Mississippi Valley Gun Club

The Mississippi Valley Gun Club has been in existence since 1967 and it has had remarkable changes over the years. However, it remains one of the longest continually functioning private gun clubs in our area. We are located two miles south of Rockwood in Randolph County Illinois just off Illinois State Route 3 at the Cora levee and Gun Club Road - bluff side of the highway. The facilities are visible from the road and clearly marked with a NEW LARGE LIGHTED STONE SIGN and FLAGPOLE. Over the last several years the club has added numerous facilities and safety improvements to the grounds. Our membership has exceeded the 309 mark and growing every year. We are proud to be a 100% NRA membership for many years running.

The sales of (5) five Gun Raffle Tickets has been mandated by the membership.

Listed below are several catagories of shooting related links. If you have any links to add or if you would like to report a dead link please feel free to email problems or suggestions to Dwight Lochhead at dlochhead70@yahoo.com or
Craig B. Rayburn rayburn60@msn.com

Incorporated February 14, 1967

Amendment Dates: 12/02/1969, 02/21/1973, 06/15/1983, 03/16/1988, 12/05/1992, 12/06/1993, 12/03/1994, 12/02/1995, 12/05/1998, 11/15/1999, 08/20/2003, 12/17/2003, 12/21/2005

The Name of the Organization shall be “Mississippi Valley Gun Club”

a.) To promote and defend the 2nd Amendment to the constitution, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

b.) To inform club members and the community about political candidates’ views on firearms and firearm legislation.

c.) To promote and organize shotgun, rifle and handgun shooting among club members and the community.

d.) To provide proper and adequate shooting facilities for club members and the community.

e.) To educate club members and the community about firearm safety, marksmanship and sportsmanship.

f.) To provide club members and the community with up-to-date firearm, hunting and conservation information.To promote social interactivity between the club and governmental bodies in our community.

a.) Eligibility
Any citizen of the United States, who is at least 21 years of age, may apply for membership by completing a membership form, which may be provided by any club member. The prospective member must meet with the following requirements:
1.) Have a felony conviction-free background.
2.) Have a valid F.O.I.D. card if required.
3.) Be a member of the National Rifle Association during the entire year of membership
4.) Agree to abide by the club constitution and by-laws.
5.) Agree to belong to no organization that advocates any subversive activities against the U.S. government.
6.) Be in attendance at the meeting at which he/she will be voted on for membership and be prepared to answer questions that may be asked by the club members.
7.) Submit the appropriate dues and fees.

b.) Voting Procedure for Applicant
1.) The prospective member’s application shall be voted on by the club membership at the regular monthly meeting.
2.) A 2/3-majority vote of the members in attendance is required to accept the prospective member.
3.) All new members shall immediately be granted complete membership status.
4.) All new members shall immediately be given a club key ($1.00 fee) or lock code and a copy of the club by-laws and constitution.
5.) Any prospective member who meets all eligibility requirements, but does not obtain a 2/3-majority vote, may resubmit his/her application at any regular monthly meeting.

c.) Leave of Absence
Any club member who notifies the club that he or she is leaving the club may apply for a leave of absence card. The member must complete a leave of absence form and return it to the secretary within the calendar year of his/her leaving. The secretary shall record the leave of absence date in the club minutes and provide the member a leave of absence card. The member may reinstate at a later date if he/she desires. He/she must complete a new membership application and pay the required dues and fees. The initiation fee will be waived.

d.) Military Service
All dues and fees will be suspended for any member who is inducted into the military service.

e.) Life Membership for Septuagenarians
Any active member who has been a member of the club for a minimum of twenty years will be extended life membership upon their seventieth birthday.

f.) Life Membership for Presidential Service
Any active member who has served a minimum of two years in the office of the President of the club will be extended life membership.

a.) Dues are for January 1 thru December 31 of each year.

b.) New membership initiation fees are $25.00
New membership dues are $30.00
Renewal membership dues are $30.00
Prorated dues are as follows:
January.........$30.00
February.......$27.50
March............$25.00
April..............$22.50
May................$20.00
June...............$17.50
July................$15.00
August............$12.50
September......$10.00
October...........$7.50
November........$5.00
December........$2.50

c.) All elected officials are exempt from dues during the year that they serve. The club will pay the elected officials N.R.A. annual membership that becomes renewable during the year that they serve.

d.) Renewal dues are due on or before the January regular meeting. Members shall be given a one (1) month grace period to pay dues. Member NRA dues shall be paid through the club with the payment of club renewal dues on or before the January regular meeting. Other arrangements may be made with the NRA Recruiter. Any member who fails to make arrangements with the NRA Recruiter or renew his/her N.R.A. membership by the January regular meeting will be subject to expulsion as defined by Article VIII, section e).

a.) All meetings shall be conducted by “Robert’s Rules of Order”.

b.) Regular Meetings
The regular meeting of the club shall be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, January thru December, at 7:30 P.M., unless changed due to unforeseen circumstances.

c.) Special Meetings
Special meetings may be held:
1.) Upon call of the president.
2.) Upon call of a majority vote of the executive committee.
3.) Upon demand in writing by a minimum of 20% of the membership and presented to the President and Secretary.

d.) Annual Meeting
The annual meeting shall be held at a time that is agreeable to the membership.

e.) Quorum
Twelve (12) members of the club shall constitute a quorum at any regular, annual or special called meeting.

f.) Nomination and Voting Procedures
Nominations for all officers shall be made at the November regular meeting and the beginning of the December Regular Meeting. Election of officers shall be voted on by use of a printed ballot. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote during the December Regular Meeting. A report from all officers shall also be given at the December Regular Meeting.
1.) Voting on membership applications shall be done by a voice vote. If a voice vote is inconclusive, the president shall require a vote by raised hands. The new membership applicants shall require a 2/3-majority vote.
2.) By-Law changes or additions shall require a 2/3-majority vote and be done by voice or by raised hands.

g.) Alcohol: Alcohol shall not be consumed during a club meeting until the business of the club has been completed.

a.) President
The president shall preside over all club meetings and at the executive committee meetings. The president shall be responsible for making certain that all by-laws are followed.

b.) Vice-President
The vice-president shall perform all duties of the president in the president’s absence or request. The vice-president shall maintain a copy of the lease for the club property, and see to the fulfillment of the requirements therein.

c.) Secretary
The secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings of the club and the executive committee. The secretary shall provide the membership applications to any club member who requests them. The secretary shall register the club annually with the Illinois Secretary of State as a non-profit organization. The secretary shall maintain the club member database and the Constitution and By-Laws. The secretary shall prepare and forward all necessary reports and correspondences.

d.) Treasurer
The treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the club, and place them in a bank or banks that are approved by the executive committee. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all financial transactions and give a report with all the necessary vouchers at all regular meetings, meetings of the executive committee and the annual meeting. The Treasurer shall see to the payment of all debts and bills owed by the club from club accounts.

e.) Shooting Program Coordinators
Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun
The shooting program coordinators shall consist of Rifle & Handgun Coordinator and Shotgun Coordinator. The Coordinators shall each prepare an annuual shooting program of events. They shall coordinate all scheduled rifle, handgun and shotgun events. They shall recruit safety officers, scorers and other necessary personel required for each scheduled shooting event of the club. They shall determine match programs, targets, prizes, rates. etc. for all club shooting events. All scheduled events, programs and costs must be approved by executive committee or by membership vote. They shall also maintain scores and records for all scheduled events. They shall each initiate correspondence with club members and community to encourage participation in the shooting sports.

f.) Education and Legislation Coordinator
The education and legislation coordinator shall at each regular meeting, inform the membership of educational and legislative events and projects.

g.) Projects Coordinator
The projects coordinator shall coordinate club projects. These projects shall include, but not be restricted to such projects as:
1.) Annual Easter Egg Hunt
2.) Pop-Eye Picnic Raffle
3.) Jake’s Day
4.) Hunter Safety Classes

h.) Physical Maintenance Coordinators
The physical maintenance coordinator shall coordinate all physical maintenance that shall include, but not be limited to:
1.) Buildings and structures
2.) Mowing
3.) Landscaping
4.) Trees and shrubs
5.) Range targets

i.) NRA Recruiter
The duties of the NRA recruiter shall include but not be limited to:
1) Verify new member applicant’s NRA
membership or assist new member applicants in joining the NRA.
2) Maintain the club NRA database.
3) See to the notification and expulsion of members who let their NRA membership lapse.All officers shall hold office for one year, beginning January 1 thru December 31 of each calendar year. Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the club. The resignation of any officer may be accepted by a majority vote at any club meeting. The vacant office shall be filled by a member who is recommended by the executive committee and then approved by a majority vote of the membership.

a.) Executive Committee
The executive committee shall consist of all elected officers of the club. The executive committee shall have general supervision and control of all club activities. A majority of executive committee members at a meeting is required for a quorum. The president shall preside at the executive committee meetings. Meetings shall be held on a regular basis at such time and location as the committee chooses. All members of the executive committee must be notified of the date, time and location of each executive meeting.

b.) Club Officer Delegated Committees
Any club officer has the authority to create and dissolve committees that assist in the fulfillment of the responsibilities held by that officer. Committee chairpersons and/or members shall be selected on a voluntary basis.

a.) Charges against a club member by another club member shall be in writing, clearly stating the facts, accompanied by any appropriate evidence. Such charges shall be filed with the secretary, who shall immediately notify the president.

b.) The president will call a special meeting of the executive committee to hear the charge(s). The secretary shall give at least ten (10) days written notice to each member of the executive committee, the accused and the accuser. At this special meeting the accused member shall be given a full hearing. Both the accused and the accuser should be present.

c.) If the majority of the executive committee supports the charge brought against the club member, the secretary shall notify the membership by written notice within sixty (60) days.

d.) At the regular monthly meeting, the accused and the accuser shall be allowed to present the issues. A club member may be suspended or expelled by a 2/3-majority vote.

e.) Any club member who lets his or her membership in the NRA lapse will be allowed six weeks with two written notices to rejoin the NRA. If the member does not rejoin the NRA in the allotted time they will be expelled from the club. Any member so expelled will have to pay the initiation fee and join the NRA through the club prior to reinstatement.Any suspension, resignation or expulsion will result in a forfeiture of the remaining dues and fees for that year.

The executive committee shall obtain rates from at least two (2) insurance companies on the club buildings, structures and equipment, whenever it is deemed necessary. Liability insurance shall be obtained through the N.R.A.

All checks for expenditures or payments shall have the signatures of at least two (2) of the following officers: president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer. The executive committee shall have authorization to incur expenses that are necessary for the operation of the club with the submission of receipts and explanation. However, no expenditure in excess of $250.00 shall be incurred without the approval of the membership at a regular scheduled meeting.

a.) All facilities of the club may be used by all club members and their guests. Scheduled shooting events shall be open to non-members who shall abide by the rules that govern that shooting event. Scheduled shooting events shall be determined by the shooting programs coordinator with the consent and approval of the club. Any scheduled shooting event shall take priority over any unscheduled shooting activities. The club house may be used during the scheduled event.

b.) The club house shall be reserved by club members only, the fee is $25.00. The member who reserves the club house is responsible for that event, and for the clean up of the premise.

c.) Anyone who uses a firearm on the club property shall not use alcohol on the day or night of shooting event. Any member or non-member who violates this rule shall be told to leave the range area. The member shall be subject to Article VIII.

d.) Anyone who deliberately destroys club property shall be told to vacate the premise. Club members who deliberately destroy club property shall be subject to Article VIII and possible prosecution. Club members who bring guests to the range or club house shall be responsible for their guests conduct.

Match rules shall be determined by the shooting program coordinators, subject to approval by the club. The shooting program coordinator shall see that the match rules and safety rules are posted at each sponsored shooting event.

a.) Any proposed amendment to the club by-laws must be acted on by the membership at a special meeting.



b.) Written notice of any special meeting must be sent to each member by U.S. mail at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.



c.) A 2/3-majority vote of the members present shall be necessary to amend, delete or adopt any by-laws.A new copy of the constitution and by-laws must be sent to each member by U.S. mail within one month of the meeting in which the constitution and by-laws were amended.



Printed December 2005-2014