Some Important Information on Ammunition with Lead Projectiles
Exposure to lead is known to be a threat to human health. Thanks to Robert Matasich, Public Health Educator for the Allegany County Department of Health for providing some important information on how to protect yourself when handling ammunition and spending time on the range.
If you would like more information, here is a link to a pamphlet on Safe Practices on the Range and a List of Ammunition Manufacturers that have Non-Lead ammo available.
Protect Yourselves from Ticks Through the Huning Seasons and Beyond
Did you know that ticks can be present and active through much of the hunting seasons? Ticks do not become dormant until temperatures begin to dip below freezing. That can be well into the regular deer season and beyond in the Southern Tier.
Have you been taking measures to protect yourself from ticks? Their presence in the Southern Tier woods appears to be increasing and whitetail deer are one of the mammals that they tend to feed on extensively. Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and other dangerous maladies. It is highly recommended that you educate yourself on this issue and take some simple measures to protect yourself from the potential of being bitten by a tick while hunting.
Field and Stream magazine recently published an extensive article on ticks and the potential consequences of their bites. The article contains excellent close-up pictures of ticks that will help with identification should you be bitten. You can access that article here: “The Hunter’s Guide to Ticks.” Should you find that you have been bitten by a tick and the tick is still present, it should be carefully removed and saved for identification purposes. Should you experience evidence of infection or flu-like symptoms subsequent to the bite, you should contact your doctor right away. The New York State Health Department has a considerable amount of information on ticks and some good guidance on how to proceed should you be bitten. That information on their website is available at : “Lyme Disease and Other Diseases Carried by Ticks.”
One of the more effective methods of protecting yourself from ticks is the use of the insect repellent Permethrin. This repellent is intended to be used on your clothing, not on your skin. Clothing treated with this spray will repel ticks and other insects and is even documented to actually kill ticks that come into contact with it. Permethrin is readily available at many sporting outlets and on Amazon.com. To read more about this product, visit their website at Sawyer’s Permethrin Fabric Treatment.
We hope you find this information helpful. Take measures to protect yourself and stay safe during this hunting season!
Members Working to Make Gun Club Improvements
The Wellsville Rod & Gun Club wants to thank those who spend their time and effort to make this organization better each day. Recently, some members have contributed by going above and beyond expectations. Here are some of their accomplishments:
On the Trap Range, we have a brand new, handmade shotgun rack that will secure firearms in between shooting rounds. Thanks to club member and shooting instructor, Ric McEnroe for his time and craftsmanship in building this rack and for his generosity in donating it to the Gun Club.
In the south end of clubhouse, we now have a brand-new woodstove installed. Again, we have Ric McEnroe to thank for his generosity in donating this to the Gun Club. Thanks, Ric!
And, thanks to Tom Miller for his time and effort in completing the installation of the new woodstove. Tom is one of our members who operates behind the scenes maintaining our grounds and facilities. Whether it is mowing the grass or tending to repairs and improvements, Tom is the person we rely on. Take a close look at the gate on your next visit to the club. The gate can now be secured in the open position without having to rely on highway cones. This is thanks to Tom and his ability to, not only come up with a solution for a problem, but to craft that solution into reality. Any time you notice some improvement at the club, you can be assured that Tom was likely involved.
The recent Kids Fishing Derby was a big success in spite of fowl weather interfering near the end. We entertained 112 kids at the Derby. Any more and we will have to dig a bigger pond! Much of the success of this event is thanks to the club volunteers that were involved. The Kemp family prepared the clubhouse and grounds during the days prior to the event. They cleaned the clubhouse, cleared brush and weeds from around the pond and raked the area. Thanks to Randy, Sue, Josh and Erika!
And, thanks to Don and Jackie Comstock, Tim Colligan, Ed Czarnecki, Joe Spinelli, and Denny Wyant for their time and effort in the Pavilion providing the food and refreshments for the kids and their parents. There was a brief pause in the action when supplies ran low, but the day was saved by Jackie making an emergency run to the Giant to replenish the necessary food and drinks. She was the unsung hero of the day!
The Curt Loper Pavilion has an attractive addition. Thanks to Denny Wyant for preparing and installing the backdrop, and hanging the new plaques inside the pavilion.
We now have a commercial grade printer/copier in the Club Secretary’s Office. This machine was donated to the club by Lifetime member, Russell Swatsworth. It was recently replaced at his business with a newer model, so he thought of us and delivered it on the day before the Kids’ Fishing Derby. The club secretary will be able to make good use of the new printer and it will reduce club expenditures. Thanks, Russ!
And, if you happen to be in the clubhouse, take a look at the kitchen. Carol Didion and her sister, Jean Swatsworth, and Don and Jackie Comstock spent a morning in the kitchen recently. They sorted through all the contents of the cupboards and thoroughly cleaned all the appliances, countertops and cupboards. A considerable amount of old, unusable kitchen supplies were disposed of, making better use of the available space. Thanks, gang!
There are others who volunteer their time to support and maintain the club and we appreciate them all!