RT4, I see your point of view, being a charter member to a club that has changed 360 degrees from how it originally started has got to grate you, it would me too were I in your shoes.  I hope you know I in no way intended my above post to be directed at you personally. I'm not a charter member, I  started my membership in 1995 and have been active (off and on) this BB and the chat (when they had it) for years.

My  thinking is since the club changed hands, the new owners are not obligated to keep the promises of the original club, unless they stated they would  when they took over.  It would be interesting to find the magazine (if there is one) that announced the change of hands and what "if any" promises the new owners may have made to the charter members as well as the new members.  If they stated they would uphold the charter integrity and continue the club as was the dream of the original owners then they sure deserve a butt whipping.

My point was directed to, lets say, the post charter members that I've seen often during the years of my uncharted membership,  complain about their dissatisfaction with the club and the lack of toys they get.  I was hoping that my post would be taken as one of those life's little lessons, kind of a buyer beware, not just for here but for anyone or business you fork over your hard earned cash to. Eyes wide open I always say!

 I enjoy the club for all the reasons I've stated in past posts, and RT4 I can tell you  enjoy it too (even after getting your nose slapped by the new owners of the club) or you would not be here.  I enjoy reading your posts and find you to be a clear and upright person with lots of good advice and insight.  I'm glad we are fellow members of the club and the human race, we may find that we will not always agree on everything, but I think that we are both man and woman enough to not take it to much to heart.

DA ...I see your point, and I don't think anyone can make a good argument against it. I see RT4's points as well. I became a LM in 91 after toying with it for several years, and have probably by now broke even with cost of the magazine and other items I have received. I still don't think of the club (business) as a huge money maker for anyone...not even the owner.  I appreciate the couple times I field tested products, and overall can't blame anyone for trying to turn a profit in this once capitalistic country. Like RT4 I remember thinking that by becoming a LM I could possibly open up other areas for me to hunt...member only hunting lands etc. I am a working man...have been for the last 45 years and will continue most likely til I pass, so it was a big chunk of change to lay down for the privilege of belonging to the club. Until I win a mega millions jack pot I will not have any guided hunts, exotic game shoots, or hunt anywhere other than my local...and I can't blame the club for that...thats just the way it is. What I can do is read about someone else on their hunt and WISH it were me! I can be happy for those that can afford to go on big game hunts or I can pine away and complain until my face gets all puckered up and wrinkly. I am committed to not letting anyone take away the one thing I can control and that is how I feel. I can be happy-crabby-miserable-or love life-....that is mine to control...for now at least!
I enjoy reading your posts, sorry I have been a late arrival to your forum...have been on many others...but hey thats one of the perks of being a LM

Well said Ohio ol school

Ol School you won't get any argument out of me

I joined in 85 and became a Lifer in 88.  When the new NAHC took over, nothing was mentioned to us old members.
I would like to see this NAHC business offer to return my original Life Member payment if I want out.

You guys are all cool, but you would never see my snow white azz again.

I have been a lifr since 09 every time i turn around i get some dvd in the mail from season 08 or a cook book i dont need i got a bunch of patches iron on a vest a nice gun tote a belt buckle but 4 the amount i paid 4 life memmber its not worth it and a bunch of the books show up damaged packing sucks i thought ther whould b more 2 the club than that but its like everything else these days its all about MONEY

I have recently signed up for life Membership. It seems that my old number cchanged in somee places not in others and as has been said, theClub only seems to be looking for my money. and since i have not sent in the money yet I'm not ggoing to. I have alsso found our club items cheaper in other places wwhere anyone can purchase them I'm otta here.

I have recently signed up for life Membership. It seems that my old number cchanged in somee places not in others and as has been said, theClub only seems to be looking for my money. and since i have not sent in the money yet I'm not ggoing to. I have alsso found our club items cheaper in other places wwhere anyone can purchase them I'm otta here.

Smart feller!!!

Member numbers do change once you become a Lifer.

Hey, I'm an old charter member also, joined in early 1979, however I never got a charter member patch. Just mailing quite often telling me about places to hunt where the club had leased hunting rights for the members.  Remember those?  I wish the club still did that.  I can't believe theym don't have records going back to the orgin with Burke.  The club keeps telling me I joined in 1988, but thats when I converted to a Life membership.  I also have one of the leather jackets, however mine was sent to me free.

I still have a complete set of the Charter Member decals, the platinum and gold belt buckle and the patches. I also have the Life Member bomber jacket, the platinum and gold LM belt buckle, the gun cleaning mat, and the very nice wooden placque. Of all of the organizations that I'm a LM of, that placque is the nicest membership wall hanger of them all!!!!!!!

I still have all of that stuff to .And a membership knife they sent me .One of the thangs that got me here at the time was the land they had leased and the mags .Then i moved back to CA and the land was tofar away for my use and then they ended it .But still like the mags and the BB.

The only membership knife I ever received was when I purchased the annual membership for my nephew, cthomas17. holly, as for the BB, I don't like it as much as I used to, thanks to a certain LCERB!!!!!!!