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Bass River Rod & Gun Club February 2026 Newsletter |
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Then, and Now
Deena Tolley, long time member, and former Club Secretary for many years, has just written a “History of the Bass River Rod and Gun Club”. Below is an excerpt from her history -
“Established in 1936 during a period of national economic recovery and rising interest in organized outdoor recreation, the Club quickly became a hub for hunters, anglers, and conservation-minded residents of Cape Cod. The following is an historical account of the individuals and efforts that established and sustained the Bass River Rod and Gun Club through its formative decades. These contributions provide valuable insight into the Club's development and its enduring place within the region's cultural and environmental history. Tucked away in the quiet heart of the Cape, where pine forests meet tidal waters, the Bass River Rod and Gun Club has stood as a steadfast symbol of tradition, respect for nature, and fellowship. It was founded in 1936 to promote good sportsmanship and fellowship among sportspeople of all ages, and especially to encourage youth to become interested in better fishing, better hunting, and the conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the outdoors.”
This history of the Club, as presented by Deena, is available on our web site here.
When you read it, you’ll see the spirit of hard work, dedication, and volunteerism that created the club and remains its backbone today.
Today, our Club is 900 members strong, we have a dedicated volunteer base and our finances are sound. The Strategic Planning Committee, with the support of the Board of Directors has created a Capital Stabilization Fund, and has also earmarked up to $120,000 over the next few years to ensure that we can pursue the priorities we identified as important for the Club and our Community:
- Develop a robust Education and Training Program that is guided by the Club's Original Purpose.
- Develop a Volunteerism Strategy and Culture that is effective at involving the majority of the Club's Membership.
- Broaden and Reinvigorate the Club's Sportsperson's Reputation in the Surrounding Community.
When you get the chance to read Deena’s history, you’ll see 90 years of our Club’s dedication to these goals.
Sincerely,
Dan Paige Sr.
President |
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The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Wants to Hear from You!
- Want to EXPAND HUNTING ACCESS in Massachusetts?
- Want to HUNT ON SUNDAYS in Massachusetts?
- Want to have SMALLER ARCHERY SETBACKS from roads and dwellings when appropriate in Massachusetts?
- Want to USE CROSSBOWS FOR HUNTING in Massachusetts?
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announced that they will hold public listening sessions over the next two weeks to consider additional tools to manage the deer population, including allowing for expanded hunting season or hunting on Sundays.
Last month, we asked you to take a survey on expanding hunting access in the state. Those survey results went to the Department of Fish and Game. This month, please attend a listening session or write an Email to a State Official. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) will hold public listening sessions on several opportunities to expand hunting access in Massachusetts, including Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and minimum setback distances for hunting.
How to Provide Feedback-
MassWildlife welcomes the public to provide input on these hunting laws at upcoming listening sessions. The public may also provide feedback by using this online form.
Or by mail to Attn: Hunting Laws, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA, 01581 by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Listening Sessions
- February 2 at 6 p.m. at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Bourne)
- February 3 at 1 p.m. on Zoom. Click here to register.
Following the listening sessions, MassWildlife will evaluate public input and anticipated wildlife management impacts to inform its recommendations. Please speak out by attending a session or clicking on the link above.
Thank you,
Dan Paige Sr. |
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Report of the Nominating Committee |
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Bass River Rod & Gun Club
Annual Election April 3, 2026
President: Dan Paige, Sr.
1st Vice President: Steve Marcus
2nd Vice President: Chris Jolls
Secretary: John Billings
Treasurer: Paul Heslinga
Directors:
3-Year Term (2026-2029)
Laura Cronin
Steve Guerrini
Larry Lyford
Ed Teague
Submitted By:
Nominating Chair Ed Teague |
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Massachusetts Jr. Conservation Camp Ben Pihl Scholarship Available |
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The Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) is a two week program designed to teach teens between 13-17 years old various outdoor recreation skills.
The MJCC is operated by Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp Inc. Campers learn a variety of outdoor skills, including:
- Fishing
- Hunting (Campers will become certified in Hunter Education)
- Shooting sports
- Boating (Campers will become certified in Small Boat Safety)
- Camping
The camp also aims to educate campers about conservation of natural resources and responsible use of the environment. Natural resource professionals from state agencies provide hands-on experiences and demonstrations and lead discussions on wildlife, fisheries, and forest management. In the evening, campers participate in demonstrations of outdoor recreation topics.
Learn more about the program on the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp website: https://juniorconservationcamp.org/ or call 508-450-5120.
Camp Dates: August 3-15, 2026
If you know of a teen between 13-17 who would like to attend, contact Cheryl Cerbone, membership@bassriverrodandgun.com; 508-360-4090. |
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For a limited time,
Bass River Rod & Gun Club merchandise is 50% off!
Proudly display your membership in the Bass River Rod and Gun Club with some new merchandise! Valid until they're gone!
Email the merchandise chair Bryan Howes.
- The 20 year VA T-shirts have come in.
- I want to thank everybody for the good response on merchandise request for this year. The below is a list of what people would like for 2026.
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- Polar fleece hats with a club logo
- Polar fleece, pullovers, and zip ups with The Club logo
- Pink club hats
- Various colors in club hats
- Polo shirts, and T-shirts in black and other various colors
- Various colors in watch caps with The Club logo
- Camo and blaze orange hats with club logo
- Polar fleece vests with club logo
- RSO Caps with RSO and club name only
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- Volunteers are needed for the herring run count. Training will be provided by the APCC of Cape Cod locally the count begins June 1. Email Bryan Howes.
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Archery
Indoor Archery has had a very good turnout so far and with the help of Skip, Dan and Sarah, the transition has been smooth. We’re having fun and being safe.
Indoor Archery continues on Sundays and runs from 9:00am to 11:00am.
Keep up to date on any range closures on the Facebook page.
Please contact Bill DiNatale with input or for more information on assisting by clicking HERE.
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Youth Intro Shotgun Days
Do you have a boy or girl, ages 10 to 21 who may be interested in learning how to safely handle a shotgun and participate in the sport of clay target shooting? If so, join us for two Saturdays in March at Bass River Rod and Gun Club in Yarmouth, where your youngster will be afforded the opportunity to be introduced to the sport as part of our warm up for your Youth Shotgun Team, a program that runs from April through August. March 14 and 21 at 2:00pm at Bass River Rod and Gun Club, 620 Route 6A, Yarmouthport. Bring $5.00, a parent or guardian, and an expectation to have fun outdoors - we'll provide everything else. Go to the Bass River Rod and Gun Club website for more complete information on our program or call Head Coach Arthur Boujoukos at 412-915-2760. |
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Important schedule announcement!
No Junior Rifle Programs 2/18/2026 through 2/28/2026.
Thank you to...
- The RSO’s who help keep the Junior Rifle sessions safe. Their safety awareness lets the instructors concentrate on teaching our shooters.
- Brian Howes and John Cavacas for your generous donations!
Calling All Rifle Instructors
- Are you an NRA Certified Rifle Instructor? We can use your help filling the instructor schedule at the Junior Rifle sessions on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
- If you are interested in becoming a Rifle Instructor to help the Juniors, contact the Education Chair, Brian McCormack Education@bassriverrodandgun.com .
Visit the Junior Rifle Program
- Our program is growing and we’ve got some great shooters. It’s so popular that we’ve added a second weekly session. We’d love to have members visit us.
- Come to the Indoor Range Wednesday evening 6:00pm to 8:00pm or Saturday morning 9:00am to 11:00am. Ask for Mike or Greg and meet our crew and shooters.
Survey
- We’re working on a survey to get some ideas and participation from our members on how to improve our program. We’ll have a link next month for you to share your ideas.
- If you have any thoughts now, please contact Greg Gniadek. (JRRifle@bassriverrodandgun.com) .
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Indoor Action Shooting Practice Continues
USPSA and IDPA outdoor matches will resume in April. We are having indoor range practices on Tuesday nights from 5:30pm to 7:30pm almost every week this winter. These practices are a great way to introduce yourself to new skills, comradery and improving your gun handling and safety skills.
We will be doing drills, mini stages and general skills building.
All are welcome. |
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“Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – President John F. Kennedy |
Bass River Rod & Gun Club thrives with active member participation. Despite an expanding volunteer base, we face a common challenge - 80% of the work is done by 20% of our members. To realize our full potential, members' time, talents, and dues are essential.
We need your help in filling the following positions:
Archery Instructor & Archery Assistants: If you're an archery instructor, or willing to be trained as an instructor - or, if you are willing to help open and supervise the archery range on an alternating schedule, contact Bill DiNatale by clicking HERE.
Rifle Instructor & Jr. Rifle Assistants: If you're a rifle instructor, or willing to be trained as an instructor to help with the Junior Rifle Program, contact Greg Gnadiek by clicking HERE.
To hear more about these positions, please email us by clicking HERE. |
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Club Dinner
We need volunteers to assist with the monthly club dinner every third Friday of the month from 5 - 7 pm. No cooking required! If you're able to help, please contact Larry Lyford by clicking HERE.
Wednesday Workers
Come to the main clubhouse any Wednesday at 8 am to help with various tasks around the club.
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Members will be notified about additional opportunities that come up via email from the Club's Volunteer Coordinator, Matt Bangert. You can contact Matt by clicking HERE. |
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Unlawful Assault Style Firearm Roster could lead to the prosecution of lawful gun owners. Within the myriad of convoluted language in Chapter 135 (The Devil’s Snare) there is language to create a roster of “banned” assault style firearms.
Click HERE for the full story!
“This illegal roster will destroy the lives of lawfully licensed citizens that will likely face prosecution,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “I constantly hear members of FCAB say that the courts will have to work things out and I remind them that means someone has been charged with serious felonies and their life has been destroyed even if the courts eventually side with the defendant. That is simply unacceptable.”
The Firearm Control Advisory Board (FCAB) is scheduled to vote on the proposed roster at its February 27, 2026 meeting at 10 am 200 Arlington Street Chelsea, MA. The public is welcome to attend but must go through security before being admitted.
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Protect Your Gun Rights - Support The Civil Rights Coalition Massachusetts voters face a tough reality: under our State Constitution, laws can’t be fixed piece by piece. It’s all or nothing. This means that if we don’t take action, H4885/Chapter 135 will remain on the books, with all its harmful consequences. It’s a poorly written law that doesn’t address crimes committed with guns or the never-ending cycle of capture, release, capture, re-release of criminals.
This sweeping law, passed under the pretense of modernization, puts everyday people in impossible situations: Plea Bargaining Gun Charges are still allowed. District Attorneys have zero restrictions on plea bargaining out Gun Offenses, which are often the first charges dropped by DA’s. Prohibits Non-Resident Junior Hunting. How does that stop violent crime? Approximately 21,000 Law Abiding Residents have now been retroactively declared Felons. Previously, to own a semi-automatic shotgun or rifle for duck hunting, required a Firearms ID Card. As of October 2, 2024, those people now need a License to Carry. Mandatory firearm registration—even for family heirlooms or antique hunting equipment. Bans on legally owned magazines, penalizing responsible citizens for items they’ve legally owned for decades. Overcomplicated licensing processes, with limited access to live-fire ranges for training. Extensive, Intrusive tracking databases, targeting lawful citizens while failing to address violent crime. Chemical Defense Sprays need a Firearm License. Why make young women defenseless against attacks? Click HERE To Support The Civil Rights Coalition! |
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RANGE OPERATIONS
All outdoor ranges are open with Range Safety Officer supervision. Closings due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances are posted HERE.
SHOTGUN RANGES
Members $5 - Non-Members $6 Per Round
Skeet:
- Tuesday 10-1 PM - Members Only
- Thursday 10-1 PM
- Saturday 10-1 PM
- Sunday 10-1 PM
Five Stand:
- Saturday 9-1 PM
- Sunday 10-1 PM
Trap:
- Wednesday 10-1
- Friday 10-1 PM
- Sunday 1-3 PM
Rifle/Pistol Ranges
- Monday - Friday 12-4 PM
- Saturday/Sunday 10-4 PM*
- *Note: ranges closed Saturday at 2:30 PM before Sun matches
Indoor Range
- Open 24 Hours Daily
- Key Fob Access Only
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Club Dinner
February 20th - 6:00PM
February's Club Dinner by Chef Larry will be salad, chicken piccata over pasta and dessert. No matter if you are a new member or old hand, club dinners - held at 6:00PM on the third Friday of each month - are a great way to expand your club experience.
Here are some good reasons to attend:
1. The opportunity to meet other members and officers.
2. A delicious dinner.
3. Getting in some volunteer hours by helping out in the kitchen.
4. A delicious dinner.
5. Sitting in on a directors' meeting afterward and learning for about the workings of the club.
6. And of course, there's always the delicious dinner.
Call the club at 508.375.9395 to make a reservation or to volunteer!
New Members: Meet your social engagement requirement. Come to the dinner after you are voted in and spend a good time with some new friends!
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Club Dinner - February 20th, 6:00PM Dinner starts at 6:00PM sharp, before the Directors’ Meeting. Chef Larry and his volunteer crew whip up scrumptious meals - from pre-dinner nibbles, to dessert, the food is always a hit! Dinner reservations should be made by noon the Wednesday prior to the Friday dinner
Call for reservations: 508.375.9395
Directors’ Meeting - February 20 - 7:00PM
Directors’ meetings are held at 7:00PM, following the club dinners. Members are encouraged to attend and share your views. The more you participate, the better your club becomes. Remembrance
If you know of a member who is struggling with a health issue or has passed, please let us know so that we can send a card to the family and notify our members.
Contact Barrett Foster at 650.766.9105, or e-mail by clicking HERE.
Facebook
In order to minimize intrusive e-mails, we use our Facebook page to provide the most current and diverse information to our members.
Click HERE to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook.
Webpage
Our webpage contains the most comprehensive information on the club - including current hours of operations, orientation requirements and schedule, match times and scores, membership information and forms, key fobs, education, pistol team, archery, and our juniors program.
Visit our webpage by clicking HERE. How To Reach Us Click HERE for a directory of Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs
Range Orientation Program
In order to use the Indoor Range and the Outdoor Rifle and Pistol Ranges, Members must complete the Safe Range Orientation Program - it is in two parts. The Program is staffed by NRA Range Safety Officers who have been providing extra help and refresher instruction to our members. In the end, keeping the Bass River firing ranges safe is the best way to ensure the continuation of the Club into the future. Classes are offered each month, weather permitting.
Click HERE for full details on our orientation program.
Key Fobs
Contact Bill Warren by phone or text at (508) 561-1940. Fobs are $15 each - exact change or check. Criteria: Present your membership card and proof of hours worked. |
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Visit Our Social Media Pages |
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Copyright (C) Bass River Rod & Gun Club, Inc. All rights reserved.
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