Atlantic Provinces

Hello from the Atlantic Provinces.

The St. John’s R&GC held their first ATA registered shoot of the season on May 28. The club hosted the Eastern Classic June 18 and the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Trapshooting Championships are July 23. Gun clubs are scattered throughout the province, so organizers have decided to continue with the satellite shoot for the provincial competition. A satellite or telephonic shoot reduces travel requirements and expenses for participating shooters. Organizers have also found that a satellite shoot format encourages participation at the smaller clubs.

In other parts of the Atlantic Provinces, the Highland GC in Yarmouth, NS, had a singles marathon June 17, a doubles marathon scheduled for July 8 followed by a handicap marathon July 29. In New Brunswick, the Petitcodiac SC will host a 100 singles/100 handicap shoot July 15.

Shooters at the Highland GC are getting ready to welcome shooters for the 2023 Atlantic Provinces ATA Provincial Shoot being held Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Here are a couple of reminders for those attending. The deadline for ordering ammo is July 31. If you’re attending and need ammo, place your order as soon as possible. Ordering instructions are available in the shoot program and online at www.shootatlantic.com. Also keep in mind that the hotel rate with the Rodd Grand in Yarmouth is available on all bookings made before Aug. 1. The Gun Dealer will be on site for the shoot and will have their trailer loaded up with guns, ammo and all your shootings gear and supplies.

For more information on the Atlantic Provinces Trapshooting Association, feel free to contact me or visit shootatlantic.com.

Andrea Bassan

ATA Delegate

New Jersey

The month of May kicked off shooting season on steroids here in the Middle Atlantic Region of the country, with a big shoot every week/weekend until we reach the Grand American in Sparta in August and beyond, through the middle of October!

The New Jersey southern zone took place May 5-7. It was held for the first time at two “host” clubs, Pine Valley and Ground Swipers (so shooters at both locations could compete for the resident zone awards), and a satellite location at the North Jersey CTC in Fairfield in New Jersey’s northern zone, which would be competing for the open awards. Another first was that the North Jersey location could compete on Friday for the open trophies. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the attendance at all three clubs and for all three days. Jeff Slimm, who coordinated the shoot, reported that 44,700 targets were thrown. I will just be summarizing the list of winners and high for the event here. A larger in-depth version will appear in a future issue of Trap & Field. Scott Kalnas was high on Friday’s singles with 99. Steve Ligato was high in Friday’s handicap, and Kalnas was again high in Friday’s doubles. Saturday’s championship singles was won by Kalnas, Sunday’s championship handicap was won by 2022 Rookie of the Year Zac Wojnar. The championship doubles was won by Kalnas, as well as the HAA and HOA. Great shooting, Scott. In addition, Scott helped in setting the targets, loading the traphouses with targets, also loading the machines, and relieving the scorers on the chairs. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteer help at all three clubs, which played a significant role in this shoot being successful this year.

Three days following the completion of our zone shoot here in New Jersey, the Empire Grand American began up at the New York Homegrounds adjacent to the Bridgeport R&GC in Bridgeport, NY. Here again I was pleasantly surprised by the attendance of all the shooters and the incredible mild weather for the second week of May in upstate New York. We did have a cold front move in Friday night for temperatures only reaching the high 50s, low 60s on Saturday. Dave Cichelli, the New York State ATA Delegate, reported that 214,400 targets were thrown over the five-day shoot, up 27.7 % from 2022. Ten New Jersey shooters traveled up there, with Joe Sissano winning one trophy.

The Empire was then followed a week later by the Keystone Open held at Elysburg, PA, May 19-21. Forty shooters from New Jersey attended. Those winning trophies were Rick Batesko, Diniz Cordeiro, James Lavelle, Justin Malone, James Shire and Ray DiRisio. Go to rjstuart.com to see all the winners and who won what. Look for the Keystone article in this issue of Trap & Field.

The following shooters have earned target recognitions from the ATA: Greg Menshoff, 25,000 singles; Carlos Gomes, 50,000 singles; and George C. Snyder, 100,000 combined. Nice going, guys!

Ground Swipers has their Firecracker Shoot July 8-9 at their Lacey Road, Forked River location.

The Garden State Grand will be held at the Pine Belt facility July 14-16, a week before the ATA Eastern Zone Shoot in Elysburg. Do not forget the AIM Grand National Youth Trapshooting Championships July 27-31 followed by the Grand American Aug. 2-12 out in Sparta, IL.

Steve Ottrando reported that the Mallard TC will be holding the 17th annual Dennis Hughes Memorial Shoot July 29.

Also, since it is so early in August, I will mention it here. Pine Belt is holding the Poor Man’s Grand Aug. 5-6 at the Shamong location, for all those shooters not able to travel out to Sparta.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the passing of a longtime friend from Pennsylvania, Joe Prestia. Joe was a locksmith by trade, a very pleasant fellow to be around. Thirty years ago, when I was renovating the house that I am sitting in now drafting this article, we had picked out a door handle assembly, which we really liked and which was discontinued by the manufacturer. I mentioned this to Joe, and wouldn’t you know it, he contacted different wholesalers and located over a dozen handle assemblies, which I needed for the project. He was that type of friend; we will miss you, Joe, at our get-togethers this summer at the camping area of the PSSA Homegrounds. Joe is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Sandy, and a son Joe.

If you have an idea or a question, I may be reached at 732-546-7910 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Joe Sissano

ATA Eastern Zone Vice President

New York

Hello from New York State. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe and healthy.

I am sorry to say that New York has lost another ATA shooter. John Rudy of Syracuse passed away May 13 at the age of 85. John was inducted into the New York State ATA Hall of Fame in 1988. He won the Singles Championship during the 1990 New York State Shoot with 200 and won the Doubles Championship in 1974 with 94. During his career, John registered 45,700 singles, 29,700 handicap and 40,400 doubles targets. John was standing on the 25-yard line. He began registering targets in 1966. John was the owner/operator of Rudy Excavating and was an outstanding archer, being inducted twice into the Archery Hall of Fame. John loved to hunt and was a fine musician with an excellent tenor voice. He sang in the church choir. He is survived by seven children and stepchildren. The officers and directors of the New York State ATA want to extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family on his passing. He will be missed.

The 19th annual Empire Grand American is now history. The tournament was held May 10-14. Even though it was windy during all five days of the shoot, the skies were sunny, and the days were pleasant.

During the Singles Championship, Carl Chadwell from Michigan took the champion trophy with an excellent score of 199. Herbert Lewis from Kentucky was runnerup with 198. In the Doubles Championship, Louis DiPrete from Rhode Island took the title with 97, and Ben Snyder from Pennsylvania was runnerup with 96. Edwin Johnson from New York was the handicap champion with 94, and Brian Luther was runnerup with 91. Finally, in the all-around, Snyder was champion with 382×400, and in the high-over-all, Chadwell was champion with 943×1,000. This was excellent shooting by these fine competitors. See complete results in this issue of T&F.

Trophy winners from New York were: Alex Fischer, Monica Reed, William Wallis, Darrin Cooke, Michael Pantuosco, Todd Hosbach, Becki Logan, Andrew Goodwin, Mark McCumber, Paul Rapoli, John Cook, Don Alderson, James Flint, Thomas Murphy, Michael Terzo, Alex Tucker, Gary Hoysradt, Bob Edwards, Keith Miranda, Daniel Fadden, Dennis Bobbette, Chad Landon, Urban Womer, Curt Robbins, Dave Cichelli, Ronald Sank II, Michael Bumpus, Christina Haldema, Tammy Wildenstein, Aaron Leone, Jeffrey Ravella, Joe Regan, George Panarisi, George Hart, David Corrente, Chris Pollichemi, Tom Lander, Lanny Kinner, Greg Tartick, David McMasters, Eddie Cotton, Rich Sauer, Timothy Corrente, William Compton, Jeffrey Fischer, Andrew Baker, Jeffrey Bubb, Chase Wojtanik, T. J. Calvaruso, Robert Papplevea, Sal DiTommaso, Michael Bumpus Jr., Michael Waschitz, Cono Natale and Mark Johnson. All trophy winners can be viewed on the New York State ATA website www.nysata.com and in Trap & Field Magazine. Congratulations.

A total of 214,00 targets were thrown. There were 557 shooters in the championship events, making the tournament a Competition Factor 3 for All-American points. Thank you to all of those who shot and/or helped. It is really appreciated by the officers and directors of the New York State ATA.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Gregor for reaching the total of 25,000 registered handicap targets. Keep it up.

Next up at the homegrounds in Cicero will be the 162nd New York State Shoot. The tournament will be held July 5-9. We all hope you plan to attend.

If anyone would like to have something written in one of these articles, please contact me at [email protected] or phone me at 585-519-9543. Please stay healthy, safe and in good spirits. May God bless you all.

Dave Cichelli

ATA Delegate

Ontario

Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

Many trapshooters, while attending shoots away from their homes, stay at hotels, but many have their temporary homes on wheels—Class A motorhomes or Class B or C. Others have fifth wheels, while many have tow behind trailers (like myself).

I grew up on a farm, so from an early age, I worked with tractors and machinery. I even fixed things from time to time. But you have to be pretty talented to know the ins and outs of RVing. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, as my wife and my trip to the Empire Grand demonstrated. First, one of the four tires on our 25-foot trailer blew. It threw the trailer into a guardrail, doing some cosmetic damage. Fortunately, CAA (the Canadian equivalent to AAA) changed the tire and put on the spare. I then had to buy a replacement tire and had it installed. The tires didn’t have many miles on them, but my helpful RVing friends told me that even sitting will eventually weaken the tires. So I bought new tires all around (again). Then, to my wife’s and my chagrin, a foul odor started emanating from the kitchen area of the trailer, and it got fouler and fouler. I figured it had to be a mouse or a bird that got into our duct work to cause such a disgusting smell. I was about to dismantle the duct work when my brother-in-law (a mechanic) called. Check the propane; could be a burner that got left on. Sure enough, that is what was the problem. Burner off; smell gone. The propane alarm appeared to be operational with a green light on, but it never sounded an alarm. Fortunately we did not cause any sparks. And fortunately neither of us smoke. Now I have a greater appreciation for the concept “smoking kills.”

Trapshooting can, for many reasons, be a real life adventure.

Each morning I walk past one of my secretary’s offices and get a chuckle out of some of the messages that appear on her door. Here is one that I thought you may enjoy.

[Insert picture here.]

Have a great summer of shooting fun and achievements.

Paul Shaw

ATA Delegate

Pennsylvania

We’re fully into the target year, and by the time this article hits Trap & Field the Pennsylvania State Shoot will be in the history books. Our Pennsylvania shooters hit the circuit the first week of May, attending the Pennsylvania zone shoots at Ruffsdale GC in the west and South End GC in the east.

Next up was the Empire Grand in New York. We had 15 shooters bringing home 59 trophies from our northern neighbors with Ben Snyder (four) capturing the HAA championship for his weekend performance. Deborah Ohye-Neilson (11) and Nicole Hood (10) earned category HAA and HOA honors, while father, Tom Hood (three), earned class HAA and son, Brandon Hood (nine), earned category HOA. Don Neilson Jr. (two) started the winning off with the opening singles event championship to begin the Empire Grand. Other Pennsylvania winners include: Elmer Ebling (two), Jonathan Hannahoe (two), Kaiden Warren (four), Joseph Breck IV (six), Frank Pascoe (two), Earl Raub, Jerome Stefkovich, Adrian Barnes and Robert Bredniak. Congratulations to a great showing in New York.

The following week was the Keystone Open at the PSSA homegrounds. The weather for the weekend was mostly beautiful with a slight rain for awhile on Saturday during the handicap event and a very windy Sunday. Overall, attendance was down 3.92% compared to last year with total entries at 2,448 (-100). Championship events were down 2.37% at 1,111 (-27). The Keystone qualified for an All-American point factor of 5. Congratulations go out to the event champions from the Keystone Open: singles, Brandon Deal of Petrolia, PA (200); doubles and HOA, Ian Darroch of Aliquippa, PA (97 and 758); handicap, Wyatt Readler of Wapwallopen, PA (96); and HAA, Urban Womer of Skaneateles, NY (387). Congratulations on a successful Keystone Open.

West Chester Gun Club president, Bob Kappe, has been busy this year with planning for the club’s 125th anniversary. Over the last several years, the club has seen a resurgence in membership and participation in various shooting activities, in no small part to Bob, the board of directors and current members. Few clubs make it to 100 years, let alone 125 years with a growing membership. A little bit of the club’s background can be found on the their website www.westchestergunclub.com. A small synopsis of the organizing history: The first informal trapshooting occurred on May 30, 1890, as reported by the Daily Local. The first recorded minutes were from a meeting on June 8, 1894, indicating that targets and traps had been secured for the club. At a meeting on March 2, 1898, a vote to incorporate into the West Chester GC and Athletic Association passed, and the club has been incorporated since April 12, 1898, as recorded by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The club leased multiple locations until a permanent location was established on Boot Rd, north of West Chester on April 28, 1937. This location was approved for purchase from Philadelphia Electric Power Company during a special meeting on April 9, 1945.

Congratulations to Bob and the entire membership of the West Chester GC, and here is to another 125 years and more!

Steve Ross

ATA Alternate Delegate

Alabama

As I write this month’s article, the Alabama State Championship Shoot is just two weeks away. Looking out the den patio door, there is a steady, heavy drizzle with a temperature in the low 70s. Hopefully the rain will be gone, and the temperature will stay the same for the shoot.

Good news! I know y’all will be happy to know this. Take a picture of this QR Code with your smartphone, and you will have the ATA rulebook at your fingertips when you need it.

Joke of the month: Plumber, working on leaky pipes, to homeowner: “It’s even worse than I expected. This mess will put me in a higher tax bracket.”

Word of the month: Hale: Where General Sherman is going for what he did to Etlanna. General Sherman said, “War is hale, and he made sure it was.”

Please keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers. Without the men and women of our armed forces protecting this country, we would not be able to enjoy this great sport. When you see a soldier, thank him or her for their service.

If you need my help or have any news to report, contact me at [email protected].

Wayne Sartwell

ATA Delegate

Florida

Hello all from the most Southern, Northern State!

Florida trapshooting is in full swing, and there are just too many shoots for me to post who did what. Please refer to Gun Club Scores in this issue or shootscoreboard.com.

Recently I have been asked, “How can I make it into Trap & Field Magazine?” Good question. A few ways come to mind, and the first being, you or your gun club representative contact me about your outstanding achievement! Another is by ATA recognition. For example, shooting your first straight or making AA or AAA or the 27-yard line status!

Shout-outs and congratulations

Congratulations to Jerry Bryant who will reach the 100,000 singles mark this year.

Remember back a year ago I had written about my friend and fellow trapshooter Jimmy P (Petruzzi) having to quit trapshooting when he was so close to obtaining his 100K singles because of some weird nerve thing in his face? The pain was so bad he bought and tried shooting a left-handed gun. When that didn’t work, he inquired to other shooters who had gone through the same nerve deal to see what they did to lessen the pain. The other shooters did everything from laser treatment to brain surgery to nerve blocks. Jimmy went to several specialists for each of the treatments stated above. Well, finally he is back shooting (not for scores yet), and he thinks he is just about ready to get that 100K pin! So I say, Jimmy, glad to have you back, and we all know you can do it! It is also his and his wife’s (Marion) 52nd anniversary.

Unfortunately I have really terrible news. Bonnie Hoyt, Bob Hoyt’s wife, passed away unexpectedly. I just talked to her, just talked to her! She is my neighbor. I just teased with Bob about riding a three-wheel motorcycle. Dee Dee just talked to Bonnie about when her new car was going to be delivered, you know doing and saying spur of the moment stuff that you do. Just terrible! Of course it goes without saying she will be severely missed by all who know her. The loss of her spirit is going to leave a big void at Silver Dollar for some time. Bob, you know all of our hearts go out to you! I just don’t know what to say in times like this.

FTA Spring Championships

Thanks to all of the FTA members, Jake and his people, the Silver Dollar SC, of course Laura and the ladies (and Don Kerce in the back with the ladies) and all of the scorekeepers, and the weather for a great shoot! Yes, I am sounding very grateful because of all the above, and I shot good! Yeah, buddy! But, the big dawg, the numeral uno, the king of smacking the birds has to go to Dax DeMena, who shot and broke 300 consecutive targets in singles! I have included a photo of Dax receiving his 200 straight pin for Saturday’s Singles Championship from Bill Miller and Diane Foster. Notice how much it looks like a family portrait!

Here is a list of the champions of the shoot: Event 1 Preliminary Singles: winner, Dax DeMena; Lady II, Sarah Jacobs; veteran, Jimmie Ballard; senior veteran, Kay Ohye; AA, Jack Schumpert; A, Jim Cummings; B, Donald Keith; C, Dennis Delorenzo; D, Ruth Flayderman. Event 2 Preliminary Handicap: winner, Mike Reynolds; Lady II, Alberta Brooks; veteran, Ballard; senior vetean, Bill Bezubiak. Event 3 Singles Championship: winner, DeMena; junior, Alex Formhals; Lady I, Karen Harrington; Lady II, Nancy Patterson; veteran, Shane Platt; senior veteran, Ohye; A, Keith; B, Reynolds; C, Sam Specian; D, Billy Brooks. Event 4 Doubles Championship: winner, Patrick Larsen; junior, Formhals; Lady II, Patterson; veteran, Ballard; senior veteran, Schumpert; A, John Farina; B, Keith; C, Tim Robinson; D, Chris Coomer. Event 5 Handicap Championship: winner, Keith; junior, Formhals. HAA: AA, DeMena; A, Keith; B, Larsen; C, Specian; D, Formhals. HOA: A, Keith; B, Reynolds; C, Specian; D, Flayderman.

Good job, all!

Honorable mention for attendees for the South Carolina State Shoot. Thanks to Don Kerce, Jimmie Ballard, Dan Brandreth, Claudio Garcia, Lewis Knack, and Hector and Hidalgo Rangel. Full story is in this issue.

For shooters who constantly decline handicap reduction yards, did you know you can ask your Delegate to have a Code D added to your file, which freezes reductions for a year?

Gun club representatives

Please visit shootata.com for general info and club resources, such as supplies and forms. There you also have a toolbox; check it out.

The Grand American

Did you know there are lockers at the Grand you can rent where you can store your firearms, so you don’t have to keep fretting about taking your gun(s) through the hotels?

ATA Rule for the Month –SECTION IV ATA TOURNAMENTS

1. K. SPECIAL CATEGORIES All Ladies, Sub-Juniors, Juniors, Junior-Golds, Sub-Vets, Veterans, SeniorVets, and Chair Shooters must declare their special category at the time of classification in any registered tournament if they wish to compete as a category shooter. Without such declaration, the contestant will not be allowed to compete for the applicable category trophy. No contestant will be allowed to declare or change a special declaration after firing his/her first shot. If a classification error is discovered BEFORE the close of an event, the error shall be corrected for that event and all subsequent events. If an error is discovered AFTER an event is closed, all corrections shall be made for subsequent events only. In either case, all previous events the shooter shot in will be in the “Open Category”. Either case may or may not affect the shooter’s eligibility for the HOA and HAA, depending on when the error was corrected.

I will try to keep all of you informed and entertained with what’s going on in Florida. I want to especially recognize shooters and clubs.

My e-mail is [email protected].

Mike Reynolds

ATA Delegate

Kentucky

The shooting season is well underway in the Southern Zone, with Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi having completed their state shoots. Attendance has been good, and weather has cooperated, for the most part. Shell availability is still tight but has eased a little.

The Kentucky State Shoot will be starting soon. July 4 is the AIM program, and July 5-9 are the main events. It should be another good year, as preparations are already made and programs have been mailed.

I hope to see you there.

Dan Ryan

ATA Delegate

Mississippi

In the words of one of our trappers long since gone by, “We’re trappin’ now.” Yeah, old Gary Smith comes to mind about this time of year. He loved the game as much as any trapper I have ever known. He could be a nuisance, or he could be a real supporter, helpful in any way you needed. Gary, in all his cantankerous ways, was a legend of his time and a part of trappin’ history that makes this game the game we love to play.

Speaking of tradition and memories of the past, Larry and Freida Rickman also come to mind. They were recently inducted into the Mississippi Trapshooting Hall of Fame. In its heyday, Larry’s Corinth GC was one of the best, certainly a great place for the Mississippi State Traphshoot. Larry and Freida were Mr. and Mrs. Trap for several years in Mississippi. Although slowed down some, Larry still joins us on the trapline and is still a competitor to be dealt with. Go get ’em, Larry!

Okay, it’s July in Mississippi, the heart of the sunny South. We’ve got some trapshoots on the calendar that you need on yours. Yes, the Rebel is coming up quickly in Jackson at Capitol GC, and it’s a 600-target program that you won’t want to miss. It’s a large dose of Mississippi heat and trapshooting at its best. Plus, it’s a great warm-up for the Southern Zone later in the month.

Speaking of the Southern Zone, our trappers down on the coast are gearing up for this year’s rendition of one of the sites for the Southern Zone Shoot. Get on board now! You don’t want to be left out. Dates are July 21-23. What a way to tune up for this year’s Grand American in August. Don’t miss out on this one. Southern Hospitality at its finest, great accommodations, seafood at its best, and so much more—I hope to see you there.

Enough rambling from me. I hope to see you on the trapline and, as always, happy trappin’!

           Jerry Tharp

           ATA Delegate

South Carolina

Let’s start with the achievement announcement. James Sterzinger has reached the 25,000 handicap mark. Good level, James; keep it up.

All year the weather has been a big factor in our shooting. Georgia State Shoot was no different. The first day started with heavy clouds and the threat of rain. Singles were okay, but one look at the weather radar said it’s going to dump on us. Several of us rode the rain out in the truck while some brave, wet souls shot anyway. Friday and Saturday were shot with mostly good weather with a slight mist, at worst. Sunday arrived with more rain. The Georgia state meeting was stretched out as long as possible to allow the rain to stop and the clearing skies to arrive. The first squad shot in some mist, but the skies cleared and with the clearing skies came 35 to 40 mph winds. There were large clouds that covered the sun plus the wind would blow missed targets from the adjacent field across your field plus the winds dancing your target made for as difficult shooting situation that could be experienced. Ninety-two was the high score achieved by four shooters. Even the best shooters ended up in the low 80s.

The Georgia folks did their best and put on a great shoot, as they always do. See you next year.

Our state shoot is in the history books. We too were threatened by Mother Nature, but other than dig the rain gear out in case, we stayed dry. I’m happy to report that all events were up in attendance. Thanks to everyone who participated.

We were honored with the presence of ATA President Ed Wehking from Utah. Ed was a welcome guest; he’s a regular good guy who would fit right in at all of our shoots. Ed said he took a picture of one of our fields and sent it to his wife. Her comment was, “Where does all of the green come from?” With our green everywhere and tree background, Ed said he managed to shoot one good score. Come back any time, Ed.

We’ve lost money on our last four shoots. I am hoping our larger numbers will help this year’s bottom line. Our free fish fry has been a point of discussion. Some (me included) say it’s a large draw for attendance. Others say it’s too expensive; a barbecue dinner would be just as good at a much lower cost. How about expressing your opinion to your area director. I am sure this will be a huge point of discussion at next year’s planning meeting.

There is an event that happened that tells what good folks shooters are. On Friday there is an award of a very nice clock for the combined scores of the two doubles events. This clock is generously donated by Phil and Mellony Bagwell. There was a shootoff between Milon Campbell and Dave Laliberte. Milon won the shootoff. Later that evening Milon called and told Dave he was giving him the clock, as he had won the clock last year. A very generous and sportsmanlike move, Milon. You get a huge “attaboy.”

Thanks again to everyone who helped with the shoot.

Jim Faber

ATA Delegate

Tennessee

There are plenty of shoots going on in July. The last three state shoots in the Southern Zone are scheduled: West Virginia is June 28-July 2 at VA Homegrounds-Winchester GC, Stephenson, VA. Kentucky is hosting their AIM Shoot July 4 followed by the the state shoot July 5-9 at Berea. Virginia is July 5-9 at VA Homegrounds-Winchester GC, Stephenson.

The 76th ATA Southern Zone is July 21-23 at Berea, KY; Silver Dollar at Odessa, FL; and Coast R&PC at Biloxi, MS.

The AIM Grand National Championships are July 27-31 followed by an off day (Aug. 1).

Aug. 2-12 is the 124th Grand American at Sparta, IL.

At the Georgia State Shoot last month, five Tennessee shooters won trophies. They were Tyler Honnold, Colton Phillips, Clint Parson, Grant Miller and Jayden Dalton.

Nineteen Tennessee shooters went to the South Carolina State Shoot. Those winning trophies were Honnold, Mike Burnette, Phillips, Anthony Browder, Mark Cantrell, Gabe Johnson and Maynard Brooks.

Read the rulebook, please.

For more info, visit our website at shootatatn.com.

You can reach me at bcook27@shootata.

Billy Cook

ATA Southern Zone Vice President

Missouri

One more Missouri State Shoot is in the history book, and what a week we had weather-wise—one of the best that I can remember. Change is inevitable these days; the question usually is will it be for the better or worse. When the MTA Board of Directors moved the state shoot a week later, it brought many positive and negative comments. Do we keep the same week next year or go back to the original time? At this time, the decision hasn’t been made but will certainly be discussed in the near future. On behalf of the MTA BOD, I want to thank everyone who attended the shoot this year. I would also like to thank the MTA membership for their confidence in me as your ATA Delegate. It is a privilege and an honor to represent the MTA members and be your voice to the ATA.

Not only did the MTA BOD change the shoot date for this year, but the decision was also made to include the AIM State Shoot with the state shoot. Special thanks to Dave Hart for his hard work organizing the AIM program and making it work. We would also like to thank Michelle Mueller and Lauren Dunn for their work cashiering the shoot. These days you must be flexible and willing to change. You never know what could happen and should have a back-up plan just in case.

The Singles Championship on Saturday had the grounds closer to capacity than it has been since MTA hosted the Grand in 2020. There were 615 shooters in the event, with Hunter Spruill topping Missouri shooters to claim the champion trophy, Congratulations, Hunter! The Doubles Championship on Sunday morning brought 336 entries to the line, with Zach Nannini, Anna Rawe and Jordan Ziercher tying with 98 and Zach winning the shootoff to claim the champion trophy. Congratulations, Zach! In the Handicap Championship, there were 402 shooters who competed for the top trophy, with David Hull besting the field of Missouri shooters with the lone 98. Congratulations, David! Watch for complete results in Trap & Field, the official magazine of the ATA.

We hope you have had a chance to meet the new MTA manager, Chip Stamper. Chip is a lifelong resident of the area, and he and many family members worked at the MTA in the past. Again, on behalf of the MTA BOD, we want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support of the MTA. We are here for you and look forward to seeing you again in the future. If anyone has any concerns or has anything they would like to have reported on, please contact me at [email protected] or 816-863-9003.

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV—A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Shoot often, shoot well and be safe!

Stephen Ricketts

           ATA Delegate

New Mexico

With great regret, I must write this article. On April 21 Charles Edwin Russell III, age 73, passed away in Alamogordo, NM. He was born June 28, 1949 in Corpus Christi, TX, to the late Edwin and Joyce Russell. Mr. Russell graduated from Texas A&M University Maritime Academy and was a maritime engineer consultant by trade. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world for business. Mr. Russell changed many lives through the scholarship he founded for Texas A&M University.

Mr. Russell lived a continually active life. He hiked mountains and skied in Washington State. He was a trapshooter and stepped up to function as the director for Alamogordo’s Roadrunner TC. Charles supported local gun clubs, including those in Texas as well as New Mexico. He was always eager to be accomplished in every task set before him—mariner, trapshooter, historian, club director.

Charles was an accomplished singer and guitarist. He was incredibly proud to have sung Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Russell was a devoted member of the El Paso Symphony Choir as well as the Ruidoso Community Choir.

Mr. Russell is survived by his wife, Denise Shield; brother, Joe Russell; sister, Peggy Weatherford; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

           Samantha Rainsdon

           ATA Delegate

Oklahoma

Currently we are in full swing of final preparations for our state shoot as you read this article; however, the Oklahoma State Shoot is in the books. Hopefully many of you attended and shot well. I’m sure you noticed and enjoyed the many improvements made over the past year; 14 semi loads of gravel have been brought in and spread over the drive, RV sites and around the clubhouse. Lights over one trapfield were installed (more to come). The south side of our clubhouse has been beautified with flowers and mulching. Many new trees have been planted down the line. All gun racks and gear shelves have been replaced with new benches with gear shelves and new gun racks. All of these improvements are the fruit of very hard-working volunteers. Also plans are in the works for more lights and two new/added trapfields.

Several Oklahoma shooters went to the Louisiana State Shoot. It looks like we brought home some of the out-of-state trophies. Billy Pierce was long-yardage winner in the preliminary handicap. Steve Barnett was AA victor after prevailing in shootoff in the preliminary singles, and Randy Hill won Class C in the Singles Championship.

One Saturday this month we had the pleasure to attend a shoot at the Clinton GC. I was impressed with the clean and organized appearance of the entire club grounds. They have four traps, all facing north, and a very nice open background. Target presentation was just awesome! Some champions of the day were: Richard Coit, B singles; Kaden Kennedy, C singles; and Paula Trayer, D singles. In the 200-bird handicap event, Kuper Schneberger was short-yardage winner, Kaden Waldrop mid-yardage and overall high gun, breaking 188.

OTSA held their doubles marathon. Nathan Lemke was overall winner, breaking 478. Congratulations to Paula Trayer on attaining 25,000 singles and to Brayden Bliss for attaining 25,000 handicap targets. See you at the next trapshoot!

Jeff Trayer

ATA Delegate

Texas

I hope the summer is going good, and you are breaking great scores. For me, great scores (or any scores) are history, but the friendships and the memories are not. Our trapshooting family is a fantastic and wonderful bunch of people. I’m so glad Princess and I still get to make the shoots and see our friends. If the good Lord is willing, this will be my 47th consecutive Texas State Shoot. I would love to see you there.

Now is the time that none of you have been waiting for. It’s time for those never famous “fatman attagirls and attaboys.” I’m sending an attagirl to Patty Todd. She has now shot at 25,000 singles targets. Up next are the attaboys, so here we go. Steve McBride has registered 25,000 singles. Buddy Huff has reached the 25,000 handicap milestone. Billy Hopson has now registered 50,000 singles. Ronny Beard is at 25,000 doubles and also has registered a combined 100,000 targets. Pat Thomason has registered 75,000 doubles. Tommy Hunter has obtained100,000 singles targets. Out of all these people listed here, only Billy Hopson let me know that he broke his historic target. That’s what I said; only Billy Hopson let me know that he broke his historic target. That being said, each of these shooters deserves a larger than life congratulations. Here it is, congratulations to each of you. Way to go.

I hope this reaches you before the Texas State Shoot. It’s going to be a great shoot this year with more All-American points than ever. There will be in- and out-of-state trophies. There will be All-American points on 1,300 targets this year. Make your way to the Amarillo GC for the Texas State Shoot July 4-9. The program can be viewed at shoottta.org. There are some very good motel deals in the program. I hope to see you there.

The weekend after the Texas State Shoot, Ft. Worth T&SC and the Amarillo GC will be host sites for the ATA Southwestern Zone Shoot. Dates for that shoot are July 14-16. Make your plans now. I hope to see you there.

It just wouldn’t be my article if I didn’t mention to read the rulebook. Every sport has a set of rules, and it is important that you know these rules. Please read the rulebook.

If you have news, please let Princess or me know about it. If you are wanted by the law and don’t want your name published, I will use an alias. As always, please feel free to call me at 806-679-6889 or e-mail [email protected].

Till next time, y’all shoot well, y’all shoot often, and y’all have a great time.

Jerry O’Connor

ATA Delegate

California

One of the premier shoots for California is the Golden West Grand. This year’s 71st annual Golden West Grand, held May 10-14 at the Livermore-Pleasanton R&GC, certainly did not disappoint. The first two days were unseasonably cool and comfortable and started to heat up during the championship events Friday through Sunday. The shoot hosts 200 birds a day, typically making it two-event days and throwing 900 registered ATA targets. It also runs 400-bird SCTP events concurrently with the ATA championship events.

The first four events of the week are for trophy monies, and ties are divided. Then Friday through Sunday are trophy events, and shootoffs generally begin. The total results are in this issue; there are some standouts who need to be called out. Event 6 Dan Bonillas Handicap was won with a lone 100 straight from 19.5 by junior Riley Santagata. Great shooting, Riley! Event 7 championship singles was won with the lone 200 from veteran shooter Warren Morimoto. That was some straight shooting, Warren; congratulations! Paul Lima, C class shooter, won event runnerup by running his first 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 for a 199. He then shot off another 75 targets for the runnerup win. HAA and HOA winner was Chayton Vega with 389 and 861.

As always, the family atmosphere is what makes the GWG shoot what it is. There were some fun shoots and a family fish fry on Friday night at Camp Connel. The Livermore-Pleasanton R&GC hosted their annual Shooter Appreciation Dinner, which was wonderful. This is a shoot that has managed to make it as an All-American points shoot and is by far one of my favorite places to go.

Chayton Vega

ATA Delegate

Idaho

Well, as I send this note in to Trap & Field, my gear is packed, and the wife, the dogs and I are headed to the Idaho State Shoot. I hope to come back with some good scores. I know I’ll come back with memories of good times with fellow shooters. I will shoot with the ATA President, and hopefully I can give him some tips on shooting.

Most of the state shoot reports will come out a month before the Delegate articles, so by the time you read this, it will be in the history books. I can only hope to bring back a story you haven’t heard yet.

Okay, so big shoots (like state shoots and bigger) get rapid publication and recognition in T&F magazine. What about the little shoots? Sure, you can look them up on shootscoreboard.com, but isn’t it neat to see your name in print in the Gun Club Scores section? How do those get there? Well, lately, I’ve been doing it with help from our cashiers. It’s not the Delegate’s job, but I’ve been trying to get Idaho on the “participation/recognition map.” Technically it’s the individual gun clubs’ responsibility, but I sure don’t mind helping out. So here’s how it’s done. Every cashier has to produce a trophy report. Talk to your gun club and see if they’ll send it to Trap & Field. If you are reading this article, then you have a magazine. They have instructions right on the Gun Club Scores page for submission. Again, I am glad to help and have simple format forms to fill out if anyone wants them. You can always contact me directly, and my info is on the Idaho State Trapshooting Association website. [Trap & Field welcomes photos as well.—Ed.]

New topic: Broken target rule. First, let’s talk about lost vs. dead target. In ATA the referee/scorekeeper has the final decision, subject to review by a shoot committee or governing body. We have accepted that several members of the squad can call for a correction, but the final decision is on the scorekeeper for lost or dead targets.

A broken target is one that comes out broken or with accompanying debris, and it is deemed, “no target”. Sometimes it is difficult to tell, or in the case of the scorekeeper, they cannot see the debris. The rulebook says that the scorekeeper/referee shall call “no target,” and a new target will be thrown, regardless if the shooter fired at the broken target. The rulebook is silent on who has the final say on a “no target,” but the shooters certainly are in a better position to tell if a target is broken. Not only that, they have an obligation to help declare a “no target.” Let me explain why. I recently was at an ATA shoot, and our squad had a pretty good rhythm going, when a target emerged with the center popped out. It flew fairly well, and the shooter promptly pulverized it. I quickly called, “broken target,” and the shooter gave me a dirty look. He had to shoot again, and as luck would have it, he missed. I felt bad for him, and when we finished the round, I went to tell him I was sorry that he missed, and he unloaded on me with a string of foul language and telling me what to do. Talking to others, he felt like that was the scorekeeper’s call. The scorekeeper, a young 14-year-old, did not recognize it as broken. Another shooter said that we should have waited to see what the next shooter would do. Here’s the rule. If a shooter has a “no target,” the next shooter cannot shoot until the first shooter has fired at a good target. If the next shooter does shoot (remember, we had a good rhythm, and he was getting ready to shoot) then he/she will have shot out of turn. Now you have two shooters who have to shoot again. So the problem just compounds itself. Needless to say, after the conflict, our whole squad fell apart with a black cloud over them. It was no fun. Anyway, shooters have to shoot at whole targets. Plain and simple. They can be flippers or illegal and shot at (or not), but they must be whole. Does one target make a difference in the scheme of life? If there’s a Lewis purse involved, it sure can. Another good beer discussion.

Leonard Wehking

ATA Delegate

Nevada

Spring has ended, and now Nevada is facing another Mohave Desert summer. It hasn’t discouraged shooters, as the Nevada State Trapshooting Association has sponsored a number of well-attended shoots.

First off and especially noteworthy, congratulations to Vegas shooter Jack Wang, who posted a perfect hundred in the Event 3 handicap that was part of the Spring Handicap shoot, held May 20-21 at the Clark Co. SC. According to the CCSC boss, Steve Carmichael, that is only the second perfect ’caps score posted at the CCSC since they opened in December 2009. Fine shooting, Jack, and I think the back fence is calling! Jack just got a new stock made and installed, so he’s ready to go out and post another 100. A summary of the Spring Handicap is listed below.

On May 13 the monthly Big 50 was held at the CCSC. Fifty-two shooters competed, which might be a record for a Las Vegas Big 50. Jim Henry paced all shooters in singles with 49 and posted a 48 in ’caps to take high gun. In doubles, Brandon Barkey, Luchi Kern and Stephen Bell all shot 46s to take high honors.

As mentioned, the Spring Handicap was a two-day event with 500 handicap targets. Forty-seven shooters turned out to enjoy the good weather, and the scores were high.

Barstow shooter Robert Vanvacter shot a 97 to take Event 1. Jon Slinker’s 94 won long-yardage; Jeff White shot 92 to take 25-26; Jack Wang took mid-yardage with 92, and short-yardage went to Don Mayall with 91.

In Event 2, vet Tracy Heintz was high with 97, followed closely by Orion Cooper’s 96. Short-yardage went to Kern, who shot a 95; mid-yardage was won by Joe Atkin with 96; 25-26 went to Clayton Phillip, who shot 94, and Slinker again took long-yardage with 95.

In Event 3, Wang’s 100 was the high and earned him a punch to the 25-yard line. Slinker took long-yardage with 94; White posted a 93 to take 25-26 honors; Wang was high in mid-yardage, and Brian Sirwell was the short-yardage winner with 92.

In Event 4, Cooper was high with 97 and got his second punch of the shoot, back to the 24-yard line. Cooper has been on a tear lately, getting punches worth two yards in the last month. Fine shooting by an up-and-coming junior shooter! Slinker shot a 96 to win long-yardage; White took mid-long with 94; Atkin posted a 93 to take mid-yardage, and Pioche’s Larry Gearheart and Vegas shooter Del Swain tied for short-yardage with 96s, each getting a half-yard. Other notable scores were Sam Ford’s and Vanvacter’s 95s.

Sunday’s final event was Event 5. Atkin was high with 96, earning himself another half-yard. Kern was the short-yardage winner with 93; Atkin took mid-yardage; Wang was high for mid-long with a 94, and Slinker completed his sweep of all five events in the long-yardage category with 95.

The high-over-all winner on the 500 targets was Cooper with 476, Kern was junior high gun with 427; Leticia Slinker was the ladies’ winner with 450; Gary Rusch was sub-vet high with 454; Corky Peters took vet honors with 446, and Swain was high for senior vet with 460. Fine performances by all, especially the two junior shooters, Kern and Cooper.

Finally, by the time this is published, Pioche will have held their first ATA shoot on July 8. The two-house club is the result of a lot of hard work by Larry Gearheart, and other Pioche locals and the NSTA, White Flyer and individual shooters have supported the effort as well. Pioche is at 6,000+ feet elevation, so it is nice to shoot up there in 85º temps, while Vegas hits 115º. Nice club, good background; take a trip up there and shoot with the friendly locals.

Until next time, keep shooting!

Russell Roberts

ATA Delegate

New Zealand

Our ATA Singles Cup Shoot was held May 13. This shoot was our annual 200-target Singles Cup shot in two rounds of 100, with $800 added prize money available, courtesy of the NZ ATA. We ran three classes: A, B and C.

Again this year we moved our shoot date from the first Saturday of the month to avoid conflict with the opening weekend of duck shooting season. We had a few of our regulars still away duck shooting. It was a bumper opening weekend, with everyone reporting good hunting.

It’s surprising how lucky we were again with the weather, given the forecast earlier in the week, not to mention the storms and cyclone the North Island has been battered with the past couple months. Somehow we managed to pull a postcard day out of the hat with just a light breeze and clear skies with a few clouds late afternoon. With the ideal conditions and the great Thames background, combined with White Flyer targets, everyone had an opportunity for a great day of shooting.

We can’t thank the Thames crew enough for keeping the grounds in their usual manicured condition. We are fortunate to be able to run our events at the Thames facilities. A big thanks to Ian Evans for setting up the fields first up in the morning as well as he and Mike Hirtzel helping with target-setting. Thanks to Dave Cundy, who came in just to help with refereeing and scoring. Grant Preston helped with refereeing as well as clean-up. Thanks to everyone who helped with refereeing and trap loading as well as clean-up at the end of the day. It is much appreciated.

Winners were: A, Grant Preston, 183; A runnerup, Grant Russel, 180; B, Ian Evans, 190; B runnerup, Rob Anderson, 177; C, Dave Kahlenberg, 182; C runnerup, Mark Ross, 181; C third, Allan Anderson, 174. HOA for the second year running was Evans.

The ATA would like to welcome Allan Anderson, Trevor Rouse, Ewen Rouse and Mike Dowling as new members.

A big thanks to our sponsors: ATA, NZ ATA, Thames CTC,Target Products Falcon Ammunition, Ron Thomassen Logging, Independent Transport Parts suppliers of the Inox & Lanox fine cleaners and lubricants, www.newzealandhuntingadventures.com and White Flyer Targets.

Unfortunately, the north island has been experiencing a string of tropical storms since the beginning of the year, with a recent cyclone causing substantial damage to roads, bridges and personal property.

These weather systems have disrupted some of our scheduled shooting events, but compared to loss of property and businesses, the inconvenience doesn’t rate a mention.

There have been a few windows of fine weather, and we’ve been lucky to have the recent shoots at the Thames facility coincide with these, per the shoot reports.

On a brighter note, Brian Hartley, one of our inaugural New Zealand ATA members, was recently inducted into the New Zealand Clay Target Association Hall of Fame. Brian has an enviable history of winning events in New Zealand, while at the same time being an active helping member at several clubs, including the busy position of president. Brian’s reputation of integrity precedes him, and it’s a pleasure to have had the opportunity to shoot with him.

Brian and his father Charles are the first father and son to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was also a pleasure to have known Charles, who was instrumental in helping me when I stated shooting. He was also a very talented shooter and no stranger to the winner’s circle over a number of years.

No shoot results have been provided for Taupo’s recent shoots.

Patangata’s next shoot, after hosting our really successful and well-run provincials in January, is in July. The results will be posted as soon as they are available.

Good shooting.

Paul Basten

           ATA Delegate

Utah

ATA shoots picked up in Utah during May. Nephi, Helper and Ogden gun clubs all held one-day shoots. Attendance at all three was very respectable.

Nephi GC: sub-junior shooter Cole Fitzgerald was high in singles with the lone 100 straight, also his first ever. He told me his previous high was a 96.

Helper GC: Pam Wright was the high handicap shooter with 94, putting her back on the 27-yard line again.

Ogden GC: Joel Laborde was the high handicap shooter with 98. Joel, a former Cowboy Action Shooting champion, told me this was his first-ever handicap win. He said the 360-mile drive back home to St. George, UT, seemed like a short trip after the win.

I had the pleasure of traveling to Spartanburg, SC, to attend the South Carolina State Shoot. I flew to Charlotte, NC, then drove the 75 miles to Spartanburg.

I shot with my longtime squadmates, Charlie Long and Charlie Bickle. State association president Teresa Knight learned that I was coming to shoot, and she e-mailed me before I arrived and welcomed me and my squadmates with open arms. All the folks who ran the shoot treated everyone like family, not just me. I attended the first part of their BOD meeting on Sunday morning and gave them an update on the happenings in the ATA.

The club is a beautiful 10-trap club sitting on a hill with trees in the background. Most clubs in the Southern Zone shoot 100 targets per trap, which speeds things up. I was on a four-person squad most of the time, and we could complete some of our singles events in under 40 minutes. It was impressive. I realize now why many Eastern shooters prefer singles events to handicap events. We shot 500 singles targets and only 300 handicap targets. Trying to get a good look at targets with a green background of large trees can be a humbling experience.

I enjoyed myself very much. I was treated great and partook in a free fish fry on Saturday night.

The club used a group of scorers out of New York who travel the East Coast and work many large shoots. They were exceptionally well-trained and constantly hustled.

After arriving home Sunday night, I received an e-mail from Teresa thanking me again for coming.

I would recommend the South Carolina State Shoot any time for anyone looking to try out a new venue.

           Ed Wehking

           ATA President