Situated on the Potomac about ten miles to the west of Hancock is a huge game conservation preserve of about 8,000 acres with a massive lodge that was known as the "Hunting Club of the Presidents."  Woodmont Rod and Gun Club, which DNR acquired in 1995, was once an exclusive hunting club for rich and famous sports heroes, entertainers and several U.S. Presidents.  A large rocking chair at the lodge has been occupied by Presidents James Garfield, Chester Authur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Herbert Hoover, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  Organized in 1870 as a private hunting club, it was frequented by "Who's Who" of American government, leaders of twentieth century industry and notables such as Babe Ruth and Amos & Andy of radio fame.  It is now the property of the State of Maryland, Department of Natural Resources (DNR)  Maryland DNR  and is sublet to the Izzak Walton League for a portion of the year.  The Maryland DNR sponsors some public events at the Woodmont Lodge, and details of such events can be obtained by contacting Fort Frederick State Park.  Woodmont is located seven miles southwest of Hancock, off I-68 at Exit 77, Woodmont Road.  Follow the road for approximately 5 miles to the marked entrance.

Each September, students in the NRWT Program at Garrett College visit the historic Woodmont Rod and Gun Club.  They are accompanied by Professors Kevin Dodge  Contact Kevin Dodge  and Peter Skylstad  Contact Peter Skylstad  and two members of Maryland's DNR, Eric Savage and Clarissa Harris.  The purpose of the two day overnight trip is to introduce the students to firearms operation and safety, chemical immobilization techniques, tree stand operation, archery, trap and skeet shooting, wildlife and habitat management techniques employed on a wild game conservation preserve, and the historical significance of hunting and fishing in Maryland.  This field trip is one of the most enjoyable for students.

The links below are to images taken during the "NRWT Woodmont Weekend 2002" and illustrate many of the enjoyable and educational student activities available.

* Use the "Back" button on your browser to return to the Woodmont Hyperlinks index after viewing each slide.

WOODMONT HYPERLINKS INDEX

 Orientation at Woodmont
 The President's Card Room
 The President's Card Room (2)
 Wild Game Field Dressing Lab
 Archery
 Tree Stand Safety Lab
 The Hula-Hoop Boys
 Fine Dining at Woodmont
 Chemical Immobilization Lab
 Chemical Immobilization Lab (2)
 Chemical Immobilization Lab (3)
 Trap and Skeet
 Trap and Skeet (2)

 Firearm Safety and Training at Savage River State Forest Shooting Range
 Firearm Safety and Training (Morgan Kamp)
 Firearm Safety and Training (Anna Galik)
 Firearm Safety and Training (Kellee Gomola)
 Firearm Safety and Training (Josh Fike)
 Firearm Safety and Training (Josh Fike, Justin Humberson)
 Firearm Safety and Training (Kellee Gomola)

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