FAQs

When is it expected that the range will open?

It is hoped that 1 August will see the range open and at which time membership fees will be payable.

Can one automatically become a member of NWTC?

In order to become a member or NWTC, you will need to have accepted and signed all aspects of club membership and be a fully paid-up member.

Can the committee turn down membership?

Yes. The Executive Committee will approve membership based on application credentials. Consistent with the constitution of the club, the Executive Committee’s decision is binding.

Must all users of the range be in possession of a membership number?

Yes.  In order to use the range, one must be fully paid up and be in possession of an allocated membership number.  It will be required on the range register.

Is there an entrance fee for membership of NWTC?

It is expected that from 1 January 2026, an entrance fee amounting to 50% of the annual ordinary membership fee will be charged to join the club.  This in order to recoup set up costs and asset purchases.

Can one bring a non-member/friend/wife to shoot?

No.  Only members can use the range as they have signed the indemnities and are fully paid up. Non-members can engage an accredited firearm instructor and book a non-range day for instruction and competency.  Non-members will need to be in the company of an accredited instructor to participate on the range during competency training.

Can a non-member with competency use his weapon on the range?

No. Joining as a temporary member (fully paid up with indemnities) for 30 days will grant access to the range.

Prospective non-competent members.  How do you go about becoming competent to become a member?

Engage an accredited instructor to secure your competency and, on completion of the competency for that weapon, sign up as a member.

In order to become a firearm owner in Bitou, does one need to become competent beforehand?

Yes.

Can range targets and gongs be used at the same time?

No.  The range may be used for one or the other. NOT BOTH. The Range Officer, elected by the members, on the range at the time will be responsible for this decision.

Who appoints the range officer?

In the absence of a qualified range officer, the member on the range shooting from target range butt 1 or gong butt 1 will automatically serve as Range Officer.

Can a member use the range without first having signed the Range Register?

No.  One will need to register at Nature’s Way Farmstall before using the range.  This ensures that participants on the range are verified and the indemnity is signed.

Why will ID be required when completing the range register?

This will ensure that only bona fide members, covered by the constitution and indemnities, are present on the range.

Can a member of another club use the NWTC range?

No.  A minimum membership period is one month and entails completing the membership applications, signing an indemnity and being a fully paid-up member. One month membership is R200 whereas accessing the range in George is R150 per day.

Is there anywhere close by where one can purchase ammunition?

There are a few outlets relatively close to Bitou, one being in Plett. Others are in Humansdorp and George.

Are there ablutions on the range?

No, these are available at Nature’s Way Farm Stall, a short distance away.

Can one plan a braai and social day at the range?

No. All open flames are strictly forbidden on the range and the MTO forests, as is alcohol, smoking and narcotics of whatsoever nature.

What are the hours of the range?

9am to 1pm on shooting days. No indulgences.  Honourary/life members, (R15000 membership for 10 years) have additional hours:
a. 8am to 9am on shooting days
b. Wednesday when not required by law enforcement.

As a member, am I limited to use of the range?

Subject to availability of the range, there is unlimited use of the range by a member.

If I am in arrears of club membership fees, am I able to use NWTC?

No.  Only paid-up membership qualifies usage of NWTC.

Will there be a designated smoking area on the range?

The MTO forests are a non-smoking/fire concession from MTO and insurers for NWTC.  This will be strictly enforced.

Can I bring my dogs to the range?

Whilst MTO have a policy of tethered dogs being permitted in their forests, it would not be in the best interests of dogs to access the range unless they are working/hunting dogs.

Can non shooters be observers during range times?

At this time there is no formal policy other than non-shooters restricting themselves to the off range safe area and on directive of the range officer on duty.

Carry of weapons, what is the protocol?

Off range, all weapons must be concealed at all times.  This will apply at the Nature’s Way Farm Stall as it caters for non-shooters and tourists.
On range, and off the firing line, condition 4, Chamber is empty, and there is no magazine in the weapon.
On range, and on the firing line, at the discretion of and on instruction of the range officer.

Is there a disciplinary code for the members?

Yes. Amongst transgressions for which members could face sanction namely, suspension of membership or expulsion from the club. The elected committee will be final arbiter for serious misdemeanours amongst which will include, but not be limited to:
1. Accidental discharges of weapons
2. Failure to heed the instruction of the Range Officer on duty.
3. Failure to heed club/range rules
4. Breach of the club constitution. 
5. Bringing the club into disrepute
6. Breach of the firearms control act in South Africa. 
7. Failure to complete the range register
8. Fires or smoking in MTO forests
9. The consumption of alcohol and/or narcotics on the range
10. Intoxication by alcohol and/or narcotics on the range

Are the club rules cast in stone?

No, rules will change over time as the club evolves.  What will not change are the principles of:
1. Safety which are not negotiable and at the discretion of the committee.
2. Liability exposing our hosts, MTO, which will be strictly enforced.
3. The signed indemnities in place protecting the Club and MTO.
4. Rules on the range for the benefit of all.