2026 STSC Member Survey: Thank You

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our 2026 Member Survey. Your feedback gives the Board a much better understanding of what is working well, where we need to improve, and what you would like to see from Salem Trap & Skeet Club in the future. We have shared all of the feedback with Dave and Vandy, Mid-Valley Clays & Shooting School (aka Mid-Valley) as several of the items are in their sphere of control.

We were especially encouraged by the overall positive response. In total, we received 120 responses. 90 members said they were satisfied with our facilities, and 99 members said they feel their questions, concerns, and feedback are understood and addressed. When asked whether they would recommend STSC membership to a friend, 76 said they definitely would and another 36 said they were likely to.

We also heard some important concerns, and we want you to know that we are listening.

What We Heard

Facility improvements are a priority

The most consistent theme was the desire for continued investment in our facilities. Members identified improvements to sporting clay stations, trap and skeet facilities, the clubhouse, parking, roads and walkways, lighting, and restroom facilities.

We also heard requests for additional and improved 5-Stand opportunities, more covered sporting clay stations, better course access, and improvements to carts and equipment (this last, we have passed on to Mid-Valley.

The Board will use this feedback as we evaluate capital projects and determine how best to prioritize available resources.

Target and ammunition costs matter

Perhaps the clearest operational concern was the cost of shooting.

Some members told us that target prices are limiting how often they shoot, while others expressed concerns about the overall value of membership for those who shoot only a few times each year.

We understand that maintaining the facility and operating the club comes with significant costs. At the same time, we recognize that pricing directly affects participation. The Board has reviewed various pricing scenarios (see below) that include ‘primarily volunteer operated clubs’ as well as other ‘professionally managed operations’. We believe that Mid-Valley’s “middle of the pack” price structure serves members very well. That said, we continue to work with Mid-Valley to enhance and improve member benefits.

Members want more opportunities to shoot

There was meaningful interest in expanded hours, including evening shooting, seven-day access, and opportunities for members to shoot when the clubhouse is closed.

There was also interest in leagues, informal competitions, Cosmic Clays, skeet events, social shoots, clinics, and other opportunities that bring members together.

The survey was nearly evenly divided on leagues, with 59 members interested and 56 not interested. That tells us there is an opportunity to experiment with different formats rather than assuming one type of league will work for everyone.

We will continue looking for ways to create more opportunities for both competitive and social shooters to come together as a club.

Communication can be better

While most members responded positively about having their concerns addressed, several members told us they are unsure how to provide feedback or would like more information about what happens after they provide it.

That is something we can improve.

We want members to know how to provide feedback, how the Board evaluates that feedback, and what actions result from it. This survey is one step in that process, and we intend to make member communication more consistent going forward. Questions and comments can still be mailed to stscboard@salemtrapandskeet.org and we are currently evaluating a dedicated feedback form attached to the website.

We heard the positive feedback, too

We don't want the improvement requests to overshadow the many positive comments.

Members specifically praised the Mid-Valley staff, the clubhouse, the Mid-Valley pro shop, the improvements already made to the property, the shooting experience, and the direction of the club.

Several members singled out individual Mid-Valley staff members for being helpful, friendly, and professional. Those comments have been shared with the team and are greatly appreciated.

We also heard that members value STSC as a welcoming place to shoot, spend time with friends, compete, and introduce new shooters to the sport.

What Happens Next?

The survey gives us a valuable list of priorities, but we also need to balance those priorities with available funding, operational realities, and the long-term needs of the club.

Some improvements can be addressed relatively quickly. Others—particularly major trap, skeet, sporting clay, electrical, drainage, paving, and clubhouse projects—will require significant planning and investment.

The Board will be reviewing the survey results as part of our planning process and will work with Mid-Valley to identify projects that can provide the greatest benefit to our membership.

We also recognize that not every suggestion will be possible, and not every member will agree on which project should come first. Our goal is to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen STSC for the long term.

Thank You

Most importantly, thank you for taking the time to tell us what you think.

A healthy club depends on engaged members, and the response to this survey demonstrates that STSC has a membership that cares deeply about its future.

We appreciate your membership, your support, your patience as improvements are made, and your willingness to help us make Salem Trap & Skeet Club an even better place to shoot.

We heard you. We appreciate the feedback. And we look forward to continuing to move the club forward together.

Thank you for being a member of Salem Trap and Skeet Club!

Signed,

The Salem Trap and Skeet Board Members:

William Turner
Jonathan Hussain
Brook Douglas
Michael Sullivan
Ara Roselani
Ben Simmons
Chuck McClaugherty
Jerry Richardson
Roy Elicker
Sarah Meder

Data collected September 2026.