The Oil City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America closed out 2024 on a high note and with great enthusiasm for programs coming up in 2025.
In December the Chapter was notified by the Pennsylvania Game Commission that it had been awarded a $26,000 grant to help pay for construction of new earthen–berm backstops on the Hunters’ Trail range. This is the first step in a long-term plan to ensure the Chapter’s Waltonian Park ranges remain the safest and of the highest standards of any in Western Pennsylvania.
Also in 2024, the Ikes brought the Project Appleseed, a nationwide rifle and pistol training and marksmanship program, to Venango County. The program returns in 2025 on April 26 and 27.
On its own, the Chapter offers numerous shooting sports and training,
The Ike’s have two programs for youngsters. There is the Ikes’ Youth program for 11- through 20-year-olds every Friday evening, Sept. 13 to May 1. The Venango County 4-H air rifle program meets at 6 p.m. on Fridays. Any parent with an interested child can learn more simply by showing up.
A .22 caliber rifle meat shoot is held every Wednesday night with sign-up at 6:30 p.m. There is also a .22 bench rest silhouette shoot on the second Sunday of the month, May through September. The Hunters’ Trail is held on the first and third Sundays January, February and March on the fourth Sunday of April and the third Sunday remaining months. Practical pistol shoots are held the first Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m., and on the third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Military Rifle shoots are scheduled periodically, with the dates announced on Facebook.
The Ike’s are much more that a shooting club. They are a conservation and outdoor enthusiast’s organization. The Ike’s hold the annual Youth Field Days; this year set for June 21, and the annual Oil Heritage Children’s Fishing Derby. A hunter’s education program, required for new hunters, is set for June 7, with registration held through the Game Commission.
One of the Ike’s biggest annual events is the induction into the Venango County Conservation Hall of Fame, created by the Ikes in 2011 and housed at Venango Campus in partnership with the Oil Region Alliance.
The Oil City Ikes have a Facebook page (Oil City Chapter, Izaak Walton League) where updates and other information are regularly posted. The Chapter also welcomes inquiries regarding membership and range passes via email: oilcityikesmembership@gmail.com
