Talbot Rod & Gun Club

Talbot Rod & Gun Club is a shotgun-only facility located at 9226 Chapel Road in Easton, Maryland. Established in 1934, the club has spent nearly a century hosting hunters, competitors, families, and recreational shooters across Talbot County and the surrounding region.

The club runs three primary shotgun sports:

• •Skeet - Olympic-style shooting discipline
• •Trap - Timed clay target shooting
• •5-Stand (Modified Targets) - Practical shotgun sport

Shooters can also participate in games like Pieces and other variations from designated stations.

Call (410) 822-4442 between 12:30–1pm on Wednesdays to confirm status during questionable weather (70%+ rain chance closes the club). Check the website or call before visiting during inclement weather.

Firearms must meet strict specifications:

• •Gauge only: 12, 16, 20, 28, or .410 bore
• •Shell length: 2-3/4 inch only (no 3-inch shells)
• •Shot size: 7, 8, 8.5, or 9 shot
• •Barrel minimum: 24 inches (shorter barrels not allowed)
• •No hunting loads

All shooters must sign in before shooting. Non-members check in with the Safety Officer. The club enforces three cardinal rules:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot 3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

Annual Membership: - First year: $100 dues + $50 initiation fee = $150 - Renewal years: $125 - Students, active duty military, and shooters under 21 always shoot at member rates

Membership requires an existing member sponsor who has observed you shooting and can testify to your safety practices. The process:

1. Visit during open hours (Sat/Sun or Wed afternoons) 2. If you don't know a member, announce your interest—a member will observe your shooting on an assigned field 3. Member will instruct you in club courtesies: pick up spent shells, reload traps, dispose of target boxes, leave fields clean 4. Complete Membership Application Form and Liability Waiver 5. Submit with check ($100 dues + $50 initiation fee) 6. At the next Member Meeting (first Wednesday of each month), your sponsor will recommend you 7. Vote held; you're notified of results

If declined, all fees are refunded. The club maintains a membership cap; dues must be paid by a specified date each year or the membership opens to the waiting list.

The club hosts competitive shoots throughout the year:

• •Johnny Mautz Freedom Shoot (June) - Large competition with food and festivities
• •Grady Bridges Memorial Shoot (October) - 50+ competitors, skeet/5-stand/long bird events
• •Quail Forever Shoot (November) - Habitat benefit shoot with squads from Maryland and Delaware
• •Irish Shoot (March)
• •General Membership Meetings - Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm

The Easton High School Clay Target Team uses Talbot Rod & Gun Club as its home facility. The 4H also sponsors youth programs with certified instructors.

• •Food and drinks available for purchase in clubhouse
• •Ammunition sales (12, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore shotshells)
• •Gift cards available
• •Trap rental and facility rental available by Executive Board approval ($300 fee for non-members; $25 per round for large groups)

Physical Address: 9226 Chapel Road Easton, MD 21601

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 162 Easton, MD 21601

Phone: (410) 822-4442

Website: Visit for current hours, rules, and event registration

The club's mission is to promote, preserve, and enjoy the fishing and hunting tradition of Talbot County, Maryland; conserve game and fish; support clay target shooting sports; and encourage the constitutional and safe use of firearms.