Pioneer Sportsmen, Inc. stands as a premier organization for shooting sports and outdoor enthusiasts. For individuals looking to become a part of this esteemed club, understanding the membership requirements is the first step. Pioneer welcomes prospective members to experience their community firsthand by attending a quarterly meeting. These meetings are generally scheduled for the first Thursday of each quarter at 7:00 p.m., with the exception of the annual meeting in October, which commences at 6:00 p.m. Annual membership renewals are also conducted on this day, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Beyond attending a meeting, Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. requires prospective members to fulfill several prerequisites before their application can be fully considered. These steps are designed to ensure the safety, integrity, and camaraderie of the club.
Essential Steps to Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. Membership
To successfully apply for membership at Pioneer Sportsmen, Inc., candidates must complete the following mandatory steps:
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Membership Application Submission: The initial action for any aspiring member is to submit a comprehensive Pioneer Membership Application. The club prefers applicants to utilize the online form for efficiency and ease of processing. For those who opt for a paper application, it must be meticulously scanned and emailed to [email protected]. Alternatively, paper applications can be mailed to Pioneer Sportsmen, Inc., PO Box 403, Concord NH 03302. Prospective members can access the Pioneer Membership Application directly through this link.
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Criminal Background Check Requirement: A critical component of the application process is the submission of a recent criminal background check. This check must be issued by the NH Department of Public Safety, or a comparable state entity, and must be dated within 6 months of the application date. It’s important to note that a concealed carry license does not substitute for a current criminal background check. Applicants can obtain this background check either by mail or in person at the Criminal Records Unit located at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. For further details, please visit Criminal History Record Requests | NH State Police.
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Gun Safety and Handling Course Certification: Demonstrating a commitment to safe firearm practices is paramount at Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. Therefore, applicants must provide proof of attending and successfully completing a gun safety or gun handling course within the last 5 years. Acceptable certifications include, but are not limited to, NRA Basic Pistol or SIG Sauer Academy Handgun 101. For members interested solely in Archery, this requirement is waived. Pioneer Sportsmen Inc.’s website also features a list of certified instructors whose courses meet this criterion. The qualifying course must have a minimum duration of two hours and include practical range time. Active participation and classification in recognized shooting sports such as NRA or IDPA can also fulfill this requirement. It is important to note that the NH Fish and Game Hunters Safety course does not meet this specific requirement. Exemptions are granted to current Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and active-duty military personnel. For any uncertainties regarding course eligibility, prospective members are encouraged to contact Vice President & CRSO Chip Mark for clarification.
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Range Rule and Archery Test Completion: Before participating in the new member orientation, candidates are required to complete and pass the Pioneer’s Range Rule or Archery test. A minimum score of 90% is necessary to pass this open-book test. This prerequisite ensures that all members have a foundational understanding of safety protocols and club regulations. Pioneer’s Range Rules and the associated test(s) are readily available on the Pioneer website. Access the Range Rules Test and review the Range Rules to prepare for the test.
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New Member Orientation Attendance: The final mandatory step is attending a comprehensive New Member Orientation. This orientation is designed to thoroughly prepare new members for safe and responsible club participation and covers several key areas:
a) Safety and Regulatory Review: A detailed review of general firearm and archery safety regulations, Pioneer’s specific range rules, the club’s bylaws, and comprehensive instruction on the correct and safe utilization of Pioneer’s facilities.
b) Range Familiarization (Firearm Specific): For firearm enthusiasts, the orientation includes a guided walk-through of all ranges, both indoor and outdoor, accompanied by a review of the specific rules and guidelines pertinent to each range.
c) Safe Gun Handling Qualification (Firearm Specific): A practical demonstration of safe gun handling is required for firearm members. This qualification involves demonstrating the ability to safely handle a firearm and accurately shoot 10 rounds, including at least one reload, at a full-size IDPA target set at 50 feet. For pistol users, all 10 rounds must hit the target. Rifle users may participate using pistol cartridge or rim-fire rifles only, and in this case, all 10 rounds must hit the “zero” deduction area, an 8-inch circle in the center of the IDPA target.
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Payment of Dues and Orientation Fee: Upon successful completion of the New Member Orientation, the final step to activate membership is the payment of membership dues and a one-time $25 orientation fee. Annual membership dues are set at $150, payable each October. For new members, dues will be prorated depending on the month in which they complete their orientation.
Probationary Membership and Club Expectations
It’s important to note that new membership at Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. is probationary for the first year. Membership within Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. is considered a privilege that can be revoked by the Board of Directors if a member fails to uphold standards of good judgment, integrity, and sportsmanship.
All Pioneer members, including associate members and their guests, are responsible for adhering to all applicable rules, regulations, and bylaws. These guidelines are readily accessible on the Pioneer website. Non-compliance may result in immediate termination of membership privileges and forfeiture of any paid dues or fees.
Pioneer Sportsmen Inc. encourages all members to actively participate in club meetings, engage in their chosen disciplines, and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the club’s premises. By fulfilling these requirements and embracing the spirit of Pioneer Sportsmen Inc., new members embark on a rewarding journey within a community dedicated to sportsmanship, safety, and the great outdoors.
