McKOWN RE-ELECTED HUNTING CLUB PRESIDENT - New Board Members Selected

(03/03/2002)
The Bear Fork Hunting Club, which has about 300 members, has elected officers for the year. Incumbent Charles McKown of Millstone was elected president of the organization and "Dip" Mace returned as vice-president. Other officers installed, John McKown, secretary and Lee Reip, treasurer.

The club utilizes several thousand acres of Bear Fork backwoods for hunting, trapping and fishing. The hunting club has a history going back to the late 1890's. Read Tales of Bear Fork on The Herald, under People, Humor and History.

Members placed on the Board of Directors, include Richard Parsons, Howard Williams, and Floyd Ripley, with Keith McKown and Mike Marks, alternate board members.

Membership dues was raised $10, with the dues being $45 with a volunteer work-day and $60 without a volunteer work day. The raise in dues changes the monthly give-away of shells to $100 in cash.

Costal executives have advised that WV state hunting laws will apply to doe hunting on the property, and a motion passed to abide by WV trapping laws, although the motion said the decision was subject to change by members vote.

A 2001 audit was conducted by Ding Altizer and Randall Arnold, showing the books were accurate. The treasurer gave a financial report indicating a balance of $5,648.46.

Motions were passed to keep the same mowing and brush hog agreements, with further discussion to follow.

A decision will be made regarding ticket distribution to the annual Critter Dinner.

Terry Willis donated a wood stove to the club, valued at $500. Bob Weaver of the Hur Herald was made an honorary member, and will serve as archivist and historian for the organization.

Committee members suggested a gun raffle for the Shooting Match in April and no drinking at the shooting range to be strictly enforced. Committee members are: Floyd Riley, Ken McCune, Steve Boggs, Howard Williams, Tom Lane, Richard Parsons, Terry Willis and Bryce Laughlin.

Members decided to have the monthly business meetings at Bear Fork with a covered dish dinner, starting at 6 p.m. No member guests.

A work day has been scheduled for Saturday. March 9, 2002.

Winners of the drawings, John McKown and Howard Williams.