CHAPTER POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND RANGE RULES (2024)

Dubuque Chapter Izaak Walton League of America

Policies, Procedures and Range Rules

Welcome to the Dubuque Chapter of the IWLA. We are a Chapter of the National Izaak Walton League of America and are recognized as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit conservation organization. For more information on the IWLA, see www.IWLA.org.

We promote conservation of all of our natural resources including:

Fish and Wildlife

Soils and Agriculture

Water

Woods and Public Lands.

We promote shooting sports such as rifle and pistol, skeet, sporting clays, and trap.

We work with many local organizations, such as Pheasants Forever, the Dubuque DNR, Ducks Unlimited and many other local groups to promote firearm safety, outdoor knowledge and conservation practices. Firearm and range safety is a major concern in this day and age, and we pledge to do our part in improving and proliferate these ideals.

We are a VOLUNTEER organization which encourages all members who are able to contribute to our Chapter. Contributions can be made in many methods. These can include items such as:

1. Assisting with our primary income source, Clay Bird shooting. This includes Trap, Skeet and 5-Stand events which are held on a regular basic during the warmer months (Apr-Sept). (On the job training is given- no prior experience needed!)

2. Helping with groundskeeping, building maintenance, marketing, and social media exposure.

3. Becoming an active participant in our other organized events such as IDPA, Tactical Basics Courses and/or the various other types of events held in the Ranges.

4. Taking a direct involvement by running for an office in elections held each August for positions such as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary or Director. We encourage all points of view and do not discriminate based on any factor. All are welcome!

5. Donations. As with any Non-Profit Organization, we gladly accept donations in many ways- not all donations need to be financial, but they can be items or services put towards the betterment of our Chapter. Donated items must be appproved by the Board Of Directors.

General Membership

1. All Membership durations are from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of each calendar year.

2. Membership is a privilege, not a right. Membership can be revoked for violating any of the rules listed in this document by the Chapter Officers and Directors.

3. Basic Membership does not allow use of the rifle/pistol ranges.

You must upgrade to the Range Key Membership level to have these

privileges. Membership does not allow access beyond the closed and locked gate. (See Range Key Membership section below).

4. Membership privileges include discounted Trap and Skeet rates, reduced fees in Chapter organized events in our Ranges, National IWLA Membership, The Iowa Division of the IWLA, Outdoor America quarterly magazine as well as National IWLA reports and newsletters regarding conservation and sustainability of our natural resources.

5. All new Members must complete a “New Member Orientation” with a Chapter officer before they can be considered for membership.

6. Membership cards must be carried while on the grounds and must be displayed when requested.

7. Chapter meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Thursday. Complementary dinner is at 6:30pm with the meeting beginning at 7:30pm each month.

8. Membership dues are combined dues for the National IWLA, The Iowa division of the IWLA, and our Chapter dues and are non-refundable.

9. Minors must have adult supervision at all times while on the grounds. (This does include coaches and non-chapter sponsored event staff).

10. Report any rule infraction to DubuqueIWLA@gmail.com or contact any Officers directly. Dangerous and disallowed actions are to be reported as well.

11. Failure to follow the rules set by the Dubuque IWLA Board of Directors may result in disciplinary action which includes possible revocation of privileges, surrender of the member’s range key, expulsion from the chapter, possible civil liability, or possible criminal liability.

12. Verified email addresses are required for membership.

13. For a calendar of events and current information see www.iwla.org/dubuque

Range Key Membership (Gate Access)

1. Range Key/Gate Membership is an additional privilege to Dubuque Chapter members. Range Keys are not given until a “Range Key Orientation” is completed by the member.

2. Range Key rental is $50 per year (Jan-Dec). Gate lock is changed January 1st of each year.

3. Gate keys are assigned to a single member and are not to be shared.

4. Parking outside the locked gate is not allowed- if you forgot your key, go home and get it. Accessing the property when the gate is locked without your key is not allowed.

5. Leave the gate in the same condition it was when you arrived. If it is closed- lock it behind you. If you see it is open (for a public event)- please leave it open.

6. You will be asked to present your current membership card and key to Chapter Officers or Range Safety Officers while on the Ranges.

7. Range Keys are issued only to members aged 18 and older and are in good standing.

8. Range keys can and will be confiscated by Officers due to violations of Range Rules.

9. Guests- Range Key holders are only allowed to bring guests with permission from an Officer or Director. Permission is requested by email to Dubuqueiwla@gmail.com and a response is received. Members are responsible for all actions of guests while on Chapter grounds.

10. The Dubuque Chapter Facilities/Ranges will be closed for special events from time to time. Please check the Chapter Online Calendar for the dates of those events.

Range Rules and Etiquette

Our Dubuque Chapter is located within a large residential area. Range rules listed below are for the benefit and longevity of our Chapter’s existence and in keeping the area as safe as possible for everyone. Infractions will be brought to the Board Of Directors for disciplinary action. These rules may not mirror rules on your backyard range/farm/field, but they must be followed and will be enforced. Enforcement of these rules is PRIORITY and we will take action for infraction, up to and including loss of range key access, membership and even possible litigation. Please follow these simple rules and enjoy yourselves without putting anyone at risk or causing any situations that would require the above actions. Stay Safe and Have Fun!!

1. SAFETY: Eye and Ear protection is REQUIRED for all persons on the grounds. Shatterproof eyewear and, at minimum, foam ear plugs. Combined use of plugs and ear-muffs is recommended. Your hearing can only endure so much damage!

a. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

b. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

c. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

2. RANGE HOURS: No shooting of any firearms will occur before 9:00am (0900) and no shooting will be allowed beyond sunset, as defined by the National Weather Service (Not whether it is dark or not).

3. TARGETS: The Chapter provides, manages and repairs target stands/backers for member use. You MUST use only paper or cardboard targets mounted on the target stands. The stands are NOT to be moved. ONLY use paper, cardboard, or preprinted targets that are stapled/pinned/taped to the plywood backers. ALL shooting must be done using sights- non-aimed Hip firing or “spraying” is not allowed. DO NOT SHOOT THE UPRIGHTS HOLDING THE PLYWOOD!!

4. PROHIBITED: (Non-inclusive list)

a. Bump Firing

b. Full Auto

c. Hip Shooting

d. Caliber 50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) (Smaller calibers are allowed)

e. Alcohol/ Drug use – ALL unlawful activity

f. Ground Targets (All targets must be on TARGET STANDS)

g. Unauthorized shooting locations (Bays 1 or 2, Trap fields- except for bird-shot)

h. Hunting – although we encourage hunting in general, we cannot and do not allow hunting on our grounds, for safety and conservation reasons.

5. ETIQUETTE: While most experienced shooters are aware of these, new shooters may not be experienced in range etiquette. Help others to learn how to keep themselves and everyone safe while at the ranges.

a. Treat All Firearms as if they are loaded- AT ALL TIMES.

b. Never point a gun at something you are not willing to destroy. Do not muzzle sweep other shooters or yourself.

c. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire.

d. More information on safety can be found here: https://www.nssf.org/safety/rules-firearms-safety/

6. CLEANLINESS: Clean up your area after you finish shooting. Members are responsible to clean up after themselves leaving the ranges and facilities in as good or better condition than when they arrived. Members must Carry Out Their Trash and Clean Up targets, shell casings, ammo boxes, etc. Place spent brass casings in the brass buckets located on the rifle/pistol ranges and shotgun shell hulls in the containers provided in the shotgun range areas. Leave the shooting areas in BETTER condition than they were when you arrived!

6. Observe common sense range etiquette. No persons are allowed downrange while live fire is occurring. Call “cease fire” when targets are to be retrieved and all firearms must be undisturbed with open actions while going downrange.

This document has been reviewed and approved by a majority of the Dubuque Chapter Board of Directors and Officers. Date of approval: 09-14-2023