Illinois

I am writing this about a week after the Grand. I want to thank some people. First, a big thank you to the staffs of the ATA and the Sparta complex. Despite weather, COVID and any other problems, they kept the shoot running smoothly. All the shooters really appreciated your hard work. I also want to give a HUGE thank you to trap help. Because of the labor shortage, they ended up both scoring and loading the machines. They did a wonderful job in tough conditions. As for the shoot itself, Illinois shooters did not have any big wins, but we are sprinkled all through the categories, classes and yardage groups. Read the shoot reports and see how we were a big part of all the events.

You can tell we are heavily into the shooting season by the number of Illinois shooters who have reached milestones. We have 22 this month: 25,000 singles—Thomas Fester, Terry Morris, Jeffrey Brown, Tal Parmenter. 50,000 singles—Bruce Bennett, David Campbell. 75,000 singles—Brian Cox, Lauren Dunn. 100,000 singles—Gary Miner. 25,000 handicap—Raymond Smith, William Smith, Jimmy Juban, Ronald Wolf, Dennis Eggemeyer. 50,000 handicap—Robert Grieves, Larry Perkins, Jim Olin, Randy Condray. 75,000 handicap—Mike Dennis. 50,000 doubles—Brian Cox, John Kravanek. 100,000 combined—Steve Brokaw, John Upcraft.

Wow, what a list! Good job each and every one of you.

Please consider donating to the Illinois Hall of Fame. Good luck in the coming shooting season.

Bill Duncan

ATA Delegate

Indiana

Greetings, Indiana shooters! Hopefully everyone had what they consider a successful and enjoyable 2021 target year. With the start of the new 2022 target year, I wish everyone great scores and lots of shell availability, and hopefully this COVID mess will soon be in the rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Indiana State Shoot was an absolute success, even though our participation numbers were down. Even beyond the shell shortage and pandemic, once again the weather forecasters put a hurt to us with their predictions of rain most days. We got a little wet but not as wet as they predicted all week. I want to honor this year’s ITA president, Mr. Bill Mager, for a great tenure on the ITA Board of Directors and many thanks for all the past and future years of his hard work and dedication to the sport. Without individuals like Bill and countless other volunteers, the Indiana State Shoot could never take place.

Congratulations to all our Indiana State Shoot trophy winners! Special congratulations to the 2021 Indiana singles champion Tom Strabavy, doubles and all-around champion Scott Cochran, handicap champion Bob Bowers and HOA champion Tank Lunsford. Make sure you have the 2022 Indiana State Shoot marked on your calendars, July 6-10.

A big thanks goes out to everyone at Evansville GC for hosting yet another successful ATA Central Zone Shoot. This year was a special one at EGC, as it marked the retirement for Harold and Jimmie Bowers after 24 years of managing the club. The contributions these two have made to the ATA, ITA and Evansville area will forever be appreciated. On behalf of all trapshooters who have ever visited ECG the past 24 years, we wish Harold and Jimmie a much deserved very happy retirement!

I want to recognize, in addition to all our EGC club trophy winners, several ATA Central Zone trophies which once again came out of the Evansville location. Congrats to B singles champion Tom Burchell, D doubles champion Kelvin Roots, handicap champion Kevin Allen with the lone 98, and junior handicap champion Ryan Lewis.

Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything or would like to have anything included in this article for Indiana. My e-mail is [email protected].

Jason Barnett

ATA Delegate

Michigan

The Grand was indeed grand this year. There were a lot of great scores from Michigan shooters. It’s always risky to start listing names (the risk is that I might miss someone or even several who deserve mention), but here goes. Past MTA president Jerry Glisson shot on an interesting squad, ATA President Paul Shaw, Dean Townsend from the Central Handicap Committee and Dale Stockdale (Heartland Grand). Jerry DeHondt shot at his 25,000th singles target in the very first event of preliminary week. He was in a couple shootoffs and got a yard and a half for his good handicap scores. MTA manager Jeff Russell was in a couple shootoffs, which always means good shooting. Larry Telfer, also an MTA past president, shot well, as did Gordon Wellsandt. Michigan’s own incoming ATA President Darryl Hayes somehow found time to shoot and, as usual, shot well.

Just before Preliminary Week of the Grand, the ATA Central Zone Shoot was held. It’s a telephonic shoot with sites in several states and provinces. The Michigan site was our Mason homegrounds for the first time in 10 or so years. The Mason site hosted the largest number of shooters. This three-day shoot is a lot of fun and can grow significantly; plan on it at the end of July in 2022.

1. B. Lewis

ATA Delegate

Minnesota

Greetings from the North Star State! By the time that you are reading this in the October issue, the summer shooting season will have ended, and we will be thinking about hunting. As I write this before leaving for the Heartland Grand, memories of the 2021 Grand are only a week old, and some of our Minnesota shooters had a Grand they won’t soon forget. Leading the way would be junior Jack Knaus, who won the prestigious ATA High-Over-All. Jack was only five down in 700 before finishing with 985. Way to go, Jack! He ended the shoot with 12 trophies by my count and was the junior HAA winner as well.

Next on the list is Troy Haverly, who won the Krieghoff Handicap on Preliminary Saturday with 100 from the 27 to complete both his ATA Grand Slam and Grand American Grand Slam. Troy was the winner of 10 trophies this year as well. Not to be outdone, sub-junior Miranda Klassen broke 100 in the PFS Doubles to win the category award, and she took home four other trophies. (Editor’s note: there was a nice story about Miranda and her family in the Minneapolis paper the week after the Grand.)

The next member of my “honor roll list” is Brody Padgett, who had a 100 in the Doubles Championship. There were 13 others in the shootoff, and Brody ended up as Class A champ; he was one of the last four remaining. Randy Cook is the next Minnesota star. Randy regained the veteran singles title that he first won in 2019, again with a 200. He added the veteran HAA to his collection of awards. By my count, Randy won seven trophies at the Grand.

Anthony and Leo Brand both make my awards list, as Anthony finished second in the GAH and Leo was the sub-junior HAA winner. Dan Eckstrom also makes the list with a victory in the Trap & Field Handicap with a score of 99 in the program and a successful shootoff.

The list of Minnesota trophy winners was rather extensive, with a total of 31 individuals winning trophies at the Grand this year. This is my unofficial count, but I believe that it is close to the correct number. At any rate, congratulations to all our Gopher State shooters who were trophy winners. According to the ATA webpage, 90 Minnesotans were classified at the 2021 Grand.

Prior to the Grand, the Central Zone was held, and Minnesota had a site in Owatonna. Although the turnout was smaller than in past years the OGC has hosted the event, there were 12 Zone-wide trophy winners who shot in Owatonna. Peter and Dean Walker, competing at the Stockdale GC in Ackley, IA, won the HAA and the senior vet HAA, respectively. Shooting in Owatonna, David and Mike Michaelis tied for the Doubles Championship with 99s, Mike ending up with the top sub-vet trophy. Becky Kelly won two handicap trophies, and Tom Sletta was the Friday singles senior vet winner with 100 and carryover.

The Del-Tone shoot was held on the weekend of Aug. 21-22, but I was unable to get any results before writing this story. See Gun Club Scores for results.

And finally, a bit of news away from the trapline. Over the course of the summer Troy Haverly, Eric and Bob Munson and I play gin after supper as a way to take our minds off the dismal season the Twins are having and pass the time. Troy and I are partners, and more often than not, Troy will say, “I am in a tight spot” before he gets ginned for about 50 points. Bob and Eric won the majority of the games over the course of the summer with two notable exceptions: at the Iowa State Shoot we put such a beatdown on the alleged super team that the cards and the scoresheet ended up in the trash, and during the last game at the Grand, the one we would keep in our hearts and minds until next summer, another decisive beating was applied. “And that,” as Dan Campbell would say, “is the truth!”

Hopefully next time I will have some results of the Steer and Calf Shoot, the Heartland Grand, and the MTA Board of Directors fall meeting.

I can be reached at 507-456-2000 or [email protected].

Paul T. Cyr

for ATA Delegate Randall Jones

North Dakota

By the time this article gets published, the 2021 target year will be in the history book. I’m going to call 2021 “The Year of the Kids.” This year more than any other I can remember, the kids were amazing. Starting back in February, Evie Janousek won the Spring Grand Handicap with 100 straight. Then at our North Dakota State Shoot, two of the three championship events were won by kids. Junior Kordell Kraft won the singles title after beating one of our best, Jason Folvag, in a shootoff after recording 199s. Kordell has been registering targets since 2016. Now in that five years he has registered a total of 7,800 singles. Sub-junior Jack Gebhardt won the Handicap Championship after again beating another of our best, Perry Weiner, in a shootoff of 98s. Jack has been registering targets since 2017 with a lifetime total of 1,700 singles and a current average of 87. This was his very first handicap event, and it was his day all right.

Speaking of “hot” junior shooters, Jorn Brose posted his first 100 straight at the Renville Co. GC Aug. 1.

Five North Dakota shooters participated in the AIM Grand. Aidan Fire came home with two trophies, junior gold Class C third after a 196 in singles and junior gold sixth in handicap with 97. Ken Schmidt won junior gold Class D champion, also posting a 196.

Nineteen North Dakota shooters participated in the Grand.

Gabby Fischer started out Event 1 singles with 100 straight but lost out in the carryover.

Alex Koland was the 21-22 handicap champion in Event 2 with 94. Alex also had a 96 in Event 19 handicap and was fifth in Class C in the Clay Target Championship.

Mark Kaffar posted a 99 in Event 8 handicap for fourth place. That moved him back to 25.5 yards.

Perry Weiner shot a 99 in Event 11 handicap, earning him the runnerup trophy. He followed that up with a 97 in Event 19 handicap. He also shot very good singles with a 199 in Event 15 Winchester AA Singles and 200 in the Clay Target Championship. Perry had some good doubles scores with 100 straight in Event 20 for Class AA champion.

Tom Stoe had a 95 in the Grand American Handicap to earn him 19-20 champion.

Former Grand Doubles champion Mike Kempel shot a 99 in the event this year along with a 196 in the Clay Target Championship and a 92 in the Grand American Handicap to power his way to All-Around third place in the sub-vet category.

Pat Bosh came on strong in the last two handicap events with a ninth-place finish in Event 23 with 97. In the Grand American Handicap he improved by one for a 98 and fourth-place finish. Pat also shot very well in the Clay Target Championship with 198 and Doubles Championship 98. Those scores were good enough for Class AAA HAA champion with 394.

The rest of us got our participation awards when we signed up.

Perry Weiner also achieved his 50,000 handicap award after the Grand American Handicap.

Congratulations to all the 2021 shooters with the hopes of having more shells and better scores in 2022. See you on the line!

Tim Kaffar

ATA Delegate

Ohio

The 2021 Grand American is in the books. It was a typical Grand—hot and windy with the usual thunderstorms. Congratulations to everyone who made the trip and took home some trophies. Congratulations to the State Team Race members who won on Thursday. The team of Robert Caplinger, Dean Townsend, Michael Wengerd, Austin Jacob and Kevin Dawson finished with a combined score of 997 (not going to say who missed, but three of the members had perfect 200s) during the Clay Target Championship on Thursday, winning by three targets.

On a sad note, the Ohio trapshooting community lost another shooter on Aug. 24. Cletus (Butch) John Fink Jr. passed away at the age of 84. Prayers go out to his friends and family; he will truly be missed.

Now it’s time to get geared up for next season.

Mike Blair

ATA Delegate

Wisconsin

Yes, by now the Iowa State Shoot is over, the Grand American is over, and the Heartland Grand is over. Now the 2022 target year is in full swing. I am hoping you all, as trapshooters, are looking back at how your year went, meeting new friends, travels and wins. Hopefully you learned some new shooting pointers from others or just what you figured out yourself.

The Iowa State Shoot was a good tournament. Lots of Wisconsin shooters attended this fun shoot. Singles congratulations goes out to Steven Vogt, Sandra Jo Jack, Matt Riffe, Mark Sacia, Nicole Longworth, Dan Haag and Mike Christensen. So many to spotlight, so let’s keep going with the singles winners Steven Blazer, Travis O’Connell, Laverne Lehmann, Lillian Longworth, Robert J. Gropp and Robert J. Nelson. Now for all of the handicap trophy winners: Alan Longworth, Debra Longworth, Riffe, Dan Haag, Lillian Longworth, Kevin Longberg, Brady Nyhuis, Tom Bristol, Jeffrey Stingle, Marcel Kulas, Cody Barwick and Nelson. Wisconsin showed other states how to shoot doubles with these winners: Jack, Robert Blachowiak, Alan Longworth, Barwick, Donald Labarge, Lillian Longworth and Aaron Katzenberg. HAA and HOA trophy winners: Lillian Longworth, Barwick, Riffe and Jack.

The Grand is the next for me to let these shooters shine with their wins, but I am proud to say that I shot next to Robert J., Gropp, sub-junior, and Steve Ebsen, sub-vet, who both won in the Champion of Champions with 100. Congrats. Jack, Jack Duwe, Paul Traxler, Charles Noel, Dave Marohl, Gropp, Gerald Demulling, Dwight Paulin (200 in singles), Haag, Thomas Opgenorth, Dan Campbell, Michael Nawikas. There is more . . . Steve Ebsen, Sage McKeough, Tyler Buchanan, Dennis Kozlowski, Andy Wondrash, Andrew Petrasek and Harley Heinrichs. Let’s move on to the overall events. Congrats to Jack, Gropp, Donald Wagner and McKeough.

I hope I have not missed any names. There is no spreadsheet for me to paste these from. I look through every shoot and write down the wins then enter them for this article. If I did miss anyone, please let me know.

Remember to volunteer at your club. Winter is almost here, and the clubs need to be ready for winter. Please e-mail me with any winter news for my next article.

Sandra Jo Jack

for ATA Delegate Kevin Doerring

Atlantic Provinces

Hello from the Atlantic Provinces.

From all accounts, the 2021 Canadian Trapshooting Championships satellite shoot hosted at 11 clubs in nine provinces across Canada Aug. 6-8 was an overwhelming success. No small feat considering that the Canadian Trapshooting Association developed a new web-based shoot management application (CTA Scoreboard) for this shoot and that this was the first time most host clubs participated in a satellite shoot. Shoot organizers also had to deal with a four-and-a-half-hour time difference across six time zones. On most days, shooters at the St. John’s R&GC, the most eastern host club located in St. John’s, NL, were finished for the day before the Vancouver GC in BC, the most western host club, completed the first event of the day.

Congratulations to the 2021 Canadian champions: Christos Tsementzis, singles; Pat Lamont, doubles, HAA and HOA; and Clarence Durr, handicap. A complete shoot report is available on www.shootcanada.ca.

The Highland GC in Yarmouth, NS, will have hosted the 2021 Atlantic Provinces ATA Provincial Shoot by the time this article goes to print. Pre-squadding entries are on par with previous years, and we’re looking forward to another well-attended shoot. Complete results will be posted on the Atlantic Provinces Trapshooting Association’s webpage shootatlantic.com.

For more information on the APTA, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or visit shootatlantic.com.

Andrea Bassan

ATA Delegate

New Jersey

It’s Wednesday, the 25th of August, and Hurricane Henri just went by the coast of New Jersey. We did not get the winds or the storm surge; what we did get in some areas were the rain bands associated with the storm. I’m only 42 miles from Jersey City, where they received a record-setting rainfall of nine inches, and we here in Leonardo received only 1.75 inches.

Ammo and COVID are still plaguing us, with ammo still scarce or nonexistent (except for out at the Grand in Sparta) and COVID again threatening us civilians with mask wearing, etc. Hopefully by the time you read this, things will be better.

Did I mention the high temperatures and humidity this month here in New Jersey and in Sparta, IL? One good thing about Sparta was the southerly wind associated with the high temperatures. I must say, shooting with the breeze from behind for most of the shoot, the high temperatures really didn’t seem that bad to me.

Twenty-four of our shooters were classified for the Grand this year. David E. Brown Jr. continued his winning ways out in Sparta, taking home six trophies. Right behind David was Tom Clarke; Tom broke a 100 in doubles and followed it up with a 99. He went on to win a total of five trophies. Tom’s son Joseph posted a 99 in Event 23, the Caesar Guerini Handicap, taking runnerup in the event. Joseph was shooting from 25.5 and was punched back to the 27-yard line for the first time—how thrilling! Joe Sissano and George Wright also won one trophy. If you want to see who won what, go to scores.shootata.com.

The Mallard TC held the Dennis Hughes Memorial July 31. It was a warm, sunny day with free hot dogs and hamburgers for all the participants. The hamburgers were the meatiest I’ve ever had and were grilled to perfection. Dan Fishman secured the champion trophy with 94, and his dad Mike Fishman secured the open champion trophy, with Sissano winning runnerup, John Messeroll third, Tim Duffy fourth and Rich Pappas fifth.

Ground Swiper’s Poor Man’s Grand was held at the Pine Belt SC July 13-14. In the Singles Championship, Carlos Gomes was near-perfect with a high score of 199. Carlos was not finished winning for the day. In the doubles he was high with 96. The handicap on Sunday was won by John Martin with 95. The singles that followed had three high scores of 99 by Robert Jarvis, Scott Kalnas and Donald Trimble.

The 39th Jersey Devil was held Aug. 21-22 at Pine Belt SC. The only problem was that at the same time, Hurricane Henri was threatening the entire tri-state area, so rain was forecast. As usual, shooters attending the event did not see any rainshowers, although a lot of dark clouds did pass overhead all day long. Jeff Slimm reported that it did rain hard overnight but again, no rain on Sunday. My squadmate on Saturday, Robert Oswald from Suffolk County, NY, was high for the 200 singles event with 198. There were four tied with 94s in the preliminary doubles that followed: Rick Batesko, Gomes, Robert Jarvis and Scott Kalnas. It looks like Scott won the carryover with 46-45 over Jarvis, 46-41. Event 3, the Doubles Championship, was won by Gomes with 92. Michael Chiarella and Kalnas tied in Event 4, the Handicap Championship, with 93s, Kalnas prevailed in the shootoff. In Event 5 Scott Kalnas led the field with the only 100.

I don’t know if you noticed in Trap & Field that George Wright just passed his 100,000th registered singles targets. Butch Zeppone registered 50,000 singles, and Christine Gasparine registered 75,000 singles targets.

Robert Battista just reached the 100,000 combined target milestone, whereas Brian Skeuse reached 25,000 doubles targets and Tom Wolfe 50,000 handicap. Keep up the good work, everyone!

The NJSTA’s President Shoot is scheduled for Oct. 9-10 at Pine Belt SC in Shamong.

If you have an idea for an article or just a question, I can be reached at 732-546-7910 or [email protected].

Joe Sissano

ATA Delegate

New York

Greetings to everyone. I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and did plenty of registered shooting. I know that I did. I just hope that in the future, more shells are available for purchase, along with reloading supplies. Man, this year was tough.

The 2021 ATA Eastern Zone was held this year at the Pennsylvania homegrounds in Elysburg. A total of 129 shooters from New York made the trip. Trophy winners from New York were Alan Morse Handicap, Charlotte Wagner, sub-junior, and Becki Logan, Lady I; Luke Cowart Doubles, Curt Robbins, sub-veteran; Singles Class Championship, Chad Landon, AA; David Proper, AA runnerup; Eddie Cotton, B; Joshua Buchiere, B runnerup; Jon Reitz, C; Simon Grech, C runnerup; T. J. Calvaruso, D; Michael Goltry, D runnerup; Sal DiTomasso, veteran; George Panarisi, veteran runnerup; Richard Cammer, senior vet runnerup; and Heidi Womer, Lady I runnerup; Pre-Handicap, Gary McKeown, event champion; Sal DiTomasso, veteran; and Heidi Womer, Lady I. Doubles Class Championship, Terrence Roth, C third; Kenneth Covey, D third; Daniel Tartick, sub-veteran; and Heidi Womer, Lady I runnerup; Singles Championship, Proper, event runnerup; Brian Luther, AA; William Compton, B runnerup; Grech, C; Dominick Pagnotta, D; and Alexcis Coningsby, Lady I runnerup. During the team races, Heidi and Urban Womer were the husband-wife champions. Doubles Championship, Todd Hosbach, B runnerup; Proper, C runnerup; and T. J. Calvaruso, D; Handicap Championship, Charlotte Wagner, sub-junior runnerup; all-around, Compton, B. All trophy winners can be viewed on Bob Stuart’s webpage www.rjstuart.com and in Trap & Field Magazine. Good shooting by everyone.

The 2021 Grand American is now history. Thirty-six New Yorkers made the trip to Sparta, IL: Jim Flint, Don Alderson, Todd Hosbach, Michael Fox Jr., Heidi Womer, Urban Womer, Gerry Ostrander, Dexter Pratt, Owen Wagner, Wally Wagner Jr., Vincent Barranco, Brian Euscher, Jenna Euscher, Justin Slater, Leslie Slater, Dean Slater, Curtis Robbins, Joshua Buchiere, Richard Cammer, Douglas Carroll, John Cook, Alex Fischer, Martin Gawron, David Hazelet, Thomas Horenburg, David Kestler, Michael Lesniewski, Michael Manzo, Michael Mincel, Proper, Jijay Puran, Joe Regan, Christopher Suppa, William Wallis, Chase Wojtanik and myself.

During the Grand, some milestones were accomplished. Dexter Pratt made the 27-yard line. Todd Hosbach shot at and broke his 25,000th doubles target. Joe Regan shot at and broke his 25,000th handicap target, which was from the 27-yard line. Owen Wagner broke his first 100 straight, and it was at the Grand.

Shells were very plentiful to purchase. During the week, you could purchase only shells that you cashiered for. On Thursday of championship week, it was announced that you could purchase up to five flats of shells per person. You should have seen the line of people waiting to buy shells. It was unbelievable.

New York State was honored again at the Opening Ceremonies by being presented a Mega Target award, courtesy of White Flyer, for targets thrown at our homegrounds in Cicero for the 2020 target year. We placed sixth in the ATA for the year.

The homegrounds at Cicero also received some money from the Gun Club Fund that comes from the gun raffle for tickets sold. The gun from the raffle is drawn annually at the Grand American. Thank you, ATA Executive Committee, and especially ATA President Paul Shaw. It is very much appreciated by the shooters and the board of directors of the New York State ATA.

In next month’s article, we will give results of the 2021 Northeastern Grand American.

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

Dave Cichelli

ATA Delegate

Ontario

Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

Well, my journey of five years on the ATA Executive Committee came to an end Aug. 31. I will spend one additional year as a non-voting member of the EC as Ex Officio. During this final year (the sixth year in total) my role will be to mentor our new Eastern Zone Vice President Joe Sissano and to help the Executive Committee on matters for which they seek my advice.

I want to thank Ontario shooters for entrusting me with the responsibilities of your Ontario Delegate and to my Eastern Zone colleagues who elected me as their Vice President of the ATA and to everyone who has helped me in the discharge of my presidential responsibilities during this very difficult time. The ATA is in good hands with very capable and dedicated people at all levels.

Make no mistake, even though we are a 501(c)3 charitable organization, we, nevertheless, are a multi-million-dollar business, and the ATA must continue to be run as such.

Now I want to share the experience my wife and I went through just to travel to the Grand American. It was challenging, to say the least. Many Ontario shooters have wondered how they could get south of the border to other shoots. Here we go:

You have to fly; you cannot drive across the border. That U.S. border rule is extended to at least Sept. 21. It has been extended month to month since the pandemic started over one-and-a-half years ago and probably will continue to be extended. And you cannot argue that trapshooting is “essential.”

You must be fully vaccinated (i.e., two jabs).

Within 72 hours of departure from Canada, you must have a negative COVID test completed and be able to produce this at the airline carrier check-in desk, or you won’t be allowed on the flight. The tests cost $141.25 each (Canadian) and are conducted at only a few locations, the closest one for us being about one-and-a-half hours away. This is a rapid antigen test. We got these tests done the day before we left, as we were concerned that we could be delayed for our flight if we tried to do them on the way to the airport.

Flights to the States are very scarce. Some airlines have no flights at all. They are expensive. To get to many places requires interconnecting flights. When I tried to get a flight in July to be able to attend the Eastern Zone in Pennsylvania, I couldn’t even get a direct flight to Buffalo, which is just across the border, unless I crisscrossed the country with layovers of eight to10 hours at a time. (I could walk there faster!) The nearest direct flight was to Newark, NJ, where I would have to rent a car (if I could get one) and drive two-and-a-half hours north to Elysburg. Then I would no sooner get to Pennsylvania, and I would have to get the COVID test in preparation for return to Canada. Made no sense for Pennsylvania, so I concentrated on Sparta.

When going through Toronto International Airport, keep in mind that clearing customs with your shotgun takes forever. Your shotgun and other checked luggage go by two conveyor belts (one for the gun and one for other luggage) to the lower level. Then someone has to find them all and send them up another conveyor belt to the secondary screening area. They sit and sit until a firearm officer shows up, often asks questions about shotguns which they often call rifles, assume choke tubes are ammunition, etc. This alone caused delay that almost made us lose our flight. Getting to the airport early is critical, but even that doesn’t help with the inefficiency and delay. Be prepared to have all of your paperwork, like your ATF form, ready.

Rental cars are scarce at some airports. Plan ahead and reserve one, or you may not get one.

Our connecting flights took us from Toronto to Chicago O’Hare and then to St. Louis. We finally arrived and got all our luggage and gun case.

Coming back to Canada, you can’t present a rapid antigen test. Our Canadian brainiacs require an Aegis PCR negative test that must be done within 72 hours of departure for Canada. These tests are not done in many places, and for good reason; they are not regularly needed. Our shooting facility at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex had no such test. Sparta Hospital—same thing, although after we got ours, we were told Sparta Hospital could maybe have ordered some. We had to travel to a Walgreens—an hour away—that did these tests.

The COVID test we did had to come back negative, and here was the process: we did the test on the Thursday before our flight left at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Walgreens teamed up with FedEx to deliver the tests to the lab. The lab didn’t even get the test samples until the next day (Friday) at 5:30 p.m. The lab was then to e-mail us the results, which we got Saturday evening at about 5:30 p.m. Garry Hill from Alberta had his test done at 9 a.m. on the same day we did, and his flight left three hours before he got his test results. He would have missed his flight but for an emergency trip to a lab and an approximately $300 fee to get the test and results on short notice.

We traveled American Airlines and were in line at the St. Louis counter at 3:30 a.m. We produced our negative PCR test. They wouldn’t accept it. They insisted it be uploaded to an app called “ArriveCAN.” At 4 a.m. we talked to one of my staff members who is “techier” than us. We woke her up (5 a.m. Ontario time). We got the results uploaded and had to go through the line again, but at least they accepted the app. Then we had to wait at least 20 minutes for someone to inspect my shotgun, close the case, and send it on a conveyor belt.

We then rushed through security, X-ray, etc. and went as quickly as we could to our gate. The gate had just closed, so we missed our flight.

We got a replacement flight from St. Louis to Chicago that was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 8:33 a.m. We would miss our connecting flight to Toronto unless our flight arrived early or the connecting flight was delayed. This was important because there was only one other flight after our connecting flight that day, and it was full (stand-by only). Partway to Chicago the captain announced that we would be arriving 20 minutes early. Great! And we did arrive 20 minutes early. Then the captain came on the intercom and said another plane was occupying our docking bay, which took about half an hour to clear. So much for arriving early.

We tried to get information on the connecting flight where we were stand-by only. This was the only flight to Toronto that day, and we were told we would have to wait until after boarding to see if there was any space. In other words, we would be waiting from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the remote chance there would be two seats. The next day’s flight was also fully booked. There were no other connecting flights.

So we rented a car and drove from Chicago to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We took a shuttle down to the airport taxi area and ordered a taxi that had cross border credentials ($140).

At the land border, the agent had never heard of a series of issues as we presented them.

Not sure where our luggage and gun was supposed to be in Toronto (we had to complete a lost baggage claim form). I declared my firearm just in case it went to Toronto.

We presented the “ArriveCAN” app showing a negative Aegis PCR COVID test. It was not acceptable at the land border. We presented the written result which was accepted (but not by air).

We had to go to Canada Customs and Border Control secondary and explain things all again and finally were told we could leave.

A friend had driven my vehicle from Collingwood to Windsor (Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge). I drove home arriving at 3 a.m. and was in the office by 9 that morning.

Bottom line: Time to spare? Go by air. This can be a nightmare, and be aware of these additional points.

To get the ArriveCAN app you need a cell phone with smart phone capabilities and a data plan.

We were advised that a lot of people missed their flights back to Canada because they didn’t have the cell phone capabilities or were unable to upload all the information on the app.

And you are probably not going to get a Canadian travel agent to help you because there is liability, a lot of work and worry, and next to no commission.

While it can be done, as we proved, it isn’t fun, isn’t cheap, and is very stressful.

Please, U.S. Border Control, open the border for us Canadians to enter the U.S. by land.

Paul Shaw

ATA Ex Officio

Pennsylvania

It has been a roller-coaster summer as we moved through July and August dealing with shell availability for all shoots, large and small. July started with the Pennsylvania Grand at the PSSA Homegrounds in Elysburg. As compared to last year, attendance was down overall by 24.7% and 16.4% in the championship events but still earned an All-American point factor of 4. The major title winners were singles, Larry Shade; doubles, Ken Darroch; handicap, Ryan Ramsay; HAA, Brandon Deal; and HOA, Wesley Beaver. Congratulations to these shooters on their title wins. A full report with all winners will be listed in Trap & Field.

Next up was the New York State Shoot in Cicero. We had 24 shooters winning 90 trophies during the week, including all the major non-resident trophies. Don Schaffer Jr. (three) earned the singles award, along with his class HAA, Cody Davis (seven) won the doubles as well as runnerup in the HOA and HAA. Tucker Nystrom won the handicap. Chris Vendel (six) earned the HOA prize as well as category HAA, and Deborah Ohye-Neilson (14) took the HAA and category HOA. Other shooters capturing cumulative trophies were Frank Pascoe (seven) category HOA and HAA, Austin Unverdorben (four) class HOA, Tyler Hasbrouck (eight) category HOA and class HAA, Joseph Breck IV (six) category HOA and HAA, Mary Schaffer (four) class HOA and HAA, and Cooper Nystrom (six) class HOA and category HAA. Our other winners were Don Neilson Jr. (four), Evan Wirth (three), Clare Schaffer (two), Bradley Green (two), Brad Hitchcock, Brian Snyder (two), Timothy Burnett (two), William Ross (two), Jaxon Gray (two), Chance Chase, Genevieve Davis, John Manetta and David Snyder. Congratulations to all shooters for their NY wins!

Back to Pennsylvania for the ATA Eastern Zone. This year’s shoot attendance was up 9.4% overall and 20.7% in the championship events as compared to 2019 when it was last held in PA. This qualified the shoot for an All-American point factor of five. Major title winners were singles, George Wright; doubles, handicap and HAA, Wesley Beaver; and HOA, Chris Vendel. Congratulations to our Zone winners, and look for the full write-up in Trap & Field.

Off to the Grand American in Sparta, IL. We had 112 shooters from Pennsylvania make the trip to Sparta, with 39 of them bringing home 107 Grand trophies. Our biggest winner was Chris Vendel (10), who carted home the ATA All-Around title, along with category HOA titles on the 2,600 and 1,000 championship targets. Deborah Ohye-Neilson (22) swept the category HOA and HAA titles, chairshooter William Ross (12) category championship HOA and prelim category HAA, and Ken Darroch (three) added prelim category HAA. Our other Grand winners: Donald Schaffer Jr. (two), Dan Schaffer (two), Cody Davis (two), Criona Doorly (two), Ian Darroch (five), Cody Rahn, Mary Schaffer (five), William Natcher (two), Donna Natcher, Lisa Long (four), Donald Neilson Jr., Tyler Hasbrouck (two), Cooper Nystrom (three), Paul Harvey (two), Brendan Doorly (two), Robyn Bird, Kim Bateman (two), Joseph Breck IV, Joel Etchen, Clare Schaffer, Bill Plunkett, Marcy Plunkett, Tony Nunes, Stephanie Wrisley (two), Nicholas Wertz, Bruce Schmidt, Frank Pascoe, Chance Chase (two), Mario Dimascia, Douglas Worrell, Sheldon Hostetter, John Koschoff, Taylor Hansen, Patrick Young (two), and James Singer. In the special team races, Don and Debbie Neilson captured the husband-wife title. Congratulations to Vendel for his ATA HAA title and congratulations to all PA shooters with their Grand wins!

The last stop in August was at the Cardinal Center in Ohio for the Cardinal Classic. We had 223 shooters show up, with 37 of them winning 80 awards. Ian Darroch (two) headed the festivities with his Handicap Championship win, while Nicholas Wertz (10) and Chris Vendel (eight) added category HOA and HAA titles to theirs. Other Pennsylvania shooters with cumulative title wins were Cooper Nystom (five) category HAA, Susan Owens (three) category HOA, Cody Davis (two) class HOA, Wyatt Readler (five) class HAA and category HOA, Jerome Stefkovich (two) category HAA, Luke Dudash (two) class HAA, and Ken Darroch (three) category HAA. Our other PA winners included Jude Miko, Shawn Garris, Harlan Gustafson, Richard Milbert, Evan Wirth (three), John DiFabio, Donna Natcher (two), Alan Deal, Tommy Hensel, Edward Bayer, Brandon Deal (three), Robert McClelland (two), David Fish, Charles Tyke, Tucker Nystrom, Iver Gustafson II, Michelle Shaffer (two), Richard Shaffer, Chris Cohoon (two), Jim Lukens (two), Jon Zadzora, Jeff Fenton, Richard Woodcock, William Natcher (two), Richard Mills (two), Zachary Giron and Wesley Beaver. Congratulations on a strong finish to the 2021 target year!

Unfortunately we also lost some dear friends and contributors of the PSSA. Former PSSA president Ray McKissick of Gastown; former PSSA president Louis Carter of Far Rockaway, NY; former PSSA officer and ATA Treasurer Thomas Burkey of Chambersburg; NYSATA official Dennis Hart of Millbrook, NY; and Jerry Missimer of Reading have all completed their trapshooting careers. Each of these individuals have contributed to the PSSA, local clubs and trapshooting in so many ways, and each will be missed. Condolences go out to all family and friends!

I know that I will be missing some individual accomplishments over the last two months; however, I want to recognize the following shooters on their recent achievements: Cooper Nystrom for making the 27-yard line while winning the Alan Morse Handicap with a 98 at the Eastern Zone; Dennis Cacciola for attaining 50,000 singles targets during the PA Grand; Bill and Marcy Plunkett for attaining 25,000 singles during the Eastern Zone; Clare Schaffer for her first 200 straight during the Grand American; Mary Schaffer for her first 100 straight during the Grand American; Stephanie Wrisley for her first 100 straight during the Champion of Champions race at the Grand American; Kim Bateman for her 100 straight in handicap during the President’s event at the Grand American; and Robyn Bird for making the 27-yard line with a 98, also during the President’s Handicap.

Congratulations to all shooters on your accomplishments. Please let me know of individual accomplishments or any noteworthy items. I can be reached at [email protected] . If sending photos, please provide the details, including names and accomplishments.

Steve Ross

ATA Alternate Delegate

Alabama

The Grand has come and gone, and other than a couple of rain delays and the COVID sneaking around, it was a good week of shooting. Congratulations to John White for winning the Event 5 handicap with 99.

Also congratulations to Dan Jones for shooting at and breaking his 50,000th singles target. Good shooting, Dan!

By the time y’all read this, the 2021 target year has come to an end, and the 2022 season has just started. Now is time to get out and support your local clubs and start registering targets.

Please read the Rulebook!

Word of the month: Kumpny: Guests. “Be home on time. We’re havin’ kumpny for supper.”

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 news to report, contact me at [email protected].

Wayne Sartwell

ATA Delegate

Kentucky

The 2021 Grand American began on Aug. 1 with the AIM Youth Championship trapshooting events. There were 1,635 classified shooters with the awards ceremony on Tuesday evening. Fifty-nine sub-junior through junior gold youth from Kentucky participated in the AIM Championships.

Preliminary Week events began on Wednesday, Aug. 4. Keith Ditto led the HAA for the last three events with 398. Keith also led the entire field in the 2,600 HOA with 2,556. Drake Reynolds won sub-junior in the 2,600 HOA with 2,487, while Robert Dyer led a very talented group of senior veterans with 2,526.

Other highlights include the prelim handicap winner on Friday was won by Michael Teegarden with the sole 100. Then for an encore in the Grand American Handicap on Saturday, Jeremy Beasley was champion with the only 99. Another highlight saw Dyer, Reid Winn and David Riddle all break 200s in the Clay Target Championship.

The list of other trophy winners is long (a good thing) and includes Bobby Fowler, Aaron Lee, Daniel Everett, Tristen and Lee Miles, Charles Howard, Evan Rager, Eli Wilson, Joe Neyer, Henry Winn, Aaron and Tony Willoughby, Dan Ryan, Nathan Haycraft, Nolan Hardesty, Tucker Miles, Henry Barton, Trey Wilburn, Mitch Morris, Doug Cox, Bill Carver, Nick Jessie, Kevin Polson, Jack Holland and Jerry Stears. Others who shot very well but didn’t win trophies that I saw included Gerald Shockley, Tommy Beddow, Steve Everly, Jack Futch and Martha Humphrey, along with many others who I probably missed. My apoligies. Several Kentucky trapshooters received Grand attendance pins from ATA, including Melvin Watkins (40), Tommy Beddow (40), and Robert Dyer (40). Also at this time, Robert Dyer is ahead in All-American points in the senior veteran category. [At press time, Dyer earned the captain’s position on the team. See full foster in this issue—Ed.]

The Grand Week was again marred when COVID-19 reared its ugly head again and caused many of the social events to be canceled or delayed. All the shooting events continued, and the Grand was grand as usual. There were 3,119 classified shooters, of which 216 were from Kentucky. That was the second-largest total at the Grand, behind Illinois.

The Cardinal Classic followed closely behind the Grand and was attended by 84 Kentucky trapshooters. Winners included Jack Futch, Keith Ditto, Dan Ryan, Herbert Lewis, Ricky Fryman, Bobby Fowler, Clark Hammons and Drake Reynolds.

With a new target year starting Sept. 1, we all need to start thinking about upcoming fall shoots in our region or maybe starting a fall league at our local club.

The High School Clay Target League will start in mid September, and any time is a good time to introduce a young person to our sport. So until next month, stay healthy, shoot as often as you can, and if you have news that I forgot or you wish to share with the Kentucky trapshooting community, please e-mail me at [email protected] or call 270-227-2262.

Vernon R Anderson

KTL Board Member

Mississippi

It’s October, and the summer heat is finally breaking. The 2021 Grand has come and gone, and Mississippians can stand up and be proud of their participation. Yes, our shooters brought home a few trophies and a lot of good memories to keep us coming back. Although the 2021 Grand had its hiccups with COVID and labor shortages, it was still the Grand, and Mississippians will be back again for the 2022 iteration. Many thanks to our ATA staff, sponsors and vendors for a tough job, well done.

The 2022 Mississippi State Trapshoot will be in Jackson at Capitol GC May 26-29. Of course Capitol will have a hard act to follow as the Coast R&PC did a fantastic job with the 2021 state shoot. Make sure you have our Mississippi State Trapshoot dates on your calendar, and be ready for another great state trapshoot. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Elsewhere around the state, both Capitol GC and Coast R&PC are offering plenty of targets for our trappers and fellow trappers from out of state. Make sure you get our dates from the ATA website and come see us.

I am sure you will agree that our trapshooting community has a great tradition and one that we can truly be proud to be a part. Here we are blessed with shooting conditions that allow us to keep the tradition alive throughout the year. Our clubs don’t shut down for seasonal weather that might otherwise close many of our more northern clubs. As we move into winter shooting, come see us. It is always a pleasure to show a little Southern hospitality to our friends and neighbors throughout the trapshooting community.

Happy trappin’!

Jerry Tharp

ATA Delegate

South Carolina

On the whole, the Grand was very good. Weather started out nice, in the 80s, then the heat came back; 90s plus humidity was the norm. Drink water, sweat, drink, sweat.

A couple of afternoon storms messed things up. One caused a doubles event to be rescheduled to the next mourning, the other caused shootoffs to pile up, resulting in a 2 a.m. finish. Every scorer we had, kids and adults, was very good and polite. As the week went on, attrition set in, and a lot of shooters volunteered. I got to score the second 50 of Ricky Marshall’s 100 straight doubles. Even with the continuous wind we had, it was hot in the traphouse.

South Carolina had 18 shooters in attendance. There were three trophy winners: Trinity Morris, Teresa Knight and Doug Stenback. All were multiple winners; great shooting!

In the attainment department, we have Ed Clark reaching 50,000 singles. Tom Sutter and Wayne Franz both reached 25,000 singles.

The next big shoot is the Dixie Grand at the North Carolina homegrounds at Bostic, NC, in October. Weather is usually nice, and there should be some vendors. Come on up, down or over and shoot.

There have been some shells showing up at stores, so keep looking. With the Grand over, hopefully the shelves will start to fill up.

I hope to see you at the Dixie Grand.

Jim Faber

ATA Delegate

Tennessee

Well, if you didn’t make the first three days of the Dixie Grand, which happened to start in September, fear not, you can make the last three days Oct. 1-3 at the North Carolina Homegrounds, Bostic, NC.

Hog Heaven’s Mountain Days shoot at White Pine, TN, is Oct. 13-17.

On a sad note, E. V. Hillard of Lavinia passed away at home Aug. 18. E. V. and family owned and operated the Southgate (Lavinia) GC for the past 35 years. Condolences to the Hillard family.

The 122nd Grand American is in the record books. More than 3,100 shooters were classified. Tennessee had 152 attend the Grand. With the current ammo shortage as well as the COVID pandemic, in my opinion it was quite a success.

Our trophy winners were Bubba Burks, Luke Johnson, Scott Hawkins, Rebecca Davis, Hunter Hodge, Xavier Bartley, Caleb Clayton, Pruitt Richardson, Joe Cappadona, Zach Emmons, Wiley Maness, Landon Meadows, Emma Mathews, Greg Yocum, Lucas Davis, Robert Rogan, Gabe Johnson, Rick Sweeney, Brayden Morris, Jonah Wyatt, Dillon Tosh, Jim Adamopoulos, Brooke Barnett, Tyler Honnold, Tim Phillips, Brady Duren, Colton Phillips, Chandler Hinson, Riley Bellomy, Hunter Blackwell, Hunter McCoy, Jeff Duren and Robert Smith.

Luke Johnson shot his first 200 in the CTC then broke 175 more to win the Clay Target Championship, becoming the first Tennessean since 1906 to do so, when Guy Ward of Walnut Log (Reelfoot Lake area), broke 144×150 to win. And by the way, Luke was shooting a right-handed sporting clays gun, and he just happens to shoot left-handed.

Tyler Honnold broke his first 200 straight on Monday’s Winchester AA Class Singles then the following day he broke his first 100 straight in doubles during the class championship. [At press time, he had earned the captain’s slot on the 2022 ATA All-American team—Ed.]

Barry Allen shot a 97 during the Gipson-Ricketts Handicap from 26.5 for a first-time move to the 27-yard line.

Zach Emmons broke his first 100 straight in doubles during the ATA World Doubles Championship.

Congratulations to all of the above.

Read the new Rulebook, please.

For more info, check out our website shootatatn.com. You can reach me at [email protected].

Billy Cook

ATA Southern Zone Vice President

Arkansas

With the 2021 Grand American in the books, I just want to say thank you to all the people who made it possible. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to have the Grand run smoothly. We appreciate each and every one who had a part in it. Congratulations to all the Arkansas shooters who brought home trophies. We were very well represented!

I would like to give a shout-out and congratulate Chandler Brown for reaching his 50,000 handicap target attainment and Sam Weaver for reaching his combined 100,000 target attainment.

I look forward to seeing everyone out and about supporting their local gun clubs. Don’t forget to invite someone to go shooting with you. By the time you’re reading this, the new year will have begun. I wish everyone good luck in 2022. Before I end, it is awesome to be part of a sport that plays the national anthem and everyone stands. God Bless America.

See you on the line, good shooting, and God bless everyone!

Proverbs 1:7 KJV—The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Robby Pennock

ATA Delegate

Missouri

Where has the summer gone? In the past the Grand American was considered the last big shoot of the target year, and for most it is the last one of the target year. Beginning Sept. 1, we can start with a new blank average card, setting goals for the next year. What are some of your goals?

Speaking of the Grand, for a large number of shooters who attend, they were at home again this year at the WSRC in Sparta, IL. While I thought it was a fun shoot last year at MTA, there is no doubt that the WSRC is the home of the Grand American.

AIM Grand attendance was for the most part flat compared to 2019. Illinois led attendance with 396 shooters. Missouri had 294 participants who classified, and Tennessee had 256 shooters. Between the AIM handicap, doubles, singles and all-around, MO individual shooters collected eight trophies. Congratulations to all who shot well at the AIM Grand. The importance of the AIM program is quite obvious when you look at the fact that 45.4% of the active members of the ATA are under the age of 23 years old. In my travels I have visited a number of gun clubs that stated they would not be as vibrant without the youth shooters who practice and participate at their facilities.

Well, the Grand did happen in its entirety in spite of all the rumors flying around with COVID concerns. Attendance was down 5.7% compared to the 2019 shoot at the WSRC. Considering the shell shortage and COVID concerns, it could have certainly been worse. Speaking of shell shortage, I would like to thank Gamaliel for the outstanding job they did this year acquiring and handling the shell sales.

There were a number of challenges during the Grand this year, one being the shortage of employees. My hat goes off to the ATA staff and all the trap help who worked their rears off making sure the shoot ran well. I am proud to say that I witnessed a great deal of patience from shooters having to wait in the hot weather to shoot due to frequent breaks for the line help.

Once again Illinois led attendance with 624 shooters, Kentucky had 216, and Missouri had 199. Throughout the Grand, MO shooters took home 64 trophies. Congratulations to everyone who shot well this year. Win, lose or draw, I hope everyone had a great time and is making plans to return next year.

Those of you who have their e-mail addresses on file with the ATA will begin to receive e-mails with their average cards as well as a link to the Rulebook in the future. It has been a problem getting shooters to bring their completed average cards to the classification counter at shoots. Hopefully with this added service to shooters, more will take the time to print their cards prior to classifying. Keep in mind that the printed average card will most likely always be behind due to the time lag in getting gun clubs to submit their shoot reports and the time it takes the ATA to enter the data. More is being done to make this process less of a burden for the gun clubs, which should get scores in the database sooner.

If anyone has anything they would like to have reported or has any concerns, please contact me at [email protected] or 816-863-9003.

Lamentations 3: 40-41 NKJV—Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord; Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.

Shoot often, shoot well and be safe!

Stephen Ricketts

ATA Delegates

New Mexico

With the Grand American in our rear-view mirror, we are now looking down our barrels to a new shooting season. I want to give a big thank you to the ATA for awarding Roadrunner TC a portion of the Gun Club Fund. It is greatly appreciated, and they can repair damage from the July storm. Please continue to support New Mexico shooting.

I would like to share that Mary Alby did well at the Grand and won a few trophies; great shooting. She has also shot 75,000 singles targets.

I look forward to the months to come shooting with you all. The 2022 shooting year will remain a challenge with COVID, but we will get through this together. Stay well.

Samantha Rainsdon

ATA Delegate

Oklahoma

At this year’s AIM Grand Championship, 26 shooters from Oklahoma competed against a field of 1,652 total classified shooters. Breegan Barnett broke a 98 in the Handicap Championship to win seventh-place junior and high lady junior champion. Three Oklahoma shooters made the trophy report for the Doubles Championship. Layton Freas (junior runnerup) and Mason Tucker (junior Class C third) both shot 93s. Justin Freas finished third in junior gold Class D with an 80. Kenyon Bert broke a 99 in the first 100 and ran the second 100 for a 199 to win junior AA champion. Zoe Traylor broke 194 to win the sub-junior ladies’ champion. Congratulations to all of the Oklahoma AIM shooters; you represented Oklahoma at the highest level. When you see Paul Hightower and Monte Tucker, thank them for their time and mentorship as they guide the AIM program.

The Grand American gave shooters a wide range of weather conditions but mostly hot, as well as a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends. This year’s Grand had 3,119 classified shooters, representing all 50 states, two Canadian provinces, and two foreign countries. Forty-two Oklahomans made their way to Sparta, which ranked 18th among all states, provinces and countries. Oklahomans posted great scores during Preliminary and Grand Weeks along with winning numerous class/yardage and category trophies. All the scores and trophy reports can be reviewed at scores.shootata.com.

It is extremely difficult to win a trophy at the Grand American, and I would like to recognize a few of the winners. Shelby Skaggs won or placed in numerous Lady I events, bringing home a lot of hardware. Dakota Sliger picked up several sub-junior trophies. Randy Farmer was third in the 23-24 group in the Trap & Field Handicap. Ron Bliss scored a vet champion trophy with 100 straight, and Jeff Trayer shot a 98 for Class B third in the Precision Fit Stocks Doubles. Kya Funkhouser placed in multiple events, in the open category or class. Billy Pierce was the Class D runnerup, and Clay Laughlin was junior gold third in the ATA World Doubles Championship. Other Oklahomans placing were Patrick Stacey, Justin Cavett, Zoe Traylor, Christopher Diller, Corbin Grybowski, Robert Rimer and Mitchell Wyatt. Congratulations to all! Oklahoma will be well represented when the All-American points are finalized.

Ada hosted a Big 50 program under sunny and hot conditions. Twenty-three shooters heated up singles, with Matt McElhannon delivering a 50 to win the event. Scores were high for all classes: Mike Grove, 46, A; Mitch Wyatt, 48, B; George Wise, 46, C; and Emile Heitland, 49, D. Category winners were Zoe Traylor, women’s; Noah Heitland, sub-junior; Mike Meeks, veteran; and Bennie Livingston, senior vet. Noah Heitland continued his roll by winning the handicap with 47. Other winners were Mike Grove, 41, long-yardage; George Wise, 40, mid-yardage; Zoe Traylor, 42, women’s; Mike Meeks, 45, veteran; and Wayne Loyd, 44, senior vet. The heat was really working on everyone for doubles. Johnny Wilson won the event with 44. Category winners were Mike Grove, 40, A; Kevin Nanke, 37, B; Larry Higgs, 39, C; Randy Hill, 41, D; and Noah Heitland, 29, sub-junior.

OSTA hosted the End of the Target Year Shoot on a very hot, humid and windy day. Twenty shooters started the singles event, with Ron Bliss and Nathan Lemke both shooting 100s. Ron Bliss won the coin flip for champion, and Nathan Lemke took Class A. Other class winners were Jeff Barker, 92, B; Kevin Nanke, 93, C; and Randy Hill, 98, D. Handicap had four shooters break 96 or higher: Josh Stacey, Jeff Barker and Kevin Nanke all received a punch. Patrick Stacey won the event with a 98. With a heat index of over 100° F, 14 shooters closed the day with a doubles event: Patrick Stacey, winner; Ron Bliss, A; Sonny Cook, B; Josh Stacey, C; and Mikie Hooper, D.

Congratulations to Josh Stacey for surpassing the 25,000 singles milestone.

As the affects of COVID continue to influence our lives, please keep yourself, family and your communities safe and healthy.

Oklahomans, if you have any shooting news (new shooters, club improvements), accomplishments (100 straights, 50 straights), milestones (100,000, 50,000 and 25,000 target achievements), and/or shoot scores, including singles, handicap and doubles winners, please send them to me. You can reach me by cell at 405-694-1790, e-mail [email protected] or mail 15817 Harts Mill Rd., Edmond, OK 73013.

Kevin Nanke

ATA Delegate

Texas

The 2021 Grand American Trapshoot is in the books. It was so nice to be back in Sparta, IL. The people in that area of Illinois are so nice. The price of fuel usually stays the same, the grocery stores don’t raise prices, and the restaurants use the same menu they use all year. The people in that area are very grateful the shooters and their families are there.

The Grand did have some problems with COVID, but I think they handled them very well. The Hall of Fame Banquet was canceled, along with the annual directors meeting. There were other things that had to be canceled also. The great thing was that the shoot was completed. I’m sorry things had to be canceled, but I’m grateful the shoot was completed. The EC and shoot management did what they had to do to make sure the tournament was able to happen.

Now on to the stuff you love to hear. Read the Rulebook. As I have said before, it is your responsibility to know the rules. Don’t depend on someone else to know them for you. Someday you will lose a target (or more, or possibly have your score disqualified) because you did not know the rules. Read the Rulebook now, and don’t take that chance.

If you pre-squad for a shoot and see that you are not going to be there for one day or the entire shoot, please let someone there know so they can remove you from the post and possibly add someone to that squad. This is not in the Rulebook—it’s just the courteous thing to do.

If you would like a yardage increase, all you have to do is ask. You can be increased to a max of the 25-yard line. Just remember after a requested yardage increase is granted, you will not be eligible for a 1,000-target review reduction for two years. Another problem that I think is getting worse is people not notifying the ATA office if they are going to refuse a computer-generated yardage reduction. When this happens, the computer shows a yardage that is different from your average card. This means that technically you could be disqualified. Please, if you are not accepting the reduction, let the ATA office know. The Rulebook states that you must have an up-to-date average card.

Please remember, “I don’t do Messenger.” You can e-mail me at [email protected], you can snail mail to 907 S. Main St., Hereford, TX 79045, or call me at 806-679-6889.

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

Jerry O’Connor

ATA Delegate