Winchester Frederick County Conservation Club Inc

Winchester-Frederick County 

Conservation Club, Inc.

Established 

1968

Enjoying the Great Outdoors and

*Celebrating our 53rd Year - 2021*

*****

Last Meeting of 2021 was held 

 10/6/21 at 6:30 pm 

at Club House!

Minutes of this meeting are posted in 

News Tab for this web site!

Next Meeting is in 

March 2022!

*****

Note!

Club Picnic was held 9/5/21. The food was great and lots of old friends in Club spent good times together. The scholarship raffle tickets were drawn and winners are listed below. I don't have any pictures to show as it was a busy time and it slipped away rapidly. Thanks to everyone who bought or sold scholarship raffle tickets this year and also those who showed up on the workday August 21 to get the club grounds ready for the picnic. Only two meetings left this year at club - 9/15 and 10/6 and hope to see you at one of them. The Clay bird shoots will end on Thursday 9/30 and the Still Target shoots will start if and when we can get some 12 gauge Estate #9 shells enough to begin.

Rich Sankovich 9/6/21

******

News - Posted 8/20/21

2021/22 Deer Season in Frederick and Shenandoah Counties!

The DWR has announced an additional early and late Antlerless deer season for the 2021 and 2022 Hunting Seasons. It will be legal on private lands to harvest deer from 9/4/21 to 10/1 21 and again from 1/2/22 to 3/27/22. 

The objective is to eradicate CWD in those counties by decimating the deer population to make a long story short. 

The WFCCC membership voted at August 18, 2021 Club meeting that NO DEER HUNTING will be allowed on our Frederick County and Shenandoah County Properties after January 1, 2022. With that said, this means NO Late Season Deer Hunting January 2 to March 27, 2022 on any WFCCC OWNED property.

Signage will be placed at property entrance points stating this Club Rule. WFCCC rules also state that only One antlerless deer may be taken on Club owned property by a member and or qualified family member each year.

Do not be confused by this years regulation statement that states that "Daily Bag limits for Deer west of Blue Ridge Mountains is unlimited" because that sentence ends with the names of 3 cities or towns. The daily bag limit for our COUNTIES is two per day and EAB restrictions also apply, so pay close attention to the Game Law Guidebook regulations. 

If you harvest more deer than the 5 tag limit on your license/and or those exempt from buying a license, you should have purchased BONUS TAGS and they are good for Antlerless Deer ONLY! Also note that Bonus tags are good from one year date of purchase, 

so Bonus tags purchased as an Example on Dec. 1st, 2021 would be good to use until November 30th, 2022.

Also note, If you are 65 years of age or older and hunting in the county you reside, on PRIVATE land, then YOU do not need to purchase a separate BEAR harvest tag from the DWR! Just remember to follow DWR season dates and rules for BEAR Harvest and Reporting in your County!

This was verified by DWR Conservation Officer at 10/6/21 Club meeting.

*****

Club Mailing Address for any correspondence: 

WFCCC  

PO Box 1431 

Stephens City, Va. 22655

Club Secretary can be reached at cell phone or text to 

540-431-9367

Leave a message if no answer when calling!!

Questions? - Send an E-mail to WFCCC Secretary at

richardsankovich@comcast.net

You can Join this Club by going to Middletown Firearms 

in 

Middletown, Va. Cash or check only - NO credit cards! 

or Come to one of the monthly meetings and join there!

You must live in our MEMBERSHIP Area to Join!

$100 to join first year includes dues.

As of June 15th, 2021, New memberships and renewals for the 2022 Club Year will begin to be issued and they will be valid until October 5th, 2022

Club monthly meeting minutes for 

March, April, May, June, July, 

August, September  and October 2021 

are under the NEWS tab above!

****

Shelter Reservations

Shelter Reservations are handled by Club Director - Eric Heflin

He can be reached at 540-931-3655

****

Club Lake

Trout Stocking Schedule

Limit is Four per day/Person

Fourth stocking 2021

of 300 trout occurred on October 9th

at 10:30 am. 

Shooting ranges closed Noon to 6 pm on this day!

Note: You can begin fishing for the stocked Trout the moment they are stocked in October. Any angler age 16 years or older must have a Va. Fishing license, but a Va. Trout stamp is not required to fish in our lake as these are purchased Trout, not Va. State Stocked.

Please wear masks if appropriate and practice 6 Foot or more social distancing at all times when fishing around the edge of Club Lake! The Covid-19 pandemic is still infecting people. If you feel sick and or are running a fever, please do not come out to fish at the lake with other people around to avoid infecting them! The life you save may be yours, a friend, a family member, acquaintance or a club member!

*****

12 Gauge Still Target Shoots

Nothing to report - No shells found yet to start the shoots!

******

Membership area includes:

Residents of 

Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah 

Counties in Virginia 

and all cities and towns within these 

geographical areas.

$100 to join which includes first year Dues!

*****

Mac Tlumach Scholarship Raffle

Winners for 2021!

1st Prize - Drawing 9/5/21 - $300 - Kim Dellinger

2nd Prize - Drawing 9/5/21 - $150 - Jerry Elliot

3rd prize - Drawing 9/5/21 - $100 - Rob Kibler

4th Prize - Drawing 9/5/21 - $100 - Larry Merritt

5th Prize - Drawing 9/5/21 - Paula Wilson

DGIF Ruffed Grouse Collectors Knife w/Laser Engraved Case

DGIF 2019 Collectors knife with Laser engraved case for selling the most raffle tickets was presented to a Member who sold the most Scholarship Raffle tickets!

Terry Feltner - 2021 Winner!

*******

Reminder: 

The shooting ranges at the Club are CLOSED on 

Sundays

 May 1st to September 30th each and every year! 

This includes Archery Ranges and setting up personal 

Clay bird throwers between Lake and Underground 

Clay bird throwing bunkers! 

In essence - no shooting of any kind will be tolerated on the bottom 30 acres of Club property on a Sunday between May 1 and September 30 each year!

It doesn't matter whether a picnic was scheduled on that bottom 30 acres or not!

Follow the rules please!!!

*****

Water Testing at Club Lake

We have had 3 major fish kills in our lake during past 5 years.

Because of this, a wider range of testing our lake water is now taking place. The data collected now is outdoor air temp, lake water temp, PH of lake water, Dissolved oxygen in parts per million of lake water, and the parts per million concentration of Ammonia, Nitrites and Phosphates disolved in the lake water. Dissolved oxygen is important as Trout need around 7 parts per million(PPM) to survive. The PH is a measurement of acidic below 7 and alkaline above 7 and fish prefer to live in water that is at a range of 6.8 to 8.2 PH. Above or below that range affects plant life and fish ability to survive. The ammonia test gives us a reading that measure the level of toxic waste excreted in to a pond by fish, birds and other pond life. A healthy pond has "0" detectable ammonia and you can add nitrifying bacteria to keep the ammonia level in check. Nitrites are released into ponds by fish, frogs, birds and other pond animal waste. The waste is turned into toxic ammonia and again can be controlled by nitrifying bacteria to convert it into non-toxic ammonia. A healthy pond has "0" nitrites level. Overstocking, uneaten fish food and decomposing and decaying vegetation can cause high Nitrites. Phosphates enter a pond from fish waste and decaying organic matter, such as dead algae and uneaten fish food. A healthy pond has "0" Phosphates level. Excess phosphate may lead to an algae bloom. Increased Algae levels in a pond/lake also lead to decreased dissolved oxygen levels in a pond or lake threatening the survival of fish. The dissolved oxygen level in our club lake as found Sept. 2019 was 0.8 ppm and thousands of our fish/minnows in lake perished at that time.

So, what are we doing moving forward? - Test-Test-Test for starters. The second thing we did was adding 4 gallons of beneficial bacteria to our lake to combat the increased Phosphate levels. Third, we invested in a new oxygenated air to water delivery system which conisists of an electric air compressor, attached to weighted hoses spread out 200 feet between the bottom installed oxygen bubblers. The objective being to directly inject oxygen/air into our lake water from the bottom up to the top for a mixng effect that our current lake aerators does not provide to raise and keep up the dissolved oxygen level that promotes fish survival.

We have been working closely with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologists to determine the causes, effects and the remedies listed above. We hope to come out of this with a more sustainable lake that continues to provide the outdoor pleasure to fisher-men, women and children of our club membership without the intermittment fish kills and cleanup thereafter.

Latest test results

3/20/20 - Air 55F, Water 52F, PH -7, Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0, Phosphates-1.0 ppm, Dissolved oxygen - 10 ppm

Note: water clarity at this time was 4 to 6 feet from bank of lake.

4/25/20 - Air 60F, Water 55F, PH-7.5, Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0. Phosphates - .25 to .50 ppm, Dissolved oxygen - 8 ppm

Note: water clarity at this time was around six feet from bank of lake.

5/13/20  - Air 65F, Water 62F, PH- 7.0-7.5, Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0

Phosphates - 0-.25 ppm, Dissolved oxygen - 8 to 10 ppm

Note: water clarity at this time was 10 to 12 feet from bank of lake.

6/14/20 - Air 53F, Water 72F, PH - 7.0-7.5, Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0, Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 10 to 12 ppm (aerator running)

Note: Water clarity at this time was 6 to 8 feet from bank of lake, but it was raining when test was taken.

7/13/20 - Air 80F, Water 82F, PH - 9.0, Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0

Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 8 ppm (aerator running)

Note: Water clarity at this time was 3-4 feet from bank of lake, and lots of floating particulate in water sample when taken. Some scum on top of lake water in corner, and aerator water actually looked slightly brown in color during discharge. Definitely a lack or rain has occurred as lake is about 6" lower than normal.

7/16/20 - Four Gallons of ABA Benificial Bacteria were added to treat the 3+ acre - 9 Million gallon +/- lake on our property on 7/16/20. The product was introduced into the lake at 24 locations around the edge. Water tests and observations of water clarity, temperature and other conditions will be conducted by weekending 7/24/20, and again within two weeks after.

7/23/20 - Air 82F, Water 78F - PH at 7.0 to 7.5, Ammonia - 0, 

Nitrites - 0, Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 8ppm (aerator running). Water clarity has improved as there was no "brown" water coming out of aerator. Visibility from bank of lake has improved to 4-6 feet and water sample taken had minimal suspended particulate in by comparison at last lake test. Beneficial Bacteria addition to lake to kill off the nutrients that Algae was feeding on seems to be working. Scum layer on lake has disappeared. Next Lake water testing will be in about a week as our new compressed air aeration system starts to run more hours daily as opposed to 4-5 hours daily for next 7 days.

7/30/20 - Air 85F, Water 82F - PH at 7.5, Ammonia - 0, Nitrates - 0,

Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 8 to 10 ppm.  Aerator and Compressed air aeration system running 4-5 hours daily. Water clarity improved with 8 ft. visibility from bank. Still some floating sediment in Lake water. No visible scum on lake and No dead fish floating. Bluegill/Sunfish skittering from around lake edge during short walk. Some Bluegill/Sunfish nesting seen around lake edge - shallow depressions seen fanned out 10-12 inches in diameter.

The new Compressed Air aeration system for our lake was installed on July 23, 2020. The system provides 4.6 cubic feet of compressed air to bottom of lake installed diffusers that will be 100 feet each from the compressor. The objective is to introduce oxygen into the water on a continuous basis from the bottom up to increase the dissolved oxygen level in the lake water that the current top floating aeration system does not provide. As our lake has no continuous flowing water introduced into it unless it is a hard rain or water runoff from hillside above, it is believed there is a thermocline level within lake that prevents good oxygen mixing within the water column.

8/15/20 - Air Temp - 72F, Water Temp - 82F - PH at 7.5, Ammonia - 0, Nitrates - 0, Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 10 to 12 ppm. Aerator and Compressed air system running. Compressor set up to run 4 times daily at 2 hours runtime per workout. Still some floating sediment in Lake water. No visible scum or any dead fish found floating. Saw 3 small turtles while walking lake and some fish skittering from bank edge. Water clarity around 8 feet from bank edge although it was overcast and slight drizzle of rain.

9/6/20 - Air Temp - 82F, Water Temp - 82F, PH at 9.0, Amonia at - 0,

Nitrates - 0, Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 8 to 10 ppm. Aerator running. No visible scum line in lake and no dead fish floating. Water clarity around 4 ft from bank edge.

9/16/20 - Air Temp - 76F, Water Temp - 75F, PH at 7.6, Ammonia at - 0,

Nitrates - 0, Phosphates - 0, Dissolved Oxygen - 8 to 9 ppm. Aerator riunning. No Visible scum line in lake and no dead fish floating. Water clarity around 5 ft. from bank edge. 

10/7/20 - Air Temp 78F, Water Temp - 66F, Dissolved Oxygen 10-12PPM. No scum or dead fish floating. Water clarity 4-6 ft. from bank.

300 Rainbow Trout were stocked at 10 am on 

Thursday October 8, 2020. This is last scheduled stocking of trout until Spring of 2021 in our lake.

11/18/20 - Air temp 56F, Water Temp - 48F, Dissolved Oxygen 12PPM

No scum or dead fish other than a couple extras thrown in by Fish Wagon as they gave us 10% more than paid for. Top aerator still running and will be pulled from lake 12/1/20. May also pull underwater compressed air aeration unit for winter. Water clarity very good as water sample had no suspended algae or particulate in it.

2/26/21 - Air Temp 52F, Water Temp - 44F, Dissolved Oxygen 10PPM. Water clarity was good, No scum or dead fish noted, Lake is approved to be stocked with Trout!

3/10/21 - Air temp 63F, Water Temp - 50F, Dissolved Oxygen at 10ppm.

Water clarity very good, No Scum or dead fish seen. Lake looks good for Trout stocking Saturday March 13 at 10 am!

5/19/21 - Air Temp 83F - Water Temp - 74F, Dissolved Oxygen at 

6-8ppm, PH at 6.5 to 7, Nitrites - 0, Ammonia - 0, Phosphates - 0.

Member found aeration compressor unplugged and replugged this week which may have caused the lower than normal Dissolved Oxygen level. Top floating aerator will be reinstalled this week at west end of lake to help get Dissolved Oxygen back to the 8 to 12 ppm range. Lots of small fish seen in lake - Bluegills, Crappie, Catfish and Bass and minnows. As they were stocked last year in November, it may take a while yet before they grow enough to make worthwhile keeping for consumption. If you injure a fish while catching it to the point it will not live if returned to lake, please dispose of it in trash can or down over bank or in woods to feed other wildlife. Dead fish in lake depletes oxygen level while decomposing, so its best not to put it back into our lake.

7/20/21 - Air temp at 79 Degrees. Dissolved Oxygen testing showed water at 8-10ppm of dissolved 0xygen in water sample. New aeration compressor installed today. Existing unit had locked up and was found not to be working last week. New compressor putting out underwater compressed air bubbles very nicely at both locations. Top water aerator working fine and definitely helped as a backup system. Lots of Blue/Gill and Sunfish nests seen at the edge of lake at multiple locations. No dead fish seen around edge of lake.

8/22/21 - Air temp at 78 Degrees. Dissolved Oxygen testing showed water at 10 to 12 ppm of dissolved Oxygen in water sample. lake water temperature was 82 degrees. The top water aeration unit was running and the two underwater compressed air bubblers were also running. No dead fish noticed around lake edge while testing was conducted. Some fish rising to take insects off of water surface. Remember, do not put injured fish that will not survive back into lake as decomposing fish use up valuable oxygen in lake.

10/6/21 - Air Temp at 74 Degrees. Dissolved Oxygen Testing  at 5:30 pm showed water at 10 ppm, which is good for Trout as well as all other fish in lake. Lake Water Temperature was at 70 degrees F and expected to drop a few degrees before Trout Stocking on Saturday October 9, 2021 ith current weather pattern. No dead fish observed around lake edge and water clarity was fairly good. Some fish were rising to take bugs off top of water.

*****

Service Work needed at Club 

GOT A TRUCK???

Can you Help Out?

The trash cans at the lake and the shooting ranges get 

filled with trash from our fisherman and shooters. 

Can you empty one or some or all in our dumpster when 

you are done fishing or shooting at the Club?

A lot of work at our Club is performed by our Members 

Volunteering to make it happen! We are able to keep 

our dues lower than any Club around because our 

Members participate in helping out so we don't have to 

pay someone to do these types of tasks!

Your HELP is appreciated!!!

THANK YOU!

*****

WFCCC College Scholarships 2022

Four available at $500 each

The 2022 Mac Tlumach Conservation Scholarship information along an application form will be sent to all 10 High Schools in our membership area on 1/1/2022. The applications and essays are due to the Guidance counselors by April 7th, 2022 and to WFCCC by April 14th, 2022 

The information below will also be sent to the Community Bulletin Board to be shown in the Winchester Star Newspaper.

This year in addition to the High School Seniors invited to apply, Home Schooled and Private Schooled Seniors who are going to pursue a degree in a conservation area are also invited to apply.

Applicants do not need to be related to a WFCCC member, but must reside in the WFCCC Membership area - Counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah and any city or town within those boundaries!

Send written request for Scholarship application to 

WFCCC, PO Box 1431, Stephens City, 22655

Include valid e-mail adress if you want the application & Information sent electronically.

See list of 2021 College Scholarship winners below!

****

Notice

We are now partnered with Middletown Firearms in

 Middletown, Va. for Membership enrollment.

Owned and operated by Travis Dodson

Located at 7609 Main St.

Middletown, Virginia

Phone 540-868-8517

Beside Italian Delight Restaurant

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday - 10 am to 7 pm

Saturday - 9 am to 4 pm

Sunday - Closed

Check or Cash only - NO CREDIT CARDS!!

Please support their business as they are supporting our Club! Buy, Sell, Trade, Ship to, Repairs and all your ammo and accessories needs!

****

Membership update

The 2022 Renewal and New membership period starts on June 15, 2021 and those memberships will be availble at Middletown Firearms, and through the mail as of that day. The 2022 membership card will be good from June 15, 2021 until end of day October 5, 2022. A NEW member joining on June 15, 2021 or after receives a 2022 membership that is valid for up to 15-1/2 months.

WE ENCOURAGE ALL 2022 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AFTER JUNE 15, 2021 TO BE MAILED IN THIS YEAR! MIDDLETOWN FIREARMS IS LIMITING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE STORE AT ANY TIME! 

STAY SAFE AND MAIL YOUR RENEWAL DUES 

with One check THIS YEAR TO:

WFCCC

PO BOX 1431

STEPHENS CITY, VA. 22655

*******

Club Member Hunter's and Trappers 

over age 65 - Take Notice

The last Club meeting of 2019 at our Club property on Siler Road and was attended by two DWR(DGIF) Conservation Officer's. One of the main questions  answered by them this year is whether any hunting licenses/permits at all will be needed by a MEMBER who is hunting/trapping on private property in the county they RESIDE in, is needed to hunt or trap for ANY game species on our Frederick Co. and Shenandoah Co. properties. Yes, it is private property, but it's also Incorporated. Frederick Co. residents and Shenandoah Co. residents over age 65 may be exempt on our properties in their residential counties!

See Below for all the Answers!

From our DWR(DGIF) Conservation Officers at the 10/2/19 Club meeting 

Q and A session

Our properties owned and leased are considered PRIVATE properties by the State. Example, if you RESIDE in Frederick Co./Winchester, and are a MEMBER and over age 65, NO Hunting licenses - General, big game, bear, archery, muzzleloader - are needed to hunt on our Frederick Co. owned or leased properties. The same holds true for those Members living in Shenandoah County who meet the age 65 or older requirement - They can hunt the Shenandoah Co. property as members without licenses as those 140 acres meet the criteria as private property. Remember that you still need to check and receive a harvest number for your Big Game animals whether from a check station, phone or online app.

These rules apply county by county for the age 65 exemption, so if you leave your present residing county to hunt in another, you need to purchase the required licenses.

One final note - If you are age 65 or older and hunt on GW Nat'l forest(Government owned property), you do NOT need a National Forest Stamp, but do need the full range of Hunting licenses for the seasons and game you are pursuing.

10/17/19 Update on BONUS Deer permits

According to DWR(DGIF) reply received today, in order to harvest Bonus Deer(does only) for the 65+ year old hunter on private land hunting in county they reside in without a license of any sort, YOU MUST purchase the additional BONUS deer harvest permits in order to legally take additional deer over and above the FIVE on a BIG Game License.

*****

Congratulations to:

2021 WFCCC "Mac Tlumach"

 Conservation Scholarship Winners!

Sara Murray - Clarke County High School

Grace Lilly - James Wood High School

Luke Brumback - Clarke County High School

Sam Brumback - Clarke County High School

More information on each of these students is located 

on this page below!

*****

Mac Tlumach Conservation

College Scholarship Winner's 2012 to present

2012 - Tyler Paine $750

2013 - No qualified applicants

2014 - Ali Oliver $1000

2015 - Davis Weddle $1000

2016 - Hannah Wilson $1000

2017 - Kendall Benoit $1000, Madelne Festa $500, 

Rachel Shumway $500

2018 - Jared Rice $500, Brandon McDonald $500, 

Sydney Aschenbrenner $500, Eleanor Welch $500

2019 - Zach Otley $500, Christopher Pate $500, 

Kelsie Keene $500, Erin Orgen $500

2020 - Reagan Johnson $500, Charles Shepley $500,

Chloe Phillips $500, Mindi Freed $500

2021 -Sara Murray $500, Grace Lilly $500, 

Luke Brumback $500, Sam Brumback $500

$13,750 to date awarded in College scholarships  

to 23 Students pursuing a Conservation based field of 

higher education by WFCCC!(as of May 2021)

The Annual Club Scholarship Raffle Ticket sales, Meeting and Picnic 50/50's, slated picnic auction items, and directed donations

are the sole support of this worthy program!

Please purchase or sell a card of tickets this year to continue 

this scholarship program!

*****

Notice To all Pistol Range Shooters!

We expect to replace the backing materials as part of regular upkeep at the Pistol Range, but the decimation of the framing that holds the backing is a careless act and uncalled for!

No Shotguns, Rifles or A/R's 

on Pistol Range!

If your weapon has a collapsible stock

 to shorten it, it is STILL a Rifle, 

not a Pistol!

All Pistol and Rifle Ranges OPEN at 

8 am and CLOSE at 1/2 hr. 

before SUNDOWN. 

*******

New Members note & UPDATEs! (6/15/2021)

Yes, we are still accepting new members. Cost to join is $100 cash or check for dues, which gives you instant access to all club properties the day you join. Middletown Firearms, has membership cards, vehicle decals, newsletter and rules/reg letter for Club with maps, plus anything else you may need for the outdoor sportman's use. 

If you join now, 

your membership is good until October 5, 2022.

2022 memberships are available starting June 15, 2021 at 10 am 

******

The statements below are being added at the request of some perspective members for clarification purposes!

 Club Member's & Family versus Guests!

1. A Club Member carries their up to date dues paid membership card with them on any Club property at all times and produces it when asked to be seen.

2. A Club Member can bring their spouse, as well as  their child and or grandchild under the age of 18 to Target Shoot, Hunt and Fish on Club Properties.(Age 16 or older must have a DGIF Fishing license to Fish)

3. A Club Member must be present with the above Family members ANY TIME they are on Club properties and have their Membership card with them. There is no such thing as a Family Membership Card. The Card is issued to the Person, not Family.

4. A GUEST is someone who is NOT one of the above people, but is with a Current Club Member who has their membership card with them and is NOT allowed to Target Shoot, Hunt or Fish on or at any Club property.

5. A Guest is NEVER allowed to be PRESENT at the Pistol, Rifle, ARCHERY and or Shotgun shooting ranges when any target shooting is taking place. A Guest can Hike or Picnic, Etc., when with a Club Member on our property, but does not have the rights to Target Shoot at our Archery, Pistol or Rifle ranges, Hunt or Fish on any of our Club Properties!

******

Note

12 Gauge Still Target Shoots

No Fall Shooting schedule available yet for 2021

All shooting is from indoors at 57 feet!

All shells supplied for each shooter - 12 gauge only!

****

Lifetime Fishing, Trapping and Hunting licenses

for the State of Virginia (Plus More!)

updated as of 9/27/19

Are you turning 65, or already there or past? Virginia offers Lifetime fishing and hunting licenses for those people for a one time payment of $25 per license or less*. They are sold for Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, Trout Fishing, Saltwater Fishing($5*), or Trapping. You still need to buy a bear tag, big game tag, archery or muzzle loader license if you hunt for those additional species and use archery or muzzleloading weapons, but the $25 fee is a great deal year over year for those 65 or older.

Even if you do not hunt or fish in the state of Virginia, but visit Virginia's Wildlife Management Areas or Virginia State controlled Lakes such as Lake Frederick for canoeing & kayaking, or to hike, picnic, birdwatch etc., buying a Freshwater lifetime fishing license for $25 saves paying the $4 daily access fee to use these Virginia State Controlled Land & Lake areas.

Visit DGIF.Virginia.gov on your computer and click on Life Time Licenses to see the form that you have to fill out and send in. 

It requires a copy of your drivers license and they will even send you a plastic laminated card for $10 more if you don't want to have a paper copy of the license.

*****

NOTICE

Shenandoah County Club Property 

Safety Note - Try not to go there by yourself - take a friend - Cell Phone signal is little if any available as you are down between the hillsides. Remember that this is also a logical place to run across Rattlesnakes and Copperheads! (see picture of a Male Copperhead - Left)

Be careful where you walk or step - 

hence have a friend with you 

JUST IN CASE!

****

Hunting Rules 

for all WFCCC Properties

The North side of our main property has logging roads which are not to be used to road hunt or park during hunting season. There is a parking area up there which is to be used for your vehicle. 

As a Hunting Courtesy to other members, please put more space than 50 yards between yourself and other hunters! There have been reports of people walking in on others hunting and staging themselves 50 yards or less from that person knowingly. This creates an unsafe hunting condition for both parties. 

Be considerate of fellow Hunters/Members!

 by Rich Sankovich

Secretary - WFCCC

*****

NOTICE!

Annual Club Member/Guest Picnic was held

Sunday September 5, 2021 at Main property 

off Siler Road/Route 600 in Frederick Co.- Food was 

served at 1:00 pm. Jordan Springs Market 

 catered the event with Smoked Chicken, 

Pulled pork, Cole Slaw, Redskin parsleyed 

potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Rolls and 

Pie for dessert. Iced Tea, Water and Sodas 

were available.

Cost was $8.00 per person 

and 8 & under years old was FREE!

Events:

1. 9:00 am setup for drinks/tables etc. - Come early to help

2. 9:00 am -- Shooting ranges closed for rest of Day

3. 11:00 am - food tickets go on sale at $8 per adult and  

    Children under 8 years old are Free, members can pay 

    dues, buy extra raffle tickets or purchase 50-50 tickets 

4. 11:00 am -  Hot dogs will be served from the grill for early arrivals

4.5 11:45 am - Presentation by Local Author Mike Robinson who has 

                      written the Winchester Tales book series.

5. 1:00 PM - Food Served & Catered by Jordan Springs 

    Market. Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, Red Potatoes, Green Beans etc.!

6. 2:00 pm - Donated items Auction - Bring something for Auction.

7. 50-50 raffle ticket winner pulled right after auction. All 50-50 

    proceeds goes to support WFCCC Scholarship fund.

8. Winning tickets pulled for Mac Tlumach Conservation 

     Scholarship raffle. Five winners this year!

9. Winner announced for selling most raffle tickets. - DWR 2019 

    engraved Collectors Knife to be awarded.

10. Ice Cold watermelon eating.

11. Bingo in the Main enclosed shelter (air-conditioned) with Cash 

     prizes

*****

Announcement 

May 3, 2021

WFCCC is pleased to announce the 

Four

"Mac Tlumach" Conservation

Scholarship Winners for 2021

Sara Murray

is a 2021 $500 scholarship winner from Clarke County High School and

her intended Major is Environmental and Biological Science at Christopher Newport University.

Grace Lilly

is a 2021 $500 scholarship winner from James Wood High School and she intends to Major in Landscape Horticulture and Design at Virginia Tech.

Luke Brumback

is a 2021 $500 scholarship winner from Clarke County High School 

and he intends to Major in Environmental Engineering 

at West Virginia University.

Sam Brumback

is a 2021 $500 scholarship winner from Clarke County High School 

and he intends to Major in Forestry 

at West Virginia University. 

Congratulations to these Graduates and WFCCC "Mac Tlumach" Conservation Scholarship Winners!

*****

Fishing Notes!

NOTE: As of April 18, 2018 

Club Membership meeting, 

it was approved by membership vote to place 

a creel limit of 4 per day per person 

on Black Crappie being caught in our lake. 

In addition, the size limit approved by Club 

at June 20, 2018 meeting 

is NOW 8 inches in length for Crappie. 

*****

Notice!!

 Anyone age 16 years or older must have a Virginia State Fishing license to fish in our Club lake - Va. Trout Stamp not required to fish in our Club Lake. Limit is 4 Trout per person per day and all Trout caught must be kept!

NO CATCH AND RELEASE ON TROUT!

Every trout "LANDED"  is part of 

YOUR

 Daily 4 trout limit! 

When you "REACH 4", 

You can "FISH NO MORE" 

for Trout 

that day in our Club lake. 

This includes whether you put them 

on your stringer, someone elses 

stringer or give 

them away.

***

Purpose and Objective 

of 

Winchester-Frederick County Conservation Club, Inc.

Protect the game and fish we have by law enforcement. Endeavor to strengthen our laws in all legitimate ways. Use available means for restocking our forests and streams with game and fish. Promote the dissemination of sound principles of conservation to the public. Co-operation with all public officials, organizations and individuals in the protection, conservation and development of our natural resources. Earnestly work for the eradication of pollution from our streams. Protect and extend our forests to restore unproductive lands by reforestation, planting soil building game cover and food plants, provide wildlife refuge, propagate facilities and to use all other means of developing and conserving our woods, waters, and wildlife.

*****

Main Club Location

Club house and Main property entrance is located off of Route 522 North of Winchester, turning right on to Siler Road/Route 600 East and traveling approximately 1/2 mile. Property is on your left hand side/north of Route 600. Entrance lane is just after crossing bridge over Back Creek. The pictures at Left detail what facilities you will find upon entering the southern side of the club property.

The Club address is GPS located at 517 Siler Road

***

WFCCC 2020/21 Main Calendar of Events

Dec. 29, 2020   - 2021 Mac Tlumach Conservation scholarship packs out to all 10 High Schools

Jan. 5, 2021   -   Winchester Star published WFCCC Scholarship information in Club News Section.

March 13, 2021 - First Trout stocking of Club Lake at 10 am - 300 Rainbow Trout

March 17, 2021 - First Club members meeting at 6:30 pm at Club House North of Winchester

April 3, 2021 -    Annual Trout Opener & Easter Egg Hunt at Club

April 21, 2021-    Club members meeting at 6:30 pm

April 30, 2021 -  Third Trout stocking at Club Lake at 10 am - 300 Rainbow Trout

May 14, 2021 -- Trap shooting begins! 5 Fridays in a row, then Thursdays to Sept. 30th, 2021

May 19, 2021 -    Club members meeting at 6:30 pm

June 16, 2021 -   Club members meeting at 6:30 pm

July 21, 2021 -    Club Members meeting at 6:30 pm

August 18, 2021 - Club Members Meeting at 6:30 pm

August 21, 2021 - Club Members Workday at Club grounds 9 am to 2 pm - food and drink served

August 22, 2021 - WFCCC Board of Directors meeting at club at 5:30 pm

Sept. 5, 2021  --  Annual Club Picnic - food served at 1 pm catered by Jordan Springs

Sept. 15, 2021    - Club Members meeting and Elections of Officers and two year Club Directors

September 30 -   Last Thursday of Clay Bird shooting for 2021

Ocotber 6, 2021 - Last Club meeting for 2021 - Food served, Conservation officers present

October 9, 2021 - Fourth Trout stocking at Club Lake 10 am or after of 300 Rainbows

***

Club Highlights 2020/21

1. Middletown Firearms set up as sole distrubutor of WFCCC memberships as of Jan. 10, 2020 - New memberships  

    for 2020 available there, and they will take Renewals and New Memberships for 2021  as of JUNE 15, 2020

2. Lake stocked with 400 sunfish/blue gill and 2000 minoows on March 6, 2020 - Test to see if they live

3. Lake stocked with 300 Rainbow Trout on March 19, 2020 at 10 am.

4. Lake stocked with 300 Rainbow Trout on April 9, 2020

5. Lake stocked with 250 Rainbow Trout on April 30, 2020

6. Four 2020 Mac Tlumach Conservation scholarship winners chosen.

7. First Club meeting for 2020 held May 20th at outside pavilion.

8. Thursday night trap shoots at Club restarted May 21, 2020

9. Club workday for Frederick Co. property set for August 15 from 9 am to 2 pm with food & Beverage provided.

10. Annual Club picnic scheduled for Sunday September 6, 2020 catered by Jordan Springs Market with food  

     served at 1 pm. was cancelled

11. Annual Club renewal mailing set to go out on June 13, 2020 to 1291 current members.

12. New underwater Compressed air aeration system purchased -Installed 7/23/20

13. Club lake treated with Benifical Bacteria for water treatment 7/16/20

14. Land Loan paid down by CD money. Goal to pay off 7% loan in less than 10 months. 

15. Fish ordered from Fishwagon for Late October restocking of lake - Bass, Sunfish, Catfish, Crappie

16. Membership adopted a Document Retention/Destruction Policy, Whistleblower Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy at  9/16/20 meeting to be added as addendums to WFCCC Constitution & By - Laws

17. Still Target 12 ga. shooting started at club on November 28, 2020 and will run until May 2021

18. 2021 Scholarship information send out to 10 high Schools in Membership area and post in Winchester Star for 

      Homeschooled & Private Schooled seniors!

19. Lake stocking of 300 Rainbow trout on March 13, 2021

20. First Club Membership meeting of 2021 to be held March 17

21. Dues increase slated for 2022 renewal of members - over age 65 rate to be $35 instead of $30 per year, and Age 18 to under 65 rate to be $65 instead of $60 per year. Starts June 15, 2021

22. Major Projects for 2022 at Club to be roof repair and gutter repair at large outdoor shelter, Electrical repairs at 

      Lake shelter, Possible heatpump addition/changeout at Old Club house, road improvements to archery range

23. Winchester Star published Mac Tlumach Conservation scholarship information in Club News section 1/5/21.

24. Lake stocked with 400 trout and Trout Derby and Easter Egg Hunt held 4/3/21.

25. No permeant tree stand rules changed for all club properties effective 4/21/21

26. Membership approved $18,500 expenditure to fix the roof on large outdoor shelter.

27. Membership approved the destruction & removal of old band shelter due to repair costs and No-Use for 10 

     years.

28. Membership alerted to 3rd trout stocking of 300 on Frdiay April 30, 2021 around 10 am.

29. Trap shooting starts on May 14 at 6pm - See calendar TAB for all future dates!

30. Club work day held August 21st

31.  Club Picnic held September 5th

32. Fourth Trout stocking to be done in October 2021

***

WFCCC Annual

"Mac Tlumach Conservation Scholarship's" 

We are proud to announce there will be 4 scholarship's to be awarded for 2022

The Four $500 scholarships are available to be awarded to Four High School seniors whose application and essay submission is received from the 10 High Schools, Home Schooled and Private Schooled Seniors within our membership area and meets the criteria supplied on the scholarship application and is chosen by the WFCCC scholarship awards committee from all applications received. The Scholarship notification may be presented to the individuals by an WFCCC officer on Senior recognition night at their High School. 2022 Applications to be sent to the 10 high school guidance counselors by January 1, 2022 and advertised for Home and Private Schooled seniors in local newspaper. The by-date for turn in of essays and applications to those counselors is April 7, 2022 and need to be received by Mail by WFCCC as of April 14, 2022. 

Applications should be mailed to:

WFCCC, PO Box 1431, Stephens City, Va. 22655

The Scholarships are also open to Home Schooled and Private Schooled college bound Seniors this coming year. Send letter to WFCCC at PO Box 1431, Stephens City, Va. 22655 for application information.

The Scholarship's are funded by annual raffle ticket sales, 50/50 ticket sales at meetings and picnic, contributions from members, and a special Trap shoot. All Gross proceeds derived from the benifit raffle go in to The WFCCC Scholarship Fund established and the Club covers the cost of prizes and printing costs.

*****

Clay Bird Trap Shoots

During the Spring/Summer months usually starting in April each year, weather permitting, clay bird shooting competition will be held each Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. Bring your own shotgun and shells and enjoy the lighted trap shooting area at the evening shoot. VOICE activated release for PAT Trap.

FOR Member and Guests Safety - All guns must remain unloaded with open actions until you are setup on line for your turn to shoot.

Cost for 10 Clay Bird round at 5 positions/2 shots at each position is $2.00

Cost for 25 bird round if two traps in operation is $4.00 Adults/$3.00 for Children under age 18

*****

Still Target Shooting – 12 gauge Shotgun

No schedule to report yet due to #9 - 12 gauge Estate Shell Shortage

 Still target shooting matches are held from Indoors at the clubhouse beginning at 11 am on Calendar list in this Website Bring your 12 Gauge shotgun to use and all shells are provided by the club.

The schedule for these shoots for November through May is posted on this websites CALENDAR page.

FOR Member and Guests Safety - All guns remain unloaded with actions open if applicable and standing in racks inside clubhouse until you are on line for your turn to shoot.

Note: The Rifle and Pistol ranges are open during 12 Gauge still target shoots!

*******

Fishing at WFCCC 

A Virginia State fishing license is required for all fishermen over the age of 16. A Va. State trout stamp is not required while fishing the lake on club property. The Lake is stocked 4 times yearly with large trout and fishing is allowed by members & their spouses, children and grandchildren under the age of 18 of members immediate family. The limit is 4 trout per day per person and 4 Black Crappie(8" in length) per day per person. No catch and release on trout caught. Largemouth Bass fishing is closed in our lake. Stocked Triploid Grass Carp caught in the lake should be immediately released as they control the vegetation growth in our lake. Lake is open for fishing before, during and after the March 13 & April 30 stocking. The WFCCC Lake stocking of Trout for the Easter Saturday Family & Member Fishing opener April 3, 2021 will be done 3-4 days before and Lake will be closed from March 28, 2021 until Easter Saturday April 3, 2021 at 12:30 pm, opening for children 12 and under, and then 1:30 pm for adults. 

At the 2021 Easter Saturday Trout opener on Saturday April 3, 2021, the fishing for kids will be one hour long as opposed to 30 minutes and Start at 12:30 pm instead of 1 pm! There will also be a free raffle of fishing gear supplied by the Club for kids age 12 and under during the event.

*****

Hunting at WFCCC Properties and Leased property

The Club properties and its leased property are open for hunting by Members, Spouses, and their children and grandchildren under the age of 18. All spouses and children must be accompanied when hunting by WFCCC member carrying their membership card. Members should always have their WFCCC membership card on them when on the club or leased property. All Va. Sate game laws regulated under DWR are in force when hunting on Club owned or lease property. There are Squirrels, Turkeys and Deer abundant on the Club and leased property. Doe hunting is permitted and one doe per licensed hunter is allowed per season on our owned property. Limits on does harvest on Club owned property are reviewed yearly to determine whether the deer herd needs time to re-populate. No doe limit on leased property.

The statement below was adopted by and ratified at the 4/21/21 membership meeting:

This is an update and upgrade to Club hunting rules effective 4/21/21!

No wooden/metal tree stands or ladders, manufactured wood/plastic or metal blinds, for hunting of any kind, are permitted on any Club Owned or Club Leased Land.

Questions you might ask and Answers to same:

Q. Can I use a climbing tree stand?

A. Yes

Q. Can I erect a fabric blind?

A. Yes

Q Can I leave my Climbing stand or fabric blind overnight?

A. NO

Q Can I fabricate a ground blind from natural materials found from Tree cutting or limbs on property?

A. Yes

Q. Can I install metal screw in ladder steps on a Club Tree?

A. NO

Any tree stand found erected will not be removed from the spot found in, but you might find your illegally installed tree stand under the tree that was cut down. The rules are for everybody and as stated and I quote from several members at the meetings, 

"If you don't like them, go join another club as we don't want you in this one"!

The north side boundary of the main property can be accessed by using White Tail Lane off of Rt. 522 North. The property boundaries are marked with No Trespassing signs labeled with WFCCC Property. The Southern most area of property adjacent to club house, shelters, shooting ranges, fishing lake and open area between, which is approximately 30 acres, is posted for No Hunting as a safety zone for non hunting members and guests. The directions and map of our new 97/43 acre properties in Shenandoah county are listed above under the TAB 97acresShenCo. Hunting on Sundays is permitted each year on main Club Property, Shenandoah County Properties and Leased properties- 430 acre tract above ridge line above target ranges and lake at main property is open for hunting.

Sunday Hunting is also permitted on Leased property at Unimin Sand Mine in Gore, Va., with a permission slip signed by Jim Osborn or Steve Hunt or Rich Sankovich or Marshall Shiley! Permission slips for Sunday hunting 2020/21 at Unimin Sand Mine lease are available at meetings, Mail, Middletown Firearms or e-mail request.

This is in accordance with the Laws and Regulations published by DWR of Virginia. Contact one of us through phone or e-mail to receive it if you did not attend meeting, or Middletown Firearms is out of the permission slips when you ask for one after presenting valid membership card.

HUNTER SAFETY – Florescent/Blaze Orange or Pink clothing as required by Virginia Game Laws must be worn when hunting on any Club property or lease.

REMEMBER – IDENTIFY YOUR TARGETED GAME ANIMAL AND WHATS BEHIND IT BEFORE PULLING THAT TRIGGER! Think Safety – Hunt Safely!

******

WFCCC Club Owned Land:

Frederick Co. Virginia Parcels by Tax Map ID

29 A 38 -  41.24 ACRES

29 A 43B - 0.88 ACRE

29 A 37B - 112.27 ACRES

19 A 53A - 21.5 ACRES

19 A 81A - 7.3 ACRES

19 A 52E - 54.32 ACRES

19 A 51 -   29 ACRES

19 A 50 -  5.5 ACRES

19 A 27 -  138.19 ACRES

19 A 49 -  50 ACRES

Shenandoah Co. Virginia Parcels by Tax Map ID

40 A 20 - 97 ACRES

40 A 19 - 43 ACRES

****

WFCCC Annual Dues for 2022 Renewal

Are due and payable to WFCCC on or before October 6, 2021 to retain current Individual member status and/or must be post marked and sent to Rich Sankovich by October 6, 2021. 

2022 Dues Collection & Membership renewal started to be collected on June 15, 2021. Individual Membership application cards along with Newsletter and Raffle Tickets for 2022 membership were mailed out on June 15, 2021. Renewal's should be mailed and or paid for by October 6, 2021 to retain current membership status. Pay early so you don't forget as anything after 10/6/21 is considered as a New Member and costs $100 instead of our $35 & $65 renewal fees for current members.

Individual Membership in WFCCC is limited to people residing in the following Virginia Counties and all cities and towns within same: Frederick, Clarke, Warren and Shenandoah.

Mail Check Payable to: WFCCC  and send to PO Box 1431/Stephens City, Va. 22655

Please include self addressed stamped envelope to help defray mail costs and save club funds for your paid membership card return to you. Members are encouraged to pay their dues early.

New Members ---------- $100.00 for 1st year(can join as early as June 15th 

                                       each year and receive up to 15-1/2 months of  

                                       Membership), and/or you can join by attending a 

                                                  meeting.

No New Club Memberships will be issued between May 15th and June 14th each year!

Renewing Individual Members under age 65 at 10/6/21 --- $65.00 per year when paid on or before last meeting date

Renewing Individual Members age 65 or older at 10/6/21 - $35.00 per year when paid on or before last meeting date

Life members ----------- $25.00 per year / Nominated at Club meeting and voted on by members for exceptional work & contribution to Club

*****

Winchester-Frederick County

Conservation Club, Inc. 

Properties

The club currently owns a 460 acre parcel in Northern Frederick Co. off of Rt. 522 north/Rt. 600 east. The property is 93% wooded allowing for hunting, with 7% open area(about 30 acres) which has shelters, shooting ranges, fishing lake, childrens play area, is mostly open and grassed where Hunting is not allowed. The open area contains a Clubhouse, Five shelters, Archery range, Pistol and Rifle ranges, Still target and Trap shooting ranges, Fishing lake, Horseshoe pits, Children’s playground area w/Swings, See Saws, Spring riders, and a Volley ball area with net. Outdoor charcoal grills located at some shelters along with picnic tables. The Club House and the Large enclosed shelter are both air conditioned for summertime comfort. Multiple trails exist within the 460 acre property for hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking. No ATV’s are allowed to be used on Club properties other than to retrieve harvested game. The property is not gated and is open 365 days a year for the members and family use. There is no club like this club in the surrounding area that has these amenities and is always open for the members and their family/guests enjoyment. All members and guests are encouraged to pick up and dispose of any trash found on the property to keep it pristine for them and others to enjoy. No Alcohol is allowed on Club Property.

The Club just recently(Sept. 2015) purchased a 97 acre property in Shenandoah County that is 85% wooded and 15% meadow as well as an adjacent 43 acre property know as the Zirkle property on East side of it during early 2017. The 97 acre property boundary on 3 sides is GW National Forest. These properties are open for hunting and other recreational activities and have been posted with our signs. For directions to the property and a map of the property, send an email to RICHARDSANKOVICH@comcast.net or go to top line on this website for directions and map - Labeled "97acreShenCo". If you hunt these properties, it is a good idea to have a National Forest Stamp in addition to your hunting license in case you cross our boundary line into the GW National Forest. Remember that hunting rules and regs on National Forest can be different than private property. Read the rules and regs for both! It was decided at a previous meeting that target shooting on the 97 acre owned parcel would be allowed, but that the persons shooting must assure that a good backstop for bullets is utilized to prevent ricochets or unsafe conditions down range. Target shooting on Shenandoah Co. properties is not allowed during Deer seasons whether Muzzleloader, Archery or Rifle & Shotgun.

The Club leases one additional property - 200 acres at the Unimin Sand Mine, Frederick Co. in Gore - directions and layout on back bottom of WFCCC newsletter. 

*****

Rifle and Pistol Ranges

OPEN at 8 am & CLOSED at 1/2 hour before SUN DOWN!

NO Fully Automatic weapons allowed on Pistol or Rifle 

Range and NO BUMP stocks allowed at any range! 

Shotguns can be used on either rifle range! 

Set your target at preferred distance from bench and shoot from bench!

PAPER TARGETS ONLY ALL RANGES!

Rules established and approved by Membership at 

8/15/2018 Club Meeting!

NO Shotguns, Rifles or A/R's allowed on 

Pistol range at anytime!

Rifle and Pistol Ranges closed from 6 pm until end of all Club Membership Meetings! Voted on and APPROVED at Club meeting 4/18/18. 

Both of the ranges are open for INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS use only and the following -  A Members Spouse or Children and Grandchildren under age 18 may enjoy the same privledges as a current up to date Member when accompanied by the Member. 

GUESTS of Members MAY NOT SHOOT at these ranges and   NO GUESTS allowed on or at Shooting Ranges at any time!

Do not jeopardize your membership by bringing a guest to shoot or hunt. 

The Club does prosecute Non-Members for Trespassing if found shooting on our Ranges, Fishing in our lake, or hunting on our Properties!

Paper Targets only - NO cans, bottles, water jugs, steel plates, drum lids, rolling or spinning targets etc. allowed on Pistol or Rifle Ranges!

Children MUST stay directly with adult member who brought them. They cannot wonder around or play on or at any ranges while parents are shooting! This is EXTREMELY important for the safety of the children!

Both of these ranges are closed to any Sunday shooting from May 1st though September 30th. We ask that you clean up your used targets, trash and shells and place in the containers provided at the ranges marked for this purpose. We also ask that you be courteous in your shooting times to allow for others who show up to shoot an opportunity to do so.

Safety is key on the Rifle and Pistol ranges:

No loaded weapons allowed down range

All weapons unloaded when not in use at range & actions open

Always point your weapon away from people/vehicles in a safe direction

CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK your weapon before and after each use

Always treat your weapon as if it was loaded even if its NOT!

If two or more are shooting, appoint a Range Safety Manager

Never walk in front of a LOADED or UNLOADED weapon

NO CHILD may Play or Roam around any ranges!

NO GUESTS!

******

Archery Range

The range is in good repair and located in the old pistol range area which is down the dirt road past the picnic pavillion and children playground. No firearm shooting is allowed in this area. We ask that you clean up your used targets, trash and place in the containers provided at the ranges marked for this purpose. We ask that you be courteous in your shooting times to allow for others who show up to shoot an opportunity to do so. There are now 5 lanes to shoot from as well as a Tree Stand and a Crossbow bench. Bring your own Saftey harnass for Tree Stand use!

Safety is Key on the Archery Range

No loaded crossbows down range

Cross Bows should be unloaded when not in use at range

Always point your weapon away from people/vehicles in a safe direction

If two or more are shooting, appoint a Range Safety Manager

Never walk in front of a LOADED or UNLOADED weapon

Never fire an unloaded crossbow – injury can occur

NO GUESTS ALLOWED AT ARCHERY RANGE! Members & Spouse & Children & Grandchildren under 18 ONLY!

******

New WFCCC Individual Members

New Individual members are requested to attend the first scheduled club meeting the month after they joined. This meeting is for swearing in, receiving club information, receiving club decal for vehicles, familiarize themselves with club rules and regulations and receive Welcomes from existing club members. If a membership cap should occur, all current renewing members have first priority of membership to WFCCC if dues are paid on time. New Individual Members signing up at Middletown Firearms can begin using their membership same day as they joined. 

Remember: You must carry your Individual membership card with you at all times when you are on Club Owned Property or Club Leased property. Your family members may not be on Club property without your presence.

******

Address Changes

Please inform Rich Sankovich if your address changes during the year, at Phone 540-431-9367 or e-mail to RICHARDSANKOVICH@comcast.net

******

WFCCC Monthly Meetings 2021 

Meetings held March through September on 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Clifton Arnold enclosed shelter at the main club property off 522 North of Winchester on Siler Road/Route 600. Last meeting of year will be First Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 6:30 pm and Conservation Officers on hand to explain any new game and fish regulations as well as answer questions from the members. Rifle and Pistol Ranges closed from 6 pm to end of meeting each month.

It is important for members to attend monthly meetings, as it is your opportunity to present suggestions to the club, vote on changes, additions and improvements to our clubs operation and give input on any club issues that arise. This is a MEMBER operated Club and decisions made to Policies, Procedures, Rules, Constitution or By-Laws are by 2/3 approval vote by the Members, not the elected Board of Directors or Officers.

If you want to see changes in the Club whether in how it operates or the facilties that we have, you must attend a meeting, make the motion, have it seconded and then voted on by the membership. Voicing opinions with dues renewal letters, verbal conversations, web site messages, e-mails or phone calls will not allow your suggested changes to occur. The Membership must vote 2/3 in favor of it at a meeting to make it happen. You make the motion at the meeting to initiate a change and if seconded, and then it is voted on. A 2/3 Majority vote of memebrs at a meeting rules for changes in the operation of our club.

******

Individual Membership & Joining Club

Individual Membership in the WFCCC is open to all residents of Clark, Frederick, Shenandoah & Warren counties and cities/towns within same. No out of State memberships unless you previousley lived in City or Counties above when a member and kept your dues up to date upon relocation! Please pay your annual dues as early as possible. Current membership card MUST be carried with MEMBER at all times when on the WFCCC owned properties or its leases. All guests and anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by the card carrying MEMBER when on club properties or its leases. 

Memberships are for Individual Members, and not considered a FAMILY membership. The individual member must be present when any family member is on club properties and have membership card for that individual member available to present when asked! Members are 18 years of age and older and at age 18 or older, must join in order to hunt, fish or shoot with a family relative who is also a member.

You can join the Winchester Frederick County Conservation if you meet requirements above as far as residency by either coming to a monthly meeting and paying by check or cash the sum of $100.

*****

Dogs at WFCCC property

It is a Club rule that No Dogs are permitted on Club owned or Club leased property except for hunting purposes. In addition, SERVICE DOGS are allowed on Club property as long as they are under control of the owner. Most service dogs are identified with a vest that is labeled as service dogs in case there are any questions concerning same.

******

Leased Property for Hunting

WFCCC leases 200 acres at the Unimin Sand Mine at Gore, Va. for hunting only. Take Rt. 50 west to Gore, Turn left on Rt. 704. The Club lease of 200 acres of property is on the left hand side of Rt. 704 and is marked by No Trespassing signs by the WFCCC on the perimeter of the property tract. You should familiarize yourself with the property boundaries leased by the Club before hunting this tract. This property can be hunted on Sundays if you have a signed permission slip for Sunday hunting from one of the officers of the Club. There are signed permission slips also at Middletown Firearms for Club members and available at Club meetings. No doe harvest limits on Leased land.

*****

Winchester Frederick County Conservation Club, Inc. is a 501-7c non-

profit organization registered with the Virginia State Corporation 

Commission. It is governed by the Officers and Directors listed below 

who are elected from the current membership rolls during its annual 

elections. The Club operates through the utilization of the Constitution 

and By-Laws that was voted on and ratified by the membership. 

The Constitution and By-Laws were amended on 9/16/20 to include a 

Whistleblower Policy, Conflict Of Interest Policy and Document 

Retention & Destruction Policy. 

Copies are available to any Member if written request sent 

to WFCCC, PO Box 1431, Stephens City, Va. 22655

*****

WFCCC Officers for 2021/22

President -------- Jim Osborn           Phone - 540-636-1525

Vice President --- Marshall Shiley  Phone - 540-532-4898

Treasurer ----------Steve Hunt         Phone - 540-869-7077

Secretary -------- Rich Sankovich    Phone - 540-431-9367

1 Year Directors - Ken Corbett, Michael Collins, Ken Morris, 

                         Duncan Scholfield, Donald Ramey, Kirk Gordon

2 Year Directors - Jeff Feltner, Bill Michael, Terry Feltner

                         Eric Heflin, Barbara Gamble, Gerald Hendricks

Honorary Member for Life – George Quarles

*****

WFCCC BUDGET

Income

Membership dues, Still Target shoots, Clay Bird trap shoots, Donations received for use of shelters, Annual Auction at picnic, Personal donations from members, and Sale of timber when deemed appropriate by Forester.

Income for Scholarship

Raffle ticket sales, Prizes and cost of Raffle tickets given to scholarship fund from Club General Fund to pay for same, Meeting 50-50. Picnic 50-50, Picnic auction items donated specifically to be sold to support scholarships, Scholarship donations.

Expenses

Liability insurance, Property insurance, Directors and Officers Insurance, Land Loan Payments, Land leasing for hunting, Property Taxes, Four $500 college scholarship's and expenses for raffle plus multi year membership's for deserving High School Senior's from the counties or cities within membership area, Printing costs for newsletter, membership cards & raffle tickets, Postage, Vehicle decals, Office supplies, Newspaper ads, Electricity, Johnny Blue rental, Dumpster service, Emergency  telephone, Four Trout stockings, REstocking the lake with other game fish, Excess costs for annual picnic, Building and Grounds maintenance, machinery repair and fuel, Road maintenance, Shooting and Archery ranges upkeep, Shells and Targets for Still and Trap shoots, Equipment repair/replace for trap shooting and tractors, Signage for properties perimeters both owned and leased, Officers and Directors annual meeting & dinner, Food and Drink for members at last monthly meeting, Food and Drink for Member work day, donations to local fire and rescue, memorials for members who have passed away, and Legal costs as and when needed.

Expenses for Scholarship's

$2000 awarded annually in $500 increments to qualified College bound students seeking degree in Conservation Based curriculum.

*****

CLUB USAGE DATA

Club Usage Data from Members - 2012/13 membership year

Hunters – (36%)         Fisherman – (42%)        Picnic – (23%)  Rifle range – (61%)

Pistol Range – (56%)   Archery Range – (17%)   Clay bird shooters – (10%) 

.22 Shoot – (15%)         Still Target – (11%)

Club Usage Data from Members - 2013/14 membership year 

Hunters - 54%     Fisherman - 61%     Picnic - 41%            Rifle Range - 83%        Pistol range - 73%   Archery - 26%     Clay Birds - 19%     Still Targets - 20%  

.22 shoot - 23%   No Data Recv'd - 16%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2014/15 membership year

Hunters - 58%      Fisherman - 59%     Picnic - 36%            Rifle Range - 83%   Pistol Range - 77%   Archery - 24%      Claybirds - 15%       Still Targets - 19%  

.22 shoot - 21%     No Data Recv'd - 30%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2015/16 Membership year

Hunters - 56%       Fisherman - 59%     Picnic - 33%           Rifle Range - 82%

Pistol Range - 77%    Archery - 26%      Claybirds - 17%      Still Targets - 17%

.22 Shoot - 17%     No Data Recv'd - 18%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2016/17 Membership year

Hunters - 62%       Fisherman - 67%     Picnic - 39%          Rifle Range - 92%

Pistol Range - 89%   Archery -  34%     Claybirds - 22%     Still Targets - 18%

No Data Recv'd - 10%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2017/18 Membership year 

Hunters - 51%       Fisherman - 60%      Picnic - 37%        Rifle Range - 82%

Pistol Range - 81%   Archery - 28%       Claybirds - 19%   Still Targets - 17%

No Data Recv'd - 7.5%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2018/19 Membership Year

Hunters - 53%       Fisherman - 65%      Picnic - 40%         Rifle Range - 87%

Pistol Range - 83%    Archery - 32%      Claybirds - 19%    Still Targets - 17%

No Data Recv'd - 9.3%

Club Usage Data from members - 2019/20 Membership Year

Hunters - 51%       Fisherman - 64%      Picnic - 41%         Rifle Range - 85%

Pistol Range - 85%  Archery - 31%       Claybirds - 20%  Still Targets - 17%

No Data Recv'd - 14%

Club Usage Data from members - 2020/21 membership year

Hunters - 52%      Fisherman - 64%       Picnic - 42%         Rifle Range - 89%

Pistol Range - 87%    Archery - 31%    Claybirds - 20%    Still Targets - 17%

No data Recv'd - 11%

Club Usage Data from Members - 2021/22 membership year - 1129 responses to date 10/5/21

Hunters - 51%      Fisherman - 67%      Picnic - 41%           Rifle Range - 88%

Pistol Range - 86%    Archery - 30%    Claybirds - 17%       Still Targets - 16%

No Data Recv'd - 10%

DEER HARVEST DATA

Deer Harvest 2011/12 season

36 total reported --- 16 does / 20 bucks

Buck sizes ---7-button, 3 spikes, 4@4pts, 3@6pts, 1@7pts, 2 @ 8pts.

Deer Harvest 2012/13 season

17 total reported - 8 Does /  9 bucks

Buck Sizes ---Two 8pt., One 6pt., Two 5 pt., Two 4 pt., One 3 pt., One spike

Deerarvest 2013/14 season 

13 Total reported - 7 Bucks / 6 Does

Buck Sizes --- One spike, One 3 Point, One 5 Point, One 6 Point, One 7 Point, Two 8 Point

Deer Harvest 2014/15 season

20 Total reported - 9 Doe / 11 Bucks 

Buck Sizes - Three Spikes, Four 6 pt., One 7 pt., Two 8 pt. and One 9 pt. Buck

Deer Harvest 2015/16 season 

29 Total reported - 12 Doe / 17 Bucks

Buck Sizes - Six Spikes, One Three Pt., Two Four Pt., Two 6 Pt., Four 7 Pt., 

One 8 Pt. and One 9 pt. Buck

Deer Harvest 2016/17 season 

13 Total reported - 6 Doe - 7 Bucks

Buck Sizes - Two Spike, One 4 pt., Two 6 pt., Two 8 pt.

Deer Harvest 2017/18 season

27 Total Reported - 14 Doe - 13 Bucks

Buck Sizes -Three Spike, One 3 Pt., Three 4 pt., Two 6 pt., One 7 pt., Two 8 pt., One 10 pt.

Deer harvest 2018/19 season

21 Total Reported -  10 Doe -11 Bucks

Buck sizes - Three Spikes, One Three pt., Three 4 pt., Two 6 pt., Two 7 Pt.

Deer Harvest 2019/20 season 

30 Total Reported - 15 Doe - 15 Bucks

Buck sizes - Three Button, Three Spike, Two four point, One Five point, Two Six point, Two Seven point, Two 8 point

Deer Harvest 2020/21 season as reported to date from 1129 members 

as of 10/5/21

16 total reported - 13 Doe - 10 Bucks

Buck Sizes - One Button, Three Spikes, One four point, One six point, One seven point, One eight point, Two ten point

*****

Pictures at left in descending order:

2021 Scholarship Raffle prizes

2021 Easter Weekend Trout Derby

Jackie Roberts Memorial

Fish Wagon at WFCCC to restock lake with bass, crappie, panfish and catfish

Sample picture of 2021 WFCCC Membership card

Marshall Shiley in his Speedy Boat intalling air diffusers in Lake

Three of the Four 2020 WFCCC Scholarship winners

Pictures of Trout fishing at Club 2020

Lake water Testing

Fish Kill at Club lake noted 9/25/19

Piebald buck from Frederick County

Pictures from 2019 Club Picnic

2019 Club scholarship winners

2019 Easter Saturday Trout opener -21 pictures

Targets conditions at the Pistol range

Mac Tlumach - Last Deer hunt in Pennsylvania - Fall 2018

Kubota Tractor & accessories purchased for club maintenance

Treestands illegally installed & left on club property

2018 Scholarship winner Eleanor Welch

Six Pictures of 2018 Club picnic 9/2/18

Two pictures of fish kill found at lake 9/3/18

2nd CrossBow shooting bench built for Archery Range at August 2018 Club workday.

2018 Scholarship Winner Sydney Aschenbrenner

Male Copperhead Snake

2018 Scholarship Winner Jared Rice

2018 Scholarship Winner Brandon McDonald

Pictures from Shendoah Co. WFCCC Property workday

6/3/18 Flooding at the Club - 3 pictures

4/9/18 - White Deer after todays snowstorm - Frederick Co.(not on Club Property)

18 Pictures of 3/31/18 Trout Opening day at Club Lake

Pictures of Trout stocking March 8, 2018

Pictures of Trout caught at our lake 11/28/17

Picture of Trout/Striped Perch/Crappie caught at our lake 10/21/17

Next seven pictures are of 2017 Club Member Guest Picnic held September 9, 2017

Shooting Bench installed at Archery range for Crossbow users 8/19/17.

Kendall Benoit - 2017 WFCCC Scholarship winner w/Club Officers

New Tree Stand installed at Archery Range

Bath 1 -Womens bathroom remodeling

Bath 2 - Mens bathroom remodeling

0000 - April 17th, 2017 Perry Lewis Fish from Club Lake

000 - Six new benches installed at lake - Peter Mangione's Eagle Scout Project

00 - Archery Range Target Improvements

0 - Hannah Wilson - 2016 WFCCC Scholarship winner w/Club Officers

1. M. J. Shorty Billmyer Club House

2. Clifton Arnold Enclosed Shelter

3. Club House rear .22 and 12 ga. shooting positions

4. Club House rear .22 and 12 ga. targets area

5. Clifton Buddy Marple Trap range

6. Carlton Ramey Large open shelter

7. Kids Playground area - Swings and sliding board

8. Archery target area

9. View of Club house and Large enclosed shelter from shooting range

10. Beatty - Kelly Shooting range Rules

11. Vernon Haines lake view from East end

12. 100 yd. target range/shelter

13. 50 yd. target range/shelter

14. Pistol range/shelter front view

15. Pistol range/shelter rear view

16. Archery Range

17 to 24 Easter Saturday 4/15/2017 Trout fishing opener at the Club

25 to 30 Easter Saturday Annual Easter Egg Hunt 4/15/17

32. Clifton "Buddy" Marple posing at the Trap Range he helped create

33 to 36  Thursday Night Trap shoot

37. Gobbler with 8-9" beard sweet talking a hen

38. - Eric Heflin - Club President w/ Davis Weddle - 2015 WFCCC scholarship 

        winner