2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Palomar Sportsmen's Club

Palomar Sportsmen's Club

The Palomar Sportsmen's Club is a shooting club that operates in Ranchita, although the great majority of its members are from Ramona.

The club dates back to Ramona before World War II. Then everybody went off to war and when they came back, a member of the group let the group use his property on Highland Valley Road. The sportsmen's club was formalized in 1954 and operated until 1990 when the owner of the land died. At that time the club had grown to over 300 members.

It became tough to find a place to operate because of California legislation that changed the rules for shooting ranges. It took the club about four years to locate the current 40 acres that was acceptable for a rifle range, and another two and a half years to put the major use permit through the county.

President Dennis Rohman points out that the club is the first shooting range to put a permit through the count's process, and by 1998 they were able to use the land as a range.

With the range in place, membership is on the rise, and they are back up to almost it membership limit of 250 (from a low of 35). According to Rohman, "Membership is open to anyone, provided they don't have any felonies on their record. We have members from as far away as Los Angeles, although most are from the Ramona area."

The range is a recreational facility for members to enjoy all kinds of sporting activites, and includes a rifle range, pistol range, archery range, camping area, and a trap shooting area.

This year's officers include President Dennis Rohman' Vice President Dave Romero; Secretary Louie Gorombey; Assistant Secretary Brian Bowman; Treasurer Jim Romero; Assistant Tresurer Lee Criket; Facilities Director Chuck Curtis, who's been a member since 1959; Promotional Director Steve newbegin; and, Equipment Director Steve Pyle.

The Palomar Sportsmen's Club meets every other month, usually on a Thursday evening. They frequently have guest speakers from hunting organizations, the National Wildlife Federation, and the National Rifle Association.

The club sponsors a youth program where youngsters are tought all of the safety aspects of handling a weapon. This has been so successful that the club wants to increase its community outreach. It also sponsors the San Diego chapter of Women's Shooting Sports, and helps out several charities a year, including the Montezuma Valley Fire Department. The club also participates with several other clubs in the Save a Life blood drive.

The club empasizes family memberships. Dues are $120 a year, with a $300 initiation fee.

You can reach the club by calling 619-596-8124, or by writing: PO Box 715, Ramona, CA 92065.