Fundamental Club Rules

These rules are to be followed at all times while on Club property, regardless of the range or activity.

  1. Everyone must always obey the fundamental rules of firearm safety (TAB-K):
    • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded,
    • Always point the muzzle in a safe direction,
    • Be certain of your target, what’s before and beyond it,
    • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
  2. Keep all firearms unloaded with the action open or in a case, detachable magazines removed, until reaching the firing line.
    Only load firearms at the firing line when ready to shoot.
  3. Members are responsible for knowing how to handle their firearms and equipment safely.
  4. Dangerous behavior and horseplay are not allowed at any range.
  5. Consumption of any intoxicating substance is not permitted before or during use of firearms.
  6. Hearing and eye protection is required for all individuals at firearm ranges.
    Before firing, make sure that everyone around you is wearing their protective gear.
  7. Drawing from holsters is prohibited on all ranges. If you wish to shoot a concealed firearm remove it from the holster in your vehicle, unload it, remove detachable magazines, and open the action before proceeding into the range. Do not close the action or load the firearm until you are ready to shoot. Open carry of loaded firearms is not permitted on Club property.
  8. It is preferred, but not mandatory, that firearms be cased while being transported.
  9. All ranges follow a 45-minute rule, which is an honor system designed to provide equal access to club facilities. If a range is full and another person arrives, the person who has been there the longest must give up their shooting position to the waiting individual within 45 minutes or less.
  10. Anyone may call a cease fire. Shooting shall stop immediately and not resume until the reason for the cease fire has been fully remedied.
  11. All shooters must fire from a common firing line. Before moving forward of the firing line, you must call a cease fire and personally check to ensure that all firearms are unloaded, with detachable magazines removed and actions open.
  12. No one is allowed to handle firearms while anyone is downrange or in front of the firing line.
  13. Use receptacles provided at each range for spent ammunition cases, targets, trash, and duds.
    Leave the ranges cleaner and better than when you arrived.
  14. Bring all maintenance issues to the attention of the activity leader or Club immediately. This includes issues you may have caused, it’s much better we hear it from you.
  15. No armor-piercing, tracer, explosive, or other uncommon types of ammunition.
    Hand-loaded ammunition is permitted. Use only ammunition permitted at the particular range.
  16. If you are uncertain about whether your activity or equipment is acceptable, please contact the activity leader or a Board member prior to doing it.
  17. There is zero tolerance for shooting before or after the posted hours.

Property Use & Access

Public access to the Club property is only permitted during supervised, scheduled events. Any individual found on Club property who is not a member, a guest accompanied by a member, or a participant in an approved Club activity open to the public will be considered trespassing.

Participation in Club leagues is restricted to Club members.

Hunting is strictly prohibited on all Club property.

Vehicles are only allowed on designated driveways, parking lots, and other areas specifically designed for vehicular use. The use of off-road vehicles, whether motorized or non-motorized, is prohibited on Club property, except when operated on driveways, parking lots, or other designated vehicle areas. Exceptions are granted for Board-authorized work crews and official event operations.

Security & Rule Violations

Members of the Stoughton Conservation Club are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, civil, respectful, and courteous manner at all times while on Club property, participating in Club events, and/or communicating online in Club forums or with other Club members, free from any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior.

Members are expected to follow all Club rules, regulations, and safety guidelines, as well as local, state, and federal law.

If you witness a rule violation or inappropriate behavior, contact the activity leader or the Board of Directors. Provide as many details as possible, including the location, time, date, physical description of the individuals involved, their names if known, and a description of any vehicles, including plates.

As a member of the Stoughton Conservation Club, you always have the right to ask to see another member’s ID card and/or address the issue directly with them when on Club grounds. Individuals who fail to display a membership card, and are not a guest, are considered trespassing.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, do not confront the individual. Instead, report the incident to the Board, providing as much information as possible, and the Club will review the surveillance video and access logs to investigate the matter further. For serious situations call 911 and follow the guidance in the “Emergencies & Accidents” section of this Handbook.

The Board of Directors has the authority to restrict or revoke a person’s membership or privileges in the Club whenever they determine that such action is necessary to protect the best interests of the organization.

Emergencies & Accidents

In case of any type of accident or emergency:

  • Call 911.
  • Render assistance if you are trained and able (consider Wisconsin’s “Good Samaritan” Statute, 895.48).
  • Have someone guide emergency responders to the scene from the road.
  • Cooperate fully with authorities.
  • Do not speculate as to the cause.
  • Notify the Board of Directors of the incident as soon as possible.
  • Make no statements to the press or media.
  • Make no social media posts.

First aid kits and Automatic Emergency Defibrillators (AEDs) may be found in the Main Clubhouse and Pistol Buildings, as well as near the main door to the Rifle Range.

Malfunctions & Misfires

If a firearm misfires or malfunctions and cannot be cleared of a live round, the shooter must:

  1. Keep the firearm pointed downrange.
  2. Call a cease fire and shut down the range.
  3. If the firearm cannot be cleared within 15 minutes it should be cased and removed, always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  4. Reopen the range.