Somerset County Fish and Game Protective Association
Somerset County Fish and Game Protective Association (SCFGPA) was founded in 1921 and remains a cornerstone of New Jersey's shooting community. The club relocated to its current Bridgewater location in the early 1960s, and today operates as a private not-for-profit organization with a mission center...
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Overview
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Somerset County Fish and Game Protective Association (SCFGPA) was founded in 1921 and remains a cornerstone of New Jersey's shooting community. The club relocated to its current Bridgewater location in the early 1960s, and today operates as a private not-for-profit organization with a mission centered on promoting conservation and the shooting sports.
Early club members served as game wardens—which explains the "protective" in the organization's name. That conservation-first heritage continues today, with the club actively supporting New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife.
SCFGPA operates multiple facilities for different shooting disciplines:
- •Indoor pistol range - Used for competitions, training, and regular practice
- •Underground rifle range - Climate-controlled precision shooting
- •Outdoor archery range - Open year-round for traditional and modern archery
- •Outdoor air gun range - Dedicated space for air rifle and air pistol shooters
Members get unlimited access to all ranges as part of their membership.
Snowball Archery League meets every Thursday evening year-round. The group welcomes traditional shooters (longbow, recurve) and modern shooters (compound, crossbows). New shooters and experienced archers mix freely, with the range often featuring warm fires, food, and late-night coffee.
Senior Pistol Group meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 AM to 12 PM. Despite its name, age isn't a requirement—mostly retired shooters show up, and the motto is you might end up "shooting the breeze" as much as actual rounds.
Junior Programs are extensive. The Somerset Junior Rifle Club has a long history of champion shooters competing at NRA matches, national championships, NCAA rifle events, and the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Multiple junior leagues run throughout the year for pistol and rifle.
Tuesday Night Open Pistol runs weekly for general membership pistol practice and competition.
Trap Shooting partners with sister clubs: - Shongum (363 Jane's Chapel Road, Oxford, NJ) - Tuesday mornings at 9 AM - Farmers Sportsman Club (300 Ellis Road, Milford, NJ) - Friday evenings at 7 PM
Trap shooters need 50 rounds of trap loads (7.5 or 8s) and a shotgun. An annual New Year's Day fun shoot at Clinton Wildlife Management Area includes brunch afterwards.
Firearm Training Classes available to members at discounted rates:
| Class | Length | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Handgun Beginner | 4 hours | Safety, handgun types, ammunition, safe operation, hygiene |
| NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting | 8 hours | NRA-certified, essential safety, pistol fundamentals, maintenance, cleaning |
| NRA Range Safety Officer | 9 hours | RSO roles, range procedures, emergency response, malfunctions |
| NRA Certified Instructor - Pistol | TBD | NRA policies, public speaking, training methodology, role-playing practice |
New Jersey Hunter Education - SCFGPA hosts archery hunter education classes in partnership with the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The club can only host archery classes (firearms can't be used outdoors at the facility). Classes include online coursework followed by an in-person shooting proficiency test (approximately 2 hours). Conservation officers attend to explain field work and connect with future hunters. Contact the Hunter Ed Chairman to sign up or inquire about becoming an instructor.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting completion earns an NRA certificate, which meets concealed carry requirements in many states and is accepted at most ranges as proof of training.
SCFGPA maintains professional connections: - The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs - Member club - National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - Affiliated - Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) - Affiliated - National Rifle Association (NRA) - Affiliated; NRA membership is encouraged but not required
The club is private—only members and their guests can use facilities. Members must wear their club badges anytime on property. Membership provides: - Unlimited range access - Discounted training classes - Access to competitive leagues and shooting groups - Member-only events and meetings - Access to instructional materials
Interested shooters should note: an "archery only" membership interest list exists for those wanting dedicated archery access.
The club maintains a full calendar of recurring events including General Membership Meetings, Saturday Workdays, Ladies Night, and NRA Registered competitions. Check the events calendar for current schedules—most leagues run 50+ sessions annually.
Somerset County Fish and Game Protective Association 445 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-393-2891
The facility has been serving Somerset County and the greater New Jersey shooting community for over a century, combining competitive shooting sports with conservation values.
Fire Restrictions Active
Check current conditions before visiting. Smoking and open flames may be prohibited.
Safety Information
- •Check current conditions before visiting
- •Follow all posted safety guidelines
- •Respect other shooters and maintain safe distances
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