BY-LAWS

EASTHAMPTON FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION, INC.

AFFILIATED WITH

THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

REVISED PENDING APPROVAL JUNE 2022

BY-LAWS

EASTHAMPTON FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION, INC.

Affiliated with the NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION of America R8327

(Last Revised and Pending Review 06/04/22)

ARTICLE 1

(NAME)

SECTION 1:

The name by which this corporation will be known is “the EASTHAMPTON FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION, INC., Affiliated with the NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION of America, (Affiliation Number R8327)”.

The principal place of business will be in the Town of Southampton, (92 College Highway), Massachusetts.  It will have a corporate seal bearing the name of the corporation and other device or inscription as the Executive Committee may determine.  All subdivisions of this organization having the same name are to be designated by number in the order of their organization.  They will be subordinate to the same body.

ARTICLE 2

(THE JAMES M. LINCOLN MEMORIAL SKEET FIELD)

SECTION 1:

The real estate in Southampton, Massachusetts acquired under deed dated April 11, 1950, from Donald E. Mitchell, in trust to the Executive Committee of the Easthampton Fish and Game Association, Inc. and recorded in Hampshire County Registry of Deeds in Book 1066, Page 342, or a portion thereof, shall be known  and called “The James M. Lincoln Memorial Skeet Field”.  A placard or sign in the vicinity of the entrance to the premises or within the premises and open to view shall denote the name of the field and the corporate name.

ARTICLE 3

(PURPOSE)

SECTION 1:

The purpose of this organization shall be:

A. To promote the interest of legal sport with rod,

firearms, and bow and arrow, both directly and

through training.

B. To promote the conservation of our natural

     resources.

C. To assist in the enforcement of the laws for the

     conservation of our natural resources.

D. To promote and strengthen a friendly relationship

     between landowners and sportspersons.

E. To secure and further such legislation as will tend to

advance or accomplish the aforesaid objectives.

F. To sell, purchase, lease, release, hold, and

otherwise acquire properties, both real and

personal for any or all of the above stated

objectives.

G. To cooperate with other organizations which share

     the above stated objectives.

ARTICLE 4

(EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE)

Note!  Anyone running for an Executive Committee office must meet the requirements to have and hold a Federal Firearms License, (FFL), and having been a member of Easthampton Fish and Game Association, Inc. in good standing for a minimum of three (3) years. As to the FFL, two (2) responsible parties named shall be  directors, and must not be in the same 3 year voting cycle. Third responsible party (a member in good standing) serves at the pleasure of the President.

SECTION 1:

  1. The elected officers of the corporation shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Chief Range Officer, Sergeant-At-Arms, and a minimum five (5) and maximum nine (9) person Board of Directors. 
  2. These members shall be known as the Executive Committee, with the President acting as chairperson. The President shall appoint a Property Chairperson, and a Fish and Game Chairperson. 
  3.  The elected officers terms of office are as follows:
  4. President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer terms shall be two (2) years.
  5. Directors terms shall be three (3) years; three (3) elected each year with three (3) being dropped each year.
  6. All other officers terms shall be one (1) year.
  7. A retiring President (not having lost an election) shall be automatically nominated for position of Director.

SECTION 2:

A.   The Executive Committee shall have general charge of the property and affairs of the corporation.

B.   The President shall have the power to approve cash disbursements that do not exceed $500.00 and are accompanied by a fully completed project proposal form.

B1. Emergency expenses up to $500.00 may be approved by the President without a project proposal form.

C.   The Executive Committee is required, at an Executive Board meeting, to have a two-thirds majority vote to approve any expenditure up to $2,000.00.  This expenditure must be approved at a publicized meeting with at least fifteen (15) days advance notice.  Failure to secure a two-thirds majority vote in favor of the expenditure shall constitute a rejection of the expenditure and will be recorded as such. A rejected expenditure shall not again be considered until after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of such rejection. Any expenditure over $2,000.00 requires a vote of the membership.

D. The Executive committee shall fill vacancies caused by failure to elect or however caused in the committee, or any other office until the next annual meeting of the corporation.

E.   The Executive Committee shall determine the time and place of holding the committee meeting.

F.   The Executive Committee may purchase, lease or otherwise acquire real estate or other property for the purpose of the corporation, after presenting the transaction details at a 15 day notice membership meeting and securing approval of the membership.

G.  Seven (7) members of the committee shall constitute               a quorum of the committee.

SECTION 3:

The Executive Committee may, at their discretion, as needed:

     A.  Set annual dues or additional fees,

     B.  Decisions to raise or adjust dues or fees shall require a two-thirds majority vote of Executive Committee members present at the Executive Committee meeting.

SECTION 4:

          No salaries shall be paid to any member of the corporation.  Out of pocket expenses must be approved by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 5

(MEMBERSHIP)

SECTION 1:

A.   Membership requires the candidate to be a current

member of, and to maintain membership in, the

NRA as long as the candidate is a member of

Easthampton Fish and Game in order to keep

his/her status as a member in good standing.

  • Any citizen of the United States and member of the National Rifle Association may become an adult member of this organization, (EF&G), after the candidate subscribes to the following “NRA” pledge and on payment of the usual initiation fees and dues.

“I CERTIFY that I am a citizen of good repute of the United States of America; that I am not a member of any organization or group having as its purpose or one of its purposes the overthrow by force and violence of the Government of the United States or any of its political subdivisions; that I have never been convicted of a crime of violence; and that, if admitted to membership, I will fulfill the obligations of good sportsmanship and good citizenship.”

C.       Memberships will be made available after each individual has completed a brief orientation held at a designated time and place, by authorization of the Executive Committee.  Renewal of continuous memberships after the 1993 membership expiration shall be exempt from orientation.  However, the continuously renewing member shall be advised of any new rule changes.

D. Individuals having been a member in good standing for at least 3 years prior, and having reached the age of 65 years shall be entitled to a full membership rate of one-half the regular rate. Seniors (70 years of age plus) currently with a no cost membership are grandfathered and will not be assessed dues.

     E.   The purchase of a temporary membership, fee set                 by the Board of Directors, by anyone who is not                        already a member is required under insurance laws                for anyone taking club sponsored training classes or                 educational classes at the Club facility.  The bearer                     of this temporary membership shall have no voting                  privilege concerning corporation business. 

F.  Corporate membership is available to any                              corporation/business that wishes to use the facility               for testing / demonstration / recreation of           employees and non-employees.

          A. Fee for corporate membership is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) entitling:

     1) Only one vote concerning EF&G business

               2) Individual employees of the corporation may join at one-half the annual current membership rate while maintaining current and future NRA membership.

ARTICLE 6

(DUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS)

SECTION 1:

A.  The Executive Committee shall set all fees, dues, and/or assessments deemed necessary for the operation of the club.  No member of the club in arrears shall be eligible to vote or to enjoy any other of the privileges, including use of range facilities, or benefits offered by this club. 

B.   This payment will be due and payable at completion of orientation and constitutes the dues for all or part of the fiscal year, whatever is the case.

SECTION 2:

A. A senior membership is defined as: Member, significant other, dependent children under the age of 18, and grandchildren under the age of 18.

B. The senior member will accompany, supervise, and be responsible for any dependent children or grandchildren brought to the club for any purpose. Only one (1) gun shall be in use at a time.

ARTICLE 7

(DUTIES OF OFFICERS)

SECTION 1:

The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and Executive Committee.  The President shall also perform all other duties necessary of their office including but not limited to:

A.  The President shall appoint committees working for the good of the club.

SECTION 2:

The Vice-President shall preside at club meetings in the absence of the President, or at the request of the President, and shall perform any other duties necessary of the office including but not limited to:

     A. Assist President in all officers responsibilities.

     B. Shall attend all Executive Committee meetings.

SECTION 3:

The Recording Secretary shall attend all meetings of the membership and the Executive Committee and shall keep all records of both groups, separately.  The Recording Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings, shall assist the President in handling correspondence, and shall sign with the other officers of the corporation, contracts and all papers in the name of the corporation.

     A. Shall handle all monthly correspondence.

     B. Shall attend all monthly meetings.

SECTION 4:

 The Treasurer shall have custody of all money of the

  corporation. 

A.   The Treasurer shall make all payments by check.  A counter signature by the President, Vice President, or a Director to be designated as having this power, is required only when extraordinary expenses, other than normal operating expenses arise. 

B.   The Treasurer shall deposit money in the banks, make withdrawals, and hold such cash balances on hand as directed by the membership.  The premiums necessary to procure bond shall be paid for by the club.

C.   The Treasurer shall make available for audit any of the records which the Executive committee shall deem necessary for audit.

               a. Shall report all monthly bills.

               b. Shall attend all meetings

SECTION 5:

A. The Membership Secretary shall have charge of

     memberships. 

B. The Membership Secretary shall act as chairperson of the               membership committee which they shall appoint.

C.   The Membership Secretary shall make reports to the membership at every regular meeting as to the size of the club’s membership.

SECTION 6:

The Directors shall advise and assist the President in developing proper public relations within the community, and any and all things which will aid in carrying out any of the club’s objectives.

SECTION 7:

The Sergeant-At-Arms shall maintain order at all meetings.

SECTION 8:

Be it resolved that the Easthampton Fish & Game Association, Inc. will fully exonerate, indemnify and hold harmless its Officers and Directors, from and against all claims or actions and all expenses and costs (including attorney’s fees) incidental to the defense of any such claims or actions based upon or arising out of damage or injury, (including death), to persons or property caused by or sustained in connection with the performance of an Officer or Director, or by conditions created thereby, and, if requested by an Officer, or Director, to assume without expense or cost to them, the defense of any such claims or actions.

Be it resolved that the Easthampton Fish & Game Association, Inc. specifically adopts the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 156B:65, “Good Faith and Prudence as a Defense”. 

(See attachment 1).

SECTION 9:

Signatures:  All corporate documents and instruments shall be signed, executed, verified or acknowledged by the President and Treasurer of the corporation.  If a vacancy or disability shall exist in the office of either President or Treasurer as determined by the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee shall designate another officer to so act pursuant to this article.

ARTICLE 8

(GUESTS)

SECTION 1:

Any member in good standing may request special permission, in writing, to the Chief Range Officer or any Executive Committee member, to bring a guest to the club on a special occasion. A one day temporary membership is available, which must be approved by a member of the Board of Directors. Temporary member must have a club member sponsor in attendance to shoot, under the control and guidance of member.

SECTION 2:

The member who brings a guest to use the club’s property shall stand responsible for any action of that guest.  The stated member shall be liable for any damages inflicted by the members guest.

SECTION 3:

Guests may only observe, except at Club sponsored public

events. See exception above.

SECTION 4:

Members in good standing may bring younger relatives, under age 18, (grandchildren, niece or nephew), to the club to teach firearms safety under their supervision. Only one gun may be in use at a time.

ARTICLE 9

(MEETINGS)

SECTION 1:

The regular business meeting of the club shall be the second

(2nd) Tuesday of the month.

          A.  Any expenditure in excess of $2,000.00 may be             approved at any regular monthly meeting.

B.   The Executive Committee shall have seventy-two (72) hours to disapprove any expenditure approved at a regular meeting.    

C.  The membership may over rule this disapproval by super-majority vote, (75% of members present), at the next monthly meeting

     D. The Executive Committee shall meet on the second

          Tuesday of every month, one half hour prior to members                meeting.Exceptions may be made.

     E. No proxies are allowed at any meetings of the

          corporation.

     F.  No firearms are allowed in building during meetings.

SECTION 2:

Special meetings of the club may be called by the President or upon request of the Executive Committee.  Notice of the time and place of such a meeting must be given at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting.

SECTION 3:

The annual meeting of the club for the election of officers and for any other business shall be the 2nd Tuesday in December, and the preceding Sunday at a time announced by the Membership Secretary. Nomination of officers shall be held at the meeting on the 2nd Tuesday in November. Nominations for higher office shall prevail. All officers shall take office at the first regular meeting held in January. Election ballots shall be counted by no fewer than three (3) persons.

ARTICLE 10

(QUORUM)

SECTION 1:

At meetings of the corporation, a minimum of seven, (7) members shall constitute a legal quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE 11

(ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS)

SECTION 1:

At regular meetings of the corporation, the order of

proceeding shall be as follows:

     A. Call meeting to order.

     B. Roll call of officers and member sign-in.

     C. Report of Recording Secretary, including all

         communications.

     D. Report of Treasurer.

     E. Report of Membership Secretary.

     F. Reports of various section chiefs.

     G. Deferred (old) business.

     H. Reports by Special Committees.

     I. FFL report to Board of Directors.

     J. New Business.

     K. For the good of the club.

     L. Adjournment.

SECTION 2:

     Election and installation of officers and directors shall take              place just before adjourning at all meetings where these                   procedures are necessary.

SECTION 3:

     Special meetings do not have to follow the set pattern of

     procedure.

SECTION 4:

     Executive board meetings will be conducted informally.

ARTICLE 12

(FISCAL YEAR)

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day

of January and end on the last day of December.

ARTICLE 13

(AMENDMENTS)

SECTION 1:

Any club member may propose an amendment to the            by-laws to the executive committee.  The executive               committee must approve of the bylaw by a 2/3 majority of    members present.  The amendment will then be presented    to the full membership for their approval.  A 2/3 majority of    members present is required for passage.

SECTION 2:

These by-laws may be amended or repealed at any annual    or special meeting of the corporation as long as notice of       which, including the specific amendments to be considered,   shall first be given to all members.  An affirmative vote of          2/3 of the members present shall be required for approval of    an amendment or for the repeal of an amendment or by-law change therein. 

ARTICLE 14

(AUDIT)

SECTION 1:

The Treasurer shall keep the books up to date so they are ready for an audit at all times.  The clubs books will be audited at least once a year by an independent accountant (not a member).  designated by the President, and confirmed by the Board of Directors. The audit shall be completed and presented at the April Board of Directors meetings.

ARTICLE 15

(IMPEACHMENT OF OFFICERS)

SECTION 1:

Any Officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee at a special meeting called for that purpose.  No vote on suspension or removal may be taken unless at least fifteen (15) days notice in writing shall have been given to the Officer of the reasons for the Officers removal and of the time and place of the special meeting at which such ballot on the removal is to be taken.  At such special meeting the Officer shall be given a full hearing.

SECTION 2:

     Charges against any Club Officer or Director may be referred by any member in good standing. They shall be in writing clearly stating the facts relied upon and accompanied by all affidavits of exhibits which are to be used in their support.  Such charges shall be filed with the Secretary who will immediately notify the President.  The President will call a meeting of the Executive Committee to hear the charges.  The Secretary must give at least fifteen (15) days written notice to the members of the committee, the accused and the accuser.  This notice must show the charges and accusations made and the evidence that will be used to support these charges.  If charges are proper, they shall instruct the President to call a special meeting for the purpose of taking a vote on expulsion of the Officer in question.

SECTION 3:

     An appeal may be lodged by the accused Officer if the Officer is impeached.  The Officer must lodge this appeal within forty-five (45) days after the vote and Officer must show good cause why they should have the right of appeal.

SECTION 4:

     Any Officer that has abandoned the office by virtue of absence from three (3) meetings without good cause may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 16

(EXPULSION OF MEMBERS)

SECTION 1:

     Any member who fails to comply with club rules and regulations or whose conduct is injurious to the club shall be liable for expulsion. The President, upon written request, with sufficient and properly stated reasons of grievance against a member by any other member or members in good standing, shall call a meeting of the Executive Committee for the consideration of expulsion of the accused. Charges against any member shall be in writing, listing the reasons, prior to the meeting of the Executive Committee.  At least fifteen (15) days notice, in writing, must be given to the Executive Committee and the accused.  The accused member shall be given an opportunity of presenting a defense before the Executive Committee.  A two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee shall be necessary for expulsion.

SECTION 2:

     An appeal may be lodged by the expelled member.  The Member must lodge this appeal within forty-five (45) days after the vote, and must show good cause why Member should have the right of appeal.

SECTION 3:

     Subsequent request for reinstatement by the former member at a future date must be voted upon by the Executive Committee, two-thirds constituting a majority vote.

ARTICLE 17

(RULES OF ORDER)

All meetings of the membership and the Executive Committee shall be held in accordance to these by-laws using Roberts Rules of Order as final authority.

ARTICLE 18

(GENERAL RANGE RULES)

Any of these range rules are subject to review or revision by the Executive Board.

SECTION 1:

     Membership badges must be worn while on club grounds, (you will be asked to show it).  Guests may be invited once to see if they wish to join. Guests may not shoot on the rifle, 30 yard (pistol) range, or archery ranges but they may shoot trap and skeet when open.  Unaccompanied non-members will be asked to leave. 

SECTION 2:

     NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES or RECREATIONAL DRUGS  are allowed on club grounds and ranges at any time.

SECTION 3:

Use of eye and ear protection is mandatory on all ranges

where applicable.

SECTION 4:

     ALL shooters shall only use Club provided target stands, which are affixed to the berms.  Shooters shall NOT use personal target stands, without written permission by the Board. No shooting at objects on the ground. There is to be no shooting at GLASS BOTTLES, CANS, JARS, AND OR OTHER OBJECTS OTHER THAN NORMAL TARGETS!

SECTION 5:

     Shooting must stop on all active ranges when targets are to be checked or changed to avoid accidents. 100 yard and 200 yard ranges are considered one range for cease fire purposes. This should be done every 15 minutes or when requested by two or more shooters.

SECTION 6:

     All firearms when not in use, or during any cease fire, must be pointed down range, unloaded, with its breech open, or in gun rack with the safety in the on position.  Magazine fed weapons must have the magazine removed, breech open and chamber clear, with safety on.

SECTION 7:

Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you have acquired your

target!

SECTION 8:

     All shooting will be done from shooting benches or tables or from a designated firing line. Other positions may be used under the direct guidance of a range safety officer. Anyone shooting from any other area not under the supervision of a range safety officer will be reported to the Executive Committee and action will be taken.

SECTION 9:

     Armor Piercing, steel core, steel jacket, Tracer or other Incendiary ammunition is strictly prohibited on Club grounds. NO SHOT LARGER THAN #7½ AT THE TRAP FIELD.  NO SHOT LARGER THAN #9 SHOT AT THE SKEET FIELD.

SECTION 10:

     Shooting is not allowed before 8:00 am Monday through Saturday, and not before 10:00 am on Sundays.  No shooting is allowed after sundown on any day other than when the lighted Trap, Skeet and Five Stand Ranges are open unless approved by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 11:

      Fully automatic weapons are not allowed on the premises at any time!

SECTION 12:

Black powder pistols and rifles will be allowed on Rifle and 30

YD ranges only.

SECTION 13:

There will be no hand throwing of Trap, Skeet, or Clay Birds of any type on any range at any time.  (Exceptions will be made in the case of certain shooting matches).

SECTION 14:

When using the Archery course use only designated trails to go from one target to the next.  Do not use shortcuts.  You may become injured by an arrow.  Think SAFETY AT ALL TIMES.

SECTION 15:

When looking for lost arrows, lean your bow against the target backer to alert others of your presence.

SECTION 16:

Use of broad-head arrows on the Archery Range is prohibited.

Use of cross bows on the Archery Range is prohibited.

SECTION 17:

During work parties or events, (Archery tournaments, Turkey Shoots, or other special occasions), all ranges will be closed.  Exceptions will be determined by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 18:

All targets should be removed from ranges when shooting is completed and shooting area cleaned up.

SECTION 19:

No open campfires are allowed on Club grounds.

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS

Chapter 156B:65

Good faith and prudence as defense.

(Text as amended by 1989, 242, Sec.13, effective July 18, 1989.  For text effective until July 18, 1989, see 1988 Edition.)

Section 65.  A director, officer or incorporator of a corporation shall perform his duties as such, including, in the case of a director, his duties as a member of a committee of the board upon which he may serve, in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circum-stances.  In determining what he reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the corporation, a director may consider the interests of the corporation, a director may consider the interests of the corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state, region and nation, community and societal considerations, and the long-term interests of the corporation and its stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation.  In performing his duties, a director, officer, or incorporator shall be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports or records, including financial statements, books of account and other financial records, in each case presented by or prepared by or under supervision of (1) one or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director, officer or incorporator reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, or (2) counsel, public accountants or other persons as to matters which the director, officer or incorporator reasonably believes to be within such person’s professional  or expert competence, or (3) in the case of a director, a duly constituted committee of the board upon which he does not serve, as to matters within its delegated authority, which committee the director reasonably believes to merit confidence, but he shall not be considered to be acting in good faith if he has knowledge concerning the matter in question that would cause such reliance to be unwarranted.  The fact that a director, shall be a complete defense to any claim asserted against him, whether under sections sixty to sixty-four, inclusive, or otherwise, except as expressly provided by statute, by reason of his being or having been a director, officer, or incorporator of the corporation.