04/09/2026
Club Safety Reminder and Accountability Notice
I’d like to preface this post by stating that the Holmen Rod & Gun Club exists first and foremost to promote safe, responsible firearm handling. This message is not intended to threaten, but to inform and educate. Safety is not optional at the Holmen Rod & Gun Club; it is the foundation of every decision the Board of Directors makes in stewarding our club.
Last night, during an executive session of our Board meeting, the Board of Directors took unanimous action to permanently revoke the privileges of a member and their guest for the following reasons during a recent visit to club grounds:
• Failure to follow clearly posted range rules
• Unsafe firearm handling observed and reported by another member, and subsequently verified through video/audio review
• Failure to appear before the Board when requested
This decision was not made lightly. Likewise, the decision to now begin making disciplinary actions of this nature public was made with careful consideration.
With a membership approaching 2,000 individuals, we are fortunate that the overwhelming majority of our members are safe, responsible, and respectful shooting sports enthusiasts. We welcome new members who reflect those values. However, we do not need more members, we need the right members, and we will not tolerate unsafe behavior regardless of tenure or familiarity.
Range Rule Reminders Specific to This Incident:
All shooting must ONLY be conducted using:
1. Paper targets mounted on club backer boards (not affixed to the backer frames)
2. Club-supplied steel targets in their designated positions
The following are strictly prohibited:
• Portable target stands
• Improvised target holders
• Junk targets (cans, bottles, etc.)
• Unauthorized commercial reactive (bouncing/tumbling) targets
Why These Rules Exist
• Prevent unsafe shooting angles and ricochet hazards
• Protect range infrastructure and equipment
• Reduce risk to both the shooter and fellow members
Security and Accountability
The club has made a significant investment in an AI-enhanced security camera system and electronic access controls which provides:
• Club-wide high-resolution video and audio surveillance
• 24-hour continuous coverage
• Live remote access for Board oversight
• Recorded footage available for investigative review
• Real-time access logs with time/date/ID tracking
Unsafe, negligent, or willfully destructive behavior can and will be identified and addressed.
Guests are the responsibility of the sponsoring member. This includes ensuring they understand and follow all range rules. In this case, disciplinary action taken against the member has also been extended to their guest.
Legal Reminder
In addition to being violations of club rules, unsafe firearm handling may also violate Wisconsin law, including but not limited to:
• Wis. Stat. §941.20 – Endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon
• Wis. Stat. §941.30 – Recklessly endangering safety
These statutes apply even when no one is injured or property damage does not occur. The Board reserves the right to judiciously refer violations to local law enforcement.
Knowingly using unauthorized calibers, ammunition, or shooting methods, etc that damage club property may also constitute criminal damage to property under Wis. Stat. §943.01. Damage to club infrastructure may result in disciplinary action, restitution, and potential referral to law enforcement.
Finally, individuals whose membership has been revoked and who have been formally notified are no longer authorized to be on club property. Any return after notification may constitute trespass under Wis. Stat. §943.13 and will be referred to law enforcement.
Member Expectations
• Know the rules
• Follow the rules
• Respect fellow members who raise safety concerns or report violations
*(Treat fellow members with respect if you’re the one who’s raising a concern)
If a concern is brought to your attention, correct it immediately. If you have questions, use the “Contact Us” resource on our website.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The Board of Directors will continue to enforce rules and member conduct to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. If you’ve read this far, congratulations! You are probably in that preferred majority of our members.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jeff McCoy
President
Board of Directors
