Big Mac Sports Club

Big Mac Sports Club was organized in fall 1973 as a learning resource for hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation in the Ogallala area. The club operates five distinct divisions: trap shooting, archery, blackpowder, fly fishing, and youth programs—each with dedicated ranges, instructors, and competitive events.

The organization is governed by a five-member board of trustees, president, treasurer, and secretary. Monthly meetings happen the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Nebraska Game and Parks Visitors Center on South Highway 61 near Lake McConaughy.

2008 Leadership: - President: Ron Mettscher (Ogallala) - Vice President: Chris Christie (Ogallala) - Treasurer/Secretary: Julie Baumgartner (North Platte)

The Ogallala Trap Club operates competitive shoots with designated marksmen including Matt Radke, Rick Monie, Jack Green, and Blake Edwards. Club officers include President John Nowak, VP Jeremy Canning and Scott Nowak. The club sponsors special shooting events like the annual Shoot Out.

Big Mac Bowhunters runs monthly 3D competitions and winter league tournaments. Shoots typically occur the fourth Sunday of each month starting at 9:00 AM, located 9 miles north of Ogallala on Highway 61 (turn west on Burma Road, 3/8 mile past the NG&P Visitors Center).

2008 3D Shoot Schedule: - February 24 - March 30 - April 27 - May 25 - June 22 - July 27

Winter league competitions run Thursdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM starting January 10 in Grant, Nebraska.

• •Associated Events: Maniohuta Archery Club hosts additional 3D shoots at Lake Maloney near North Platte with a youth day in June and a two-day tournament September 13-14.

• •Contacts: Dennis Dahlkoetter (308-352-4775) and Shawn Riley (308-284-2988) serve as Certified Archery Instructors.

Big Mac Fly Fishers is a chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) focused on promoting fly fishing as a conservation-oriented angling method. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Lake McConaughy Visitors Center starting at 6:00 PM.

2008 Officers: - President: Deland Humphreys (North Platte) - Vice President: Lynn Davis (Ogallala) - Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Baumgartner (North Platte, 308-534-9700)

Members participate in fishing clinics, fly-tying workshops, and educational activities. The club publishes fishing information and maintains resources on fly patterns including the Miracle Midge.

The Big Mac Blackpowder Club focuses on historical firearms and the Hawken rifle—described as one of the most beautiful rifles of all time. Contact Ernie Meiers (308-289-1628) for information on blackpowder shoots and meets.

The Ogallala rifle and pistol range operates with mandatory Range Officers present during all shooting. A complete list of range rules is available on request. Shooters must provide their own targets.

Key Range Officers: - Dave Baltzell (284-6326, 289-2605) - Michael Bell (289-6625, 284-8252) - Craig Canning (289-2481) - Earl Castle (289-5577, 284-3239) - Scott Condon (284-4624, 284-8521) - Harold Devoe (284-3966, 284-4449) - Jeremy Canning (289-5084) - Trevor Foster (284-3177, 340-7039)

Additional range coverage available through North Platte (Julie Baumgartner, 534-9700), Colorado (James Kupper Jr., 303-503-2592), and Arthur, Nebraska (Joe Kupper, 289-2744) contacts.

"To preserve and maintain our local, regional and state fish and wildlife heritage and ensure that future generations may have the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the waters and wilderness areas which allow all outdoorsmen to truly experience nature."

The club works on conservation and habitat restoration projects, petitions state and federal agencies on resource issues, and emphasizes wildlife preservation. Major focus areas include riparian habitat restoration and public education about fish and wildlife value.

The club welcomes new members year-round. Membership is valid January 1 through December 31. Print a membership form online or contact President Gary McGuire (308-772-1094) or write to Big Mac Sports Club, P.O. Box 364, Ogallala, NE 69153.

Whether you're new to fly fishing, hunting, and wildlife habitat management or have years of experience, membership provides access to five active shooting/fishing divisions, monthly educational meetings, and a network of experienced hunters and anglers.

The club hosts an annual Big Mac Sports Expo featuring vendor booths and outdoor recreation displays. Contact Jerry Steinke (308-284-4487) for vendor information.