Creating a DAR - The Manual

[Nut Farmer]

Per Fred's request, I will be posting my step by step process in establishing and building a DAR site for Appleseeds, Boot Camps, Meetings, etc.  DAR's are in a sense are a headquarter for RWVA in your State.

Step 1 - Step up for those that have the location and just commit to doing it.  Once you do that the rest just comes along.  The support you will receive at a State and National level will surprise you for doing what you need to become a DAR.  Work with State Rep. as a start then others will help.

Step 2 - Site the range.  In my case I believe I know where I want to place it, but my State Rep., B9 is going to make a site assessment visit in a couple of weeks and look over everything before burm construction begins.

Step 3 - Consider facilities you can provide.  In my case I have a new ploe barn that is clean and uncluttered that will serve as the NY DAR HQ.  I have bought an Appleseed Banner to put up and Fred has provided a set of Rev. War flags if I put up a flag ploe (that's a done deal).  Fred also wants all to know who are considering becoming a DAR that he will provide a set of ten flags free of charge to get you started.  Huzzah Fred!

Step 4 - Burm construction.  This will begin right after B9's site assessment.  Fortunately I have a sand pit less than a mile from my farm and I'm going to have lake silt (fine silt with no rocks or stones) brought in and make a 5' tall burm stretching about 50 yards.  Then will be establishing the target and shooting lines.

More to come when B9 does his site assessment and construction begins.

Doug
NY DAR OWNER
WNY BOTG
NY Promotion Boss

[Fred]

Huzzah Fred!

    Actually, it's "Huzzah RWVA!" or "Huzzah Appleseed!" [Let's give three huzzahs for Appleseed: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! ]

    RWVA will pay for a portajon for Appleseeds at your DAR. RWVA will also cover the event with its multi-million dollar liability policy (but let's not forget - "Safety First!" - an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure!).

    Plus, RWVA will bring its fine instructors and program right there, on your property, to teach your friends and neighbors not only how to shoot a rifle, but how to save a heritage.

    One side benefit: You'll meet and make a whole bunch of new friends who appreciate you for what you are doing - and who will be friends for life. Worthy friends...

    I asked Doug to start this post as a sort of diary of his DAR experience to give others who may be thinking about that unused quarter-acre in the back of their property, the one with the hill right behind it - and thinking what a great natural range it would be - I asked him to allow them to see what the process of creating a DAR on a piece of vacant land involves, so you can better judge for yourself if you want to be in the forefront of the battle for liberty and "saving the heritage" in this country...

    Thanks for starting the post, Doug!

    Now, let's document the transition of your quarter-acre into an engine for the American tradition, and show others how easy it it.

    PS: It is possible if you have the land, but not the berm/backstop, RWVA may be able to raise the funds to push up a safe backstop so you can still be a DAR.

[SamD]

 
Doug,
please keep careful track of everything that is involved.   Important information to have for the future.
It may seem pretty small right now but might be a big issue for others down the line.  Hopefully teh next one will be easier because of your work.


Thank you for your effort.
It is appreciated

Sam

[Determined451]

Guys I am really interested on this,,I have no land, have been trying to view post on the subject, but seem to be getting no where..can anyone take me thru what help is available, and how much land, ect is needed...insurance...any anfo, put into one place sure would be helpful..thanks D-451

[Greg in MO]

Not much land is required, just 25 m and a good backstop.  You could probably do this on a tenth of an acre, but when you add parking areas and possibly camping, then it becomes a bit bigger.  We had DARs that are just a couple acres, and some that are hundreds of acres.  RWVA has an insurance policy, so you are covered there. 

If you have a range or a piece of land (or know of one) that you think we can use, send me a PM and I will help you get it set up.

Greg

[Greg in MO]

Thought I would repost this writeup I did about a year ago...  It may help some people.

The Dedicated Appleseed Range Program

I.   What is a Dedicated Appleseed Range?

A Dedicated Appleseed Range (DAR) is an Appleseed location that allows the RWVA to host Appleseed events on a routine schedule or whenever needed.  Typically this would be along the lines of one event per month.  The DAR is a place where local Appleseeders can gather, train and recruit new Riflemen for the program.  The DAR will be a place to host Boot Camps (both RBC and IBC) and build a local program that can operate without continual assistance from outside instructors.  A DAR may be a piece of private land that is suitable for an Appleseed, or a gun club/range that we have built a relationship with that will allow the RWVA first choice on their schedules.

II.   Why do we need DARs?

DARs are necessary for the continued growth of the program, and our ability to meet the goals we have set for ourselves.  At some point, we will not have enough ranges to reach our annual goals if we only hold one or two shoots a year per range. 

DARs are necessary to ensure we have the ability to train enough instructors to support the explosive growth of the program.  Without the ability to host Rifleman and Instructor Boot Camps, we will have a difficult time training instructors rapidly enough to meet demand.  Additionally, the ability to train LOCAL instructors is paramount to the success of Appleseed in a given area.  If we don’t have enough instructors and Shoot Bosses for a shoot, it won’t happen.  Note the cap that has been placed on new April 18-19 shoots this year, not for lack of sites but for lack of Shoot Bosses.

DARs allow shooters to plan ahead if they know that there will be an Appleseed at the same place on a regular interval.  This will help with planning and recruitment of new shooters.

Regular shoots at a DAR allow us to draw in more local support from other community groups to help get the word out and support the Appleseed Program.  Groups like the Boy Scouts, 4H, Rotary, Kiwanis, church groups, etc.  This will help get others in the community to help promote Appleseed for their Appleseed Range.

 

III.   How do we locate a DAR?

Finding a DAR is no different from finding a regular Appleseed range.  Know of a gun club?  Ask if they would like to host an Appleseed.  Build a rapport with the club leaders and show them what Appleseed is about.  With a good relationship anything is possible.

Do you know someone with a little bit of land and not many neighbors?  It only takes 1/10th of an acre and a backstop to make a DAR.  Ranges with the ability to shoot long distance are a big plus, but not a requirement for a DAR.  Camping space is also a plus but not necessary.  Land owners are protected by RWVA insurance.  Set up one Appleseed and let the land owner see what the program is about.  Once land owner has seen the program and expresses interest, approach the subject of possibly using their property as a DAR.

Do you have a 4H or Boy Scout Troop nearby?  Find out who their shooting coordinator is and where they shoot.  Often it is on the coordinators land and they may be willing to work with us in exchange for training the kids.

Once you find a possible location, print out a <url=http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=607.0;attach=2735>blank range data sheet</url> and visit the site with the land/range owner present.  Determine where the target, shooting and equipment lines will be and if the backstop is sufficient.  Ask about parking and camping and make sure the land/range owner is comfortable with what will happen at the shoot.

IV.   How do we set up a DAR?

Setting up a DAR is no different than setting up a regular Appleseed range, although over time the DAR facilities will likely become more improved and durable than a typical Appleseed location.  If the location needs work such as berms or other safety requirements, the RWVA may assist the landowner in making those improvements.  RWVA assistance will be conditional and based upon the terms of use agreed upon with the land owner.  Eventual improvements may include covered shooting lines, pop-up targets, semi-permanent backers, lighting, parking surfacing, restrooms, classroom/meeting area, etc.  The sky’s the limit.

V.   Usage Agreements

A usage agreement/lease should be established with the land owner to protect RWVA access to the range.  This agreement should cover how many shoots, boot camps and other events would be held in a given year.  It should also address the duration of the agreement and any conditions or site rules that the land owner or RWVA would want agreed upon.

VI.   Donations and Legacy Gifts

Where appropriate, consider discussing with the land owner the possibility of donating the property to RWVA as a gift (to a not-for-profit organization) or bequeath the property to the RWVA in the event of their death.  Such a gift would ensure that the property would be used for the cause

[Cowdog]

Giving use of my farm for a DAR was one of the best things I ever did. I really enjoy having both the instructors and participants around. AS people leave no mess behind (sadly unlike some hunters). I treasure that set of flags, and occaissionally fly one from the porch on nice days.  If I can ever be of assistance talking to other landowners who may be wondering or hesitant about doing this, PM me and I will PM my phone numbers and a direct email.

[Panama]

Giving use of my farm for a DAR was one of the best things I ever did. I really enjoy having both the instructors and participants around. AS people leave no mess behind (sadly unlike some hunters). I treasure that set of flags, and occaissionally fly one from the porch on nice days.  If I can ever be of assistance talking to other landowners who may be wondering or hesitant about doing this, PM me and I will PM my phone numbers and a direct email.

I recommend anyone considrring this to take Cowdog up on this offer. I have worked 2 Appleseeds at Cowdog's and his facilities and hospitality are first rate. He knows how it needs to be done.

[featherblue]

My wife and I have a DAR on our property and have had one shoot so far. We had fun and met a bunch of great folks.

Thanks for the flags too!

-fb

[Wade]

My son inlaw and myself built a DAR on about 1 acre, I look at it as  a wise investment in the future of our Country an ounce of pervention,,,,, And its lots of fun  Fun saveing this Country  can you beat that .
The Range is allways clean after a shoot some times its done before I even know they started cleaning Range donations of need things has been great trash cans canopys ground covers shooters mats,,,reloadable brass ,,,,,Ok I will come clean I do this becouse Im a Brass Rat and this is the best wat to get lots of brass "my name is Wade and Im a Brass Rat"

Wade