Club Education Programs

Youth Marksmanship Programs

The Franklin County Sportsmen's Club provides the youth of the area with the opportunity to participate in firearm safety and marksmanship training year round. For many young adults this may be their first experience with the safe handling of firearms and competition shooting. The Franklin County Sportsmen's Club recognizes that the future of the shooting sports will be determined by the young adults of today. This is why we support the mission statement of the Civilian Marksmanship Program which, with the sale of firearms, ammunition, and supplies, fosters the programs presently offered by the Franklin County Sportsmen's Club.

An eight week basic 22 caliber rifle marksmanship program, for young adults ages 10 thru 18 years of age, is scheduled during the winter shooting season. The individuals in charge of this program are National Rifle Association instructors who will teach firearms safety, rifle marksmanship, and promote responsible handling of firearms. In 2006 this program will start in February and run every Tuesday, 6pm to 8pm, culminating with an opportunity for all who participate to learn the skills involved in the shotgun sports, trap and skeet, once warmer weather arrives. There are no costs to those involved in this program as they are provided as a public service to the community. Other shooting programs are provided during the year depending on the number of young adult who would like to participate.

Classes are typically held in the spring, and size is limited to 25 to 30 people. Call to reserve your place. For more information call Ray Samson at 413-665-3711.

Adult Marksmanship Programs

There are also marksmanship programs and events geared to the adult members of the club, provided with the support of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. These programs promote responsible and safe firearms handling as well as allowing individuals to get involved with the Civilian Marksmanship Program high power rifle competitions offered at the F.C.S.C. facility during the year.

For more information regarding these programs, please contact the F.C.S.C. at 413-772-0346, or attend one of the monthly meetings of the Club which are held every third Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Club.

Hunter Education

A Hunter Education Program is held by the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife Department once or twice a year and is open to the public.

This is a photo of coon hunters taken around 1900 by the Howes Brothers and is provided courtesy of the Ashfield Historical Society.