Somerset Sportsman's Club About the Club

Somerset Sportsman's Club was originally formed in the early 1930s by Arthur Gell, Bill Gell, Dave Simcock and Dave Morinsky, who happened to be the local game warden, and who was an enthusiastic fisherman. He often taught classes on fly tying. The club was incorporated in the year 1942, at that time there were only three members in the club, but they had high hopes that their club would ensure that future generations would have a place to shoot that no one could take away from them.

Since that time it's been an uphill battle keep to the ideals of the club intact. Now the club has grown into about 190 acres of land and a staggering total of over 250 members, and growing by the day.

There was a fire in the winter of 1989 that devastated the clubhouse and there was no insurance for fire at that time. The members had gotten together again and made an all out effort to rebuild, which they did and is now the clubhouse that you know today.

There was also a long running effort to buy any adjacent land to the club, for fear that another buyer would sell house lots, which would mean the end of the club for ever. Between 1996 and the year 2000 there was a long running battle for just such a parcel of land, which was almost lost due to a error on the part of the bank. Thankfully, early in the year 2000 they were able to secure the parcel and is now part of the ever growing Somerset Sportsman's club.

Joe Fortin, the current President of the club, joined the club in the early 1960s as a junior member. Joe and his dog frequently used the club for hunting practice and training. The pistol/rifle range had begun in 1980. Joe cut many of the trees and sold the wood for the club treasury. Up until the early '60s, the rifle range was only a 15' wide path. That's when Joe started cutting the trees.

Club Purpose and Objective:

The purpose and reason for existence of The Somerset Sportsman's Club, Inc. shall be to advance the cause of the protection, conservation and propagation of all our natural resources in general and particularly inland fisheries and game both in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our nation. To cooperate with other organizations of a benevolent, service, philanthropic or human nature and to promote a feeling of good fellowship with all other sportsman clubs.

To assist in the enforcement of the Fish and Game and Forestry Laws, assist in the prevention of forest fires, to interest the general public in the more sporting methods of hunting and fishing.

To encourage the prevention of pollution of our natural resources, promote reforestation, marksmanship and practice of the safe use of firearms at all times.