Matanuska Valley Sportsmen

Participation, operations, and membership levels have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels due in part to management efforts, the training manager, and a dedicated cadre of instructors. The mix of participants remained similar to previous years, but the programs and classes we are promulgating have generated additional interest for members and potential members. During 2023, the Personal Protetion Outside the Home class was introduced and well received. The Ladies Only Night program continues to be successful. The Junior team sponsorship has continued, and members have placed highly in local and national competitions. The classrooms continue to be well used and have a high occupancy factor. The indoor high-power range has been successful with good utilization. Volunteer range safety officers, instructors, board members, and others provided over 10,000 volunteer labor hours to the organization at a value of over $313,400.

A gun show was sponsored in 2023 to provide members and the public: 1) the opportunity to view new developments in the firearms industry; 2) the opportunity to upgrade personal and professional equipment; 3) to purchase new and specialized personal and professional equipment and supplies; 4) the opportunity to observe historically significant educational displays; and 5) to sell un-needed personal supplies and equipment. Over 90 vendors displayed and 1750 people attended.

Competition and training classes were offered an average of once per week. Both formal and informal classes were offered. We continue to develop new classes to add to the offerings. The State of Alaska Hunter Education Program classes are also offered and have been well attended.Over 315 people were trained in both formal and informal training classes. The classes given provided training from introduction to firearms through advanced personal defense. Training also included Range Safety Officer Training, Chief Range Safety Officer Training, a metallic cartridge reloading class, and a Refuse To Be A Victim class. A total of 44 classes were provided in 11 different disciplines. In 2023, 97 people were trained under the State of Alaska Hunter Education Program in 8 different classes.