Damascus Air Rifle Club,Wildlife Achievement Chapter, IWLA

The Wildlife Achievement Chapter, Inc. is a non-profit chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, established in 1937. Located at 26430 Mullinix Mill Rd. in Mt. Airy, Maryland (near Damascus), the club sits on 120+ acres in northern Montgomery County and operates multiple shooting disciplines for members and their families.

• •Rifle & Pistol Ranges: 10:00 AM to dusk (members and guests only)

Shotgun (Skeet, Trap & 5-Stand): - Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM - Wednesday (daylight saving time): 2:00 PM–7:00 PM - Note: Last Sunday of each month is cleanup day; range may open at 1:00 PM

The club offers multiple membership tiers:

• •Individual Membership ($155/year renewal): One adult 18+, can bring spouse and children under 18. Spouse gets range card after orientation.
• •Family Membership ($232.50/year renewal): Two adults, both get range cards and voting rights. Children under 18 included.
• •Student Membership ($48.50/year renewal): Ages 18–21, full-time undergraduate. Restricted from handguns per Maryland law.
• •Youth Membership ($32/year renewal): Under 18. Must be accompanied by member 21+ with range card.

New membership applicants must appear in person at a Board of Directors meeting with sponsorship from a current member. Applications are only accepted at board meetings (1st Wednesday of each month, by 6:30 PM). Board votes immediately; general membership votes at a monthly membership meeting (typically 4th Wednesday). All new members must complete a two-year probationary period with four authorized work projects—at least two must be conservation-focused.

Youth Activities: - Junior Air Gun Program - Junior .22 Rifle Program - Boy Scout Troop 945 affiliation - Adult Air Rifle Program

Shooting Sports: - Cowboy Action Shoots (regular schedule) - Bowling Pin & Practical Shoots - Skeet & trap instruction (Remington-based curriculum) - 5-stand sporting clays - Hunter Safety courses (DNR-certified)

Community & Conservation: - Stream cleanup projects - Highway cleanup (Adopt-A-Road program) - Save Our Streams initiative - Wildlife habitat work - Recycling programs - Damascus community support

"To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources." — Izaak Walton League Pledge

• •Large rental hall with commercial kitchen (members only)
• •BBQ building for outdoor cooking
• •Main clubhouse with upstairs dining hall
• •120+ acres of maintained grounds
• •Electronic key card access for members
• •Range orientation and safety training mandatory for all users

The chapter administers an Annual Scholarship Program offering multiple $1,000 scholarships ($500 per semester) to qualifying high school seniors from Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, or Carroll County, Maryland—or members' children from any school. Scholarships continue through the student's four-year college program. The chapter also nominates members for national Izaak Walton League awards and maintains chapter-specific recognition programs.

• •No open carry except active law enforcement or at sanctioned events with authorized RSOs
• •Concealed carry only with valid state/federal permit
• •Zero tolerance for firearms under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• •All range users must comply with specific rifle/pistol range safety rules
• •New shooters on shotgun fields receive mandatory safety orientation

• •Main House: 301-253-2384
• •Shotgun Range: 301-253-4779
• •Mailing Address: P.O. Box 118, Damascus, MD 20872
• •Email: [email protected]

Board of Directors (2025): - President: Cherie Aker - Vice Presidents: Joe Pauley, Rodger Moran, Kevin Wolf - Membership Secretary: Chuck Crooks (301-831-9666)

Members receive email newsletters with event updates, rule changes, and safety notices. Email list signup optional but recommended for staying current on chapter activities.