MARCH MEETING AT DOWNTOWN PIZZA

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by thanking those members that attended last month’s meeting. We had a good turn-out for John Dooley, North Carolina’s game warden for Cherokee County. John spoke on some of the proposed deer hunting regulations that might go into effect this fall and also had a question and answer session after his presentation. John said that he will be glad to come back in the fall and let the members know what proposals have become laws.

Moving forward to present day speakers, this month’s guest speaker will be Chief Deputy Todd Wingate with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. I know he has many topics from which to choose for his presentation, but I feel one topic of discussion that the members would enjoy is concealed carry laws.

I hope that you will allow a few hours during the day tomorrow on, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 7:00pm to join us at Downtown Pizza in Murphy for some good fellowship and to participate in some interesting topics of discussions.

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY ROD & GUN CLUB

MINUTES:   Meeting 7 pm Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Downtown Pizza..

ATTENDANCE:  John Mattox, Jeff Gustason, Tom Coy, Bill Henz, Chuck Henz, Dan Dones, Ray Kimball, Tim and Joyce Portik, Jim Garrison, Tom Early, Rusty and Grace Frederick, Joe and Sue Liguori, Mark Graham, Steve Baumgartner, Todd Bliven, and John Marshal.  

PRESIDENT GUSTASON:  Jeff opened the meeting to order at 7:10 pm and the pledge of allegiance was led by John Mattox.  Minutes were read and approved.  The cash in our treasury is $5,226.56 as of 1/31/24.  With no further business our meeting was adjourned at 7:23 pm with Tom Coy making the motion and Joe Liguori seconding. 

Our special guest this evening was John Dooley, our NC Wildlife officer.  John said that he covers primarily Cherokee county but also serves Clay and Macon counties.  John is the only wildlife officer in our county.  There is one officer in Clay county and two officers in Macon county. Those officers can also help John as needed. 

One of the topics John spoke on is the changes that may apply to the up and coming deer season. Muzzleloading season for deer would begin Thanksgiving week and a doe can be taken all week.  There is a proposed doe day this fall for the modern rifle deer season.  If approved modern rifle season will begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving and doe can be taken on that Saturday only.  Rifle season would also extend until January 1st.  

Last year blue tongue/black tongue were diseases that were observed in Cherokee county.  Chronic Wasting Disease is another disease that affects deer, elk, and moose.  It is spread by animal to animal contact and is 100% fatal. There are no confirmed cases in Cherokee county, but 20 cases are confirmed statewide.  Symptoms of CWD are lowering of the head, staggering, and emaciation.  Some if the counties that have confirmed CWD are Yadkin, Wilkes, Surry, Johnston, and Franklin. CWD is being closely watched by the NC Wildlife in order to try and stop its spread. 

John Dooley gave a really good program and our attendees asked some great questions.  We hope to have him back again soon. 

John Mattox

Secretary