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Activities

(last updated September 8, 2023)

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Trapshoot Event Honors a Departed Member Posted September 8, 2023

This year's IWLA Outdoor Shooting Event on September 2, 2023, was dedicated to the memory of Clayton “Fred” Marshall.  Fred was one of the four Chapter members most responsible for the activation of the shotgun sport range, and one of the four who were honored on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, when the range 4 (Shotgun range) pavilion was dedicated.  Known as the “Four Musketeers, the four were honored with a plaque on the pavilion shelter.  Fred was eulogized by John Undari, one of the Musketeers, for his service in World War II.  Fred was a Tech-Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, and served as a dome turret gunner on a variety of bombers—most notably the B-24 and B-25 bombers.  During his service, he flew 30 missions over France and Germany.  On what was to be his next mission to fly, his crew was scrubbed from the mission and replaced by a newer crew as a training mission.  That crew never returned from its mission.  Fred will be remembered by the active shotgun shooters for his role in acquiring the Chapter's first automated clay thrower.

Following are some photos from the several flights that shot at the event last week:

John Undari Gives Eulogy to Fred Marshall

Flight 1

Flight 2

It's the Safety Cadre's Turn

Brunch Served in the Chapterhouse

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Dog Mart 324 Drone Photos  Posted October 13, 2022

A member's nephew volunteered to use his skills and commercial license to take some drone video and photographs at our recent Dog Mart.  These photos give a never-befors seen perspective of the Dog Mart in its long history and tradition over 324 years.  These will not only be of interest to participants and members (can you find yourself in the photos?) but can serve also as a historical record of how we set up the grounds this year (how about that new elongated activity center and note the symmetry of the dog show arena... kudos to those that assembled that ring this year).

 

Cub Scouts Spend a Week at Day Camp Posted June 17, 2022

During the week of June 6-10 we hosted the Cub Scouts of Mattaponi District at the Chapter for Day Camp as we do each year.  The weather was perfect and the scouts had a blast. Read the note Herbert Pritchett, president, received from Miriam Niemi along with some photos several of which attest to the excellence of our fishery.  We appreciate the understanding of our members who gave up access during this week so that our future generation learn the fun and excitement of our great outdoors.

Herbert,

Troop 21 Boy Scout Earns Eagle Scout Rank  Posted May 15, 2022

Boy Scout Jason Stone, son of scoutmaster Stone, Troop 21 of the Boy Scouts of America was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony hosted at the chapter on May 15.  You may view a selection of photos of the ceremony at the following video.

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2022 Chapter Participation in Earth Day at Old Mill Park Fredericksburg

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the chapter participated in Earth Day at Old Mill Park.  We had 4 tables and shelters erected on the southern end of the park.  Troop 21, Boy Scouts of America, assisted us in erecting the shelters and placing our tables.  We were ready to go by 9 am. We had our membership table, the apiary table, Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Troop 21.  One of the most popular attractions was our new barrel train.  We were joined by a second barrel train and they ran continuously during the hours of 11 am until 4 pm.  A selection of photos were taken and can be viewed in the following video.

2022 Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt (Posted: May 15, 2022)

The chapter hosted a member/invited guest Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 16th at the Activities Center.  Breakfast was served from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at no charge to members.  A delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit cocktail, syrup, rolls, butter, coffee, OJ and water was served.

Starting at 10:15 AM, we held an Easter Egg Hunt behind the Activities Center.

A dedicated group of volunteers made sure the tables were set, the breakfast cooked and served and the eggs hidden so the children would have a good time.  that have already signed up to help so we are good to go.  We had one of our members volunteer to pose as the Easter Bunny to the delight of children of all ages.  we can't wait to repeat next year.

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Replacing Shingles on the Tool and Equipment Shed (Posted: November 7, 2021)

For the past year there has been a nagging leak in the workshop side of the shed on the property.  An attempt to fix the leak was made with a spray on sealant which was not totally effective.  This past week, the facility maintenance committee went to the local big box hardware store and secured the necessary roofing replacement elements to replace the shingles completely.  Thanks to the work of a half dozen volunteers, the larger side of the shed roof was removed and replaced Saturday morning. This effort was aided by the generous loaning of roofing tools (shingle removing shovels and a pneumatic air gun nailer) to make the job easier. The larger side of the roof has been fixed and awaiting the test of a good steady rain.  Thanks to some volunteers the shed is likely dry and weather-tight again.  In addition, Also the door framing on the Scag mower parking side of the shed was prepared for the installation of a garage door type door to be installed later in the week.

 
Photos courtesy of Nona Hemphill-Rector

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Ted McPherson Memorial Trapshoot - August 28, 2021 (Posted: August 29, 2021)

 

In August of each year the nation celebrates National Shooting Sports Month.  For the second year, we have participated in this celebration by issuing an electronic mail call for our membership to register for a trap shoot at our range devoted to shotgun activity.  This year our event was dedicated to the memory of member William ”Ted” McPherson who passed away earlier this year. Ted was an avid shooter and supported the shooting events especially supporting the lady shooters and allowing them the opportunity to shoot his Colt 45 revolvers.

 

While this was an invitational event for Chapter membership, we also used it for attracting local non-members and for the recruitment of prospective members.  We asked that each member bring a non-member and advertised that the Chapter would provide all the clays, 25 shotshells and an opportunity for a lunch meal consisting of hot dogs, chips and a soft drink.  Unlike last year when we had to postpone several times due to weather, this year we planned and conducted the event on Saturday, August 28, 2021.  Even though we did not struggle against the rain storms this year, the challenge this year was blazing heat and humidity.  We had a relay schedule with 20 members plus a number of guests.  Despite the heat and humidity everyone seemed to be pleased with the event and we plan to conduct the event again next year.  And with our new Activity Center, the midday meal inside the building was pleasant.

 

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Ernie Meier Memorial Trapshoot - September 12, 2020  (Posted: September 13, 2020)

On September 12, the chapter hosted a trapshoot on range 4.  The planning for the event started in July but several rainy Saturdays postponed the actual event until September 12.  Originally conceived as a celebration of the National Shooting Sports Month Event it was dedicated to the memory of 4 members of the chapter who were instrumental in conceiving a shotgun devoted range for trap shooting.  One of those members, Ernie Meier, just short of his 89th birthday, died in mid July so the event was dedicated to his memory.  Following are a few photos of the event.

Father's Day Pancake Breakfast June 9, 2019 

(Posted: June 9, 2019)

We served many of the chapter fathers at the chapter on Sunday, June 9

       

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Wild Game Dinner March 16, 2019 (Posted: March 23, 2019)

Work Day May 2018 (Posted: May 5, 2018)

Many volunteers came to the Chapter on May 5, 2018 to help with spring chores.  We had a number split out to perform our Adopt-a-Highway commitment on Orange Plan Road near the Wilderness battlefield.  See separate report in the Conservation tab.  Many bags of trash were collected by the crew.
Back at the grounds a number of volunteers completed the stone (rip rap) laying on the casueway and then spread some Livingston blend soil conditioner to prepare the top roadway for seeding which should be done the following week.  Here are some photos of the causeway and the crew

 


 

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October Pumpkin Painting at the Chapterhouse  posted: October 30, 2017

At the Chapterhouse this past Sunday Nona Rector assisted by Shannon Christopher, hosted a Pumpkin Painting activity.  The children had a great time.  First they painted their pumpkins and then they decorated, and ate, pumpkin cookies.
Find a batch of photos at our Facebook page.

August 2017 Work Day  posted: August 5, 2017

The August Workday was a beautiful day at the chapter and for the second month in a row the workday was well attended and lots of work was accomplished.  The range berms and the brush along Herndon Road which was blocking the view of the oncoming traffic was trimmed.  The grass was cut and a number of volunteers answered the call to pick up rock and debris in the area of the ponds so more soil and grass seed might be planted later in the month.  For the third weekend a small group of builders were made busy with assembling the new playset.  It is nearing completion as illustrated in these photos and the construction only lacked an addition of a straight slide and the raising of two roofs.  The swing set is well designed but is definitely made for the smaller sized children.  Adults are asked to evaluate the playset and the size and skill of their children before allowing them to use the playset.  Please await notice that the set is ready as there is intended to be an area filled with clean mulch before the unit is considered complete and ready for use.

Manahoac Bowman The Manahoac Bowman archery club promotes both target archery and the legal use of the bow for bow-hunting. We are affiliated with the Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in Virginia. We strive to preserve our bowhunting heritage through securing better hunting privileges and conditions for bowhunters cooperating with all conservation organizations, and working to support local and state legislative proposals that benefit all sportsmen. View the 2017 Schedule for the Manahoac Bowman Outdoor Archery Shoots. If anyone is interested in participating in the archery club please contact contact Jarrett Frame at 540-373-2278, email cjmframe@aol.com or Gene Slagle  at 540-661-8693,  email eugeneslagle@gmail.com. For more information visit the Manahoac Bowman website.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing   Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.  The Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter of the IWLA is sponsoring the  PHWFF Fredericksburg Program, providing meeting facilities and founding team members.  If you're interested in knowing more, getting involved, or attending an event, check out our Facebook page or contact Dick Barnett at  k4guj@aol.com.
Hiking The grounds of Walton Park include several hiking trails and wooded picnic areas.  These trails can be enjoyed in any season and with anyone including the pets.  Come and experience the new bridge built by the Boy Scouts over the back end of our pond.  You might even catch sight of an enterprising beaver modifying the pond and forest ecosystem.
Target Shooting Our chapter focuses on providing a safe environment for members to enjoy recreational target shooting with various firearms. We offer 4 ranges that include 25 and 50 yard pistol, 50 and 100 yard rifle, and shotgun/skeet. All ranges except the shotgun range provide covered shooting stations. View the Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun Range Rules in the Facilities web page View pictures of the firearm ranges here