HISTORY:

The year was 1938 and the club was started by five young men who worked hard and loved to hunt together. These men were seeing more and more farmers posting “NO HUNTING” signs on their properties.  Due to hunting property becoming scarce, they chipped in together and leased land to pursue their passion.The Founding Five members were Azel ‘Red’ Traver (for who our lake is named), Ralph Nelson, Lester Nixson, Henry ‘Hank’ Fuller and Charles Goff.

Because of the rising cost of leasing land the Founders invited five more members to join the club and share expenses. This is when McNeil Smith, Erwin Volz, Louis Haines, Jack Durbin and Roy Monaghan joined the club. It is believed that the group at that time called themselves simply, The Hunt and Fish Club. The clubs treasury was a drawer in Alice Fullers sewing machine. When the drawer was empty of money, each member would put $10 or $20 dollars back in it. The group changed their name to the Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club. Monthly meetings were held at either Hank Fullers sheet metal shop, Jack Durbins lakeview Inn, a school room or at a members house. The club continued to lease land for the pleasure of hunting. They had only one rule. If anyone was caught violating fish or game laws, that person would have to buy drinks for everyone at the club. A rule that is still in effect today.

The club increased to 25 members and George Burke Jr. was asked to draw up papers of incorporation. The Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club became incorporated in 1948. At this time Oren Nelson was secretary and McNeil Smith was President. At this time they voted to give free memberships to anyone that would let them hunt their land at no charge. Some of the local farmers that became members were Pete Kelly, Ben Strong and John Buehler.

The WLRGC joined Michigan United Conservation Clubs in 1946. The club started sending kids to MUCC camp in 1947. Another tradition we still continue today.