The Summer Solstice marks the point when the Earth arrives at that place in its orbit where the North Pole is maximally tilted (~23.5 degrees) toward the sun, making this the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the calendar year.

This occurred today (Saturday, June 20) at 3:44 p.m. MDT, and marks the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere.

Something very cool is that the Stonehenge keepers have put the view of the solstice from within the henge online this year: Watch the summer solstice sunset live from Stonehenge!

Our club's 2020 Weekly Trap Series starts Sunday, June 21. Shoots are run using the electronic thrower on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons 12:00-3:00 p.m. until the end of August.

Cost to participate is $5 per round (covers cost of the clays), and - new for this year - no charge for youth members under 18. To reduce COVID-19 risks, please bring exact payment for the number of rounds the member(s) of your party is planning on shooting. We are also exploring options for electronic payments for this year.

All other elements of our COVID-19 mitigation procedures will be followed.

More information can be found on the Weekly Trap Series article in the Spring 2019 newsletter.

Also, as some of you may have noticed, we have new clay target stands on the shotgun range. One of the clear messages you gave in the 2019 Member Engagement Survey was the desire for more dynamic shooting opportunities.

These stands are part of our response to that interest, and we hope you enjoy them. They are a great way to train new shooters or youth on aiming and hitting static targets as a step before moving onto moving ones, and they're a training opportunity for dynamic shooting sports like 3-gun. They are moveable and can be arranged however you'd like to suit your needs, we only ask that you shoot from one of the existing shooting stations by the spring throwers and that you arrange them in such a way to ensure safe shooting lanes and that you will not inadvertently shoot the trap bunker.

Please contact Keith Lacey, Shotgun Director with questions: [email protected].

We would like to remind members of our expectation that they be aware and knowledgeable of all laws and regulations governing any activity they engage in, and that they adhere to them.

Now, this isn't just about the new restrictions on firearms (but let's be honest - it is actually what we're talking about with this), it's also about hunting regulations, the use of OHVs in back country area, or rules around open fires at campsites.

Like you, we don't always agree with the laws and regulations placed upon us. But, until they're altered or repealed, we all collectively share in the responsibility of following them.

The road work on the property has progressed well and is almost done. We'd be done now in fact, if we hadn't lost last Monday due to rain. All that remains now is the final runs with a packer and application of the finishing layer of gravel.

So, we will be closing the property again this Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to complete these last bits.

And then, thankfully, we will be done with all this.

We are very thankful to everyone for being understanding and cooperative through this!

Please contact Chris Russell, Facility Operations and Maintenance Director with questions: [email protected].

This is a common question that gets asked. That, or "When is it least busy?"

We actually did a review of property usage last summer in order to have a solid answer to this. You can find the article in its entirety on page 15 of the Summer 2019 newsletter but in brief, the property really isn't heavily used generally and that when used it is the ranges that tends to be the amenity members go to.

Throughout the year, the property is at its busiest from May to September. During the week, Saturday and Sunday tend to be busiest, with the majority of visits falling between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.

This leaves substantial usable time when the facility is less busy. So, if you enjoy having the place more to yourself, plan to visit in the morning before 11:30 a.m. or in the afternoon or evening after 3:30 p.m. These times are especially true on weekdays.

Whenever you plan to come out though, make sure you've checked the Events Calendar on the website beforehand to make sure that there isn't already a booking or event for the amenity you're planning on using.

This spring's rains and the compromised culvert on Range Road 203 (the road to the gate) have seen rising water on the 3D Archery Trail. For member safety, we will need to move the submarine pens to the 3D Trail close the 3D trail for awhile until the water levels can subside. We will update you when we are able to open it back up again.

Please contact Pat Emerson, Archery Director with questions: [email protected].

Instructed by Edmonton-based firearms instructor David Schoenberg, this course will provide instruction on the fundamentals of safe use & handling of handguns and is intended for the firearms owner with limited handgun experience.

Register for the June 30 course:

https://spfga-fundamentals-of-handgun-marksmanship-jun-30.eventbrite.ca

Register for the July 16 course:

https://spfga-fundamentals-of-handgun-marksmanship-jul-16.eventbrite.ca

Please contact Mark Lowry, Handgun Director with questions: [email protected].

The Edmonton House Brigade 10th Annual Fur Trade Challenge, planned for July 17-19, is cancelled.

Recent flooding of the Black Powder Trail (due to beavers, we believe), and COVID-19 related concerns have prompted this, but we will put full efforts into making the fall event a success.

Please contact Paul Christiansen, Black Powder Director with questions: [email protected].

The hand sanitizer dispensers we'd ordered some time ago have finally arrived. They're up and available in all of the range sheds (with the exception of the archery range, which will be put up soon).

These dispense an alcohol-based hand rub. Please sanitize your hands regularly while at the property.

Reminder to members

Members are reminded to please wipe down common surfaces (e.g. the safety curtain crank handle) with disinfectant, as well as practice 2 m social distancing (this also generally means only travelling with people who you reside with). We've been noticing a decline in members complying with both of these things over the past week.

Our very own Rifle Director, Tom Opgenorth was invited to appear on Slam Fire Radio on May 26 talk about the interconnections between conservation, conservation groups, the shooting sports, and firearms rights. Enjoy!

Microcast 13 - Conservation Groups

All of the various communications that have come out as our re-opening has unfolded has created some uncertainty in members' minds.

We understand - the message evolves with changes, so it can be hard to know where things are at.

Currently, other than the clubhouse all of the club amenities are open for their regular hours. For the range, please refer to the hours sign to the left.

What's Your Thought? is a regularly-running poll where you're able to share your thoughts with us.