MEMBERS VOTE TO CHANGE NAME TO

MICHIIGAN HUNTING & FISHING COLLECTORS CLUB

As mentioned in the heading above, the club members have overwhelmingly agreed to change the name to just the Michigan Hunting & Fishing Collectors Club. Know that this change will take some time to officially accomplish. Currently we are listed as a non-profit organization with the State of Michigan as the MHFLCC and all this will need to be changed.

What will this change really mean to the organization? I don’t know that any of us truly know the answer to this question but I do have some thoughts.

First, I truly believe most members felt that by having the word license in our title it discouraged collectors from attending club functions or potentially joining. Perhaps this is true but bare in mind this was the very reason the club was formed. With that said, we have existed under this format for thirteen years and perhaps the time has arrived to change, grow and expand.

I would suggest this change might allow us to attract all levels of people who collect something relating to Michigan’s great past. If you think about it , this state has had numerous incredible companies contribute to our rich heritage. Perhaps we will evolve into a club that supports the collection of items such as: Bear Archery, Heddon, Paw Paw & Shakespeare fishing, Marble Arms, Upton, King, Markham & Daisy BB Guns, Skagel & Olsen knives, Mason, St. Clair Shores or Monroe duck decoys, Oscar Peterson or Bud Stewart spearing decoys, Chris Craft or Century boats, Lockwood Ash boat motors or numerous others. This decision certainly isn’t mine or the club officers to make but one for all members to consider and offer input on.

 FALL SHOW AUCTION RESULTS

This years fall show included a small auction for the first time in two years. A non member attended with a 1985 Non Resident Deer back tag with the number 00001. Per the current club rules of not being able to shop it but having the option to auction it, he, decided to do so. Once the hammer landed he was pleasantly surprised to see that his one item sold to Jim Switalski for $160.00. Over the years there have been many conversations among members whether low numbered items are worth more in value than others and this price supports the theory that they do.

We also had several whitetail head mounts with early horn seals attached, consigned for auction. Unfortunately, none of these met the sellers reserves but it was still fun to see them sell. Two that created particular interest were a flat headed 1916 and a very tough to find 1919. The high bid on the 1916 reached $425.00.

We have a few early items already consigned to the March 2009 show, including a 1903 & 1904 Deer license plus a 1925 Resident seal. Look for details in our 2009 spring show notice, coming in January.