Application

How to Join the Club

Membership in the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club:

Candidates for Membership

    1. Candidates for membership must have a member with a minimum of three (3) years continuous membership in the Club to act as a sponsor for the candidate.
    2. Membership dues are two-tiered, standard member dues and senior member dues. New members will also pay a processing and initiation fee for their first year membership.  The amount for the dues and initiation fee is set by the Club Trustees and is contained in other Club documentation.
    3. Membership dues are based on a calendar year, January 1st through December 31st, not a “joining anniversary” date. Failure to maintain continuous membership will result in having to re-apply as a new member under this policy if the gap in membership exceeds one year.  Member will be required to pay back dues for the year missed to retain continuous membership.
    4. Candidates and their sponsor will submit three (3) items on their initial application for membership to the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club Membership and Guest Committee, a “standing committee” of members assigned by the President/Trustees. The sponsor must be present when these items are submitted:
      1. A completed and signed membership application
      2. A completed and signed Waiver of Liability and Member Conduct form
      3. A completed and signed Sponsor Checklist
    5. Sponsors can obtain the “Sponsor’s Checklist”, “Membership Application” and “Waiver of Liability and Member Code of Conduct” forms at the club in the designated disbursement boxes or by contacting the Membership and Guest Committee.  The Waiver of Liability/Assumption of Risk and Member Conduct form can also be downloaded using this link.
    6.  

New members wishing to use the shooting range are required to take and pass our Range Master Course unless accompanied by a Range Master. This is a 3 hour comprehensive safety course that will help new members understand the range rules, standard operating procedures and our range etiquette.

General Membership Criteria

Below are general criteria for membership in the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club (VSC).  These criteria requirements are basic in nature and are not to be considered as a complete and final set of requirements for membership in the VSC. 

VSC is a 501(c)7 Nonprofit Corporation, a Private Social Club.  As such, IRS requirements limit our membership to only those individuals who conform to the ideals put forth in the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.  The most pertinent of these ideals are found in Section II of our Articles of Incorporation, line items (1), (2) and (3):

“The objects and purposes for which such corporation is to be formed are as follows:

  • To advance, promote and conserve the best interests and true spirit of marksmanship and the shooting of firearms.
  • To advance, promote and conserve the best interest and true spirit of hunting and game fishing of all kinds.
  • To bring together into one organization the sportsmen of Vashon Island, King County, Washington, and vicinity for the purpose of promoting the conservation of the natural resources and the scenic beauties of said Island; to promote the scientific restocking of the waters of said Island with game fish and the forests and coverts of said Island with game birds and animals; to promote the prevention of the obstruction of streams and pollution of the water of said Island; to promote the conservation of wild life including song birds, wild flowers and plant life of all kinds and description; to promote the control of predatory animals, rodents and vermin; and to co-operate with the State of Washington, and it’s agencies and the United States government and it’s agencies to these ends; to encourage and promote the education of the youth of said Island in outdoor recreation, the value of wild life and the principles of true sportsmanship.”

In furtherance of clarifying the criteria required for membership in the VSC, we have a Member Code of Conduct:

Purpose.  To encourage camaraderie in the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club by setting standards of civility and minimum behavioral expectations.

Background.  Membership in the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club (VSC or Club) is a privilege extended to individuals by the pre-existing Club members.  This document provides all members with guidance of the MINIMAL required personal conduct as a member of the VSC.

Section 1.  Personal Interactions.  The VSC membership is composed of individuals from remarkably diverse backgrounds who share a common love of Hunting, Fishing, Target & Shooting sports, and Conservation.  As a group, we actively promote our common ideals within the Club and the local community.   The actions of each member on the Club grounds and in the community reflect on our entire membership.  Members are expected to act responsibly and be considerate and respectful of other members and guests.  Further, members are expected to set the tone for showing respect for the laws of the land, our neighbors, and wildlife.

While participating in Club activities, members should focus on our common goals of promoting the outdoor endeavors. As a Club, we are not associated with any political, religious, social, sexual orientation, or other ideals.  Members are accountable for ensuring their guests remain within the guidelines presented in this and all other Club documents.

Section 2.  Use of Facilities and Equipment.  The Clubhouse and grounds are substantial and require ongoing maintenance and care by our membership.  We expect wear and tear to occur and look to our members to report any facility problems, equipment failures, deliberate breakage, or any other issues.  Further, any hazardous conditions should be reported immediately to prevent injury or property loss. 

Section 3.  Club Representation.  Members are not allowed to represent themselves as a “spokesperson” for the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club.  If approached by residents from the local community or news media about functions of, or issues at, the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, members will direct all inquiries to the President of the VSC.

The President of the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club is the only AUTHORIZED spokesperson for the Club.  For sensitive or possibly negative issues, the President will clear all outside communications with the Board of Trustees prior to responding to these types of inquiries.

Section 4.  Issue Resolution.  The Club is governed by a member elected Board of Trustees.  Issues with members and/or facilities need to be brought to the attention of our Board of Trustees, who will research and provide resolution for all identified issues.”

In summary:

The Vashon Sportsmen’s Club is not:

  • A militia club and “militia like” activities are not authorized at our facilities.
  • “Just” a “gun club”. We are a social club that has a “gun club” aspect to our overall club and its operations.
  • A political or religious club, so if you have strong political or religious beliefs, you need to check them at the gate.

The Vashon Sportsmen’s Club is:

  • A place for Vashon-Maury Island residents from a variety of backgrounds, to share their common love of the outdoors and the sporting activities associated with the great outdoors.
  • A clubhouse and grounds enjoyed by all of our members for socializing and actively pursuing our outdoor activities.
  • A club that will maintain its Nonprofit Corporation status by strict adherence to local, State and Federal laws governing the operations of 501(c)7 Corporations.

By following these tenets, the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, founded in 1933 and incorporated in 1936, has survived the test of time and will continue to operate far into the future.