CAREY, OH | Member of 39 Years Exits Carey Conservation After AR-15 Campground Incident

CAREY, Ohio — A longtime member of the Carey Conservation Sportsmans Association is speaking out after what she describes as a frightening confrontation involving a firearm at the organization’s campground over the Fourth of July weekend, raising questions about safety protocols, leadership decisions, and the family-friendly atmosphere at the popular local site.

Tammy Marie, who says she has been a member for nearly 39 years and has contributed extensively through projects, fundraising, and 50/50 drawings, posted on Facebook expressing deep disappointment and shame over the handling of the incident. According to her account, an altercation in the campground escalated when a man reportedly pulled out an AR-style rifle and strapped it to his chest. She stated that her husband, Brian Gallant, intervened by telling the man to put the gun away, leading to three men squaring up on him and one throwing a punch that grazed his cheek and hit his shoulder.

Marie wrote that the campground was bustling with families, children playing, swimming, and relaxing. “Kids everywhere, running between sites… It was supposed to be safe,” she posted. She emphasized the potential for tragedy: “A gun out. A group of angry men. Kids running everywhere. One bad decision… and someone could’ve been seriously hurt.”

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office was called, but Marie alleged that the response was inadequate. She claimed deputies initially seemed ready to accept the other group’s version of events — describing it as “just a shove” and the gun being put in a truck — without fully interviewing her party or bystanders who reportedly witnessed the gun and the punch. No immediate removals occurred, according to her posts.

In a follow-up post, Marie criticized campground directors Shane and Ryan (identified in organizational records as likely Shane E. Conn, Treasurer, and Ryan Gibson, Vice President), stating they allowed the involved parties to stay despite the incident. She called for zero tolerance at a family event and urged a reevaluation of how officers and directors are screened and elected. “I know so many past officers who are flipping in their grave,” she wrote.

The couple subsequently pulled their camper out of the campground, announcing they would not return. Marie noted this was not the first issue with the group, mentioning prior tension from a few weekends earlier that the board had reportedly hoped would resolve itself.

Despite the controversy, Marie praised the fireworks display, calling it “awesome as usual” and crediting Dave Mowrey (likely Dave Mowery, listed as Secretary) and his crew for their final show.

The Carey Conservation Sportsmans Association, a 501(c)(7) social and recreational club founded in 1939 and incorporated in 1959, offers camping, fishing, trap shooting, and other activities on Township Road 106 east of Carey. It has a significant membership and hosts community events.

As of this writing, the Fostoria Free Press has not received official confirmation or a detailed incident report from the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office or the association regarding the July 4 events. Attempts to reach directors for comment were ongoing. No charges have been publicly reported in connection with this specific incident.

This situation highlights broader concerns about safety, enforcement of rules, and conflict resolution at private recreational facilities, especially those catering to families. Longtime members like Marie, who have invested years in the organization, are calling for stronger accountability to preserve the club’s reputation as a safe community gathering spot.

The Fostoria Free Press will continue to monitor developments and welcomes input from all parties involved for a full and fair accounting. Readers with additional information are encouraged to contact the newsroom.