GEM CITY (1)

Welcome to the Gem City Outdoorsmen Club

Since 1954, our club has been a community of sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to conservation, education, and the responsible enjoyment of the outdoors. We are proud to promote safe hunting, fishing, and shooting practices while fostering strong relationships with landowners, families, and fellow outdoorsmen.

As a non-profit, non-political organization, we are committed to serving our community through youth programs, hunter safety courses, and outdoor education opportunities for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or just beginning your journey into the outdoors, the Gem City Outdoorsmen Club is here to support, educate, and share in the tradition of outdoor recreation.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GCOC Club Updates

All;

Gem City Sportsmen’s Club is opening our indoor 30 yard range to all members and non-members from the end of January through April.

If you are interested in learning the basics of archery or if you simply want to tune up your bow shooting muscles, come on out to the club at 6701 Van Camp Rd in McKean on Sunday from noon until 2:45 pm.

We have variable weight Genesis bows and arrows for those who don’t have their own equipment or you can bring your own outfit. (Please, no crossbows on the indoor range.

We would appreciate a call ahead of time so we know who is interested . There will be a $5 charge for adults to cover the cost of propane and other utilities. Kids shoot free.

Contact either Dave Karle, or Dave Kalie to let us know that you are attending via text message or cell call..

 

Thanks

Dave Karle

President GCOC

 

Dave Karle Dave Kalie

814 873-2227 814 449-4739

 
 
Rules for Hunting
 
NOTE: GCOC is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen property.
 
The board of directors is implementing the following rules for hunting and ATV use effective immediately. Failure to follow these rules will result in loss of membership
Gem City Outdoorsmen Club is a private club. Use of this club for any activity including hunting and fishing on this property is available only to current paid up GCOC members.
Each member who is hunting this property MUST sign in each day that he/she is hunting. Sign in form is available at the NOTICE BOARD immediately adjacent to the clubhouse building. Name, CID # and time in are required. Signing of this form verifies that you have read and understand these rules.
Members must adhere to all PA Game Laws
 
BLINDS AND STANDS
-Hunters may use a Ladder stand, hang-on or climber as well as a ground blind with the following restrictions:
-Ladder stands and hang-ons MUST be tagged with the owner’s name and CID # (Hunting license number)
Only one stand or ground blind is permitted per person on GCOC property
– A ladder stand or a hang-on may be left in the tree throughout the hunting season..It may be installed no earlier than 15 days prior to the hunting season. It must be removed within 15 days of the end of the deer hunting season. If left past the deadline for removal it shall be removed by GCOC personnel, which may require cutting of any locks and/or chains at stand owner’s risk.
-Climbing stands and ground blinds MUST be removed and taken off GCOC property after each hunting day
-ALL Blinds and stands must adhere to Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations
-No screw-in steps or any other equipment that damages the cambium layer beneath the bark are permitted at any time.
Stands and ground blinds are the property of the owner. No person shall make use of another person’s property without the written permission of the owner.
 
CAMERAS
Trail cameras may be used prior to the beginning of the deer or turkey season. Once the season begins ALL trail cameras are to be removed from the premises. Failure to remove them in the required timeframe shall result in removal by GCOC personnel.
 
ATV USE
-ATV’s may be ridden on the road to the top of the North/South trail to the upper pavilion only or to the parking area at the pond. Thereafter access to your hunting location is by foot only. Parking along the trail must be within 25 yards of the trail.
-Absolutely no joy riding is permitted at any time. ATV access to sites at sanctioned events such as sporting clay shoots is permitted.
 
ETHICS
-Respect other hunter’s location. Set up no less than 50 yards from any other occupied hunting site unless you have written permission.Respect others property. Do not tamper with stands, blinds or cameras that are the property of another.
Failure to sign in or commission of any violation is subject to review and penalty including possible loss of membership. NOTE: GCOC is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen property
Update: 10/2/2025 
 

Did you know? 🏕️
Local Boy Scouts regularly use Gem City Outdoorsmen Club to complete projects and earn badges!

These projects are a huge win for both the Scouts and GCOC — the Scouts gain hands-on experience, teamwork skills, and badge credits, while the club benefits from meaningful upgrades and maintenance around the grounds.

GCOC and many local companies donate materials and funding to help the Scouts complete these projects, making a lasting impact for everyone involved.

We’re proud to support our future outdoorsmen and women and to see the positive difference these projects bring to our club and community! 💪🌲

 
Update: 9/17/2025

🚧 Long Range Upgrade – Phase 1 Complete! 🚧

We’re excited to share progress on our long-range project! Phase 1 is now finished with the new shooting pad in place. This is the first step toward major improvements for our range.

Phase 2 begins this spring with additional upgrades to make the long range even better for our members. Stay tuned for updates as we continue building for the future!

 
UPDATE: 9/4/2025
Members;
We are very excited to inform you that Phase 1 of the long range renovation projectis now complete. We have had the future site of the long range shooting pavilion built up to the proper height and stoned. I relocated two of the shooting benches onto that site for your use this fall. (Note: one of the benches is in temporary disrepair, so please use only the bench on the left side until we repair the other one)
 
Our next steps are to allow the ground there to settle until next spring at which time we will have the new pavilion erected and concreted. Permanent shooting benches will be installed at that time.
So enjoy the new pad and please, do NOT drive up the inclined ramp with your vehicle. Park it at the base of the ramp or on the pond side of the road for now. A parking lot will be installed next year as well.
Shooting at the backstops must be only from the designated benches. If you want to practice at shorter distances you must use the established 50 or hundred yard ranges that are to the east of the 200 yard range.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or Bill Dubinski, our grounds manager.
 
Dave Karle
 
President GCOC.

Update: 8/15/2025

Road paving has officially begun at the Gem City Outdoorsmen Club, with the main section now freshly paved. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to making the club more accessible and enjoyable for all members. Additional roadway upgrades are already being discussed and planned for the future. We’re also thrilled to share that this year’s Sportsman’s Raffle was a huge success, thanks to the incredible support from our members, volunteers, and community. Your continued involvement helps make these projects and events possible.

 

Update: 6/16/2025

General Update & Trap Building

Despite the chilly weather, our Spring Indoor Flea Market was a great success—thank you to everyone who came out! We’ll see you again in the fall. Our spring cleanup also had a strong turnout, and we were able to knock out a ton of projects around the grounds. That said, there’s always more to do—if you’re interested in lending a hand, we welcome you to attend one of our monthly meetings, held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. We’re also excited to share that the new trap pavilion is up and ready to use—providing shade and shelter rain or shine. Several more projects are in progress, and we’re looking forward to completing them throughout the year. Thank you for your continued support!

Update: 5/14/2025

Maintenence Building roof

With the arrival of warmer weather, we’ve resumed grounds improvement projects here at GCOC. We’ve recently completed installing a new roof on the maintenance building, and additional upgrades are underway.

Update: 5/2/2025

Long Range open for the Season

The long range is now open, weather permitting. If the gate is open, the range is open for use. Please use discretion when accessing the area, as conditions can become muddy and vehicles may get stuck. Do not drive past the end of the road under any circumstances.

Update: 4/23/2025

Pistol Range Gate Install

With the arrival of warmer weather, we’re excited to kick off several upgrades and projects around the club grounds. A new gate has been installed at the pistol/rifle range, allowing us to close it off as needed for maintenance or special events. We’ve also received final approval for the renovation of the last trap field, which has now been scheduled. Multiple building repairs are lined up, and we’re actively planning continued improvements to the long-range shooting area throughout the year. Additionally, a new shelter has been approved for the trap field to help accommodate more members and guests during events.

UPDATE: 03/31/2025

Exciting Facility Upgrades Coming to GCOC!

We’re thrilled to announce that the GCOC Directors have approved a significant upgrade plan for our facility! This plan includes much-needed repairs to existing buildings and ranges, as well as continued improvements to the long-range area to complete previously approved upgrades.

Right now, the Trustees are hard at work identifying priority repairs and upgrades to ensure we maximize the impact of these improvements. We’re committed to evolving and growing GCOC to better serve our members and community.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward—we can’t wait to see these enhancements take shape!

Announcement from the Gem City Outdoorsmen’s Club

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce that the new by-laws for the Gem City Outdoorsmen’s Club were officially voted on and approved during last night’s meeting. This marks the culmination of months of hard work and collaboration among our directors, members, and legal representatives.

These updated by-laws will guide the governance of our club and ensure that we continue to operate with the best interests of our members and our mission at heart.

We appreciate the input and participation of all members throughout this process. The newly approved by-laws will be distributed shortly for your records.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our club.

Best regards,
The Board of Directors
Gem City Outdoorsmen’s Club

 
Gem City Bylaws

Club grounds closed!
8/6/2025

The Club grounds closed on the 6th due to paving and ground improvements. Thank you for your understanding!