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Founded in September 1923, Frederick IWLA Chapter #1 is one of the oldest chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America—a grassroots conservation organization with nearly 270 local chapters nationwide. The Frederick Chapter was one of the first in Maryland and remains one of only two oldest chapter...
Own Izaak Walton League - Frederick #1?
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Founded in September 1923, Frederick IWLA Chapter #1 is one of the oldest chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America—a grassroots conservation organization with nearly 270 local chapters nationwide. The Frederick Chapter was one of the first in Maryland and remains one of only two oldest chapters in the entire nation.
Membership isn't just about shooting. The chapter provides educational opportunities across conservation, shooting, hunter safety, gun safety, and fishing. All instructors are qualified members—the chapter maintains a roster of a dozen certified instructors.
Membership Tiers: - Individual: $105/year - Family: $157.50/year - Student (18-24): $52.50/year - Youth (18 & under): $17/year
After your first year, renewals require either 24 hours of work (individual) or 32 hours (family)—or pay a higher renewal fee of $260/$315. Seniors (65+), youth, and students are exempt from work requirements.
Frederick IWLA operates both archery and firearm ranges on 50+ acres:
| Range Type | Distance | Firearms | Archery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close quarters | 10 yards | Pistol | ✓ |
| Mid-range | 20-30 yards | Pistol | ✓ |
| Long range | 50-100 yards | Rifle & Pistol | — |
Guest Policy: Guests can use the range only if supervised by an RSO member. Fee: $5 per guest visit. The same guest can visit only twice per year (immediate family exempt).
The chapter conducts multiple courses throughout the year to support the youth program and community education:
Check the chapter website for the current training schedule—range access is occasionally limited during class sessions.
The Frederick Chapter takes land management seriously. The facility sits on 50+ acres, with 49 acres permanently protected through an environmental easement managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust. This means the land cannot be developed in perpetuity.
Conservation activities include: - Stream cleanups - Tree planting programs - Installation of duck and squirrel nesting boxes - Forest stewardship management - Adopt-a-Road initiatives - Habitat restoration projects
"Through easements, education and outreach the Frederick Chapter strives to develop and promote conservation efforts that are relevant to and supportive of our community and surrounding environment."
The chapter's youth program launched formally in 1997 and emphasizes outdoor education and hunter safety. A junior air rifle program started in 1991. Today, the chapter sponsors hunting and shooting sports courses annually with a dozen qualified member instructors.
Special events bring members together around shared interests—West Virginia canoe trips, Chesapeake Bay charter fishing, fall dove hunting, and regular outdoor trips.
On-Site Features: - Clubhouse (originally built 1963, renovated with central heating/AC in 2008) - New pavilion (completed 2011) - Outdoor 10, 20, 30 yard archery range - Outdoor 50 and 100 yard rifle and pistol ranges - Grounds maintenance equipment and shed - 49-acre conservation area - Bow hunting permitted on property
Frederick IWLA is a non-profit, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization with 200+ members. The board meets monthly prior to regular membership meetings (open to observe, but members can't interact during board sessions—raise issues at the membership meeting instead).
Members satisfy participation requirements through: - Attending monthly meetings (1 point each) - Participating in conservation activities - Assisting with youth programs - Helping coordinate or teach NRA/HQL/Hunter Safety classes - Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, snow removal) - Fundraising events (raffles, annual pig roast)
The chapter meets regularly throughout the year. Members are encouraged to attend a meeting to get to know the organization before committing to membership.
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