12/13/07 Club Meeting minutes

Four officers, 11 members, four guests, one first time guest, three sons, and two daughters (a record 25 total participants) had a great time at the 12/13/07 Club Meeting at Randy and Chris Rowley’s home.  We also had a record seven ladies in attendance.  The meeting featured a baked turkey and a deep fried turkey and all the trimmings.  I would like to thank the many members who brought a side dish.  They were yummy!  Tom Hewitt, vice president of Operation Orphans was our special guest speaker.  Tom lives in San Antonio.  I would like to thank him for sharing with us, especially seeing that he was so far from home.  I would like to thank the many members who made donations to Operation Orphans.  They are having a raffle right now with the prizes being a Ruger .243 and a Turkish over/under shotgun.  Tickets are available for 6 for $5.00 or 25 for $20.  Contact Tom to purchase tickets.  Jim McGee led us in a devotional on rejoicing in the Lord always.  The new coffee cups were displayed.  One lady joined the Club and four members renewed.  We watched the duck hunting video “Duckmen X Relentless.”  We had our usual discussion of upcoming events.

12/5/07 Buda Chapter Officers Meeting

Three Buda Chapter officer’s attended the 12/5/07 Buda Chapter Meeting at Hays Hills Baptist Church.

Hunter Phillips opened the meeting with prayer.

The officer’s reviewed the FCS Bylaws to familiarize themselves with the operating procedures of the Club and to gain a better understanding of their individual roles within the Club as well as the Buda Chapter.

The officer’s discussed what the mission of their chapter should be and agreed that out-reach to the unbeliever should be the main focus.

The officer’s discussed additional officer positions within the chapter and agreed to look at adding a treasurer in the near future.

The officer’s discussed getting their chapter event calendar going as soon as they can.  They agreed to meet on 12/12/07 to start putting the event calendar together.

Kevin Schnautz closed the meeting with prayer.

12/12/07 Buda Chapter Officers Meeting

Three Buda Chapter officers attended the 12/12/07 Buda Chapter Meeting at Hays Hills Baptist Church.

Kevin Schnautz opened the meeting with prayer.

The first topic of discussion was concerning club and chapter bylaws.  We decided to ask the club if we could adopt some supplemental bylaws specific to the Buda chapter.  David compiled a set of by-laws, based on past discussion, for the Buda chapter and we agreed they fit our specific focus for the Buda chapter.  We also agreed that these supplemental bylaws were only in addition to the club bylaws.  David will forward these proposed bylaws to Randy by the end of the week.

The next topic of discussion was our chapter Calendar of Events.  We set dates for four chapter meetings and added a few new proposed events for the first half of 2008 as well as two dates for youth scholarship hunts in November and December.  Hunter will update the calendar and forward it to the rest of us.

The next topic of discussion was concerning FCS-Buda chapter scholarship events.  We all agreed this should remain a high priority for the chapter and decided to table the issue until our next officers meeting so Darryl could be involved, and we could devote more time to this topic.

We briefly discussed the need of release forms for FCS functions.  David suggested we get with Randy to see how the club currently handles this issue.

David mentioned the possibility of a future FCS youth only chapter and asked that we include the idea in our prayer time.

David Smith closed the meeting with prayer.

11/5/07 Officers Meeting minutes

Eight officers and two members attended the 11/5/07 Club Officers meeting at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q and Country Store on Loop 360 on 11/5/07.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mark Dillow.

New Business:

1. The officers for our new Buda Chapter (David Smith, Hunter Phillips, and Kevin Schnautz) were welcomed.
2. The 2007 State of the Club report (to date)was presented and discussed.
3. The Proposed 2008 Calendar was presented and discussed.

A vote was taken to accept the calendar as presented.  It passed by a vote of 8 to 0.

4. A discussion was held on whether we should propose to change our Bylaws regarding Club membership for women who are not related to a man who is a member of the Club.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service surveys show that the number of hunters have declined by almost 27% since 1975.  There have been significant declines in males, whites, blacks, 6 -11 year olds, and 18 – 34 year olds.  The only two groups that are growing in number are Hispanics and women.

An examination of the Christian Sportsmen’s organizations that we have links to on our Christian Sportsmen’s Organizations page revealed that out of the 14 organizations who have information about membership 10 of them have both male and female members without restrictions and four are restricted only to men.

Presently our Bylaws regarding membership state:

III. Membership:

“A. FCS membership is available to men, 18 years old and older, (and each man’s wife and adult female relatives) and Youth Club membership is available to minor males (under 18 years old) and minor female relatives of male members without regard to race, national origin, age, denominational preference, or political persuasion.”

The officers discussed whether we should change our membership focus to both men and women without restrictions.  It was the consensus of the officers that the Club should make this change.  This proposal will be presented to the active membership for discussion and a vote.

5. A discussion was held on how we can increase participation in FCS events among minorities.

The same U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service surveys show that blacks remain at a constant 2% of hunters (1% of the black population hunts, compared to 7% of the white population).  Ninety six percent of hunters are white.  Hispanics are the only minority group that is growing (they doubled between 1980 and 1995).

The officers discussed ways to increase participation among minorities.  The consensus was that we should do a promotion at a church that has a high percentage of minorities.

6. A discussion was held on how we can increase participation among youth and youth adults.

The same U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service surveys show that 6 – 11 and 18 – 34 year olds declined by approximately 30% between 1980 and 1995.

The officers discussed ways that we can increase participation among youth and young adults.  The consensus was that we should once again attempt to put together an FCS Youth Shoot in a large church.

7. A discussion was held on whether we should change our Statement of Faith and/or Bylaws to further address conduct (in the event that a member commits a crime against another member for example).

We presently have the following Bylaw:

III. Membership:

“K. Members and Youth members may be removed from active membership by their own request, by failure to renew their memberships, or as is determined necessary by a majority vote of Club members.”

The officers came to a consensus that this Bylaw and the Statement of Faith are adequate and do not need to be modified.

8. A discussion was held on a New Member and Prospective Member Banquet.

Jeff Reece presented a proposal to host a new and prospective member’s banquet.  The officers were in favor of this idea.  Jeff has volunteered to plan the event.  Mark Dillow and Jim McGee will be assisting him.  This event will be added to the 2008 Calendar.

9. By a vote of 8 to 0 a 12/6/07 Great Hills Baptist Church Banquet and a 12/29/07 “Bring in the New Year” Shooting Range Shoot were added to the Club Calendar.
10. A discussion was held on a space problem with our website.

The Consensus was that we should look into posting our pictures on flicker.com or a similar site.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Jim McGee.

10/4/07 Club Meeting minutes

Four officers, seven members, three guests, two sons, and two daughters (18 total participants) had a great time at the 10/4/07 Club Meeting at Charles Cutchens’ home.  The meeting featured a shrimp boil and all the trimmings (cooked exclusively by Charles).  We watched the deer hunting video “Dream Season 3.”  I, Randy Rowley, led a devotional entitled Keeping our eyes on the Bird and led us in prayer requests.  We had our usual discussion of upcoming events.

9/16/07 Officers Meeting minutes

Three officers, two members, two wives, two sons, and one daughter (10 participants) met on 9/16/07 at Serrano’s at the Arboretum to discuss our upcoming booth at the 10/6/07 – 10/7/07 TPWD Expo.  The officers discussed our Booth Layout and our “To Do and Booth Sign Up List.”

8/2/07 Club Meeting minutes

One officer, 11 members, three guests, and three sons (18 participants) had a great time at the 8/2/07 Club Meeting at Eddy Chance’s home.  Thanks to Eddy for opening your home up for us.  The meeting featured about 40 deep fried speckled trout fillets (that we caught on the 6/28/07 – 6/29/07 Chartered Bay Fishing Trip) donated by the Rowley family and about 15 catfish fillets donated by the Reece family.  Thanks for the donations!  We also deep fried onion rings and hush puppies and enjoyed coleslaw, potato salad, chips and salsa, homemade tea, and sodas.  Thanks to Jeff Reece for helping prepare the food and to Eddy and I (Randy Rowley) for cooking it.  We had our usual discussion of upcoming events.

We will also probably add a 9/21/07 – 9/23/07 Fall Dove Hunt (Dilley); a 10/18/07 – 10/26/07 Christian Elk Hunt to Colorado; and a 12/1/07, 12/8/07, or 12/15/07 Upland Bird Hunt with Joe Schram to the Club Calendar of Events.

I, Randy Rowley, led a devotional on Tying Knots, took prayer requests, and led the group in prayer.  We watched the DVD The Truth 4 Incoming.  Two copies of Wild at Heart and the Wild at Heart Field Manual were given away as door prizes.  Chris Olsen and Larry Akin were the winners.

6/7/07 Club Meeting minutes

Three officers, 12 members, three first time guests (one became a member), and three youth (21 participants) had a great time at the 6/7/07 Club Meeting at Larry Dowden’s home in Cedar Park.  Thanks Larry and Laverne for opening your home for us.

The meeting featured fried fish (26 hybrid bass and two white bass caught on the 4/20/07 Chartered Hybrid Bass Fishing Trip).  Thanks to Joe Schram, Jim McGee, Chris Rowley, and I (Randy Rowley) for donating the fish and to Eddy Chance and I for cooking it.

Guest speaker Kent Breneman, Vice President of the Austin Woods and Waters Club, Huntmaster with the Texas Youth Hunting Program, and a brand new FCS member, made a presentation on the Texas Youth Hunting Program.  The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have joined forces to offer youth hunts that are safe, educational, and very affordable.  They sponsor introductory, instructive youth hunts for deer, turkey, hogs, javelina, exotics, dove, small game, waterfowl, varmints, and other species.  Normally, they provide mentors, lodging and meals.  They need youth (ages 9 – 17), landowners, and volunteers.  See their website for more information.  Joe Schram led us in a devotional on the importance of taking time to rest.  I led us in prayer.

Mark Dillow discussed future events.

FCS shirts and caps were made available for sale.

Two members renewed their memberships and (as mentioned above) one man joined the Club.

4/9/07 Officer’s Meeting minutes

All five officers attended the 4/9/07 Club Officers meeting at Texas Land and Cattle in Cedar Park on 4/9/07.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Joe Schram.

New Business:

Shooting grackles, crows, and other non-game birds and non-game animals at FCS game hunts

At Derrich’s memorial service, Paul Wilson brought a photo album that contained several pictures from our first dove retreats (I, Randy Rowley, borrowed it from him and will scan some of the pictures into my computer).  The original dove retreat rules for a winter dove retreat at James Wade’s land are on the inside cover of the album.  Rule Number 4 states, “This is a dove and quail hunt only, there are NO exceptions.”  As memory serves, for the fall dove retreat the rule stated, “This is a dove hunt only, NO exceptions.”

Somehow that field rule did not get passed on when we changed the location of our retreats to the Camel Mills ranch and subsequent locations.  At Camel Mills this started to be an issue.  When the dove hunting was good (because the farmer had planted peanuts), our hunters concentrated on dove and ignored non-game birds.  However, when the dove hunting was bad (because the farmer had planted spinach), a small group of our hunters would start to eradicate non-game birds.  They would say that it was to “help the farmers,” but it was really an issue of boredom as they didn’t “help the farmers” when there were plenty of dove to shoot at.  I addressed this in an article entitled, “Hunting the Thin Gray Line” (before I was the president) but no further action was taken.

The officers discussed and recognized the fact that many farmers would be delighted for us to shoot grackles, crows, prairie dogs, etc. and their reduction is needed because of the damage that they do to crops and fields.  However, we are also very aware that we have many guests at our dove retreats and what is commonly regarded as slob hunting (shooting birds and animals and “leaving them lie”) will probably reflect very poorly on us with many guests.  As Christian men we are charged to not cause a brother to stumble – Mark 9:42 – “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”

Polls show that most non-hunters are tolerant of hunters hunting for food.  However, they also show that the non-hunting public is very intolerant of trophy (only) hunting and killing for the sake of killing (just leaving animals lie).  If we were still the Burp & Poot Club I would probably not be making as big a deal out of this, but we are the FCS.  That means that we must have the highest standards, including not tolerating drinking, illegal drugs, unsafe gun handling practices, and the indiscriminate killing of the animals and birds that God gave us dominion over.

The consensus among the officers is that we should limit our hunting to the game that we advertise that we’re hunting for (e.g., shoot only doves on a dove hunt).  If there is a demand for a grackle, crow, etc. hunt then we can arrange such a hunt (such as the rabbit hunt that we had on 5/6/94 – 5/7/94) but we will not allow the shooting of non-game birds and animals at a hunt for game (shooting grackles at a dove hunt for example).

This would not prohibit the hunting of different game on different days.  For example, at our Hart Lion’s Club Pheasant Hunt, we can hunt pheasants on days one and two, geese on day three, and prairie dogs on day four.

The only exception is poisonous snakes.  As they pose an imminent danger to other hunters and hunting dogs we can and should kill them whenever we see them and leave them lie.

This decision only involves re-establishing an old field rule; it does not require a Bylaw, and, therefore, does not require a vote by the active Club members.

Raffles

In the 5 1/2 years that we have had this website we have been asked three times by members, who are also members of such groups as the Kiwanis Club, the Highland Lakes Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), or the band boosters, to either post information on raffles or forward information on them.  Although this is far from a common request, the officers felt that we should establish a policy for future requests.

One school of thought is raffles are gambling and can cause a brother, who has a problem with gambling, to stumble (see the scriptural reference above).  However, the officers regard raffles as a charitable contribution with a chance to win a prize.  The officers do not believe that there is much of a chance of one of our brothers blowing his paycheck on a raffle.  In fact, as we are now promoting 62 events a year (many of which are expensive), there is a much larger chance that by promoting costly events we could cause one of our brothers to stumble (by going on events that he cannot afford).

One officer brought up a concern that by promoting raffles we could become a marketing target from certain groups and, therefore, overburden our limited time in dealing with each request that comes in.  As soon as we open the door to this, there will likely be more requests.  Another officer agreed.

My response was the facts to date do not support this concern.  We’ve posted information on a raffle in the past (the NWTF one) and forwarded information on a band boosters raffle and the flood gates did not open!  I reminded the officers that when I proposed that the wife and adult female relatives of a Club member be allowed to join the Club, several members voiced fears that the women would take over the Club and feminize it!  Now, 3 1/2 years later, we have had only four females join the Club (out of 183 members).  That’s only 2% of the membership.  They could hardly take over a Girl Scout Troop, much less the Club!  The “we’ll get overwhelmed with requests to post information on raffles” concern is just like “the women will take over the Club” concern – it’s a non-issue.  I also pointed out that there is a much greater chance that someone could try to monopolize our Classified Ads pages.  I asked, “Should we discontinue those pages because there is a chance that someone might abuse them?”

On the more information about the Club page I stated, “I invite articles, recipes, classifieds, letters, devotionals, cartoons, photos, and other material from FCS members and guests (only) but reserve the right to edit and refuse to post the material.”  Raffles would fall under “other material.”  As with all other submissions, I would determine if information should be posted or forwarded.  If in doubt I would consult my fellow officers.  If I didn’t post something, then it would fall under “(I) reserve the right to edit and refuse to post the material.”  Just because I post information on a raffle or forward information on a raffle does not mean that I have to forward information on every raffle.

The consensus of the officers is we have adequate safeguards in place to prevent monopolization.  The officers agreed that we will consider requests to post or forward information on raffles on a case by case basis.

This decision only involves reinforcing an established policy; it does not require a Bylaw, and, therefore, does not require a vote by the active Club members.

Hunt Fee at this year’s dove retreat

Frank Hamilton has graciously offered for the Club to hunt dove at his lease near Brownwood in the central zone.  This hunt will probably be held on 9/28/07 – 9/30/07 and will be limited to 20 people.  Frank stated that he would not charge Club members to hunt on his lease.

I noted that dove retreats have historically been our most attended events.  During some retreats we had issues with men showing up that none of us knew (this was prevalent at the Camel Mills hunts near Pearsall and the first hunt at Mr. Ewald’s near Dilley).  This posed safety issues as we did not know their experience levels and how safety conscious they were.

The officers discussed Frank’s offer.  The officers felt that we should put measures into place to prevent people from just showing up, and therefore going over the 20-person limit.  The consensus was that members and guests must sign up for the hunt.  Once we reach 20 people, we will announce that the event is full.

The officers agreed that this hunt should predominantly be for FCS members and that by not charging a fee there is a danger that guests and prospects could dominate the hunt (people come out of the woodwork when you announce a free hunt).  The officers agreed that to prevent this we would charge a hunt fee.  It will be $50.00 for the weekend.  Boys 12 and under will hunt for free.  Boys 13 and above will be charged full price.  There will be no reduction for hunting one day, a half day etc.  The first 20 people who get their complete hunt fee to Mark Dillow will go on this trip.  Boys, including non-hunters will count towards the 20 person limit.  Those who get their fees in after 20 people have been reached will have their fees refunded and will be placed on the waiting list for the next hunt.

This waiting list will be handled in the same manner that we handle the hog hunts.  Those who go on a hunt will then go to the bottom of the list.  In this manner everyone will get a turn, and not just those who get their money in the fastest.  As with all dove retreats, FCS active membership will be required in order to hunt.  The money collected (except for membership dues) will be placed in a separate account from our general use funds and will be used for ministry projects only.

Job Descriptions

A question arose on whether we should leave the job descriptions as they are and make sure the responsibilities are covered by other officers or create a new job description every time that a new position is created.

I pointed out that we have several positions that are listed in the Bylaws (e.g., Chapter President, Chapter Vice President, and Chaplain) that we do not presently have officers for.  I also pointed out that it is easy to create job descriptions and I much prefer to have them so that there is no misunderstanding on what an officer’s job is.

The consensus among the officers was for it to be at the discretion of the President as to whether new job descriptions need to be developed.

Ministry/Service Projects

Mark Dillow discussed potential ministry projects.  These included:

Trailblazer

Crosstrail Outfitters

Operation Orphans

FCS shrimp boil (or similar) for a Men’s Ministry at a local church, which will include a big name speaker

Hunters Safety Class for women and children

Kid’s Fish

He is still trying to contact Trailblazers concerning their 4/28/07 event.  We will continue to support Operation Orphans, but we will begin to collect donations earlier this year (and deliver them earlier).  We also discussed the possibility of sponsoring a hunter safety class and a youth shoot.  Polls will be sent out regarding the hunter safety course.  Kenneth will investigate having the First Baptist Church  youth participate in a sporting clays shoot.  Joe will research the possibility of a hunter safety course.

Brochures

The officers discussed that we are going through brochures at a much faster rate this year.  The consensus was that this is a vital way to promote the Club and gain new members and they will continue as a priority.  I will discuss with Kyle Miller the possibility of Great Hills copying brochures, as they are, by far, the largest consumer of brochures.

Other business

The following items were discussed but were not decided on:

• Advertising on the website by members
• Handing out door prizes at Club meetings
• An FCS Picnic

Joe Schram volunteered to perform the duties of Chaplin until someone volunteers or is elected for the position of Vice President (Ministries)

The meeting was adjourned by Mark in prayer.

4/5/07 Club Meeting minutes (report by Kenneth Kidd)

Five officers, five members, one first time guest, one guest, and three sons (15 participants) had a great time at the annual Club wild game cook out meeting at Ron Denison’s home in Pflugerville on 4/5/07.  Thanks Ron and Sue for opening your home for us.

The hungry folks devoured close to 70 doves who met their demise this last dove season, supplied by Ron and Randy Rowley, oh yes one pigeon acquired, and I think partially eaten by Randy, and some jalapeño cheese wild hog sausage supplied by Randy.

Mark discussed future events and sign up requirements.  Please get your deposits in on time; it is critical to keep reservations with some of the outfitters or guides.  The 24 hour shoot is popular as usual and is nearly full if you can go contact Mark special arrangements may be made.

Randy discussed a special shirt order.  We will make a one-time special order of the popular button down shirts and have them printed with the club logo. These will be about $19.  Call Randy with size requirements.  Payment will be required in advance because the shirts and printing must be paid for in advance.

A devotional was brought by Joe Schram, Membership Director, on loving God and loving each other.

DVD’s were shown of the Gathering Texas interview of Randy, Gathering Texas tribute to Derrich Pollock as their “Servant of the Week,” and Derrich’s and Eddy Chance’s 10/12/06 – 10/15/06 Bass Fishing Trip to Lake Huites in Mexico.

2/1/07 Club Meeting Minutes (report by Kenneth Kidd)

Four officers, six members, one guest, and two sons (13 total participants) had a great time at the 2/1/07 Club Meeting at Charlie Batts home.  Thanks Charlie and your lovely wife for opening your home to us and preparing the food and desert.  Eddy Chance, Chris Rowley, and Kenneth Kidd prepared fantastic chili for our delight.  We discussed future events and offered prayers requests.   Derrick Pollock led a devotional.