Big Bear Sportsman's Club

Big Bear Sportsman's Club is a nonprofit community organization based in Kaleva, Michigan dedicated to preserving the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Located on beautiful 80-acre property, the club operates four distinct shooting facilities open to members and their guests.

30-Station Archery Range — Open Sundays noon to 3 PM, May through November. Archers choose between traditional bale shooting or 3D target shooting with varying shot distances and field conditions including brush, trees, and tree stand stations. Field heads only; broadheads prohibited due to backstop construction.

Shotgun Ranges — Trap, skeet, and 5-stand shooting available. Clay targets from five different launch positions simulate straight-on shots, extreme left-to-right, and right-to-left flights. Maximum shot size is 7½.

Rifle and Pistol Ranges — Members and guests welcome during posted hours. Sight-in days held in November (Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM-2 PM).

Summer Hours — Shotgun range operates Sunday 10 AM-12 PM and Thursday 3-5 PM (seasonal).

Shooter Cards — 11 rounds available: $50 (members trap/skeet), $70 (non-members), $70-$80 (5-stand).

Annual Dues: - $60 for individuals - $30 for spouses - Free for members under 17 (cubs) - All new members and cubs require sponsorship from current member in good standing

Community Service Recognition: Action Award for Community Service from Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce (2014, 2015)

The club invests heavily in the community: - Hunter Safety Education — Instructors have taught over 2,500 students in 20 years - Youth Archery Programs — Operates in Kaleva-Northport and Mesick school districts - Bicycle Donation Program — Over 65 bicycles donated to community members needing transportation - Veteran Hunts — Free hunts on club property for veterans - Environmental Scholarship — 25% of Big Bear Butt Cruise proceeds fund scholarships for Environmental Sciences students - Holiday Programs — Free Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day (open to public); adopted families receive gifts and food - Youth Programs — Shotgun trap program for area high school students; partners with Youth Staircase Services, Spirit of the Woods summer camp, and MUCC youth summer camp - Conservation — Adopt-A-Highway on U.S. 31 and Nine Mile Road; forestry classes where students plant trees

Club hosts regular events including: - Big Bear Butt Cruise — Annual motorcycle rally (August) - Sportsman's Yard Sale — April and September (no admission) - Gun Shows — April and September ($3 admission) - Big Bear Banquet — September dinner and raffle - Hunter Education Classes — Seasonal field days; must complete online course through Michigan DNR first - CPL Classes — Concealed Pistol License certification - Ladies and Lead — Women's shooting class - Monthly Meetings — First Tuesday of each month at 7 PM

The clubhouse and ranges are available for rent for special occasions and private events. Contact Dave Somsel at (231) 499-3471 or use the online inquiry form for booking information.

All shooters must sign in/out and complete a waiver before shooting. Club enforces strict safety rules: no firearms handling after alcohol or drug consumption, eye and ear protection required, fingers off triggers until ready to fire, safe muzzle direction always. The Range Safety Officer has final authority over range operations and can shut down immediately if unsafe conditions exist.

Proud member of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Sporting Clays Association, and National Sporting Clays Association. Leadership includes President Dave Somsel, First VP Jack McKinley, and board members from the local Kaleva community.