The Maryland State Game and Fish Protective Association
The Maryland State
Game & Fish Protective Association, Inc. is organized to:
Ø
Encourage conservation of the natural resources of America
Ø
Promote good sportsmanship among Anglers and Hunters
Ø
Instill in the hearts of the youth of our State and Country the
desire to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of true sportsman and
conservationists
Ø
Procure the enactment and vigorously support the enforcement of
efficient laws for the propagation and protection of wildlife
Ø
Care for and maintain our Streams, Forests and Wildlife
HISTORY
During the last half of the nineteenth century, it
became apparent that there was a gradual diminishing of certain natural
resources which man had been consuming without regard for the future.
This aroused the interest of a group of Maryland men, who on May 8,
1874, at a meeting in Lehman's Hall in Baltimore, decided to form a club
to be known as “The Maryland Association for the Protection and
Preservation of Fish & Game”, with the following officers:
George D. Penniman -
President
Oregon H. Dennis -
Secretary
Henry Brauns - Treasurer
Clippings from the “Baltimore American News”, the
oldest daily paper in the U.S. shows that on March 5, 1895, a meeting
was held at the Carrollton Hotel to organize a conservation sportsman's
club.
The Officers were:
Judge D. Wright -
President
Dr. S. J. Fort - Secretary
Dr. G. W. Massamore -
Treasurer
The roster shows about 50 members and meetings were
held at the “Maryland Academy of Science”. Due to the similarity of
purposes and the fact that membership was almost identical, it appears
that this was a revival of the older club.
The Present organization known as “The Maryland
State Game & Fish Protective Association” does advocate the same
conservation measures as the founders and according to our history and
available records. We claim our title as the oldest Conservation club in
the U.S.
PRESENT DAY
Incorporated under the laws of the State of
Maryland, the organization is funded by the dues of our members and
various fundraisers throughout the year. The Club owns and maintains 29
acres of land that was made available by the generosity of longtime
members Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Pistorig, former owners and operators of the
“Turf Valley Country Club”. Shortly thereafter, two ponds were
constructed by the “Harry Campbell Co.” and stocked with fish for the
recreation and instruction of our members.
At that time our meetings were held in a 16 x 16
army tent and various other locations. On August 25, 1963, ground was
broken by Col. Wm. H. Triplett on what is now our Hall and caretakers'
residence.
In September of 1983, a proposal was made by W.
Rassmussen, on behalf of Baltimore County to purchase the 29 acres,
which was readily refused by the members. However, we had to relinquish
3.5 acres which were in the Honeygo Flood Plan, and which will
eventually be a part of the proposed Honeygo Park.
This leaves us with 25.5 acres for those who enjoy
the preservation and beauty of the outdoors. Current Officers are:
Ken Howard - President
Jeanette Cullum – 1st
Vice President
Thomas F. Moore – 2nd
Vice President
Barry Schuster - Secretary
Thomas F. Moore -
Treasurer
VINGT NEUF ARCHERY
The Vingt Neuf Archery Club, which is incorporated
in “The Maryland State Game & Fish” was formed in the early 1950's.
They are a chartered Archery Club with the “National Field Archery
Association”, and the “Maryland Archery Association”. The club
presently holds about seven tournament shoots per year, with:
Ø
14 Target
NFAA Outdoor Range
Ø
18 Lane
Heated Indoor Range
Ø
3 Target
Broadhead Range
They also hold indoor shoots from November thru
March on Mondays and Thursdays as well as outdoor 3-D shoots on Tuesdays
from May thru September.
Mike Pettrey - Archery
President
(that's not Mike in the photo)
BOY AND GIRL SCOUTS
 The Club maintains an area for the sole use of the
Scouts. This site is maintained by the members as well as the Scouts
who use it. For information on how to reserve this area for your troop
call:
Brooks Jones
CAMPING
 The Club maintains 29 year-round and 2 weekend
campsites for the pleasure of our members and their invited guests.
Camping fees are returned to the Club's general funds, and sites are
maintained by the members. Year-round camping is very popular with the
membership. Facilities are available for the campers' use while they
are camping.
ACTIVATES AND FAMILY
The Club holds four fundraisers each year:
Ø
Super Bowl
Ø
Oyster/Bull Roast
Ø
Family Crab Picnic
Ø
Bull Roast
We also hold events for the members' children and
grandchildren:
Ø
Easter Egg
Hunt
Ø
Fishing
Rodeo
Ø
Halloween
Party
Ø
Christmas
Party
"How to Join" or Hall Rental
Information
Contact
Dale or
Valerie at: (410) 931-0648
or
Info@MSGF.org
|
