Greene County Fish & Game Association - Xenia, Ohio

Tylor

Context:
I was a member of this shooting club for several years, and while I initially enjoyed my time there, my experience took a turn for the worse due to an incident involving shooting pumpkins at the range.

The Incident:
Around Halloween, my best friend visited, and we planned to shoot some mini pumpkins, which are about the size of a hand. After reviewing the club's rules, which made no mention of restrictions on food-related items, we proceeded with our plan. We had fun, cleaned up, and left, thinking all was well.

The Aftermath:
A week later, I received numerous calls from an unknown number, which turned out to be from the club, informing me I had violated club rules by having a "target on the ground." Here's where things get frustrating:

- Rules Interpretation: The club argued that pumpkins on the ground could cause ricochets, despite the 30-foot high berm and forest behind it making this highly unlikely.
- Board Meeting: I was summoned to appear before the board, waited over an hour, and was then reprimanded for leaving "trash" (the biodegradable pumpkins) on the range. The focus was more on the pumpkins rather than the actual rule violation they cited.
- Probation and Service: I was put on probation and required to perform 8 hours of service, which felt disproportionate and punitive.

Renewal Decision:
When it came time to renew my membership in December, I weighed the cost ($177), the frequency of my range visits, and this negative experience. I chose not to renew, feeling the value was not there anymore.

Retaliatory Letter:
Months later, I received a letter from the club focusing solely on the pumpkin incident, further proving their pettiness and misuse of authority. Here is the letter:

My Contributions:
It's worth noting that I was an active participant in the club's Steel Challenge events, often helping with scorekeeping and setting up the shoot. I've been involved in this for years, even before becoming a member, despite having no obligation to do so. This makes the club's letter, which specifically mentions Steel Challenge, feel even more targeted and unjust.

Conclusion:
This club seems more interested in exerting power over its members than fostering a community of shooters. The lack of clear rules, the handling of the situation, and the subsequent harassment have left a sour taste. I would caution anyone considering membership to look elsewhere for a more welcoming and fair environment.

fred S.

This is a beautiful recreational area with camping, well thought out shooting range areas, well run USPSA Steel Challenge matches and some of the friendliest people I've encountered in the shooting community. Highly recommend attending a USPSA Steel Challenge event here.

Heather P.

We love taking our kids to fish here always quiet and everyone is so friendly and kind. Theres always a good outdoor memory to make without the electronic life involved

Dave E.

I didn’t get my annual member packet and when I called they said they didn’t get my check. I had proof of mailing it but they said too bad. Cancelled my membership. It’s a big deal because in order to become a member you must first get sponsored then do 16 hours of community service, then pay a one time start up fee that’s hundreds more than the annual fee. I had only camped there a few times and was a member for three years. I didn’t really enjoy camping much because you heard gun Shots blasting at 7 AM. Don’t get me wrong I love to shoot and that’s mainly what I did there. Although I didn’t do that enough to make it worth it either. The plan was to begin camping more when the kiddos were ready. So I am very disappointed in how we were treated. I have a feeling I was targeted because of a day I showed up to camp after packing up the truck the entire day before and when we got there the campground was closed. Guys were drinking beer and fishing during their “break” but claimed it was spring cleanup day so they turned us away. It appeared to me it was one big party. I verbalized how upset I was because it Appeared they were doing exactly what I wanted to do and it was very confusing as to why we had to leave. Next thing you know they didn’t get my check and my membership is canceled. After further review I am not the only one that has had this happen. So if you were planning to become a member I would think twice and maybe consider going elsewhere.

William K.

What a great place to be shooting. Several rifle and pistol ranges and a fantastic trap range. Lots of folks like to go to the two lakes with their youngsters and go fishing. And some just like the solitude for a picnic at sunset.
The staff is terrific and the annual fish fry they put on is scrumptious. Can't wait till the annual picnic.

Moonlight F.

I've been a long time member. I love the club and have made good friends and fond memories.

Coco J.

Great Place. The kids LOVE breakfast with Santa every year. Thanks for all your hard work.

Josh H.

Very nice private club with excellent members and amenities.