standard operating procedure - danville ... operating procedure for the danville conservation club,...

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

FOR THE

DANVILLE CONSERVATION CLUB, INC

ROGER KOONTZ MEMORIAL RANGE, LAKE AND CLUB GROUNDS

Danville Conservation Club, Inc. 855 Sycamore Lane Danville, IN 46122 317-758-5107 www.dccsafety.com dcc.boardhost.com

Effective Date: 03/08/2017 Revision: 3

DanvilleConservationClub,Inc. StandardOperatingProcedure

Revision:3 March8,2017

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ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

The purpose and scope of the Danville Conservation Club, Inc. (DCC) is to:

Promote hunter and firearm safety through education programs and range operation; and to create and

foster a better public sentiment for the protection and responsible use of firearms.

In 1946, the organization incorporated as The Danville Conservation Club with the express purpose of

promoting conservation education, firearms safety and hunter education as well as promoting the

protection of fish and game, securing laws for the better protection of fish and game and improving public

sentiment towards the protection of fish and game. With the passage of time, the DCC has evolved and

in recent years has concentrated its efforts towards promoting the responsible use of firearms through

hunter safety and firearms education and affiliation with national organizations with similar goals.

The club is affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Members are able to use club membership

to meet Proof of Membership requirements to purchase firearms and ammunition through the CMP and to

participate in shooting programs. The DCC also promotes its agenda by being affiliated with the NRA

through programs such as the Friends of the NRA and by conducting NRA sanctioned smallbore

silhouette matches.

The club maintains a lake for the benefit of its members. Fishing is restricted to members only. The

adjacent property owners also have lake rights and participate monetarily in the upkeep of the lake and

associated dam.

The Club is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Indiana. The officers consist

of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are elected annually and can serve a

maximum of two terms with the exception of the Treasurer who can serve multiple years with consent of

the membership. The Board of Directors (Board) consists of 7 members that are the governing body of

the organization. Board members serve two year terms which are staggered such that 3 are elected one

year and 4 the next. All decisions for the Corporation are made by a majority vote of the Board.

Membership meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Clubhouse.

RANGE CAPABILITIES

The firearm portion of the range consists of four shooting benches at the firing line, a 50-foot steel trap, a

75-foot steel trap, a 50-yard berm and 100-yard berm. In addition, there are berms provided for silhouette

targets at 60 and 77 meters and a berm at 50 yards that serves the 40 meter silhouette and and 50 yard

benchrest targets shot from bench 1.

The 50 and 75-foot steel traps are restricted to handguns in pistol calibers and rimfire rifles only. These



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steel traps can easily be damaged by rifle calibers. The 50 and 100-yard berms are for all allowed

calibers in rifle or pistol configuration. The 50-yard berm consists of approximately 10 ft. depth of dirt with

a rear utility pole wall for support of the dirt berm. The 100-yard berm is a natural berm approximately 20

feet in height. The silhouette berms consist of small dirt berms. Due to their positioning, they have

limited backstop for rounds that penetrate or overshoot the berm. These berms are restricted to rimfire

calibers for silhouette / benchrest matches and practice. This is the only acceptable use of these berms.

Personal protection firing at close range (less than 50 feet) is allowed at the 100-yard berm only and

require that the member take special precautions to shoot at this distance.

The firing line has a roof for weather protection only. In front of the firing line, a metal canopy extends 20

feet down range. This canopy provides support for ballistic panels forming an eyebrow over the shooting

positions. These panels are positioned to stop any projectiles from arcing over the 100-yard natural berm

and leaving the property. In addition, 2”x6” boards are suspended from the canopy to slow down

projectiles that are too high to impact the 50 and 75 ft. berms. The west support wall of the canopy

contains Styrofoam board insulation partially protected by plywood panels. This wall is for sound

containment only and provides no ballistic protection.

Benchrest style front supports and rear sandbags are provided for each of the four shooting positions. A

container is provided for misfire or damaged ammunition. A plastic bucket is provided for reloadable

brass that members may use if they do not wish to take their brass with them. A broom and dustpan are

provided for clean-up.

The firearm range is under 24-hour video surveillance. Range rules and safety reminders are posted in

the firing line area.

The Archery Range is comprised of the large field east of the firearm range, across the driveway. While

there are no permanent backstops or shooting positions, the DCC provides archery targets for member

use. Targets are located in a small locked shed attached to the southeast corner of the trap house. The

contents of the shed and current combination may be obtained at any DCC meeting or by contacting one

of the club officers. The targets are to be locked away in the shed upon completion of use by the

member.

When using the Archery Range, it is permissible to use compound bows and crossbows. No broadhead

points are allowed. The It is recommended that the archers take up a position immediately east of the trap

house and shoot in an easterly direction towards the north-south tree row. Archers should remain south

of a line that represents an extension of the firearm shooting line when the firearms range is hot.



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RANGE OPERATIONS

The DCC Range is a self-service range available for use by members possessing a valid range card

during established operating hours. During scheduled matches and live fire exercises for organized

education classes, the range is closed to individual member activities. These activities are noted on the

DCC website calendar and Match Schedule.

All members are required to attend a Range Safety Orientation (RSO) when joining the DCC and at least

every three (3) years thereafter. A range card is issued to each member that has met the RSO

requirement and paid their dues for the current year. Access to the property is controlled by an automatic

gate. Members joining after 3/1/2016 will receive one gate access card with their paid initiation fee upon

completing the RSO. Gate access cards may be purchased by members that possess a current range

card for a fee set by the Board. (this includes spouse members)

Members pull up to the card reader located on the east side of the driveway and hold their card in front of



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the reader until the gate begins to open. When the gate is fully open, members proceed through the gate

to the range parking area. The gate will close automatically. When leaving the property, it is only

necessary to pull up to the white post on the east side of the driveway. A proximity sensor will detect your

vehicle and the gate will open and close automatically to allow exit. During scheduled activities, matches,

and club meetings, the gate will be locked open and access to the property is uncontrolled.

Members are to sign in and out on the sign-in sheet providing the time arrived, calibers shot and time of

departure. Range cards are to be displayed on the person while using the range.

Guests are allowed for a fee and require that the Guest and Member both sign a Member/Guest

Acknowledgement Card. Minor children or grandchildren of members are not required to sign the

Acknowledgement Card or pay a fee, but must be supervised by the member. Signing the

Acknowledgement Card confirms that the member has explained the DCC Range Rules to the guest and

he or she agrees to abide by them. The Acknowledgement Card and guest fees are to be placed in an

envelope and deposited in the mail slot on the trap house door before bringing any firearms to the range

area. Guests require special attention and must be closely managed by the member. Do not invite more

guests than you can manage at any one time on the firing line. Severe rule violations seem to occur

more often when a guest is present at the range. Violation of any range rule by the guest will be viewed

as the member violating the rule. Both may be ordered to leave the range if rule violations occur on the

firing line.

RANGE COMMANDS:

Flashing lights mounted under the canopy are used in conjunction with commands to signal the condition

of the range. The switch to actuate the lights is located on the front center support post of the firing line

roof. These lights shall be turned on ANY time that ANY person is down range for ANY reason.

Firearms carried on the person in a holster are considered safe for the purposes of range commands for

cold range conditions. They are not to be touched on a cold range and once removed from the holster

are subject to “firearms at the bench” rules.

CEASE FIRE:

• Called by anyone at any time an unsafe condition or emergency arises;

• Immediately take your finger off the trigger and place all firearms on the bench with muzzle

pointed downrange;

• step back from the firing line and wait for further instructions.

• Do not handle any firearm during a cease fire.

CLEAR:



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• Called to make the line safe;

• all firearms at the benches shall be unloaded, actions open and magazines removed;

• lay firearms on the bench with the muzzle pointed downrange or place in the rack;

• repeat the command CLEAR and make eye contact with the RSO;

• if you have a problem and cannot clear the weapon, call NOT CLEAR and wait for instructions

from the RSO.

LINE IS COLD:

• Called to allow shooters to advance beyond the firing line to retrieve spent casings or to service

targets;

• all firearms at the benches shall be unloaded, actions open and magazines removed;

• flashing lights are turned ON;

• there shall be no handling of firearms in the racks or on the benches;

• no uncased firearms shall be brought to or removed from the range area.

LINE IS HOT:

• Flashing lights are turned OFF;

• ear and eye protection is required for everyone in the range area;

• no person shall move past the firing line;

• use caution when leaning over a bench;

• while handling any firearm, keep the muzzle pointed downrange or up and never at another

person or yourself.1

• All loaded firearms are to be pointed downrange only with finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

In addition to the above commands, the following Silhouette Match Commands are used: SHOOTERS READY:

• Given approximately 15 seconds before the command of FIRE

• Rounds may be chambered

• Shooters may take aim

FIRE

• Shooters have two and one-half minutes to complete the 5-shot course of fire.

MAKE YOUR WEAPONS SAFE AND ROTATE:

• Open the chamber and insert an open chamber indicator

• Muzzle in a safe direction (up or downrange)

• Move your equipment counterclockwise to the next station 1Iftheneedarisestoinspectthemuzzleofyourfirearm,makesurethemagazineisremovedandactionlockedopen.



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• Place your weapon on the bench, muzzle pointed downrange.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Members shall obey all commands issued by the RSO. Members are expected to be aware of the rules

and to obey them. Signs posted at the range are there to reinforce knowledge of the rules ensure there

is no question or dispute between the members as to rule violations. Members are to coordinate with

each other to minimize cold range needs for target placement.

Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised by a member when

shooting handguns. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied and directly supervised by a

member for all shooting activities.

When shooting, rounds are expected to impact the berm or trap. If you don’t know where your rounds

are hitting, ask someone to spot for you. If rounds are hitting the dirt or missing the backstop, you must

shoot from the bench only using some form of rest until you can reliably place your rounds in the target

berm. The range is limited to slow fire with a pause of at least 3 seconds between shots. Shots are to

be deliberate, well placed and controlled.

Members should be aware of their personal limitations and those of their guests. You must have a

reasonable level of firearms knowledge and experience to use the range without supervision. If a new

member is inexperienced with firearms, they should schedule a time to meet with an Authorized RSO at

the range to go over basic firearm safety and practice skills training to gain experience. See the last

section of this document, OTHER DCC FACILITIES / CAPABILITIES for additional information.

Members wishing to practice personal protection firing at close range (less than 50 feet) may do so at the

100-yard berm only. Flashing lights are to be turned on while the member proceeds to the 100-yard

berm and takes up a position in front of the target area. All persons in the area must remain well behind

the shooter. Drawing from a holster, double taps and rapid fire are NOT allowed anywhere on the range.

Members should pick up their brass when practice is complete and be mindful that the range is closed to

normal use while the flashing lights are on. Be courteous to other shooters waiting to use the range.

Members are responsible to maintain a safe environment and to clean up the range upon completion of

activities. Food and soft drinks are allowed on the firing line. Expended shell casings shall be picked up

and deposited in the trash or recycle containers if not retained by the shooter. It is acceptable to leave

rimfire brass in the grassy areas or the dirt in front of the shooting positions, but brass on the shooting

benches and concrete pad should be swept up and put in the trash. A magnet is available for picking up

steel casings from both the dirt area and the concrete. Paper targets should be removed and placed in

the trash container along with any other trash on the firing line. The range should be left in a clean



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condition when activities are complete. Members may help themselves to reloadable brass left in the

recycling bucket. First come first served.

RANGE SAFETY OFFICERS AND RULES ENFORCEMENT

There are no provisions for a Range Safety Officer (RSO) to be on duty at the range outside of scheduled

matches. It is the member’s responsibility to follow the rules for safe operation of the range. When more

than one shooter is present, one member, preferably a NRA Certified RSO, should be designated to act

as the RSO. This person will be responsible for calling the range hot or cold, assuring that the range

status lights are used and calling attention to range rules as needed. If there is a problem on the range

resulting in an unsafe condition, NRA Certified RSOs that are authorized by the Board may take whatever

action they deem necessary to correct the situation, up to and including immediate suspension of a

member’s range privileges and ordering that member to leave the property. A listing of names and

contact information for the Range Safety Officers currently authorized by the Board to enforce the rules is

provided in Attachment 1 of this document and will be posted at the Range. In the case of a non-certified

member acting as an RSO, the member should call attention to the rules violation but is not obligated or

authorized to take enforcement action. Members have a duty to report unsafe behavior to the DCC Chief

RSO for investigation and further action as soon as possible. The date and time of the incident and a

description of the issue are required. The offending member name is helpful but not required. See

Attachment 1 for contact information to report an incident.

Members who receive an immediate suspension of range privileges by one of the Authorized RSO’s may

request a hearing before the Board of Directors to consider reinstatement. Members that are reported by

another member and found to have committed serious documented violations may be called to a hearing

before the Board of Directors to consider suspension of their membership. In either case, the Board may

order remedial training, levy fines or uphold the suspension which would result in cancellation of

membership and de-activation of the member’s gate access card.

SHOOTING RANGE RULES AND REGULATIONS The following rules are posted at the range and are to be adhered to by all Members and Guests: GENERAL

• Range Hours: 8:00AM to 1/2 hour before sunset. Sunday hours: 12:00 noon to 4:00PM. Check

the DCC Calendar for scheduled range activities.

• You must sign in and display your range card at all times while on the range.

• No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on the premises.

• Do not use the range if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications that

impact your judgment.

• Wear eye and ear protection when the range is HOT



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• Anyone can call a cease-fire at any time.

• Individuals under the age of 16 must be directly supervised by a member when shooting.

• Individuals under the age of 18 must be directly supervised by a member when shooting

handguns.

• When there is more than one group of shooters at the range, one person should be designated

to act as a range safety officer.

TARGETS

• Use only paper or self-healing rubber swinger targets. No bottles, steel targets, cans, or targets

of opportunity are allowed. No exploding targets are allowed.

• All targets must fit within the outline of the berm. No paper target holder may extend above the

berm.

FIREARMS

• All rifles, pistols, shotguns and muzzleloaders are allowed except:

o NO full-auto machine guns, even with single set or semi-auto mode selector.

o NO .50 BMG or similar firearm.

o NO firearm fitted with Bump-Fire or Slide-Fire stocks or any device that replicates full

auto fire.

• When approaching the range, be aware of its condition, Hot or Cold and act appropriately.

• Do not bring uncased firearms to the range area unless the range is Hot.

• When bringing firearms to the range area they should be either in a case or with the action open

and pointed up.

• Be sure your firearm is safe to operate and that you operate it in a safe manner.

• Use only the correct ammunition specified for your firearm. NO tracer, armor piercing, incendiary

or similar ammo is allowed on the DCC Range.

• When not in use, firearms on the bench or in the rack should have actions open and magazines

removed. Chamber flags are recommended.

• Muzzle Discipline is required- keep firearms pointed in a safe direction at all times. On the range,

this means UP or DOWNRANGE.

• All loaded firearms are to be pointed downrange only. Do not allow yourself to become

distracted while handling a loaded firearm.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

• THIS IS A SLOW FIRE RANGE. YOU MUST PAUSE FOR 3 SECONDS BETWEEN SHOTS.

• Your shots need to impact the target berm. If you don’t know where they are impacting:

o Shoot from a stable rest until you are competent with the firearm.

o Ask someone to spot for you to help determine impact points.

o When mounting a scope on your rifle, it should be bore sighted prior to shooting your



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first rounds.

o If you are inexperienced with shooting, contact a Range Safety Officer or other

experienced shooter for help.

• When cleaning a firearm, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The action should remain

open during the cleaning process and no ammunition shall be present in the cleaning area.

• Remove used targets, pick up brass, throw away trash and put things away before leaving the

range.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS

In the event of an emergency at the range, call an immediate CEASE FIRE and CLEAR the line as soon

as it is safe to do so.

Any time that someone is seriously injured or falls unconscious for any reason, call 911.

• Provide the DCC address of 855 Sycamore Lane and any requested details

• Do not hang up on the 911 operator

• If someone is available, send them to open the gate and direct the 911 responders to the range.

• If nobody is available, tell the 911 operator that the range is located about 500 feet past the

locked entrance gate.

All witnesses present for the emergency should remain on the property until after the arrival of first

responders or Law Enforcement.

A DCC Officer or Board Member should be notified as soon as possible in the event of any emergency

requiring a call to 911.

When the emergency is over, each member that witnessed the event should make notes to individually

document what they witnessed. Write down what you saw or heard and what actions you took, if any. Do

not share information and only document what you personally witnessed. Notes are to be collected and

provided to a DCC Officer or Board Member as soon as possible.

A first aid kit is available for minor injuries.



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OTHER DCC FACILITIES / CAPABILITIES THERE ARE NO ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED ON DCC PROPERTY AT ANY TIME FOR ANY

REASON.

CLUBHOUSE

The DCC Clubhouse and grounds are available for rental for the fee set forth in the DCC Schedule of

Fees. Contact the caretaker to reserve your date. A signed lease agreement is required for rental.

Rental of the clubhouse includes use of chairs, tables, kitchen facilities and restrooms. The clubhouse is

to be left in the same condition in which it is found. A deposit may be required in addition to the rental fee.

Rental of the Clubhouse does not include fishing or range privileges. The range and lake are open to

members during normal hours and use of the grounds will be subject to your acceptance of concurrent

activities, including noise from the range.

LAKE:

There is no swimming allowed in the lake at any time.

Fishing is restricted to Members and immediate family. Membership Cards must be shown if requested

by the resident manager or a Club Officer. No guests are allowed to fish in the lake. State fishing laws

are to be observed with the exception that Bass and Catfish fishing is catch and release only. Ice fishing

is allowed under appropriate conditions.

The lake is chemically treated periodically for algae and weed growth. Sucker, carp or goldfish minnows

are prohibited. Boats may be left on the DCC premises but must be labeled with the Owner’s name and

contact information. Electric trolling motors may be used however outboard motors are not permitted. A

flotation device must be provided for each boat occupant. Boats are not allowed on the water 30 minutes

after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise.

Fishing Limits are as follows:

• 10 Crappie

• 20 Bluegill

• Bass and Catfish– Catch and Release ONLY

• All limits are per family – per day



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NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS:

The DCC has several NRA Certified Instructors and NRA Certified Range Safety Officers that are

available for training or to help members with their shooting skills. They may be available one-on-one for

personal instruction or classes can be organized for members and the general public. Organized classes

are offered for a fee to cover training materials and registration. A small donation to the club is requested

for one-on-one instruction.

Contact the Chief RSO for details or send an e-mail to [email protected]

The DCC maintains a website www.dccsafety.comand an on-line forum at dcc.boardhost.com.

Please visit these sites regularly for DCC info and updates or to share your comments with the group.



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Attachment 1:

The following NRA Certified Range Safety Officers are authorized by the Board of Directors to take

actions as appropriate to ensure safe operation of the DCC Range. Acting in a manner that would result

in injury to any member, a projectile leaving the property, or failing to obey commands of a duly

authorized RSO may result in immediate suspension of a Member’s range privileges.

To report a safety issue, inquire about help or training or to make suggestions to improve range safety

send an e-mail with your contact information and a description of your issue to [email protected].

Jon Bowden DCC Director, Chief Range Safety Officer and NRA Instructor David Burd - Certified Range Safety Officer William Carr, II Certified Range Safety Officer Glenn Gray Certified Range Safety Officer Ed Janeczek Certified Range Safety Officer Phil Kimble – Certified Range Safety Officer Barry McCown Certified Range Safety Officer Andy Wickham Certified Range Safety Officer and NRA Instructor Dennis Zupan Certified Range Safety Officer



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Revision Log:

Revision Number

Date Changes

0 3/9/2016 Initial Issue 1 5/11/2016 Changes on Page 11. Added fishing limits and restrictions on boats boating

after sunset and before sunrise. 2 7/13/2016 Revised to align with Bylaws Revision and clarified guest fee requirements. 3 2/22/2017 Modified Attachment 1

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