Nanticoke Sportsmen's Club

Nanticoke Sportsmen's Club sits on just under 50 acres between Concord and Bethel, southeast of Seaford—described as "the best kept secret in Sussex County." The facility features over 15 different ranges purpose-built for different disciplines, with everything from outdoor pistol and rifle bays to dedicated trap fields and a full indoor electronic 4D archery range.

The club maintains separate ranges for:

• •Pistol Ranges (#1, #2, #4) with concrete benches and target frames
• •Rifle Range (#5) spanning 50 yards to 200 yards with bench shooting only through concrete barricades
• •Steel Target Ranges with approved caliber restrictions and new hanging frame systems
• •Trap Range with trap machines and Wednesday night shoots under lights ($5/round of 25 targets)
• •Indoor Electronic 4D Archery Range with Tuesday/Thursday leagues ($50/person) and Sunday practice ($5)
• •3D Archery Course maintained for outdoor practice
• •Shot Shell Patterning Ranges with ropes to hold patterning boards

While membership-focused, the club opens many activities to the public at affordable rates:

The club maintains strict range safety protocols documented in their comprehensive rulebook:

• •All members must wear membership badges
• •Eye and ear protection required on all firearm ranges
• •Firearms must be unloaded and actions open when transported to/from ranges
• •Loading only at the firing line or ready line benches
• •When range goes "cold," firearms unloaded, actions open, no handling
• •150/200 yard rifle bench uses concrete barricade with orange flags for target retrieval
• •No .50 BMG rifles permitted
• •No shot shells on Ranges #1, #2, #4, #5 (designated shot shell ranges only: Trap Range and Range #3)
• •Steel plate shooting restricted by caliber to prevent frame damage
• •No hunting on club property
• •No alcoholic beverages
• •No firearms on archery range
• •No shooting before 9:00 AM

"It's every member and guest obligation to ensure every bullet fired will land inside the berm faces."

The club enforces strict ammunition rules on steel targets to preserve equipment:

• •50-yard steel plates: Restricted to .17/.22 rimfire through .300 Blackout (soft nose lead bullets only)
• •75-100 yard steel plates: Restricted to .17/.22 rimfire through .30 caliber (soft nose lead bullets only)
• •Prohibited: Steel core, green tip, black tip, tracer, and penetrator rounds; M1 Grand M2 ball; 7.62x39; 7.62x54R; military-grade ammunition
• •.22 Long Rifle Plate Range (Range #1): .22 LR only—pistol or rifle, shot from behind distance sign with 10-yard minimum

(Tip: If a magnet sticks to it, it's likely steel core.)

The club has limited openings with specific eligibility:

• •NRA membership required (must maintain annually)
• •Must be 18+ and legally able to own firearms
• •Must pass interview and membership vote at quarterly meetings (2nd Tuesday of March, June, September, December @ 7:30 PM)
• •Associate membership: $190/year (2024/2025)
• •Volunteer 20 hours/year = 50% credit on next year's dues
• •Must attend minimum 4 of 12 club meetings annually
• •New members required to complete NSC Range Safety Class before receiving range access card
• •Probationary period: 1 year
• •Current waiting list: 2-4 months

Members access a dedicated portal to:

• •Pay dues online
• •Vote on board directors and new applicants
• •Participate in member forums
• •Review meeting minutes
• •Access quarterly meeting schedules

• •Concealed Carry & Tactical Training: Delaware tactical and concealed carry courses offered through NSC (check calendar for schedule).

• •Legislative Support: NSC monitors Delaware 2A legislation and works with Delaware State Sportsmen's Association (D.S.S.A.) and Delaware Gun Rights (D.G.R.) to protect member rights.

Nanticoke Sportsmen's Club 26086 Bethel-Concord Rd. Seaford, DE 19973 [email protected] [email protected]

Check the NSC calendar online for specific event dates, times, and any range closures for special activities or maintenance.