Posted on the Trap & Field Magazine website at: http://www.trapandfield.com/elissa's%20notebook.html

Elissa's Notebook
     July 3rd, 2007                 

A squad of shooters takes the line on one of Buffalo GC’s new trap fields.

     I’d like to let everyone know about Buffalo Gun Club in Minnesota and the great job they’re doing. This past weekend they signed up 11 new ATA members, bringing their total to 62 new ATA members registered this year! In addition, the club has increased the number of league, practice and ATA targets they throw. With only three traps, the club will throw more than 100,000 registered targets this year. It’s great to see a club doing so well!
   Buffalo GC president Wally Shelstad says that several things have helped to increase their club activity. The club has recently received a total facelift, including fresh paint, a bathroom remodel, plus new sidewalks, lighting and shooter stations. The funding for the renovation came from grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and NRA, donations of money and labor, and a bank loan.
   The Introduce a Buddy Program has also been implemented at Buffalo GC. Anyone who has never shot at the club gets their first round free, along with the sponsor member who introduced them to the club. If the new shooter joins Buffalo GC, he or she gets two free rounds, and the sponsor member is entered into a drawing for a flat of shells.
   Buffalo GC also sponsor a ladies’ day, youth day, Green-wing events, Red Cross blood drive and are involved in the community.
   An SCTP program had been introduced, which has not only gotten youth involved at the club but their parents as well.
   Other marketing efforts include putting 10,000 flyers in the local newspaper, creating a website (www.buffalogunclub.org), and getting the word out through shooting message boards and mailings.
All of these efforts have added to Buffalo GC’s success, but Wally believes the biggest reason the club is doing so well is customer service. “Give the shooters great service at a fair price,” he said.

   I’d like to hear from other clubs who are taking the initiative to bring in new members and increase the number of targets thrown. Drop me an e-mail at elissa@trapandfield.com.
   Happy Independence Day, everyone! I hope you have a fun and safe holiday.

reprinted with the permission of Trap & Field staffer - Elissa