Hunting and Fishing Club Newsletter - February 2010

To All Members:

We had a successful year this year except the goose hunting was down but not as bad as field hunting. We had several unusual problems this year. 1st, the geese seemed allergic to corn and we didn’t dress any geese that had eaten corn. This was because of the poor corn year and hardly any fields were leveled so the geese could get at the fields. When the geese don’t eat corn they don’t go to the water and ice as much. The early snows left the ice covered most of the year. According to all reports water and ice were the only places the geese were killed this year. I have always said, “If anyone gets geese, we will.”

There are some changes planned for next year and they are as follows:

1) We will attempt to furnish decoys at all blinds except the three on the dam. We bought 190
     more decoys unfortunately someone walked in and stole 3 dozen the 1st night we had them
     but we haven’t given up.
2) We are upgrading as many blinds as we can for the next year.
3) We have separated the clubs to accommodate some people who only want to do certain things.
4) We got a five year extension on our lease which gives us a guaranteed six more years. There
     was a 25% increase in the lease costs but we are increased to 100 acre feet they have to
     leave in the lake if they irrigate.
5) We think we can get by with a modest increase in dues which will be our first increase in six years.
6) Everyone entering the property will be required to sign in and out. The only exceptions will
    be hunters with blind assignments when that season starts. Sign in/out will become effective
    March 1st.
7) We are building a new trap range that will be down on the south lake just east of the dam
    and we will be shooting to the south.
8) We will not have a work day to end the season but anyone with spare time who wants to
     help should check with Trina as she will be in charge of the work details in the future.

Highland Acres Hunting and Fishing Club: Explanation of Clubs

Club 1: Fishing Only
Club 1 allows members and the member’s family to fish from March 1st to September 1st at any time of the day. Members may bring a camper for day use only but the camper cannot take up camp spaces or block the dam at anytime. All state fish daily and possession limits are in effect within the club. There will be an additional fee for any guest over the age of 10 years. Fees are below.

Club II: Fishing and Camping Only
Club II allows members and the member’s family all the benefits of Club I plus overnight camping. Overnight camping is allowed in designated spots only and campers must be removed when the member leaves. Reservations must be made for overnight camping and there is a limit of 1 guest “camper” per member site. There will be an additional fee for the guest “camper.” Fees are below.

Club III: Weekday Hunting Package
Club III allows members and the member’s family all the benefits of Club I & Club II plus all summer recreation activities including Trap Shooting any day of the week. All trap shooters must possess a hunter’s safety card – this includes guest trap shooters. Hunting of dove, duck, and goose is permitted weekdays only (no weekends). All guest fees apply and are below.

Club IV: Full Package
Club IV allows members and the member’s family all the benefits of the above clubs as well as dove, duck, and goose hunting 7 days a week. All guest fees apply and are below.

Who is a Member:
Membership includes member, spouse, and unmarried children 21 years old and younger whom live at home or attend college.

Grand-children:
All unmarried grand-children under 21 years of age accompanied by a member may camp without a guest fee. Grand-children under the age of 10 accompanied by the member may participate free. All grand-children 11 years and older must pay a guest fee for fishing and/or hunting Club III and Club IV grand-children age 10 years and older must pay a hunting guest fee regardless of whether they hunt or not.

Guest Fees:
Fishing Guests: $10 per guest
Guest Campers: $15 per night - must occupy the same site as member
Hunting Guests: $25 per person - regardless of whether the person hunts or not.
( includes watchers, photographers, etc. )
Trap Shoot Guest: no fee – requires hunters safety card and a member of Club III or IV

Boats with non-gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. This include wake less, canoes, belly boats, and electric motors. Anyone using a boat on the lake is responsible for their own safety equipment.

Please contact us any time if you have any questions at 970-221-1362. 

Sincerely,

Charles Whipple, Mgr.