In 1946 a general concern for the future of fishing, hunting, trapping and the outdoors in general prompted a cigarmaker from the town of Centennial in Adams County to form an organization that has become a mover and shaker among county sportsmen for over 63 years.

A meeting was called on January 6, 1946 by Philip A. Wagaman of 25 people from the McSherrystown and Centennial area to organize a group of sportsmen. The meeting was held at the Knights of Columbus and was the root for the founding of the McSherrystown Fish and Game Protective Association. Mr. Wagaman was elected the first President of the club and a mission statement was adopted establishing the club for the purpose of:

• Organize members for the purpose of conservation, restoration, and management of
  game and fish and other wildlife in the Commonwealth.
• Improve relationships among landowners and sportsmen
• Promote the passage of better laws to manage our game and fish and laws concerning wildlife.
  

Some of the early activities of the new club was trapping pesty rabbits from raiding gardens in town partnering with the Boy Scouts Troop 107. The club adopted the first farm game project-labeled Project 107. The club started planting numerous species of tress and shrubs to assist wildlife and built blue bird boxes to enhance wildlife. A few years later the club provided a strong stand to purchase deer for adams county and joined the PGC to raise and stock pheasants.

The first pheasant program was started in 1947. The pheasant program exists today at the club. Five years after its founding the club held meeting in Knights of Columbus, McSherrystown Fire hall and the Annunication School.

In 1951, a local businessman saw the potential to purchase a 19-acre property in Oxford Township, on the East banks of the Conewago Creek, the former site of the Guist Mill known back then as the Mount Pleasant Mills. Robert Burkee co-sponsored the club in purchasing the property for $1,000 on April 24th, 1951. 

Because of empty coffers the club members decided to rebuilt the structure into a clubhouse. The old chicken houses on Rt 116 were donated to the club and used for reconstruction. Starting with just a shell of four brick walls, it took six months of hard labor before the clubhouse was reconstructed.

The first meeting at this location was October 31st, 1952. A coin box was placed in the clubhouse and members were encouraged to drop a quarters in the box. Essentually, each quarter would purchase a cemeent block for the building.

In June 1954 an addition was added with a fireplace for $1,921.00. In 1954 a building commitee was formed. Members approved a loan for $1,000 for the project. The loan was satisfied and a mortage burning was held in 1955. Another addition followed in 1989 with a new kitchen, storage rooms, office, new heating system, and restrooms.

The club purchased more acres which added up to 90 acres of land. In 1961 a club pond was established by John Walter of Newville which would hold over 12,000 tons of water, costing $3,600. In 1963 the club stocked the pond with bass and bluegills acquired from a federal hatchery with the help of the Adams County Soil Conservation office. The pond was rebuilt in 1995 and restocked. Fishing derbies started annually since 1971. In 1996 the club installed aerators in the pond and annually treat the pond. That same year, 1996 the club celebrated 50 years of Conservation.

History compiled by Dave Swope

How to become a member

How to Join McSherrystown Fish & Game, we are always looking for members who want to be a active part of the club, and all the things we do for the community and have to offer. 

Membership applications are available at our Regular Monthly Meetings, They are last Tuesday of each month with the exception of NO Meeting in November. December meetings vary depending on when Christmas falls. 

The meetings start at 7:30 pm. Applications MUST be filled out prior to meeting starting, best to get there 15 to 30 Min early. 
You must be 16 years of age or older (16&17 Must have parental consent) and you MUST be present at the time of applying and at the following months meeting (approx. 30 days later) when you will be voted on, You must have one of the following along also, a Hunting or Fishing License or NRA or Similar National Organization Membership Card and Photo ID. 

You MUST be sponsored (recommended) by a current member, They MUST bring you and sponsor you, they Must be carrying their membership card. You Can Not be a Felon. 

Joining fee is $60.00 ($20 Joining fee and $40 current years dues) and will be collected immediately after being voted on at the second meeting. 

All new members will have a one calendar year probationary period from their join date, in which they must complete 8 work hours on the associations grounds or at association events as directed by the trusties, officers, or committee members. If this requirement is not met, these members may be removed from the membership rolls at the Trusties discretion by a majority vote. 

Applicants not meeting these criteria will not be considered for membership. Applicant is required to be at the next regular meeting (time of vote). If applicant can not attend they must contact the Financial Secretary with a reason and when they will be able to attend. You will not be voted on until you attend or other arrangements are made with the Financial Secretary. Failure to attend or make other arrangements will void their application and it will be withdrawn and not considered for vote.

As stated Sponsors are required, we have over 2000 members if your a sportsman/sportswoman in the area chances are you probably already know someone. We also have events open to the public including 3D Archery Shoots, Block shoots, and Feeds (see out calendar of events), where prospective members can meet members who maybe willing to sponsor them.  Sponsors have the responsibility of showing the people they sponsors the rules and workings of the club. 

If you understand the requirements, and have a sponsor, and would like a PDF copy of the membership application one can be emailed to you.