Camden Rod & Gun Club
Camden Rod & Gun Club started in 1927 (possibly earlier—they found a membership card from that era). After closing during World War II, the club got a major boost in 1969 when a local named Army Anderson donated 10-14 acres. The club officially incorporated in New York in 1970, and they've been buil...
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Camden Rod & Gun Club started in 1927 (possibly earlier—they found a membership card from that era). After closing during World War II, the club got a major boost in 1969 when a local named Army Anderson donated 10-14 acres. The club officially incorporated in New York in 1970, and they've been building ever since.
- •Indoor pistol range (built 1979)
- •Outdoor rifle range with backstop protection
- •Trap and skeet fields (Thursday nights start at 5PM, $5 per round)
- •Archery tower and range (added 2014)
- •Main Hall (currently under renovation)
- •30' x 40' storage barn (built 2003)
- •500+ active members
The club owns 26+ acres total after purchasing additional land in 2017 to protect the rifle range backstop from future development.
Hunter Education - Three certified DEC instructors on staff with over 90 years combined hunting experience: - Ken Piersall (Senior Instructor): 315-335-4604 - Chet Cichon: 315-427-3981 - Bob Lenhart: 315-790-2084
Classes are free and cover firearm safety, hunting laws, and ethical hunting practices. Students download homework from DEC.GOV before attending. Register through https://register-ed.com/events/view/142336 or contact the senior instructor.
Pistol/Handgun Courses - NRA-certified instructors offer certified pistol permit classes and defensive pistol training.
IDPA/Defensive Pistol (DPL) - The club is an official IDPA affiliate and hosts action pistol competitions.
Youth Marksmanship Program - For shooters up to 12 years old using technologically advanced air rifles. Ed Jones leads the program, and the team has been invited to national competitions with strong results. The club has invested in quality equipment specifically for youth training.
Christopher Hawks & Vernon Walker Memorial Scholarship - The club has awarded $1,000 scholarships (20 total to date) to high school seniors pursuing careers in outdoor sports, DEC positions, or youth marksmanship team members.
Fred Kenfield Memorial Kids Fishing Derby - Free kids fishing event held the second Saturday of June at the Camden Reservoir. The club provides hot dogs, soft drinks, and prizes funded by local business donations. Adults can also participate.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Incorporated | August 21, 1970 |
| Members | 500+ |
| Tax Status | 501(c)(7) nonprofit (since 2011) |
| Meetings | Second Wednesday of each month at 7PM |
| Trap/Skeet | Thursday nights, 5PM start, $5/round |
The club survived a severe flood in 2019 that sent 10 inches of water through the clubhouse and indoor pistol range. Dangerous mold buildup required complete remodeling—new drywall, cabinetry replacement, kitchen rebuild, and meeting room overhaul. Club members and volunteers donated time and money to restore the facility.
During COVID-19, the club closed March 21, 2020, and reopened June 6, 2020, after resetting access codes.
Club Mission: "To provide education programs that will train persons of all ages to be safe, ethical and responsible hunters and shooters."
- •President (Chet Cichon) - Former Army helicopter pilot, helped make the club an IDPA affiliate, teaches hunter education
- •Vice President (Ryan Dust) - Active in Camden community, coaches local AYSO
- •Secretary (Christopher Ford) - 30-year Air Force veteran with 2 combat tours, passionate bow hunter
- •Treasurer (Roy "Dusty" Dust) - Army veteran, 34-year Ferris Industries retiree, VP of NY Crossbow Coalition
- •Membership Officer (Kevin Jablonski) - Member since mid-2000s, quality professional background
- •Buildings & Grounds (Mike Murphy) - Construction industry background, licensed fishing guide, raises livestock
The club actively encourages members to participate in monthly business meetings. Membership applications and renewals are available on their website. No walk-ins—you need to be a member to use the facilities.