General Rules

1. Ground Use

   • The club is exclusively for training members’ dogs, their families, and approved guests. Grounds are available on a "first come, first serve" basis, and members are responsible for ensuring their activities do not interfere with others.

2. Gate Security and Identification

   • Always close and lock the gate upon entering and leaving the grounds if no one else is present.

3. Guest Policy

   • Guests, including spouses, training partners, and others, must be accompanied by a member and meet at the clubhouse before proceeding onto the grounds.

   • Members are fully responsible for their guests' actions while on club property.

 

Shooting Rules

1. Live Ammunition

   • Only members are permitted to shoot live ammunition on club grounds. Blanks and poppers are not considered live ammunition and are allowed for training purposes.

   • Guests, spouses, or other non-members are strictly prohibited from using live ammunition.

2. Field-Specific Rules for Live Ammunition

   • Fields 4 & 5:

     • No live ammunition may be used within 100 yards east of the gravel road along the west property line. Blanks and poppers are permitted in this area.

     • Between 100 and 150 yards east of the gravel road, live ammunition may only be used for controlled, thrown live flyers in an easterly direction (towards the ponds), either by hand or mechanical device.

     • Beyond 150 yards, live ammunition may be used for planted birds, but only in an easterly direction (towards the ponds).

   • Signage will clearly mark these zones:

     • At the 100-yard line: “Use of Live Ammo Prohibited West of Here.”

     • At the 150-yard line: “Shooting of Planted Birds in Easterly Direction Only.”

3. General Gun Safety

   • All shooting, whether using live ammunition, blanks, or poppers, must be conducted safely at all times, regardless of the field or event.

   • Be aware of your surroundings and ensure your target and what lies beyond it are clear.

   • Do not allow the excitement of dog training to compromise safety. The loss of a bird is never worth injury or worse.

   • Blank loads can also cause harm or death. Treat all firearms, including those with blanks, with care and caution.

4. Violations and Consequences

   • Unsafe gun handling or violations of these rules will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or loss of membership.

 

Grounds Maintenance and Event Grooming

1. Grounds Committee Authority

   • All grounds maintenance is performed by the grounds committee under board direction.

   • Members are not allowed to perform any maintenance without prior authorization.

2. Event Grooming

   • Grounds will be groomed for events as requested by the event chairperson and completed by the grounds committee or authorized members.

3. Field Maintenance Guidelines

   • Fields 1, 2, and 3: Maintain grass between 6–18 inches.

   • Fields 4 and 5: Follow shooting restrictions and maintain natural brome grass (up to 16 inches). The southernmost 150 feet of Field 4 may be trimmed for marking tests.

   • Field 6: Managed per the Native Grasses Planting Project guidelines.

   • Field 7: Maintain grass between 12–36 inches, with options for strip or double T cutting.

 

Etiquette and Safety Protocols

1. Training Areas

   • Check that your training activities are not visible or disruptive to other groups.

   • Bird throwers, thrown birds, and live shooting must not interfere with or endanger others.

2. Trap Range

   • Live-round shooting in the trap range is allowed only when no one is training on Training Field #3.

3. Cleanup

   • Remove all dead birds, spent shell casings, and other materials you bring into training areas.

4. Respect for Others

   • Never walk through a field or area that may interfere with other training groups.

   • If you are unsure about an area’s availability, ask nearby groups for permission before using it.

 

Final Reminders

• The WATKC is a private club for members, their families, and their dogs. Members must act responsibly, courteously, and safely to ensure a positive experience for all.

• For clarity on restricted shooting areas, refer to the "No Shooting Area" map in the clubhouse.