Prospective Members
Welcome to this information page.
Hopefully we can answer most if not all your questions on here, before you consider applying to become a member of our association.
Before you read any further, we are looking for responsible, conscientious people that are willing help improve the conservation and shooting opportunities for all our members.
Firstly you will have to complete an online membership application form and submit it to the membership secretary or call him for more information or to request a form,
and he will send one to you.
Call: 07789 872093
Applications
Submit your application and the membership secretary will contact you by either phone or email to inform you of any vacancies, or ask if you wish to go on a waiting list if none presently available. Once one becomes available you will be invited to attend an interview with the club committee. This will take place in Gainsborough. You will need to bring your current shotgun licence, any current BASC membership card and a passport sized photo.
You will be questioned about your shooting history, quarry identification, open seasons and shooting regulations and of course, you are free to ask any questions.
Successful applicants will be notified within 7 days of the interview.
You will then become a probationary member and must have at least three accompanied site visits with full members at the Marsh at Gainsborough and our farmland a few miles away. You will be provided with a list of members, their contact details and when they are available to take you. You’ll liaise with them directly to arrange your visits.
Visiting the Club
We can usually arrange these visits on any day of the week. Once accepted as a member, you will have to complete six visits (three at each site) These will be with at least two separate existing, experienced members, who will, on completion of every visit, fill in a probationary site visit record form and when complete, submit it to the membership secretary. This will then be submitted to the committee. Once approved, you will then become a full member. The sooner you do your visits, the sooner this can happen.
You will then be allowed to attend our sites unaccompanied and to shoot any quarry species in season. We do ask for restraint in September and limit your bag to one visit per week and 2 birds per flight on the marsh. We do not allow rifles to be used on any of our sites. The marsh is a SSSI and wetland, and as such, no lead is allowed on site at all, for any quarry species.
Annual Club Fees
Our association is affiliated to the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) and as such, all of our members must be full members of BASC. Your annual club membership fees are due between the 1st of February to 30th April every year.
The annual club fees include full membership of BASC. If you are already a member of BASC, you will still have to pay the full club fee then afterwards, claim your BASC membership back from them directly. You will then hold a BASC card with our club name on it, as well as your existing club membership card. (this rule is directly from BASC, until they tell us differently) There are no exceptions to this.
Before you go on any site visit you will be asked to provide a passport sized photo, complete a lead free agreement form and a club rules acceptance form.
You will be provided with a new member pack, a photo ID card and a car ID card. (should you lose any of those throughout the season, a replacement will be provided at a cost of £2 per item)
You must always keep your photo ID on your person whilst on club land. Any member can ask you to present your card and vice versa. Failure to provide your photo ID card may result in you being escorted from the land and/or a police visit. Disciplinary action may be taken against you by the club, as we take members safety very seriously.
Your car ID card must be placed on your dashboard whilst at the marsh (car park) and at the farm.
Shooting
At the end of the season, you must fill in and return your annual bag return form to the membership secretary (before 20th February). Fines will be applied for late/non return.
As part of your membership you will be invited to attend a conservation work party. This would take place a few weeks prior to the new season starting. Usually Saturday and/or Sunday, and at least four club meetings per calendar year (usually 7.30pm on the first Thursday in the month off season and every other month during the season).
If the above seems daunting, please don’t worry, we will talk you through it at every stage
QUESTIONS?
Whether you’re curious about what we do or if you have any general questions,
we’re here to help!
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