march 2026, Volume 81 No. 3
Club Website- www.richlandrodandgun.org
Club Facebook- www.Facebook.com/RichlandRodandGunClub
2025/2026 Officers
President
Evan Kirkpatrick
(414) 534-2817
Secretary
Mike Estes
(509) 551-9066
Treasurer
Ron Moore
(509) 521-4528
I GIVE MY PLEDGE AS AN AMERICAN TO SAVE AND FAITHFULLY DEFEND FROM WASTE,
THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF MY COUNTRY; ITS AIR, SOILS, AND MINERALS.
ITS FORESTS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE. I WILL HELP EDUCATE FUTURE GENERATIONS
TO BE RESPONSIBLE CARETAKERS OF THE RESOURCES OF AMERICA.
Vice President
Adrian Quinones
(619) 861-9204
March 3 General Meeting
6:30pm at the Richland Public Library
This month’s program presenter will be the 2025 Quality Trip winner, Mike Estes. Mike will share photos and experiences that he and his partner in the drawing had in Oregon and California last year while chasing quality white crappie and black crappie. Have you purchased your 2026 Quality Trip chances yet? Have you thought about what you would pursue and where you would go if you win? Come listen to Mike’s presentation and get enthused.
Become a member today!
Download the March 2026 newsletter
Wild Game Dinner Tickets and Quality Trip Chances
LAST CHANCE!!! The March 3 meeting will be your last opportunity to purchase tickets for the 74th annual Wild Game Dinner that will be held on March 21, 2026 at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Thanks to everyone who has donated meat and prizes for the dinner and to those who have volunteered to help with the food preparation. We are going to have some fun!
Dinner tickets are available from Dale Schielke (509-420-0021). Quality Trip chances are available from Ron Moore at our March meeting and at the Wild Game Dinner. Rules for the Quality Trip drawing are shown further down in this newsletter. Dinner tickets are $30 each and Quality Trip chances are $25.
Note: The Fairgrounds has recently completed its paving project for what they refer to as the Vendor Parking area (black pavement in the photo). Entrance to Fairgrounds Building 4 where the dinner will be held is from 10th Avenue south onto Oak Street (the road shown coming in from the right in the photo). Park in the newly paved area and follow the RRGC signs to Building 4 which is the smaller building banded by yellow at the top left of the photo. Volunteer workers and handicapped persons may enter the west Fairgrounds entrance via Fairway Street to the parking area banded by green which is adjacent to Building 4.
MEETINGS AND DEADLINES
Next General Meeting – February 3, 6:30 PM at Richland Public Library
Next Board Meeting- February 17, 7:00 PM at Griggs Pasco Hunter Ed room
March Newsletter Contribution Deadline is February 22.
Email: admin@richlandrodandgun.org
March 3 Annual Meeting and Election of Officers and Trustees
The club’s bylaws identify the March general membership meeting as our annual meeting where the first item of New Business is the election of Officers and Trustees for the next year (April through March). Our Board of Directors consists of four elected officers (President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary), up to 15 elected Trustees, and the Immediate Past President. The Nominating Committee recommends the following members for election as our 2026-2027 Officers and Trustees. President: Richard Sharp. Vice-President: Owen Matson. Treasurer: Ron Moore. Secretary: Mike Estes. Immediate Past President: Evan Kirkpatrick. Trustees: Maija Greer, Tim Irvin, Monte Kelsey, Paul Kison, Packy Lackey, Larry Martin, Dave Myers, John Prather, Dale Schielke, Bill Suhr, Marilyn Steele and Pete Workman. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the meeting. Anyone nominated from the floor must be present and agree to serve if elected. We need three additional Trustees to completely fill the BOD and are searching for two members to maintain the Club’s membership records and to serve as the administrator for the Club’s web page. If you may be willing to serve, please contact Richard Sharp (509-551-6785) or Mike Estes (509-551-9066).
Wild Game Dinner Preparations
Dates and times have been set for meat preparation for the dinner. Please add these events to your calendar and come lend a hand. No experience is required.
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February 27 at 6:00pm - Meat grinding for sausage at John Prather’s shop.
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February 28 at 9:00am - Sausage stuffing at John Prather’s shop.
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March 1 at 9:00am - Meatballs and trout cakes will be made at Marilyn Steele’s home.
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March 8 at 9:00am – Chukar cleaning at John Prather’s shop.
John’s address is 215107 E. Game Farm Road in east Kennewick. Marilyn’s address is 41530 S. Morton Road, also in east Kennewick.
Donation Received
Gaylord Pyle has allowed RRGC to store materials and supplies in a 7.5’ by 12.5’ enclosed truck box on his residential property in West Richland for many years. With the possible sale of his property pending, Gaylord offered to donate the storage box to us with the stipulation that it be relocated to a new home. A thank you letter has been sent to Gaylord expressing our appreciation for the donation. Club members Dale Schielke, John Merk, Blaine Schwartz, Marilyn Steele, Ben Hooper, and Dori Hooper spent over a half day relocating the unit to its new location. The Club’s old salmon smokers and associated fire boxes were also stored at Gaylord’s. Our Club has no need for them since we purchased the trailer-mounted Traeger smoker a few years ago. If anyone is interested in the smokers or fire boxes, please contact Dale Schielke (509-420-0021) within the next two weeks or they will be scrapped. One of the fire boxes is shown in the photo below.
Lunker Lake Results
52 volunteers assisted with Lunker Lake at the Tri-City Sportsmen’s Show in January for a total of 526 volunteer hours. 1,244 of the 1,576 fish in the pond were caught during the three day show. 175 of the 256 fish tagged for prizes were caught; a 68% catch rate. Thank you to Ranch and Home, AWS, Grigg’s, Dairy Queen, Dead Worm Fishing, and Texas Roadhouse for donating prizes for the kids who caught tagged fish.
Archery in the Schools
Enterprise Middle School (EMS) in West Richland is running an archery tournament (the EMS Shamrock Shoot) for students K-12 prior to the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) state archery tournament to help kids practice for the state tournament and also to raise some money to fund their club equipment expenses like replacing arrows and maintaining bows. They expect a bunch of kids in our area to sign up and the coach is looking for volunteers to assist on the floor and to help kids score their arrows after each flight. The Shamrock Shoot is March 14th at EMS from 8am to probably 5pm depending on how many kids sign up. They are planning to have 30-40 kids shooting at one time and would like to have 10-15 volunteers at any given time. Some NASP volunteers who assisted in the past won't be available because this isn't the state competition. If you are willing to assist for part of the day, or all day, please register to help at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094AA8AB2CAAFB6-62500328-archery or call Karen Evans at 509-374-7751.
RMSF Youth Shooting Program
Dave McNeal of the Rattlesnake Mountain Shooting Facility (RMSF) attended our March 17 Board of Directors meeting to talk about how RMSF is promoting youth shooting activities. RMSF is starting a National Rifle Association (NRA) Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). Dave provided Board members with copies of the YHEC handbook. The YHEC course was started by NRA in 1985 to help kids age 18 and under improve their hunting, marksmanship, and safety skills after passing a hunter safety course. The course provides shooting range experience with archery, shotgun, muzzleloader, and .22 rifle.
Youth shoot for free at RMSF when accompanied by an adult. Youth shotgun and rimfire rifle events are scheduled for March 15 and March 19, respectively. Additional youth shooting events are scheduled every month for the remainder of the year. You can learn more about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge at https://yhec.nra.org/
Youth Conservation Camp
Washington State Youth Conservation Camp (WSYCC) will be held again this summer at Moran State Park on Orcas Island for boys and girls ages 12 through 16. Boys Camp is from Sunday, July 26 to Saturday, August 1. Girls Camp is from Sunday, August 2 to Saturday, August 8. Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up campers at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Campers can participate in archery, marine biology, hiking, fly fishing and fly tying, survival, canoeing, leadership, conservation, and water safety classes. RRGC budgets to cover the $400 registration fee for multiple campers each year. If you know a boy or girl who is interested in attending camp WSYCC this year and meets the age criteria, please contact Larry Martin (509-521-2554) to discuss reserving a space for that special person.
Hunter Education
Our next HE class will be held during the 2026 school spring break. The first day of class will be April 6 and on line registration for the class will open of the WDFW web page about March 6.
The photos below show Ron Ruth and John Prather (photo by Larry Martin) and Ron and Larry (photo by John) on their last pheasant hunt of the year at Limits Game Farm near Mesa on February 17. The Hunter Education pheasant hunt was held at Limits on February 21. Thanks to all the dog handlers and mentors who assisted with the hunt and to Dave Piovesan of Limits Game Farm, the Connell Gun Club, and the Ringold Chapter of Pheasants Forever who co-sponsored the event. We will include photos of the HE hunt in the April newsletter.
Wood Duck Nest Box Maintenance
Dale Schielke reports that so far this year 14 different volunteers have donated over 160 hours assisting with the annual maintenance on the wood duck nesting boxes. This includes cleaning out all old nesting materials and replacing it with fresh clean cedar shavings because the hen doesn't bring in any nesting materials. Usage data is documented for each box and uploaded to the RRGCwoodducks.org web page. Of the 290 boxes that have been checked, 148 were used by wood ducks, 53 were used by screech owls, 12 banded owls were recaptured, two new owls were banded, and 1081 wood duck egg membranes have been counted. Volunteers include Dale Schielke, John Merk, Blaine Schwartz, Dan Evans, Brandon Evans, Paul Horner, Mike Cantaloub, Dax Waterbury, Ryan Nielsen, Conner Nielsen, Randy Williams, Bill Watson, Matt Baker, and John Serkowski. Dax and Brandon are shown in the photo below with a screech owl they “discovered” in a nest box.
The goal is to inspect, clean, and install new wood chips in all 600+ nest boxes by mid-March. If you would like to volunteer to help check nest boxes, please call or text Dale at 509-420-0021.
Dale made presentations to five 7th grade Life Sciences classes at Libby Middle School in February. On the following day, students all assisted in assembling a nesting box in each of the classes. The students got to sign the inside of the back of the boxes they assembled. The five boxes may be installed as replacements for boxes lost in the Yakima River flood earlier this year.
Habitat Projects
Larry Martin participated in a habitat project near Mesa Lake with WDFW and the Pheasants Forever Tri-City chapter on February 7 to install habitat shelter for wildlife and plant sagebrush. The habitat shelter is an A-frame structure made of two wooden pallets leaned together with Christmas trees stacked on and around it, making a nice cozy hiding place for birds or small animals. Hundreds of sagebrush were planted nearby for wildlife habitat. Rex Sherburn with Pheasants Forever and McKaden Manderbach of WDFW organized this project.
On February 12, a team comprised of Larry, Bill Watson, and Jerry Bloom inspected ten water guzzlers in the vicinity of SR 21 southeast of Prosser. All but one were in good condition and full of water. Guzzler 131 has fire damage that will require repairs to the rain catchment apron and support legs for which Larry will organize a work party.
2026 KOE Fishing Events
Dates have been set for the 2026 Kids Outdoor Education (KOE) fishing events at Columbia Park Pond.
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Volunteers are needed to assemble approximately 1,000 fishing rods before the events. Group rod assembly will be at the Grigg’s Department Store Hunter Education classroom in Pasco on Saturday March 28 at 9:00am, or you can pick up rods to assemble at home. Lunch and beverages will be provided at the group rod assembly.
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One of two persons are needed to provide security at the pond from noon to dusk on April 16. Please contact Marilyn if you are willing to monitor the pond.
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The Special Needs event will be on Friday April 17 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 12:30pm. Volunteers are needed to hand out rods and bait, mentor fishermen around the pond, and to clean the fish. Dinner for volunteers at the gazebo to follow.
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Kids Fishin’ Day will be on Saturday April 18 from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 6:30am. Volunteers are needed to check in registered youth, hand out rods and bait, mentor and assist fishermen around the pond, clean fish, repair fishing reels, and to monitor the volunteer food area. Food and beverages will be provided all day for volunteers.
The registration fee to fish this year has been increased from $10 to $15 due to the loss of Washington ALEA grant funds. Kids get to keep their fishing rods. Please mark your calendar. Any questions can be directed to Marilyn Steele, 509-392-2128 or momhoops46@gmail.com.
Coastal Conservation Association Fundraiser Banquet
The Tri-Cities CCA Chapter 19th annual fundraiser banquet will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Red Lion in Pasco. Doors open at 4:30pm. CCA promotes health and longevity of our coastal and river recreational fisheries. Banquet proceeds support Washington advocacy efforts and statewide operations. Tickets are available at https://TriCities2026.givesmart.com
Pheasants Forever “Clays for Conservation” Event
The Benton-Franklin chapter of Pheasants Forever is holding a clay pigeon shoot at the Lost Barn Venue in West Richland on Saturday, March 28. Every dollar raised stays local to support habitat projects in Benton and Franklin counties. The event is from 10:00am to 2:00pm. (Note that the hours are changed from what was reported last month.) The price is $60 per shooter and only 30 spots are available. Clays for the shoot, lunch, and prizes for top shooters are provided. Shooters are required to provide their own shotgun and shells and eye and hearing protection. Register at https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events/clays-for-conservation/e0c3c29c-b7e3-470a-9100-d93a8df4971a or send questions to ch0995@pfofficers.org.
Quality Trip Rules
Annual membership dues expire on March 31. Dues must be paid for 2026 to be eligible to enter the 2026 Quality Trip drawing. Each member is eligible to purchase four chances in the drawing. Family memberships can purchase up to 8 chances in total but no more than 4 chances per person. Members who have performed volunteer work on a number of RRGC projects and activities are eligible to earn additional chances. A free chance in the raffle will be offered to any member who 1) purchases a chance in the drawing, and 2) has accumulated 20 or more hours of volunteer work on club sponsored projects during the preceding calendar year (January 1 through December 31, 2025). A second free chance will be offered if the individual purchases 2 or more chances and has accumulated 40 or more hours as described in the preceding sentence. No member may be awarded more than two free chances in the drawing. Volunteer service on the following projects will count towards the accumulated hours.
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Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show – Lunker Lake and Youth Pellet Range (set-up, tear down, shift work)
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Wild Game Dinner (food preparation, cooks, equipment transport, event set-up and tear down)
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KOE Special Needs and Kids Fishing Days (rod assembly, mentoring, event activities)
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Angler Education (class instructors and assistants)
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Hunter Education Class (instructors and assistants during classes and range day)
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Hunter Education Pheasant Hunt (mentors and dog handlers)
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Introduction to Firearms Class (instructors and assistants)
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Salmon in the Classroom (egg deliveries, carcass deliveries, dissections, Salmon Summit fish release)
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Habitat (water guzzler installation, monitoring, maintenance , removal or relocation)
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Wood Duck Nests (construction, installation, monitoring and maintenance, student instruction)
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RRGC wildlife related group projects in support of WDFW, USFWS, and other agencies.
Quality Trip chances are available from Treasurer Ron Moore. The drawing will be held as the last event of the annual RR&GC Wild Game Dinner on March 21, 2026. The winner does not need to be present to win. For full details and a copy of the agreement the winner will be required to sign, follow this link to the Quality Trip page then click on Quality Trip Rules underlined in the first paragraph: https://www.richlandrodandgun.org/trips
Photo of the Month
There were no contest entries this month. What was everyone doing, or not doing, last month? Entries from the last 12 months will be shown on “the big screen” during the Wild Game Dinner on March 21.
Please submit some of your favorite photos so we can see how you have been enjoying the outdoors. Submit entries to rrgcsecretary@gmail.com no later than the day preceding the monthly Board meeting.
Click this PDF icon to download the March 2026 newsletter
Update your contact information!
If you have changed your address, your phone number, or your email address please use this link and scroll to the bottom of the page where it says
“Update My Contact Information”.
Richland volunteer opportunities for members (richlandrodandgun.org)
Get involved in one of our Committees:
Salmon in the Classroom: Mike Estes estesm34@gmail.com
Wood Ducks: Dale Schielke – dahlialou@gmail.com
KOE Kids Fishing Day: Marilyn Steele – momhoops46@gmail.com
Hunter Education: Ron Ruth – RonRuth.HunterEd@gmail.com
Guzzlers: Larry Martin - larry49martin@gmail.com
Youth Conservation Camp: Larry Martin - larry49martin@gmail.com
Membership: – richlandrodandgunmembership@gmail.com
Scholarship: Mike Estes - estesm34@gmail.com
Website: Brayden Wodtli Ron Moore – admin@richlandrodandgun.org
camera man: Micah little - admin@richlandrodandgun.org
RRGC Club Upcoming Activities
WGD Meat Grinding – February 27 at 6:00pm, John Prather’s Shop
WGD Sausage Making – February 28 at 9:00am, John Prather’s Shop
WGD Meatball and Trout Cake Making – March 1at 9:00am, Marilyn Steele’s Home
Next General Membership Meeting – March 3 at 6:30pm, Richland Public Library
WGD Chukar Cleaning – March 8 at 9:00am, John Prather’s Shop
Next Board of Directors Meeting – March 17 at 7:00pm, Grigg’s in Pasco
Wild Game Dinner – March 21 at 5:00pm, Benton County Fairgrounds Building #4
KOE Fishing Rod Assembly – March 28 at 9:00am, Grigg’s Department Store in Pasco
Hunter Education Class – April 6-10, 2026, Grigg’s Department Store in Pasco
KOE Special Needs Fishing Event – April 17 at 12:30pm or earlier, Columbia Park Pond
KOE Kids Fishin’ Day – April 18 at 6:30am, Columbia Park Pond
Salmon Summit Fish Release – April 21 and 22, Columbia Park East Boat Launch
About
Richland Rod & Gun Club is an organized group of hunters, fishermen, and conservationists who share a common interest in the outdoors. Each year the Club members volunteer in a number of work projects that improve wildlife habitat, educate young potential hunters / fisherman, and raise funds for Club projects.
Meetings
The RICHLAND ROD & GUN CLUB meets the first non holiday Tuesday of each month except July and August at 7:00
The meetings are open to the public and consist of a short business meeting followed by a program of current interest.
Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday at 7:00 at Griggs Pasco meeting facility.
The Richland Rod and Gun Club offers opportunities to work in activities associated with wildlife, the outdoors and youth education. We would appreciate your involvement with one of our projects or programs that include, Fishing, Dog Training, Scholarship, Public Lands, Youth Activities, Migratory Waterfowl, Habitat, Game Birds, Big Game , Landowner Relations.
Content contributions, suggestions, or criticism to the RRGC website should be emailed to, admin@richlandrodandgun.org