INDEX
PAGE
HISTORY B
ARTICLE I Name 1
ARTICLE II Object 1
ARTICLE III Method 1
ARTICLE V Body 2
ARTICLE VI Requirement of Membership 2-6
ARTICLE VII Disciplinary Action 6-8
ARTICLE VIII Meetings 8,9
ARTICLE IX Events 9
ARTICLE X Fees and Dues 9,10
ARTICLE XI Dissolution of the Club 10
ARTICLE XII Moratorium 10
ARTICLE XIII Junior Membership 11
ARTICLE XIV Life and Honorary Membership 12
ARTICLE XV Leave of Absence 12
ARTICLE XVI Furlough 12,13
ARTICLE XVII Bylaws 13
ARTICLE XVIII Terms of Offices, Elections and Oaths 14
ARTLCIE XIX Duties of Officers 15,16
ARTICLE XX Committees 16
ARTICLE XXI Voting 16
HISTORY
In either 1955 or 1956, no one is quite sure now, which, a small group of dedicated bowhunters started meeting at each other’s houses in the Lincoln Park area. New Jersey had a newly established bow season and these bowmen were interested in adding to their meager knowledge and in meeting others who had their same interest. This group of 18 to 20 men formed the core of what was to soon become the Lincoln Park Archers.
After two years of meeting in each other’s houses, they started to have scheduled meetings at Henry’s Café in Lincoln Park and upon the adoption of the first set of Bylaws on June5, 1958 formally became the Lincoln Park Archers. The Club met at Henry’s and had the use of a piece of land off of Indian Lane in Towaco for a range, which the Charter Members Built.
The Club expanded to 50 members in 1960 and at about that same time acquired the right to build a range on the YMCA property at Camp Dawson. At first, the club was only allowed to use this location once a week and not at all on weekends. The meetings were held in the upstairs portion of the barn, which was not insulated nor heated. This did not stop the club from growing and before very long the YMCA became aware of the value of having the club on their property. They extended the times we could use the range and before long there were no limits and the club added the bathrooms to the barn and started having sanctioned shoots. To make things better the club moved itself downstairs and then had the barn heated for meetings and indoor shooting.
The club has purchased a tractor for the YMCA to help in the maintenance of the grounds.
The membership was again expanded in 1971 to the current limit of 75 members because of the size of the ranges and the work that is needed to maintain this organization.
We, the Lincoln Park Archers, have hosted several State Championships and Bowhunter Festivals and further hold the attendance records for both of these events. The club has been and is the home of some of the finest archers and best bowhunters in the East and will continue to be with the dedicated and unselfish help of each of our current members.
We owe it to those that preceded us as members to at least maintain it and if possible to improve it.
Original Bylaws adopted by the Charter Members on
JUNE 5, 1958
Charter Officers
President George McCabe
Vice-President William Becker, Sr.
Secretary Edward Gallagher
Treasurer Anthony Barile
Corresponding
Secretary Marion M. Boggess
B
Article I
Name
1. The name of this organization shall be, “Lincoln Park Archers, Inc.”
Article II
Object
1. The object of this organization, the Lincoln Park Archers, Inc., herein referred to as the “Club” shall be the encouragement of Archery as a recreation and safe, sporting method of hunting.
2. It shall be the purpose of this club to:
A. Encourage, teach and perpetuate the practice of archery in the spirit of good sportsmanship among all people.
B. Encourage and teach the proper, safe and legal use of the bow and arrow in sport hunting of all legal fish, birds and animals. Adhering to the rules of “Fair Chase”.
C. Cooperate with all wildlife and conservation organizations in the proper management and protection of all game and non-game animal, bird or fish.
D. Maintain an archery course and conduct archery shoots and games in accordance with the rules of the International Bowhunters Organization (IBO). Also to be used for any other event deemed in the interest of the club.
Article III
Method
1. This club will be guided by democratic principles in elections and voting of issues.
2. Meetings will be held in accordance with the guidelines of “Robert’s Rules of Order”, and conducted in an orderly fashion on an agenda outline by the president or his designate.
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Article IV
Affiliations
1. The required affiliations of the Lincoln Park Archers, Inc. are:
International Bowhunters Organization
(And any other organization the membership votes to support.)
Article V
Body
1. The body of the club shall consist of 150 regular, probationary and members on leave of absence or furlough, exclusive of spouses of the members. As many “Life” and “Honorary” members as are elected by the membership. Also, not more than 25 junior members.
A. The only time the set limit of 150 regular members may be exceeded is if a junior member should reach their 18th birthday and there is no open membership. They automatically become a regular member upon payment of full initiation fees and dues. And will be carried as such on the rolls until a membership is opened and at that time the total body shall return to 150.
Article VI
Requirements of Membership
1. Membership shall be open to all residents of the United States, who have passed their 18th birthday and who are willing to abide by the requirements of membership.
2. A prospective member, whether regular, junior, life or honorary must be sponsored by an active member in good standing.
A. Prospective member must fill out an application for membership and turn it in at a regular meeting.
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3. The Membership Committee shall contact the proposed member for an interview.
A. The Membership Committee will submit their recommendation at the regular meeting when the proposed member is considered for probationary status.
B. The proposed member must be present at the meeting to be considered for probationary membership.
C. The proposed member who has been on the waiting list the longest that is present at the meeting when a membership becomes open shall be considered first.
D. Acceptance as a regular member is voted on at the regular meeting after a 1 year probationary period.
4. The requirements of a probationary member are the same as those of a regular member with two exceptions:
A. A probationary member has a vote, but no vote in the business of the club.
B. A probationary member must note next to their name on each attendance sheet that they are a probationary member.
5. At the end of the 1 year probationary period: A key or combination after 6 months
A. The probationary member is reviewed as to their fulfillment of the requirements of membership and brought to a vote of the regular members at the regular meeting.
B. The membership may, with special reason and after a review, extend the probationary period up to 6 more months. (This is allowed only once.)
C. Probationary member to be voted on must be present at this meeting.
D. A majority of the regular members present is needed for acceptance or rejection. (Vote is by hand count.)
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6. All members of this club are required to hold a current International Bowhunters Organization membership card.
(This requirement applies to Life and Honorary members who take part in any archery activity.)
7. All regular and probationary members are required to attend at least 1 meeting per quarter. A member who wishes to be excused from attending meetings must make a request in writing and renew it quarterly.
(Club year begins with swearing in of officers.)
A. All regular and probationary members are required to attend all work parties. A work party is defined as one, which is called by the President for participation of the entire membership. A log will be kept by the Vice-President of the attendance of each work party.
B. Any member who has a total of 6 unexcused absences in any club year is to be reviewed by the Club officers and a recommendation made at the next meeting.
8. Each regular and probationary member shall be assigned a target or targets by the range chairman. The target or targets are to be maintained in good shooting condition at all times. Good shooting conditions are defined as follows:
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A. Maintenance of ranges will be monitored by the range chairman.
When a problem is noticed the range chairman will notify the member or members involved, in writing. Corrections shall be made before the next regular meeting or fines will be imposed. Fine $10 per month until corrected.
(It is each member’s duty to report damage on range to range chairman.)
9. All members are required to sign the attendance sheet at each meeting, work party, shoot or other activity of the club.
A. Attendance sheet must be provided by the club secretary or the chairman of the activity.
B. These sheets will be turned in to the Membership Committee to determine fulfillment of requirements.
Committee and officer meetings and limited member voluntary activities are exempt from this requirement.
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10. The president has the right to call a special meeting or work party whenever they deem it necessary, or upon the request of a standing committee.
A. Special meetings or work parties are a part of normal club activities for attendance requirements.
B. Any special assignment may be moderated by a call to the president, vice-president or chairman of the committee involved. The assignment may be changed, excused or time adjusted.
If excused the officer or chairman will note the attendance sheet.
11. Members are expected to fulfill any voluntary commitment that they make – without reminder of the club.
12. All members are required to obey all hunting and fishing laws.
ALL MEMBERS NOT EXEMPTED BY CURRENT STATUS ARE EXPECTED TO FULFILL THESE REQUIREMENTS OR:
1. REQUEST A CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS.
2. RESIGN THEIR MEMBERSHIP.
13. Any action by a member which jeopardizes the clubs affiliation with the Township of Montville will be subject to disciplinary action.
Article VII
Disciplinary Action
1. Club Interest: Any member, officer, or committee may ask the club review the membership of a member that has not acted or is not acting in the best interest of the club. Reason for this action must be stated.
A. The member to be voted on must be notified of this action and the reason, also, the date of the vote. The member will be allowed to state their position at the meeting before the vote is taken. But the member is not required to be present at the meeting.
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B. The members by a majority vote of those present at a regular meeting may: By secret written vote:
1. EXCUSE.
2. PUT ON PROBATION 3 TO 6 MONTHS *
(all rights – no vote)
3. SUSPEND FOR 3 TO 6 MONTHS **
(no rights – no vote)
4. EXPEL FROM CLUB
* This type of probation member automatically resumes regular membership at end of specified time.
** Suspended member at the end of the suspension must be voted on by membership at regular meeting (voice or arm vote) to reinstall as a probationary or regular member or expel from the club. (Member need not be present for vote.)
2. Any member who does not fulfill the requirements of membership as stated herein is subject to:
A. Review of Membership Committee – Membership committee will review member’s past record in the club and make recommendation to the membership at next regular meeting.
MAY RECOMMEND:
a. No action.
b. Excuse – good reason.
c. Change of membership status. *
d. 3 months probation.
e. Membership review.
* Change of status to moratorium, leave of absence, or furlough. (VOTE – On membership committee recommendation is by voice or arm.)
B. Membership Review – Is conducted by the Membership Chairman at a regularly scheduled meeting on the floor.
1. Member or members being reviewed have the right to address the floor before the vote is taken.
2. Floor will be open to members for discussion before the vote is taken.
Vote – Is by secret written ballot, or arm vote.
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C. Membership may vote to:
a. EXCUSE.
b. PUT ON PROBATION FOR 3 TO 6 MONTH *
c. SUSPENSION FOT 3 TO 6 MONTHS *
d. EXPEL
* Same terms and conditions as stated in club interest.
3. Any member who is convicted of a game law or hunting violation is subject to automatic membership review.
4. Any member who is disqualified from a field archery event for a deliberate violation of the rules is subject to automatic membership review.
5. Any member who kills, wounds, or catches any animal, fish or bird on the endangered or protected species list will be reviewed by the membership
6. Any member who after being notified they are 3 months in arrears of their monthly dues, or fines, does not correct this condition by the next regular meeting or request a change of membership status, shall be subject to a review of the Membership Committee.
7. Any member expelled from the club shall be refunded only those dues paid in advance of the current year.
8. Any member expelled shall be notified by mail and advised they are expected to surrender to the club; all property, membership cards, bylaws, etc., belonging to the club.
9. Any member not attending a work party without an excuse shall be fined a sum of $25 for each work party not attended. An excused absence is defined as a phone call to an officer explaining why he cannot attend.
10. Any member not attending a scheduled shoot without an excuse shall be fined a sum of $50 for each shoot not attended. An excused absence is defined as a phone call to an officer explaining why he cannot attend.
Article VIII
Meetings
1. Regular meetings of the club are to be held on the second Tuesday of each calendar month at 8:00 p.m. at the location designated as the club house.
A. A meeting date may be changed or dropped by a vote of a majority of the members present at a regular meeting, by the president due to weather, or other special interest of the club or its members.
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1. One third (1/3) of the regular membership must be present to conduct a scheduled business meeting of the club.
A. If both the president and vice-president are absent a former president will be allowed to conduct the meeting – with the approval of the members present.
1. Special meetings may be called by the president to conduct specific items of business. No other business will be conducted at this special meeting.
Article IX
Events
1. As approved by the membership.
Article X
Fees & Dues
2. Fees & Dues.
A. Regular member dues are $80.00 per year payable in 1 fee prior to the February meeting. If not paid prior to the start of the February meeting a $20.00 surcharge will be applied.
B. Junior member dues are $40.00 per year payable in 1 fee prior to the February meeting. If not paid prior to the start of the February meeting a $10.00 surcharge will be applied.
C. Dues for spouse $20.00 per year payable by February.
All members must present their current IBO card with dues for dues to be accepted.
a. All fines must be paid within 2 months of notification or member could be suspended for 1 month and charged an additional $25.00 fine.
b. Any member whose dues are not paid by the March meeting will be automatically suspended and will have to serve a 3-month probationary period. All past dues must be paid before being accepted as a regular member.
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Article XI
Dissolution of Club
1. If after every attempt to re-locate the club in the event it becomes necessary to dissolve the club, the following shall apply;
A. In the event of the dissolution of the club, Lincoln Park Archers, the assets of the club shall be divided among the members excluding past inactive members. Assets shall include but not limited to: monies, tools and equipment, targets, bails memorabilia, etc. Non-monetary assets shall be sold or auctioned and be converted to cash. First choice shall go to members. In order to participate in the division, all members’ dues shall be paid-up in full as of the date the club is dissolved.
B. Division shall be accomplished as follows: each member shall be entitled to two shares for every full year of membership. The total of all shares held by the entire membership shall be divided into the total of all assets and distributed within thirty days of the date of dissolution.
Article XII
Moratoriums
1. A moratorium for payment of dues may be granted to any member who feels that they are incapable of meeting their payments for a specific period of time.
a. Moratorium is subject to approval of all officers.
b. Moratorium may not exceed 6 months.
c. Members with a moratorium have all rights and privileges intact.
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Article XIII
Junior Membership
1. Age of junior members shall be eight years through seventeen years. All junior members shall have responsible supervision available to them or in the vicinity of their activities while using the facilities of the club. The adult supervision will be responsible for all actions of junior members.
2. There are no requirements made of junior members – but they are expected to assist and learn whenever possible. And they are subject to rules of conduct as members.
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Article XIV
Life and Honorary Membership
1. Life membership is open to any member with 10 years of membership.
2. Honorary membership is open to any individual who performs outstanding service to the club or the sport of Archery or Bowhunting.
A. Life and Honorary members are elected to membership by a majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting.
B. Life and Honorary membership is subject to withdrawal for conduct not in the interest of the club.
C. Life and Honorary members shall be carried on the club’s mailing list and notified of all club activities.
Article XV
Leave of Absence
1. Leave of absence will be considered for any member when requested in writing to the president of the club.
A. Reason and time of leave of absence must be stated.
B. Leave shall be voted on by membership at next meeting.
C. All dues must be paid to date of leave.
1. Member on leave of absence shall not be required to pay dues.
2. Members on leave of absence are carried on the club roster as L.O.A. for all club activities.
3. Members on leave of absence automatically become regular member at the expiration of their leave and will be notified by mail by Membership Committee.
Article XVI
Furlough
1. Any member may request a furlough for a period of six months or less. This request must be made in writing to the president and specify the reason and length of time desired.
A. The member is to pay all dues and fees in advance for the period of the furlough.
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B. The member shall retain all rights and privileges including vote while on furlough.
C. No member shall be allowed two consecutive furloughs that exceed six months in duration totally.
1. Request for a furlough shall be voted on by the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting after the president gets the letter.
Article XVII
Bylaws and Amendments
Section I
1. Any proposed bylaw or amendment shall be presented to the president in writing, for analysis, before being presented to the membership for discussion and voting.
2. At the first reading of the proposed bylaw amendment, there will be discussion. With the vote only after the discussion on the floor is closed after the second reading.
A. Additions, deletions or amendments to the bylaws require a vote.
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Article XVIII
Terms of Office, Elections and Oath
1. The term of office for all elected and appointed officers shall run from the regular meeting in January to the opening of the regular meeting of January in the following year.
A. No single president may serve more than two terms in that office consecutively.
Elections:
1. A nominating committee of five active members shall be asked for or appointed from the members, from the floor at the regular meeting in October. They will nominate members in good standing for offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. These nominations will be submitted to the membership at the November meeting of the club.
The chair will at this time entertain a motion that nominations will be accepted from the floor for these offices. And after the nominations have been made and accepted by the nominees, the nominations shall be kept open until the December meeting. At the December meeting the president will ask if there are any further nominations and if not close the nominations and start voting. Vote is by secret ballot – largest number of votes for officer wins that office.
All elected officers shall be sworn in by the retiring president after the January meeting has been called to order. Upon the completion of the oath of office, the retiring president will turn the gavel and the meeting over to the new president.
A. If the president is reelected for another term of office, the outgoing secretary shall administer the oath to the president and he shall administer it to the others.
OATH OF OFFICE:
“I promise to fulfill to the best of my ability the office of:
Title .”
This oath is to be repeated out loud by each of the elected officers in their turn.
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Article XIX
Duties of Officers
President:
1. The president shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees, countersign all checks and perform any and all other duties as needed in the fulfillment of his office.
A. The president is a member of all committees.
Vice-President:
1. The vice-president shall perform the duties of the president if the president is unable to do so.
2. The vice-president is the chairman of the Membership Committee.
Treasurer:
1. The treasurer is to receive all monies of the club, keeping accurate records of the receipts and disbursements.
2. Make a written report at each meeting.
3. The treasurer shall advise the Membership Committee when:
A. A member becomes delinquent in dues.
B. A member fails to maintain membership in the IBO
4. All club checks must be signed by the treasurer and the president.
5. Present the club books for audit once a year.
Secretary:
1. The secretary is to keep a written record of the minutes of each regular meeting of the club and present this report at the next meeting, conduct all correspondence and perform other tasks incidental to the office.
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2. Shall maintain an up-to-date roster of all club members.
3. Shall mail out notices of club activities to all club members.
A. Special assignments, work party notices, will be sent to those involved only.
Article XX
Committees
The president shall appoint committees of one or more members. All club members must actively participate on one or more committees as follows:
A. Bylaws Committee (including executive committee).
B. Membership Committee, vice-president is automatic chairman.
1. Must be at least three member committee two of which must have been members for at least three years.
C. Indoor and outdoor range committee, including target assignments.
D. Hunting committee.
E. Kitchen committee.
F. Membership promotions and correspondence committee.
G. Demonstration committee.
H. State federation meeting.
I. House keeping committee.
J. Bylaws committee
Article XXI
Voting
3. Voting shall be voice vote (yea/nay) or by arm count except where otherwise stated.
2. A majority of the regular members present will carry an issue.
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Review of Hunting Trophy Regulations
Over a period of years, a series of rules and regulations governing hunting trophies have evolved. All were initially proposed to the membership at regular meetings and passed by a vote of the members present. What follows is a summary of these rules:
DEER Big game award. Entries must be weighed by the club weigh master or obtain a weight slip from a certified scale. Deer kill trophies are presented to licensed members who legally kill a deer during the prescribed season anywhere.
BEAR AND OTHER BIG GAME – same as deer.
WOODCHUCK Legally shot with bow and arrow by a licensed member during the prescribed season. Chucks must be weighed by the club weigh master or obtain a weight slip from a certified scale to be considered for a trophy.
CARP Legally shot with bow and arrow by a licensed member, carp must be weighed by the club weigh master or obtain a certified weight slip.
AWARDS
DEER Heaviest buck
WOODCHUCK Heaviest woodchuck
CARP Heaviest carp
BOWHUNTER AWARD Deer (buck), woodchuck (8 lbs. or more), carp (5 lbs. or more), all three must be from the same calendar year.
BIG GAME PLAQUE Received when a member kills a big game animal and reports it to the club weigh master.
MASTER AWARD Received when a member obtains 10 entries on a big game plaque.
CLUB DAY
Club day shall consist of two parts.
PART #1 The Club Day Championship:
CLUB CHAMPION The person who shoots the highest score on Club Day shall be the Club Champion.
REQUIREMENTS TO COMPETE ON CLUB DAY:
1. A person willing to compete on Club Day must be a member in good standing or a child of a member in good standing.
ROUND SHOT:
The round shot will be decided upon by the Club Day Committee.
PART #2 of Club Day
A picnic shall start directly after the competition is finished.
Only one person shall win the club championship regardless of class, style, age, or anything else. This person will be the person who finished with the highest score.
AWARD:
The award shall be a multi-year plaque, which shall have each year’s winner, year, and score shot. The plaque will be displayed in the club house. The award is to be handed out in conjunction with the club day championship plaque.
Revised - January 2004
Lincoln Park Archers, Inc.
Bylaws