BVFGFA April 2023 Members Newsletter

This e-mail contains graphics, if you don't see them view it online.

	Branch Valley FGFA Newsletter April 2023

Greetings Visitor ,

Welcome to the April 2023 edition of the Branch Valley Fish Game & Forestry Association Newsletter. We hope you will find the information contained here useful and timely. If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can serve you better please let us know.

Included in this Issue

Presidents Words - April
Outdoor Range - March
Fish Committee April
Fishing Rules
Monthly Raffle Winners - 2022/2023
Pistol Team/Indoor Range - April
Archery Committee - April
April 2023 Upcoming Events
Membership - April
Kitchen Committee - April
2023 BVFGFA Rifle Matches
2023 Montgo Friends of NRA Banquet & "Locked & Loaded Game Card"
BVFGFA Wednesday Trap
Grounds Help Needed - April
Legistlative Alerts GOA April
BVFGFA Advertisers (newsletter)
April 2023 Newsletter

Presidents Words - April

President's Words for April 2023

It is showing signs of spring, blooming daffodils, looking through the woods it has a tint of green. The pollen will be in full swing about the time we start fishing and for spring turkey.

It is important to have your gear ready for whatever outings you have planned.

But along with things we prepare for is something most of us don't, ticks.

Lyme disease is no joke. It can be a disabling disease. So get a good repellent and use it each time you are going on an outing.

I took note for the second time in two years the fish commission is seeking to raise the cost of fishing license. It looks like it will be a $2.50 increase. This will raise the commission's income by nearly three million. I guess this will be the norm for many years to come, costs will continue to climb to do what we love.

Till next month, be a good steward of the outdoors.

Garry Engelmann

Outdoor Range - March

Outdoor Range & Other Items

April's high-power match will be held on Sunday the 23rd and will be of the offhand variety. Match begins at 9AM.

Black Powder shooters will meet on Sunday the 2nd at the outdoor range from 9AM until about Noon.

Saturday, April 8th will be the annual Kid Fish Day, This is open to Branch Valley member children ONLY. Also, during the Kid Fish Day there will be no usage of the Outdoor Ranges or the Members Trap until the kids activities have concluded at noon. Thanks for your understanding, and if you don't understand, thanks anyway.

All members fishing starts April 9th, come early for breakfast which is served from 6AM to 8AM. The Pond is members only from April 9-April 15. No Guest passes please.

Definition time: TEN (10), the number between nine and eleven, and also the maximum number of rounds permitted in a magazine when shooting at Branch Valley.

Thanks for your indulgence,

Bob Gular This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fish Committee April

Fishing Committee April 2023

The Trout Are Coming!

The delivery is planned for April 6.

Junior members under 16 years of age are invited to begin fishing on Saturday April 8 from 8AM to Noon.

The Club April 9 Opening Day festivities begin with breakfast from 6AM to the start time of 8AM.

The Pond will be Members Only from Sunday April 9 to Saturday April 15.

Please download and read the Branch Valley fishing rules. Enjoy good sportsmanship and ethics in the coming season.

Please return any lost equipment that you may find to the sign in table.

Change your lines; get a bigger net; enjoy the fish and thank the members of the Board for supporting the season.

The Fishing Committee

Jack Patcella

Fishing Rules

Fishing Rules for 2023

Please take time to re-familiarize yourself with the BVFGFA Fishing Rules. There has been some confusion and some pushing the envelope.

The lake is stocked with trout annually by the club, but many other fish live in this lake also.

Rules

Members MUST Sign in and Membership cards must be displayed while fishing.
Each person (Member Or Guest) must have his or her own stringer. Buckets, Creels and other apparatus prohibited.
No stocking of any kind of fish in the lake.
Bag limits:
- 2 trout per day per member, No catch & release
- No harvest on bullhead catfish
- No harvest on channel cat
- No harvest bass
- 50 blue gills per day per member
- 15 daily snapping turtles per day per member or 30 per season per member
Maximum of two lines fished by rod or hand. One hook per line, treble hooks are permitted.
No minnows of any kind are to be used for bait.
No digging, boating or wading allowed.
There will be no frog taking at any time.
You must report all trout taken on the sheets inside the clubhouse
Members caught littering will lose their fishing privilege.
No fishing from the bridge.
For specific dates on the fishing season, see board in Clubhouse.

Please Direct all questions and comments to Jack Patcella

Monthly Raffle Winners - 2022/2023

RAFFLE WINNERS for 2022/2023

May 2022	Dan Rombald
June 2022	Steven Yuzwiack
July 2022	Dean Leach
August 2022	Brian Prowling
September 2022	Carl Bayer
October 2022	Stephen Lear
November 2022	Rich Moody
December 2022	Anthony Zadlo
January 2023	Joseph Gibbons
February 2023	William Kioro
March 2023	Darius Puzinas
April 2023	April Flowers?

Pistol Team/Indoor Range - April

Pistol Team Report April 2023

The pistol team is completing its competition season soon and will be starting the summer “stay in shape” practice sessions as of April 6th.

Any club members interested in experiencing precision pistol are welcome to shoot with the team during our Thursday night practices. You will need a pistol and 60 rounds of ammunition. We will match you with a team member to help in acquainting yourself with the procedures.

This is NOT training for beginners. All participants are expected to be experienced with their equipment and knowledgeable in the rules of gun safety.

Important Reminder!! The indoor range continues to suffer from projectiles hitting things that were not meant to be shot. Be sure to stand close enough to put your shots on the target or at least on the backer. Shooting the walls, the ceiling, and furniture in the room is not acceptable.

Please: Only shoot paper targets.

Approved calibers posted on the range.

Place finger on the trigger ONLY when ready to fire.-SAFETY FIRST.

Unsafe practices damaging BVFG range or property may cost your membership.

Please take out the trash when the containers are full.

Clean up all your brass.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Captain

Archery Committee - April

Archery Club

The Archery club gets together Monday night indoors from 7 till 9 to shoot a round of 3D targets.

The indoor range has a green arrow curtain that can be pulled in front of the pistol backstop. The curtain is rated for a 50lb bow using blunt bullet tip points. We have target bails and foam blocks to be placed between the targets and the curtain. This is to prevent damage to the curtain and to your arrows in the unlikely chance you miss.

On the outdoor archery range target houses have been placed at 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards. CrossBow speed bags are installed on all of the target houses. Please put the crossbow speed bags back on top of the foam blocks to keep them out of the weather when you are finished.

Good News! Broadheads can be shot at the Styrofoam blocks in the target houses. Just be careful when removing the broad heads and pulling out large chunks of the foam.

PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT BROADHEADS AT THE “CROSSBOW SPEED BAGS” OR ANY OTHER TARGET ON THE CLUB GROUNDS.

Joe Bosch

April 2023 Upcoming Events

BV Calendar for April 2023

* Indicates Outdoor Ranges Unavailable

Date	Event	Time
2	Black Powder	9am
3	Archery	7-10pm
4	B.V. Monthly meeting	7:30pm
5	B.V. Trap*	6-10pm
6	B.V. Pistol	7-10 pm
8	Kids Fish	8am-noon
9	Breakfast	6am
9	Opening Fishing	8AM
10	Archery	7-10pm
12	B. V. Trap*	6pm -10pm
13	B.V. Pistol	7-10pm
17	Archery	7-10pm
19	B.V. Trap*	6-10pm
20	B.V. Pistol	7-10pm
23	High Power offhand Any rifle match	9am
24	Archery	7-10pm
25	B.V. board of Dir. Meeting	7:30pm
26	B.V. Trap*	6-10pm
27	B.V. Pistol	7-10pm

Membership - April

Membership Report for April 2023

NOTE: 2023 MEMBERSHIP CARDS (YELLOW for 2023) MUST BE DISPLAYED BY ALL MEMBERS WHILE USING THE RANGES/FACILITY AT BVFG. NO EXCEPTIONS.

New and Renewed members as of March 23rd 890, including juniors

Renewals are closed

We are working down waiting list steadily. Those who reply to the invitation for orientation we process for new membership through March. If no reply is received, they are moved to the archive for short period and discarded.

PLEASE NOTE SO THIS UNDERSTOOD:
Due to issues with some members violating the family membership (dependent children) policy; ages 18 - 22 enrolled as Fulltime college students NOTE: BVFG has closed this option. This change is in effect for 2023 calendar year and in effect for renewing in 2023. Renewal forms for 2023 will be requesting information on dependent in household children. Those 18 and over much move to an adult membership..

IF MEMBERS ARE NOT GETTING EMAILED NEWSLETTER THEY NEED TO CONTACT US VIA WEBSITE EMAIL SITE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. NEW MEMBERS, PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER ON THE WEBSITE AS REQUESTED AT ORIENTATION. If you change your email address do so on the BVFG web portal by "signing in" to manage this process. If not registered, please do so if you have email. It is important to streamline the newsletter mailing process also.

Also if any news of interest please write to the club email address.
Please attend meetings. Next general meeting is April 4th 2023 @ 7:30pm .

Otherwise refer to this newsletter for current issues on John Helfrich's calendar and general information or the website.

We have new Pocket T shirts at the meeting XL and 2XL in navy blue and medium steel grey. Cost $20 If anyone has suggestions for T shirts in various colors and sizes, please advise at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on BVFG Hotmail address.

New Arctic Hooded sweatshirts in various colors will re-establiished supply with BVFG logo embroidering. Most M, L, EX and 2XL some larger frames on most items available . BVFG Crewneck sweatshirts, Light denim shirts, T Shirts, Fleeces with camo sleeves, camo and blaze orange hats

Also plenty of available hooded sweatshirts, full zip. for sale at the club meeting. . Let me know via email link on website if preference for more colors.

Think spring, lots of birds chirping early morning, nature's alarm clock. Enjoy all the things this season has to offer.

Regards, Paul S. PR Membership Committee/Director/Financial Secretary

NOTE: 2023 MEMBERSHIP CARDS (YELLOW for 2023) MUST BE DISPLAYED BY ALL MEMBERS WHILE USING THE RANGES/FACILITY AT BVFG. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Kitchen Committee - April

April Meeting Night

Hot ITalian Sausage (Premio)

Dessert (Its a Surprise)

Ice Cream Sandwich
Snack Packs

Coffee, Tea, Lemonade, Iced Tea

See you soon!

Larry Myers - Kitchen Committee

2023 BVFGFA Rifle Matches

9AM Start Time 100 Yards
Open to Public with Experience

Registration Done @ Match

04/23/2023	Offhand 100yd Rifle Match	9am
05/28/2023	NRA Approved High Power Standard Service & Match Rifle	9am
06/25/2023	Offhand 100yd Rifle Match	9am
07/23/2023	Carbine Rifle Match & Service Pistol @ 50 Yds	9am
08/27/2023	Standard Service & Match Rifle Shoot	9am
09/24/2023	Offhand 100yd Rifle Match	9am
10/22/2023	Standard Service & Match Rifle Shoot	9am
11/05/2023	High Power Rifle Match (Vets shoot free)	9am
12/03/2023	Vintage Military Bolt Rifle Match (Toys for Tots)	9am

Match Fees: $10.00 per shooter + $5.00 for NRA Approved Match

(Juniors, Seniors & Active Military $5.00 Discount All Matches)
EYE & EAR PROTECTION REQUIRED @ ALL MATCHES

BVFG&F Assoc. Club Rules

Direct Inquires to:

Bob Gular – 610-631-9630 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Non Members MUST sign waiver

2023 Montgo Friends of NRA Banquet & "Locked & Loaded Game Card"

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

FRIENDS of the NRA BANQUET

THURSDAY, JUNE 1ST

Get your ticket today!

last year we sold out early - don't miss it

Franconia Heritage, Telford, PA

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS

We look forward to a fantastic banquet.

As always, we will have an outstanding number of items

available for raffles, games, and our famous live auction!

DOORS OPEN AT 5 PM, PLEDGE/PRAYER/DINNER at 7 PM

MontCo Friends of the NRA | 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Reserve your tickets now!!! *Credit Cards Accepted*
Information, Ticket Orders or Donations by Phone or e-mail

Gregory Nyce (267) 614-1842 of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tickets can also be purchased online at friendsofnra.org

BVFGFA Wednesday Trap

TRAP IS BACK AT BVFGFA!

PLEASE NOTE THE CURRENT PRICES FOR BIRDS AND AMMO

Cost: 25 birds $ 5.00

Shells at current market price or bring your own.

Hours: Wednesdays, 6:00- 9:30-10:00PM

Call your own. If cold temperatures below 25F, rainy, we do not open. If poor turnout, we close earlier.
Shotgun Committee needs helpers for Wednesday evening shoots.

Please contact Larry @ 267-424-0295
Please reach out and thank Larry for continuing to make this event happen.

Direct All questions to Larry Varichione.

Grounds Help Needed - April

Grounds Committee Needs Your Help

The Grounds Committee is looking toward Spring. We desperately need your help with grounds care this year.

Please consider stepping up to do some mowing and grounds work. A few volunteers would make the job that much easier.

For specific details and to put your name on the list please reach out to Mike Reiner or any Board Member.

Legistlative Alerts GOA April

Members and Friends,

It's up to each one of us to keep track of what our elected representatives are up to and let them know our opinion. One of the best and easiest methods is to sign up at the Gun Owners of America (GOA) web
page:

https://www.gunowners.org/action/

There is no cost and you don't have to join the organization. GOA will send you email alerts when any bills (pro and con, US and State) come up for votes, advise you of executive actions and more.

If you also enter your physical address, it will tailor pre-written reply letters to your specific US and PA reps and senators. You can always write your own reply text or alter the pre-written version as you see fit. You can look up voting records, voter guides, legislation info, etc.. It is a great resource to help keep track and quickly let you opinion be known.

Remember, Freedom Is Never Free!

Jim Hildenberger