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Wealthwood Rod & Gun Club was organized in April of 1964, as a nonprofit corporation. The basic activity of the club was winter deer feeding. There were only 10 members. The club concerns were raising ducks and fish population in Mille Lacs during the late 60's.
In 1972, cards were placed on fish houses on Mille Lacs - DO NOT LITTER. About 250 cards were placed. The club just about folded for lack of members. In 1977, the club adopted the pheasant release program. The first year, 150 birds were raised and released. This was a 3-year program. I
n 1979, the club started growing and the members were looking into a rifle and trap range. The club decided to put together a Wild Game Cook Book. Sales were very good. In February of 1981, the club purchased 5 acres from the township (which was the former dump site) to make into a range. Lots of fill dirt was needed. The club also went on record of supporting a public access for Hanging Kettle Lake. Blue Bird and wood duck houses were made by club members and put up in several locations. Trap leagues were set up and shooting was done 2 nights every week.
The club decided to hold turkey and fun shoots as fundraisers for the club. Shooting was picking up so fast, it was decided to look into lighting at the range. More nights were added to the shooting schedule. In February of 1982, the club joined the NRA program as an affiliate member. The club also discussed doing a newsletter. In an attempt to get more younger people involved in the club activities, it was decided to let the 4-H Shooting Sports group and the Boy Scouts and any other organized group of youngsters shoot free at the range if they provided their own shells and birds. Since the beginning, the club dues were $3.00. They were raised to $5.00. Lights were added and a larger parking lot.
In 1984, a club house was discussed and decided to start a building fund. In March, a newsletter was started. In April, several members took firearms Instructors classes.
In 1985, it was apparent the 5-acre plot that holds the range was not large enough. In 1986, 120 acres that lies next to the Wealthwood State Forest was purchased. It was privately owned and a perfect location. Money was being raised in various ways to get a clubhouse. A gambling license was also needed for raffle and pull-tabs. The building committee reported that about 25- 30 thousand would be needed to rough in the newly proposed building. A group of members took snowmobiles into the proposed site, as the road was impassable to cars and trucks. The club also started buying reloading supplies for members. The incoming road to the property is being worked on. The MN National Guard was looking for projects and would bring in some equipment to help us our and use it in their training program.
The club goal was to have 200 paid up members for 1986. The spring shooting season had 11 teams. In July 1986, two NRA range layout experts walked over the site with several members and offered suggestions. The road to the site was finished and now electricity could be brought it. In 1986, 18 shooters received patches for perfect scores of 25 straight. In 1987, the club got approval to build a 24 x 56 pole building for storage on the property. New traps were installed so the new range would be ready for summer activity. A big bore range was laid out and sitting in was possible.
The archery committee dozed a trail out through the wood and ordered 24 targets. Wildlife ponds were also put in. there are 17 teams shooting and 3 youth teams. In 1989, we reached our goal of 200 members. Projects for the year included flagpoles, skeet range, another wildlife pond and one-acre aspen cut for improvement of deer and grouse habitat.
In 1990, the club extended the big bore range to 300 yards, cement pads are needed by skeet towers. The kitchen and restrooms for the clubhouse were taking shape. In 1991, discussion on setting sporting clays began. Dues were now $12.00. The planning committee showed plans for the addition to the storage area, which would include a classroom & wild game display; The size to be 48x50. WRGC also got the first manager for the club. 28 teams shot trap. There was a women’s firearms class. The club rebuilt a walleye-spawning project.
In 1992, we had 33 trap teams and 21 Skeet teams. The club added another 20 acres from a land auction. The Youth Association was formed: Youth Clay busters. In 1993 - the club purchased a computer for keeping track of scores. And a member purchased the sporting clays trailer which the club is leasing from him.
In 1994 - the Club is now open every Sunday. Lifetime memberships were discussed and Automatic Trap machines were purchased. Membership is now over 300.
We joined NSCA & MSC in 2003. As of December 2005, we have 446 members and are open all year 6 days a week. We have sporting clays, trap, skeet, archery (indoor and outdoors), and a 300-yard rifle/pistol range.
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