Definitions and clarifications:

The following definitions are for clarification of Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club’s rules and regulations ONLY.

FCSC – Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club

Range – An area of FCSC that is designated for the express purpose of the use of guns, bows, or crossbows as designated by the rules of FCSC. If an area at FCSC is not designated as a range it is assumed that guns may not be used in that area.

Gun – Any implement that expels either single or multiple projectiles by use of pressure. This includes all firearms and air rifles.

Member – A member of FCSC as defined by Article IV Section 4 or 5 of FCSC’s bylaws.

Adult Member – A member as defined above that is over the age of 18.

Membership – A dues paying or honorary member, their spouse and minor dependent children count as one membership.

Guest – A person on FCSC property who is not a member that is accompanying a member.

Shooting hours – Time in which ranges are open for use. Any time outside of those hours a range is closed.

Closed – Range/lake/club house/FCSC is not open for the use of the membership.  This can include portions of an area, range or the whole club.  This can be for a multitude of reasons not limited to: rental of FCSC, scheduled event, dangerous conditions, work day, etc…

When on FCSC’s property, the following rules must be observed. 

• These rules are a supplement to the bylaws of FCSC.
• Members will relock the gate immediately after entry or exit, the front gate is to be locked unless an FCSC scheduled event is in progress.
• Relock the clubhouse and turn out the lights after you are done inside.
• Member keys are not to be loaned or given to non-members.
• Vehicles are to stay on graveled drives and parking areas. Vehicles may be driven in campground area for unloading/loading but should be parked in graveled lot after unloading/loading is finished. This includes bikes, UTV’s, ATV’s, cars, trucks, etc.  Maintenance vehicles of FCSC are not included. Only licensed drivers may drive while on FCSC property.
• Access to the kitchen is controlled by the Board of Directors of FCSC.
• Minors should not be on the property without an adult member of FCSC present.
• Pets are allowed but the FCSC’s member is responsible for their actions.
• Illegal drugs are illegal and not permitted at FCSC.
• Pick up after yourself. The grounds of FCSC are maintained by the VOLUNTEER members of FCSC.  Any damage you or your guests cause will be reason for disciplinary measures and the member will be financially liable for repair or replacement.
• If the clubhouse is rented it is available only to the renting member. All club rules are still in effect unless addressed specifically by the Board of Directors of FCSC when the clubhouse was being rented.
• The club is closed to all activities while a work day is in progress, but if you’re at the club your help is appreciated.
• If you have a question about something contact the appropriate committee chair or a member of the Board of Directors of FCSC.
• Members are expected to behave in a reasonable, non-profane and sober manner as set forth in Article VI of the bylaws of FCSC.
• Violation of these rules can and will result in loss of your membership at FCSC.

When on FCSC’s property, the following gun safety rules must be observed. 

• ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
• ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
• ALWAYS treat every gun as though it is loaded.
• ALWAYS be sure of your target and what is in front and behind it.
• NEVER point a gun down range while someone is down range.
• NEVER use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
• Minors (under the age of 18) MUST be accompanied by an adult.
• ALL shooters must be on the same line.
• ANYONE may call a cease fire for any perceived safety concern.
• BEFORE going down range all shooters must observe the following rules:
  1. All shooters must agree to cease fire by verbal as well as eye contact before proceeding down range.
  2. All weapons must be cleared with actions open before proceeding down range.
  3. Before going down range you must announce “going down range” before crossing the firing line.
  4. No weapons may be handled while any person is down range.
• Guns may ONLY be shot on FCSC’s designated Trap, High-power, Pistol and Black Powder ranges.
• Failed to fire (dud) rounds MUST be disposed of in the marked disposal container located at each gun range.
• Eye and ear protection MUST be worn during shooting by everyone at range.
• Violations of these rules or acting in a generally unsafe manner can and will lead to loss of your membership at FCSC.

In case of emergency a first aid kit is in the clubhouse.

Club Address:15400 Brush Run Road

When on FCSC’s ranges, the following rules apply unless otherwise noted in an individual range’s rules.

• ONLY 2 guests may use a range at one time per dues paying membership.
• An adult member of FCSC MUST always be present be with THEIR
• NO fully automatic weapons or any device that mimics the effect of an automatic weapon. (ie. Fanning trigger, echo trigger, bump stock, etc.) Revised 7/10/2017
• NO tracer, incendiary, armor piercing or steel core ammunition.
• NO shooting of explosive targets.
• Shooting hours of ranges:
  1. Monday – Saturday 30 minutes AFTER sunrise to 30 minutes BEFORE sunset
  2. Sunday: After 8AM to 30 minutes BEFORE
  3. Solunar tables are posted for your convenience at all ranges.
  4. Ranges are closed during scheduled work days and general business meetings.
• Pick up your trash. Help keep YOUR club clean.  The ranges are maintained by VOLUNTEER MEMBERS of FCSC.
• Alcohol is NOT permitted on ranges. Illegal drugs are NEVER permitted at FCSC.
• ONLY authorized vehicles of FCSC are allowed on the ranges.
• If you have any questions or feel you need an exemption for some reason then you must to contact the Board of Directors of FCSC. ONLY the Board of Directors of FCSC can approve exemptions.
• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary. These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs. Updated rules will be posted at the ranges, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org.  Check for new postings before using range.
• Any violations of these rules or range specific rules can/will lead to loss of your membership at FCSC.

FCSC’s range rules and gun safety rules are always in effect on this range.   Not following them and the rules that follow can/will result in your dismissal from FCSC.

The following rules are for FCSC’s high-power range only:

• ONLY paper targets may be used. These paper targets must be affixed to the black target panels not to the frames.
• Absolutely NO targets on the top or to the sides of backstops.
• Shotguns may ONLY be shot with single projectile (slug) ammunition.
• NO shooting of .50 caliber BMG rounds.
• If you have any questions or feel you need an exemption for some reason then you must to contact the Board of Directors of FCSC. ONLY the Board of Directors of FCSC can approve exemptions.
• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary. These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs. Updated rules will be posted at the high power range, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org.  Check for new postings before using range.

FCSC range rules and gun safety rules are always in effect on this range.   Not following them and the rules that follow can/will result in your dismissal from FCSC.

The following rules are for FCSC’s black powder, pistol and .22 range only.

• Only the following weapons may be discharged on this range:
  1. Traditional black powder rifles and pistols firing all lead bullets.
  2. Modern pistols no larger than .45 caliber.
  3. .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
• Inline muzzle loaders should be shot ONLY on the high-power range.
• Black powder shotguns should be shot on only the trap range, unless shooting a single projectile load (slug).
• High power rifle ammunition (i.e. .223, etc.) may not to be used on this range even if shot from a pistol.
• Rimfire ammunition other than .22 caliber may not be used. (i.e. .17 HMR)
• Pistol ammunition fired from a rifle is not allowed to be fired on this range.
• The cable is for hanging targets and is not itself a target. USE the provided hangers. Do not wedge targets in between strands of the cable or attach to posts.
• NO shooting of cans, bottles, etc… You may bring your own clangers.  These must be placed in bounds of the permanent targets.
• NO shooting is allowed in front of the 21-foot line.
• If you have any questions or feel you need an exemption for some reason then you must to contact the Board of Directors of FCSC. ONLY the Board of Directors of FCSC can approve exemptions.
• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary. These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs. Updated rules will be posted at the black powder/pistol range, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org.  Check for new postings before using range.

FCSC range rules and gun safety rules are always in effect on this range.   Not following them and the rules that follow can/will result in your dismissal from FCSC.

The following rules are for FCSC’s trap range only.

• ONLY shotguns may be discharged on trap range.
• Single projectile (slug) shells may NOT be fired on trap range. The high-power range is the only range shotgun slugs may be shot on.
• Guns using blanks for training dogs are allowed. All safety and range rules apply.
• ALL shooting shall be done on the trap field.
• Do NOT load gun until on station and ready to fire. Load only one shell at a time unless shooting doubles.
• If your gun misfires, keep gun pointed in a safe direction and wait 2-3 minutes before removing shell.
• In case of a delay open the action on your gun and remove shell.
• Electric traps are to be used ONLY during scheduled events.
• The manual trap in the clubhouse is to be set BETWEEN traps #1 and #2. Trap #1 is the farthest from the clubhouse.
• Patterning of shotguns is to be done BETWEEN traps #1 and #2. Do not affix or place target in front of trap house.  Shooting shall be done in the same general direction of regular trap shooting.  NO shooting across the range.
• The archery target at the end of the side walk is NOT for patterning shotguns.
• Pick up your hulls, shell boxes and target boxes.
• If you have any questions or feel you need an exemption for some reason then you must to contact the Board of Directors of FCSC. ONLY the Board of Directors of FCSC can approve exemptions.
• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary. These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs. Updated rules will be posted at the trap range, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org.  Check for new postings before using range.

• ALL KY Fish and Wildlife laws and regulations are to be followed while fishing unless noted below. You DO need a fishing license.
• NO guns may be discharged into lake or from the lake shore.
• NO swimming or wading at any time.
• If the lake is frozen the lake is closed, NO skating, ice fishing, walking on, driving on, etc.
• Frogs may NOT be taken.
• NO jug, trotline, limb line or set line fishing.
• NO minnows are allowed.
• FCSC members and their immediate family (members spouse and minor children only) can fish at any time unless lake is closed.
• ONLY FCSC members may keep fish.
• ONLY 5 guests may fish at one time per dues paying membership.
• Lake is CLOSED during general monthly meetings and work days.
• During trap shooting events the campground and the clubhouse side of the lake is CLOSED.
• During 3-D archery shoots from the warning signs to the back (side opposite of dam) of the lake is CLOSED.
• NO driving around lake.
• Camp fires can only be made in the fire ring, must always be attended and be completely extinguished before leaving area.
• Boats, canoes, rubber rafts and kayaks with electric trolling motors are permitted for use. Gas powered engines may NOT be used.
• Trailered boats may only be launched from boat ramp.
• Any person on Tom Helmel lake in a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. must wear a life jacket while on the water.
• Pick up your trash. The club grounds are maintained by VOLUNTEERS of Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club help keep YOUR club clean.
• There is a fish cleaning station for members use, do not use the picnic tables to clean fish.
  1. The cleaning station is to be used only for fish caught on FCSC property.
  2. Dispose of fish carcasses in the hole in the cleaning station.
  3. Clean the station after using.
• ANY member of FCSC may check size and creel of fish kept.
• Bow fishing is allowed by members only and you must keep any fish landed. If this puts you in violation of any size or creel limits that is your fault.
• The following size and daily creel limits DIFFER from KY state regulations and are in place until 8/1/2018 for Tom Helmel Lake
  1. Largemouth Bass
     1. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has determined Tom Helmel lake to be over populated to help correct this the following limits are in place.
        • Creel limit of 10
        • A protected slot limit of 12” to 18” is in place, any largemouth bass caught in this size range must be immediately released.
        • Only 1 largemouth bass over the size of 18” may be kept.
     2. Bluegill and Red Ear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
        1. Aggregate limit of 15 all of which must be over 6 inches in length.
     3. Catfish
        1. Four catfish all of which must be over 14 inches in length.
     4. Grass Carp
        1. One grass carp that must be over 3 feet in length.
     5. All other size and creel limits are the same as in the KY State Fishing Guide.

• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary. These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs. Updated rules will be posted at the campground, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org. Check for new postings before using lake/campground.
• Any violations of these rules can/will lead to your dismissal from FCSC.

FCSC range rules and safety rules are always in effect on this range.   Not following them and the rules that follow can and will result in your dismissal from FCSC. 

• FCSC Gun Safety Rules shall be used as a guide for proper range etiquette. (Hearing & eye protection not required.)
• ABSOULUTELY NO GUNS may be shot on this range. Only bows and crossbows that are legal to use during KY archery and crossbow season may be used on this range.
• Only field tips may be used on the target butts and bags. NO broadheads or practice broadheads are to be shot into target butts or bags. If you wish to shoot broadheads YOU must bring your own target and place it next to shooting butts, not in front of butts.
• BEFORE shooting target butts pull back weather covers.
• AFTER you are finished shooting replace the weather covers.
• Crossbows may ONLY be shot at the bag target. Shooting the mesh target butts WILL result in damage or loss of your bolts.
• People on the elevated platform ARE on the range. Under NO circumstances should someone’s arrow or bolt pass by the platform while it is occupied.
• NO sky drawing. An arrow can go a long way when shot up, keep your bow pointed at the target while drawing and aiming your bow.
• Shooting hours are during daylight hours. All ranges are closed during scheduled work days and during general business meetings.
• Any damage incurred to arrows or bolts while using range is not the responsibility of Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club.
• It is the responsibility of the member to keep abreast of any changes to rules. The large signs posted are for attention and only a summary.  These rules can be modified at any time by Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club to meet changing needs.  A current set of rules will be posted at the range, in the club house and at ferncreeksportsmansclub.org.  Check for new postings before using range.