Feature Article July 31, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeLand O' Lakes Sporting ClubOn Saurday the 26th, the Land O Lakes Sporting Club held an open house to show off their facilities. The club has taken over the shooting range formerly operated by the Kaladar Gun Club. The range, consisting of 3.9 acres of land originally donated to the Kaladar club, had fallen below new guidelines set by the Canadian Firearms Officer after the demise of the gun club in the late 90's. The Land O Lakes Sporting club decided to take over the range in August of 2002.
Donations of volunteer time from the club's 64 members, and heavy equipment from local contractors brought the range up to regulations. Burms of earth, 18' high at the end and 12' high at the sides had to be built to provide a safe environment for target shooting. The range was inspected by Howard Adamson, Provincial Range Inspector, and certified for handgun, shotgun and rifle use by the fall of 2002. Don Yearwood, President of the LOL Sporting Club and owner of Bishop Lake Outdoor Sales, expressed great appreciation of Mr. Adamsom for his help and support.
Insurance coverage has been obtained through the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Membership fees for the sporting club includes membership in the OFAH, which provides $2,000,000 in liability insurance. The club focuses on education and training in a safe environment. Members must have a Possession and Aquisition licence and all firearms must be registered. Members must sign in upon entering the range, but will have unrestricted access to both the shooting and archery ranges.
The LOL Sporting Club is a non profit organization. Funds raised through membership fees and competitions are used to improve the existing facilities. Capital improvements include: more shooting positions on the firing line, a sun shelter for the firing line, improvements to the clubhouse and accomodation for shooting during inclement weather. The OFAH has donated several art prints, that along with a clock made by one of club's members, will be raffled off to raise funds so that upgrades to the range may continue. Tickets will be sold at BL Outdoor Sales and other local business, with a draw date of November 16.
