Rock Hill Hunting Club

Rules and Regulations

2012/2013

It is the responsibility of all Club members to read and understand the Rock Hill Hunting Club (RHHC) Rules and Regulations completely prior to any activities on property leased by RHHC. All Rules and Regulations are subject to change as deemed necessary by the President. If there is an issue with a particular item, regardless of how it is worded, the original intent will always be given precedence.

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Membership Dues

Officers

Steering Committee

SECTION 2: DEER HARVEST

DMAP Targets

Harvest Criteria

Data Collection

SECTION 3: ISHC HUNTING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Bow HUNTING

SECTION 4: LODGE RULES

SECTION 5: CAMPER FACILITIES

SECTION 6: GUESTS

SECTION 7: MISCELLANEOUS

Miscellaneous Expenses

Work Days

Personal Stands

Cameras

Road Usage

Shooting Range

SECTION 8: RHHC MEMBER AGREEMENT & CODE OF CONDUCT

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Membership Dues:

** Annual membership rates may vary depending upon number of paying members and increases in hunting leases as set forth by landowners**

The hunting year will run from May 2 through May 1 of the following year.

Annual dues are $2995 per year, inclusive of feed and seed.

A $1000 deposit is due from each current member by January 15 for the following year membership.

Note: Associate members, especially those who are high school and college age, are expected to participate in work days and with other club related projects…no exceptions.

Officers:

Charles Clearman (President)

Curtis Clearman (Vice President)

2012-2013 Steering Committee:

Committee Members:

  • Ray Ward (Chairman)Phone: (228-990-2612)
  • Henry BoudetPhone: (504-419-7395)
  • Dub ClarkPhone: (713-817-4684)
  • Bill Floyd Phone: (228-669-6996)
  • Jeff MeersPhone: (504-388-1946)
  • Rhett Meyers Phone: (985-264-7563)
  • Elmer Pique Phone: (228-697-5944)

This committee will only reinforce club policies as set forth by the President and Vice President. In our absence, they will have the full authority to rule on all discrepancies, fines, etc. that violate established club rules/policies.

Any issue that cannot be resolved at the Steering Committee level will be presented to the President and Vice President for a final ruling.

The committee will also serve as a support arm to new members who may need guidance or questions answered.

All suggestions, complaints, etc. will be submitted in writing to the Steering Committee. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted…members must sign all written documents turned into Steering Committee for consideration.

The Steering Committee will also assist with organization of club events, work details and also monitor those who do not make work days, etc. A report will be issued and fees collected before members are allowed to hunt. What we are seeking is “team effort”.

SECTION 2: DEER HARVEST: Every member is encouraged to participate in our increased harvest of does and bucks. We want you to feel comfortable once you have made the decision to try to harvest the animal. If you have any questions about the criteria, please see one of the Steering Committee Members.

Harvest Targets and Goals listed below are for the 2011/2012 Deer Season: Any items reflecting harvest targets and/or criteria are subject to change upon receiving recommendations from our MDWFP Biologist. These are typically finalized by mid to late summer.

  1. Harvest Targets are set to reduce the total population to be more in line with the carrying capacity of our habitat.Doe Target is 150 (DMAP will supply tags to keep us within the limits of state law). Buck Targetis 100. When we reach 100, we are to stop and call our biologist.
  2. Trophy Bucks will continue to be a buck with eithera minimuminside spread of 15"orone main beam length of a minimum of 18". (no age or point restrictions).
  3. APoint must be a minimum of 1" long measured fromthe base of the point from where the point extrudes fromthe main beam.
  4. Mainframe points project from the top of the main beam. Abnormal points are those non-typical in location (such as points originating from a point or from the bottom or sides of the main beam) or extra points beyond the normal pattern of points.
  5. Cull Bucks are bucks with 6 mainframe points (points that do not protrude in line with typical points such as kickers, stickers, etc. do not count as a point) or less witheithera minimum inside spread of 12"orone main beam length of a minimum of 15".
  6. A Mature Buck that is at least4 years old may be harvested even if he does not meet any of the other criteria. If the person harvesting the deer is fined, the data sheet is to be marked MONEY DEER and our biologist (and a minimum of two other biologists' opinions) will age the deer and make note of PASS or NOT. If the deer is 4 years old or older, the person will get a PASS and their money refunded. If the age is less than 4 years old, the fine remains in effect.
  7. Measurements to be recorded in 1/8" increments and rounded up to the nearest 1/8" if measurement falls in between. A 1/4” grace will be allowed on minimum requirements. Ex: 17 ¾” will make the18” minimum length.
  8. Based on recommendations by our DMAP biologist William McKinley and approved by Club President, RHHC will shoot spikes that meet the following criteria: as part of our aggressive culling process, spikes with the longesthorn of 3” or less are to be harvested. DMAP will provide Buck Tags for the 3” or less spikes. Each member that intends to harvest one of these spikes should obtain one of these Buck Tags from the Steering Committee prior to the hunt to tag the deer before hauling the deer to the camp for processing. The tag number should be recorded in the Harvest Data Book in the Comments column. As the tag is used, the member may get another tag from the Steering Committee.
  9. Anyone who harvests a deer that does not meet the above criteria will be fined $200. Mistakes can occur however, if you are not sure…. Don’t pull the trigger. A second time offense will result in a $400 fine. A third time offense in one season will result termination from club. Rulings will be made by ClubPresident and Vice President.
  10. Hwy. 80, North USA and Dean Hill will be under the state regulations. Deer taken from these properties that do not meet state regulations will result in the same fines as above.
  11. All kills must be brought to the skinning shed and properly logged, weighed and jaw bone extracted including bucks to be mounted (no exceptions). Information to be verified by a Steering Committee Member if available. If you are not comfortable pulling the jaw bone of a buck to be mounted, get someone to help you or put up $100 deposit if you want to take the head to a taxidermist for jaw bone removal. Give the deposit to Ray Ward to hold or to someone to give to Ray for you. Deposit will be returned once Ray Ward receives the jaw bone. It is a $100 fine for not adhering to this rule.
  12. All trophy buck kills must be photographed for club records and for website.
  13. The hauling-off and emptying of “gut buckets” in a timely manner is the responsibility of the harvester(s), not other members in a day or two or three! This has become a significant problem. Gut buckets should not be left out side over night or unattended in the daytime. Smelly, full buckets with carcasses drug out on the ground is irritating to fellow members and does not look good to our neighbors, guests and law enforcement.
  14. Do not leave trash, beverage cans and bottles, etc, at the skinning shed. This activity looks bad on us to our neighbors, guests and law enforcement.

It is understood that with an increase in doe harvest, a few button bucks will probably fall. We have been assuredthat this is nothing to worry about in the overall scheme of deer management. It is felt that our hunters are not going to shoot button bucks on purpose and therefore this will be a minimal number.If it becomes an issue, it will be addressed at that time.

SECTION 3: RHHC HUNTING RULES AND REGULATIONS

  1. Membership = primary member and associate members (significant other and children that are full time students under 25 at an accredited school.
  2. Rock Hill Hunting Club is not responsible for the loss or damage of any personal property (i.e. camper, stands, trail cameras, ATV, etc.) due to theft, vandalism, loss, etc.
  3. Alcohol consumption with firearms will not be allowed. Anyone caught under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances while possessing a firearm will be terminated from club immediately. Occasional light alcoholic beverages may be permitted at cook-outs or within personal camper areas. No drinking prior to any hunting activity or club meetings. Intoxication is strictly prohibited. Be responsible.
  4. ABOLUTELY NO SMOKING IN LODGE FACILITY.
  5. THROWING OF CIGARETTE BUTTS DOWN, IN AND AROUND LODGE FACILITIES, CAMPERS, ETC. IS PROHIBITED. (MUST BE PUT IN SAND FILLED CONTAINERS AND EMPTIED ON A REGULAR BASIS)
  6. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING IN TRASH PIT OTHER THAN WOOD OR PAPER—NO PLASTICS, GLASS OR CANS—PIT MUST BE CLEANED OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS.
  7. No fires on club property.
  8. No cutting or damaging of timber on club property: i.e. driving nails in trees.
  9. No riding of 4 wheelers by children without direct adult supervision.
  10. Do not block circle drive around camp at any time.
  11. No erection of any type building or structure will be permitted on campsite unless approved by the President or Vice President.
  12. Due to the increase in demand for parking space, camper space, space for new lodge facilities construction and lawn care, all personal ATV trailers, stands, equipment and other obstructions must be moved offsite after hunting season.
  13. Keep gates closed at all times. Only exception is planting days when there is a lot of traffic in and out of property.
  14. Do Not Use The Road that runs from the lodge property through the adjoining private property to get to the rifle range or into the lease. This is the road that leaves from our driveway and from the pavement at the corner of lodge property.
  15. No smoking in stands or shoot houses.
  16. No trash or pee bottles are to be left in stands or shoot houses.
  17. All members will be safety conscious and considerate to others at all times.
  18. Club President/Vice President will approve all personal and club stands before erection. This is due to safety purposes. A member may put up a stand (climber, ladder, etc.) for any firearm season with prior permission from the President or Vice President(including clover patches)however it must adhere to rule 19 below and will be available for any member to use.
  19. New, moving or deletion of food plots, moving of club feeders or stands must be pre-approved by the President. All stand locations will be GPS marked on club map in order to avoid accidental shootings, etc. and to let others know where you are should an accident occur. GPS coordinates must be sent to Ray Ward to record and verify the minimum distance of 450 yards(firearm seasons only) from closest stand, clover patch, or food plot for safety prior to setting up the stand. See Rule 3 under Bow Hunting.
  20. Absolutely no arguing amongst members. Should a discrepancy occur, the President or Vice President must be notified immediately. Anyone involved in a physical attack on another member will be permanently banned from club property.
  21. Should a discrepancy occur, the President or Vice President will be solely responsible for resolution of the problem. All decisions made will be final and no other party has any authority other than the aforementioned parties.
  22. No associate member (under aged child) can hunt unattended or absent from direct supervision of the primary or adult associate member. The only exception is when the member is 18 years or older. An adult associate member may hunt without the primary member being present.
  23. All stands are on a first come first serve basis. All members must sign out at camp prior to each hunt.
  24. Sign out for Dog Hill will start at 4:15 A.M. & 2:15 P.M. and main club body will be 4:30 A.M. & 2:30 P.M.Associate members and guest may sign out 30 minutes later.
  25. Morning Hunt: All members shall remain in stand until 8:30 a.m. unless sickness or emergency should occur.
  26. Evening Hunt: Should anyone choose to hunt earlier than2:30 p.m., they must remain at that particular stand until the evening hunt is over. The only exception is if the member returns to camp before the 2:30 p.m. evening hunt start time.
  27. Hunters must leave camp within 30 minutes of signing out.
  28. All members shall sign in after each hunt. Having someone to sign in or out for you is not permitted.
  29. Hunting the same stand in a two-day succession by a club member is not allowed unless left vacant after sign in process is complete.
  30. No piling of corn in center of food plots or any area.
  31. No riding through or across center of food plots.
  32. Every effort is to be made to hold club traffic to a minimum during deer and turkey season. This means no scouting or joy riding of ATV’s on club property or roads during any of the deer or turkey seasons. Pre-Approved Club activities should be during the middle of the day and the areas noted on the sign-out book. These Club activities should stay away from areas already signed in for.
  33. Do Not use municipal water to wash 4 wheelers or vehicles.Please use the well water in the designated area to help keep down utility cost. Designated area is East of pump house across the gravel. Do not wash down on the gravel driveway.
  34. No loaded firearms on camp premises or on 4 wheelers or other motorized vehicles.
  35. No shooting of firearms on camp premises.
  36. Utility trailers are to be parked in orderly fashion along the south property line when not in use.
  37. Club food plots and clover patches will be hunted during archery and firearm seasons on first come basis.
  38. Club feeding on food plots will begin two weeks prior to youth season. No supplemental feeding (pellets, corn, soybean, etc.) allowed during turkey season. No feeding of soybeans on the ground by any means. Can be used in troughs only.
  39. The use of personal portable stands such as climbers, ladders, tent blinds, etc. is allowed. Brining a personal shooting house is only allowed if it is to be donated to the club and left behind when a member decides not to remain a member. Personal shooting houses become the property of Rock Hill Hunting Club.

BOW HUNTING

  1. Bow stands are allowed. See the President or Vice President for pre-approval before establishing any personal stand. GPS coordinates must be sent to Ray Ward to be recorded and distance verified for safety before setting up your stand.
  2. A bow hunter can have up to 2 personal bow stands that they may feed prior to gun season. A stand can not be claimed by a person for the benefit of another bow hunter to try to circumvent the rule. Example: a non-bow hunter having a stand in their name just so another hunter can have an extra stand.
  3. There must be a minimum of 450 yards from any personal feeder (bow stand) to any other personal feeder (bow stand) and/or from designated Club fed bow food plots. However during bow season only, if 2 bow hunters agree between themselves for their personal stands/feeder to be closer together than 450 yards, so be it. Absolutely no squabbling.
  4. No feeding of club food plots by individuals or within 450 yards of a club fed food plot. If money is available, the club will be responsible for feeding a minimum of 8 club food plots for archery season (see current list below). As with any club food plot or clover patch, they are hunted on a first come basis. No personal trail cameras on club food plots unless the camera has been placed in the club camera rotation (loaned to the club). This will help cut down on food plot traffic. As the acorns fall and deer sign indicates, a bow hunter may set up on this food source or trails remembering that the GPS coordinates of their stand must be turned into Ray Ward for recording. Any stand location, other than an individual’s bow hunting site that they are feeding at personal expense, may be hunted by anyone.
  5. Bow hunters are encouraged not to overcrowd a food plot with a handful of stands and blinds. If and when to many stands on a club food plot becomes an issue, it will be dealt with at that time.
  6. No feeding of bow stands during firearm season.

Designated Club Fed Bow Food Plots (subject to change):

1) DP-24) Goat Pen7) 3C-210) Turkey Hollow

2) 10M-2 North5) 10M-8 8) Lake-111) Hwy 80 Woods

3) 10M-2 South6) Dean 29) 3C-512) North USA 2

SECTION 4: LODGE RULES

Lodge Rules

Henry Boudet - Lodge Facilities Chairman

Phone: (504-419-7395)

Henry will be in charge of making sure all lodge utilities fees are collected and enforcing rules/lodge policies. Suggestions and/or complaints must be turned into Henry in writing to present to club President.