Hamilton Rod & Gun Club

Hamilton Rod & Gun Club operates as a private membership organization at 24 Hamilton Road in Sturbridge, MA with roots going back over a century. The tagline says it all: "The Footpath of Sportsmen since 1921." Today it's a full-service outdoor recreation facility with shooting ranges, archery, fishing, and camping.

The club maintains three distinct shooting areas:

• •Pistol Range - Located directly off the main parking lot with two rooms: a 10-window shooting area and a separate quiet room with tables for cleaning weapons or conversation. A wood stove keeps things comfortable in winter months. Pistols, revolvers, and pistol-caliber carbines are welcome; shotguns not allowed except for sanctioned events.

• •Rifle Range - Non-lighted facility with standard daylight hours (Monday-Saturday until sunset, Sunday 9:30 AM to 4 PM or sunset). No rapid-fire shooting permitted to respect neighbors.

• •Trap Range - Lighted facility open Monday-Saturday 8 AM-10 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM-4 PM. Friday night trap shoots run on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month starting at 6 PM—open to public and members alike.

Range Hours of Operation: Lighted ranges (pistol/trap) run Monday-Saturday 8 AM-10 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM-4 PM. Unlighted rifle range closes at sunset.

Over 75 archers participate in weekly matches held every Sunday morning from 9:00 AM to noon. The indoor range operates in the Pavilion during winter months. Participants range from eight years old to senior members. Matches are well-organized with food provided by members at reasonable prices. Season-ending banquets award top archers. Entry cost is $7 per week for the Winter Archery League (12-week session).

The club hosts the annual R100 Archery Shoot (June 26, 2026) and actively recruits young archers to learn from experienced members.

• •Pond One (closest to Pavilion) - Catch-and-release only using barbless hooks until Father's Day (fly fishing exclusively, no bait casting). Stocked with trout. After Father's Day, bait casting allowed.

• •Ponds Two & Three - Fish year-round with barbed hooks and both catch-and-release and keeper options. Members enjoy ice fishing during winter months. Current trout limits: 2 per day per membership, 4 per week total.

Members only—non-members not permitted to fish club ponds. Day passes available for camping guests (catch-and-release only).

The campground overlooks the three ponds with dedicated cooking sites near the clearing and immediate access to fishing. Boy Scouts use the area pre-season for outdoor skill practice. Canoe paddling available on Pond 3. RVs must be registered. Applications required 4 weeks prior to requested camping dates. Seasonal sites available and fill early.

Full bar in both facilities. TIPS-certified bartenders provided. $100 refundable cleaning deposit if you handle setup/cleanup. Perfect for weddings, reunions, corporate events, banquets, clambakes, and business meetings. Contact Shannon Nieuwenhoff ([email protected]) for tours and reservations.

New members attend mandatory Orientation and Range Certification Course held the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30 AM. Classes include hands-on visits to trap, pistol, and rifle ranges (dress for outdoor weather). Applications available at orientation; cash, check, or credit cards accepted for membership dues.

Renewal options: - Online: hamiltonrg.org/Renewals - By mail to P.O. Box 954, Sturbridge, MA 01566-0954 - In person at General Membership Meetings or Drop-In Hours (multiple times monthly)

The club hosts regular Friday Night Trap (2nd & 4th Fridays at 6 PM), the annual Meat Raffle (February 21, 2026 at 1:30 PM, open to public), and various social gatherings. General Membership Meetings held monthly. Kitchen and bar open during most events.

The club operates on a volunteer committee model with monthly maintenance work parties on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (8:30 AM start with coffee and donuts). Committees include Archery, Fishing, Camping, Pistol, Rifle, Trap, Upland Bird Club (UBC), Bar & Kitchen, Membership, and Youth & Entertainment.

• •Phone: 508-347-3389
• •Address: 24 Hamilton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566-0954

While primarily a private member club, Hamilton regularly opens events to the public: Trap shooting (Friday nights and sanctioned events), archery league, and special events like the Meat Raffle and R100 Archery Shoot. The club adheres to the Conservation Pledge and maintains wildlife-rich grounds with scenic pond views.