East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club
Message from the President – January 2026
Dear Members,
Happy New Year to you and your families. As we begin 2026, I would like to reflect briefly on the successes of the past year and share important updates and priorities for the months ahead.
2025 was a strong and productive year for the East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club. We completed several meaningful facility upgrades, hosted successful matches, and conducted multiple “Stop the Bleed” training courses for our members. Our membership remains strong and continues to grow, and there are several exciting plans already underway for 2026. I sincerely appreciate the continued support, cooperation, and dedication of our members. By working together as a team, we can continue making ETRPC stronger and better than ever.
Range Safety and Etiquette
Safety remains our highest priority. We have recently encountered issues involving the improper placement of clay pigeons as targets, particularly near the tops of berms. This practice is unsafe and creates a serious risk of projectiles leaving the range, as well as hazards for members climbing berms to place targets. Clay pigeons must not be placed higher than approved target stands. Continued violations may result in their use being prohibited entirely. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
It appears that someone used a rifle on Range #5. One of the steel plates has a hole shot right through it. That is not allowed on the pistol bays. If you are caught shooting the steel plates on the pistol bays with a rifle you will lose your membership to ETRPC. Don’t be that guy!
Additionally, please take care when placing and engaging targets. Striking wooden posts and crossmembers causes unnecessary damage to target stands. Members are reminded to remove all targets after shooting and dispose of them properly in the provided burn barrels to help keep our facility clean and ready for others.
Facility Updates
The new upper-range bathroom is now fully operational. I would like to commend our Range Manager, John Rainey, for his outstanding work on this project. The previous bathroom has been converted into a storage area for maintenance and cleaning supplies. Please help us keep the new facilities clean and orderly.
Looking ahead, one of our goals for 2026 is to possibly remodel the lower-range bathrooms. Members with remodeling or construction experience who would like to assist are encouraged to contact the club office.
All berms on both the upper and lower ranges have recently been repaired, and these improvements should serve the club well into the new year.
Membership and Events
Membership renewals are now easier than ever with streamlined online credit card payments. New members can also complete their account, orientation and testing online before visiting the office to finalize enrollment. These improvements have greatly enhanced efficiency, and we encourage all members to take advantage of them.
Our shotgun, IDPA, and Steel Challenge teams remain very active, with regular events and matches scheduled throughout the year. Sunday shotgun events, including 5-Stand and Trap, are open to the public and provide excellent opportunities for skill development. Please check the club calendar regularly for training classes, matches, and special events.
Our next club meeting will be held on February 19 at 6:00 PM sharp. I strongly encourage members to attend and participate. Elections for President and Range Manager will be held this year in accordance with the by-laws, with newly elected officers assuming duties on April 1.
As always, please report any unsafe behavior or vandalism to an RSO or club officer immediately. Together, we can ensure ETRPC remains safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club. I look forward to another successful year.
Quote of the month:
How to feel motivated?
- Set a goal
- Start small
- Build momentum
- Have the “put in the rep” mindset
- Focus on the process, not the results
- Do the best you can today, with what you have
Respectfully,
Tommie Deese
President
East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club
Best regards,
Tommie Deese
President, East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club
