East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club
Message from the President – February 2026
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds everyone well. It appears that Old Man Winter finally made his way to East Texas. While we were reluctant to close the range for a few days, the decision was made in the interest of safety for our members and staff. Fortunately, we came through the freezing weather without any damage or loss of power.
Recently, we attended the Gun Show in Longview, and it was great to see several club members stop by our tables to visit. We made many positive contacts that should result in new memberships soon. We will also be attending the Gun Show in March. If you are interested in helping staff our tables and assisting with membership outreach, please let us know—we would greatly appreciate your support.
Range Safety and Etiquette
Safety remains our highest priority, and range cleanliness and appearance are equally important. I spend a great deal of time on the ranges and take pride in maintaining a clean, neat facility for our members. As I walk the ranges, I continually look for areas that need attention, and I would like to address a few recurring issues.
The “Watch for Falling Material” signs on Ranges 1 and 2 were installed to warn members that the high embankment near the 300-yard target area can occasionally shed dirt and rocks. These signs are not intended to be used as targets—please respect their purpose.
Additionally, I recently found a .22 LR target still attached to a 100-yard target stand. Please remember to remove all targets when you are finished shooting.
I also continue to find spent shotgun shells left on the ranges, including behind cross ties and target stands. The best way to “hide” your shells is to pick them up and place them in the provided barrels. There are clear signs posted at the shotgun facility reminding members to collect their shells
It only takes a few extra minutes to clean up after yourself, and it makes a significant difference. Our maintenance staff has many responsibilities beyond cleaning up after members. I frequently receive compliments on how nice our facility looks—let’s all take ownership in keeping ETRPC the best gun club in East Texas by leaving the ranges cleaner than we found them.
Facility Updates and Upgrades
Several important topics will be discussed at our February meeting. We have requested bids from two contractors for remodeling the lower range bathroom facilities and hope to review those proposals at the meeting.
We have also received numerous requests regarding the possibility of adding a 600-yard rifle range. We believe we may have identified a potential path forward, and this idea is currently in the discussion phase. Member input will be critical as we decide whether to move ahead.
In addition, we will discuss upgrading the gate system at Gate #2, as the current system continues to experience frequent failures.
We have recently added some (prairie dog) steel targets on ranges 1 & 2 to see how they will hold up. If these targets hold up well and our members enjoy shooting at something besides round steel gongs, we hope to add more and different targets in the future.
Bylaws and SOPs
At the February meeting, we will also review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) associated with the newly revised Club Bylaws. This has been a year-long process, and finalizing these documents will provide the club with a clearer, more detailed framework for operations and responsibilities of officers and staff.
Membership and Events
Membership renewals are now easier than ever with streamlined online credit card payments. New members can also complete their accounts, orientation, and testing online prior to visiting the office to finalize enrollment. These improvements have greatly enhanced efficiency, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of them.
Our shotgun, IDPA, and Steel Challenge programs 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 offer excellent opportunities for skill development. Please check the club calendar frequently for matches, training classes, 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. Nominations for President and Range Master will be held in February in accordance with the bylaws. If needed, elections will take place in March. If no formal election is required, newly elected officers will assume their duties on April 1, 2026.
As always, please report any unsafe behavior or vandalism to an RSO or club officer immediately. Working together, we can ensure that 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 & prosperous year.
Quote of the Month:
“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”
How often have you heard the phrase, “We’ve never done it that way before”?
Best regards,
Tommie Deese
President, East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club
