When most people find out what Dan Gaudreau does for a hobby, they have a similar reaction. “Oh, you’re a gun shooter. We should ban all guns!” said a wide-eyed Gaudreau. For the last two years, Gaudreau has been the proud president of Powell River Rod and Gun Club. He, and vice-president Craig Lee, want to correct misconceptions about gun use.
“There’s a social stigma attached to firearms ownership,” explained Lee, “but I can’t think of anyone who I’ve taken out [to shoot]...who hasn’t said, ‘Wow, that’s cool.’” The club, he continued, provides a controlled, organized and safe environment for gun owners to shoot in.
Powell River’s club started over 75 years ago with a group of people interested in fishing and hunting. Over the years, as fishing became more accessible and hunting less so, the focus shifted toward just shooting, explained Gaudreau.
“In the good old days, the gravel pit was just fine,” he said. Now, due to the growing popularity of outdoor activities like quadding and hiking, as well as the tightening of firearms legislation, gun users need a safer place for target practice.
The gun club provides such a place. The club’s facilities, which are at the end of Rifle Range Road just outside city boundaries, include four different gun ranges specific to everything from pistols to long guns.
“The benefit we have in Powell River,” said Lee, “is that the range is closer than any gravel pit.” Lee said in other cities he’s lived in, he’s had to drive up to 40 kilometres to practice his shooting.
Powell River’s club is open every day of the week from 10 am to 8 pm or, in the winter, till dark. Specific evenings are focused on specific firearms, including pistols, small-calibre guns and rifles. Activities involve shooting at everything from bulls’ eyes to moving targets rigged up to a car battery.
Membership currently stands at around 300, but Gaudreau and Lee are trying to bring more people into the club, particularly what they call “young blood.” “Shooting, in a lot of ways, is an old man’s sport,” Lee explained. “By the time you have the money and the time to really get into it, you tend to be further along in years.” But when you compare it to the cost of golf or hockey, he continued, it’s not unreasonably expensive.
Gaudreau added that it’s often the negative stereotype of firearms that keeps people away. “There’s nothing scary about it. It’s so much fun,” he said.
Safety is the club’s number one concern. “Safety is of the utmost importance when we’re on the range,” said Lee. “We have many rules and regulations about how things are done.”
“Every time we’re out there, we’re practicing our safety,” Gaudreau added, “so you become gun safe by using a club like ours.” Obviously it works—the club has never had a casualty.
Potential members are welcomed with open arms, explained Gaudreau. “Anyone that shows interest in becoming a Rod and Gun Club member, if they speak to any of the members, they would be more than willing to take them out and show them around.”
“If you were willing to supply your own ammo, somebody would supply you a firearm,” Lee added, “and the first couple times, you’ll probably get supplied with ammo too.”
Though they’re looking for younger participants, the two executives agree that the club wouldn’t function without its older members. “We’ve got a strong volunteer base that have lots of time available to them to take care of the club,” explained Lee.
Work crews enlisting on a volunteer basis do everything from minor repairs to lawn mowing. “The club is nothing. The club would fall apart without volunteers,” said Gaudreau.
Gaudreau emphasized that shooting is a viable Olympic sport which can be incredibly competitive—and rewarding. “It’s hard,” he said, “so if you like a challenge, you’re going to enjoy it.”
Shooters don’t compete against other shooters, but against themselves. Lee talked about a “drive for excellence” that keeps him coming back every time. When he beats a personal best, “it’s exhilarating,” he said.
Lee sees being able to shoot firearms as a useful skill, even if it’s rarely used. He has taught his wife as well as his 10-year-old daughter to both shoot and be comfortable around firearms.
Gaudreau agreed shooting is a great skill to have. “We need socially responsible people who can actually see the benefit,” he said, “and who appreciate what we do and how fun it can be.”
Memberships cost $40 to $75 depending on age and can be purchased from Marine Traders, Powell River Outdoors, or club executives. They last from January 1 to December 31 and include liability insurance for most hunting and fishing activities. All membership fees go toward club upgrades and renovations. Readers interested in finding out more about the club can contact Gaudreau at 604.414.8512.
