Erie County Conservation League is on a mission

MILANEducation and fun with good people in a beautiful setting is what Erie County Conservation League is all about.The league advocates responsible gun ownership and taking an active role in firearms education. It aims to conserve wildlife and natural lands, while improving hunting, fishing and promoting the outdoors."In downtowns, you do not see a whole lot of trees or untouched land. It is important to conserve the natural land we have while enjoying hunting and fishing. We want to do it responsibly, which is where education comes into play," said Derek Lundy, president of the Erie County Conservation League.Who they areThe league was started in 1948 on land along U.S. 250. It operated on Fox Road before the group acquired about 75 acres of land on Mason Road East. The organization later purchased another 25 acres of adjacent land. They built a rustic hall and facilities to serve members on the land. They have about 1,400 members, of which about 80 to 90 percent are 19 years or older. All ages, professions and economic backgrounds are represented in the diverse membership.In the words of members — "Every time you come out you meet a new person. Everybody here likes to be outside. Everybody is open and very helpful."The group is actively working on enlarging its junior membership to ensure a thriving league for years to come. "We have seen a lot of the younger generation join the club. I would attribute it to the youth programs we have," Lundy said.More women are becoming members, said Deb Canter, member and trustee. "A lot of them are senior members. Two times a month we meet in what is called the Women Action Shooting program," Canter said. "We focus on defensive shooting, what to do if you ever find yourself in danger."Women are the fastest growing segment of gun owners. Forty percent of first-time gun owners are women.Gun safety is always a priority at the ECCL. Anyone seeking membership must complete a mandatory course on gun safety before being issued a membership card.Fun, friendship and good sport.The Erie County Conservation League offers five outdoor rifle and pistol ranges in distances from 25 up to 300 yards.The most popular activity there is Trap & Skeet. Five stands offer different action of clay targets to challenge members.Trustee Denis Smith oversees archery grounds. Targets — either white and red bullseye targets or 30 animal targets in 14 acres of woods — challenge members.The league is thinking of its future. Its leadership is looking to develop membership and anticipating what will be of interest to members.League grounds are home to various competitions, including the Law Enforcement Challenge in August.Membership feesMember 19 years or olderYearly fees $125Members pay an additional $100 initiation fee in the first year.$100 application fee for an associate member whose spouse is a member. $50 fee the following years.Junior membership, 18 years or younger$10 when accompanied by an adult.Fees waived and lifetime membership status granted after 30 years of continuous membershipTrap & Skeet Open HouseNoon to 4 p.m. Sunday6-9 p.m. Tuesday10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FridayAction ShootingEvent scheduled the second Saturday of the month from April though OctoberWomen Action Shooting programsTwo times a month on the first and third Tuesday from April though OctoberHigh power shootingEvents scheduled twice a month during the year300 yard matchesMatches scheduled once a month from April through OctoberRyan Deluga, member of the Erie County Conservation League, shows off his skills at Trap & Skeet.Members and visitors to the Erie County Conservation League have fun shooting a variety of rifles at one of the outdoor ranges.Members and visitors look over the Trap & Skeet stations at the Erie County Conservation League.Derek Lundy, President of the Erie County Conservation League, talks about the organization and its mission.