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Join VRPC!

pistol-copyThere are many great reasons to join VRPC. In addition to cost savings (club members do not pay the TWRA permit fee and get a discount on clay targets), we’re a fun group and we welcome everyone – including beginners. We learn from each other and we have a good time together.

Membership applications are accepted at each monthly meeting, the first Thursday of the month. Simply show up at the VRPC clubhouse between 7:00 & 7:15 p.m. If the gate is locked just hang tight, someone will be there shortly to let you in. Your application will be voted on, you’ll fill out the necessary paperwork and submit the appropriate fees.

Annual dues are $120 for adults ($150 for couples), and $50 for juniors under 18. Dues renew at the end of each year, and new member dues will be prorated based on the month you join. There is also a one-time $25 initiation fee. And since we are an NRA-affiliated club, current NRA membership is required, so bring your membership card, or you can join the NRA at the same time you join the club.

A range orientation is required and will be given during this first meeting. A gate orientation will be scheduled soon after, and upon completion, you will be issued a keycard for gate access.

longrangeVRPC History

John Sevier Range, the club’s current location, has a significant amount of American history associated with it. In 1879, the military began using this property as a rifle range and it was deeded to the U.S. government in 1907.

The range was used during the Spanish-American War for firearms training and as a prisoner of war camp during WWI. As military training continued at this location and the need for extended stays were frequent, it was formally referred to as “Camp John Sevier.”

The range next was known as John Sevier Range, under the Tennessee Army National Guard. VRPC operated the range until 2003, when the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) took over management. In 2017, the US government transferred the range property to the State of Tennessee. TWRA continues to operate the range as the John Sevier Hunter Education Center.
The range consists of 123.1 acres.  In addition to VRPC, Smoky Mountain Archers operates an indoor/outdoor archery range.