Hunting Club Bylaws Template: What Every Club Needs

Good bylaws are the operating manual for your hunting club. They prevent disagreements by establishing rules before conflicts arise.

Article 1: Club Name and Purpose

State your club's official name and primary purpose — quality hunting opportunities through responsible wildlife management, property stewardship, and community.

Article 2: Membership

• Maximum members: Based on property capacity
• Application process: How new members are proposed, vetted, and voted on
• Probationary period: One-season trial before full membership
• Guest policy: Limits and approval requirements
• Removal process: Grounds and procedure for removal

Article 3: Dues and Financial Obligations

• Annual dues amount, due date, late penalties
• Special assessment procedures
• Refund policy for mid-season departures
• Budget transparency requirements

Article 4: Hunting Rules

• Harvest limits by species
• Antler restrictions (if practicing QDM)
• State game law compliance
• Weapon types by season segment
• Harvest reporting: all harvests reported within 24 hours using digital tracking

Article 5: Safety Requirements

• Hunter education certification
• Treestand harness requirements and annual inspections
• Check-in/check-out procedures via scheduling system
• Emergency contacts on file
• Alcohol policy

Article 6: Property Use

• Vehicle and ATV access rules
• Stand placement rules and minimum distances
• Section assignments or rotation
• Trail camera policies
• Food plot responsibilities
• Gate protocols

Article 7: Volunteer Requirements

• Minimum hours per member per year
• Expected work day participation
• Hours tracked and documented
• Consequences for non-compliance

Article 8: Governance

• Officer positions, duties, and terms
• Election and nomination process
• Meeting schedule and quorum
• Amendment procedures (two-thirds vote)
• Dispute resolution process

Making Bylaws Work

Review annually, address gaps as they appear, and ensure every member has a current copy. Organize operations alongside bylaws using HuntScrape — the free plan handles scheduling, tracking, and reporting.