyone not renewing a current membership by March 1st of each calendar year will be treated as a new applicant. All memberships expire on December 31st. Unless you hold a current membership for the new year, use of all facilities must cease on December 31st. New membership can be attained by making application with consent of a current member in good standing acting as a sponsor. New membership applications must be approved at one board meeting and one regular meeting. All new members shall be subject to an initiation fee and will be required to attend an orientation session before receiving their membership card. A late fee will be applied to renewals after January 1st of the new membership year. All fees are to be set by the Board of Directors and voted on by the membership before the August regular meeting.
Section II. Membership types:
- Adult – 18 years of age or older
- Junior – 17 years and under
- Family – Those residing in the same household, only to include two (2) adults 18 years of age or older, (with the exception of high school students, full time college students up to and including 26 years of age, and members of the Military) and as well as includes all those under the age of 18. The Manheim Sportsmen’s Association has the right to request proof dependent child is a full time student or in the military.
Section III. Honorary membership may be granted to any individual, at any regular or special meeting, who has performed some meritorious act in the advancing of the Association or in the interest of fishing, hunting, forestation and purification of the waters of Pennsylvania. Honorary members shall be exempt from payment of dues.
Section IV. Life membership cannot be obtained until the person applying has been a paid adult member, in good standing, of the Association for a period of not less than five years. In addition, family life membership cannot be obtained.
Section V. Any person upon reaching the age of 65 or over and has been a member for 5 of the previous 7 years is entitled to a senior life membership.
Section VI. Provisional Members are those individuals who have applied for membership to the Association and not yet fulfilled the following prerequisites:
- Attend two (2) General Meetings (Proposal of New Members and Election).
- Attend one (1) Orientation Meeting.
- Received the approval of the membership.
Section I. The annual dues for membership shall be determined by the members of the Association before the regular meeting in August and membership shall be available after September of the same year. Membership availability for the current year will end August 31st. Memberships expire December 31st of the year stamped.
Section I. Any willful disregard for, or violation of, the Game and Fish Laws and/or any legally constituted regulation of the Association or the Judicial System, shall be just and sufficient cause for expelling a member from this Association. The members of this Association shall foster clean sportsmanship, and it shall be the duty of each member to report to the president any violations of the Game and Fish Laws and/or any constituted regulation of the Association, which may come to his notice. The Board of Directors shall have the power to prosecute any offender of legally constituted regulation as hereinafter set forth by the Association.
Section I. Any member of the Association violating any clause, section, any part of this Constitution and By-laws or any ruling of the Association is subject to expulsion.
The alleged member must be given the opportunity to be heard in his/her defense. Prior to the Board of Directors meeting (or a special meeting called for the purpose of reviewing the charges), the alleged offender must be given two (2) weeks’ notice, in writing, by certified/return receipt mail, of the charges against him/her. The notice shall also include the date, time and location of the meeting. Should the alleged offender decline to attend or neglect to appear at the meeting, the Board may proceed with the meeting.
Section II. Any person of the Association subject to expulsion may be expelled by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors with concurrence of the members present at any regular or special meeting.
Section I. All meetings of the Association shall be conducted according to recognized parliamentary rules. A majority vote of the current members present at any regular or special meeting, when properly called, shall transact business. Anyone making use of improper language or misbehaving in any manner, at any meeting, shall be subject to expulsion from the meeting or Association.
Section II. The following shall be in the Order of Business:
- Calling of the meeting to order
- Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
- Roll call of officers
- Reading of the minutes of the regular, board and special meeting of the Association
- Report of officers:
- President
- Vice-President
- Recording Secretary
- Treasurer
- Board Members
- Report of Committees
- Introduction of Guests
- Unfinished Business
- New Business
- Good of the Order
- Nomination, Election, and Installation of Officers
- Adjournment