Jun 4, 2017 Fun Shoot @ Golden Triangle Trap and Skeet Club (Ontario)

The most fun I've had at a shoot in many of moons.

A three hour drive, leaving the house at 5:30am, and rain in the forecast, but for sometime in the afternoon. 

Obviously, I decided to attend even with rain in the forecast and glad I did.

Golden Triangle Trap and Skeet Club - 3rd Annual Heritage Clays Classic

75 Sporting Clay targets presented on two fields.

Recommend you watch full screen.

Good target presentations, good food, and friendly people.

I'm told attendance down a bit.  I think because of the weather forecast, but overall a nice turnout.  It did start to rain as I was departing.

SHOOT PHOTOS

At the end of the shoot the fields were cleared and target debris disposed of.  If you just then drove into the parking lot you would not know they had a shoot.

$3.50 (Canadian) to cross the bridge (coming and going) at Cornwall, Ontario.  A secondary firearm inspection entering Canada, but only took a few minutes.  I got the impression they were teaching a new guy.  No issues re-entering the states. 

I did see a coyote feeding on deer road kill.  Coyote didn't look to healthy.

Canadian Firearms License Renewal

Received my updated license today. The renewed license is good for five years. 

Yes, Americans can apply for and receive a Canadian Firearms License.  You have to attend a class and pass a written test among other requirements.  The license allows for me to enter Canada with rifles, shotguns, and ammunition (also allows for purchase of ammunition when in Canada) without having to pay any additional fees or complete additional paperwork. 

If you don't have a Canadian Firearms License and you wish to attend a shoot in Canada you will be charged $25 (Canadian) for a 60 day permit (processed on day of crossing).  No handguns.

Back to my license.....

My current license was set to expire on July 19th. 

The last two renewals were not so customer friendly.

For the previous two renewals I was within two weeks of expiration and no renewed license? 

I had to telephone. Both times I found my paperwork was awaiting final processing (sitting in an inbox) in an office in Quebec.   In both instances I was Air Mailed my license and received just days before the one I was using expired.

I will be using the new one this Sunday....

North Country Sportsmen's Club - The Verdict Is In

To our Members and Friends in the Shooting Community,

North Country Sportsman's Club has won in Vermont State Supreme Court in our case versus the Town of Williston, concerning their authority to regulate our hours of operation. The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that a municipality can neither require a shooting range to enter into an agreement concerning operating hours, nor can they use noise as a justification for other regulatory mechanisms. For those interested in the details, please let me know if you would like a copy of the full decision.

This ruling affirms the legislative intent of state law protecting existing shooting ranges from regulatory overreach by municipalities (24 VSA 2291 section 8). North Country Sportsman's Club only sought to continue our operations consistent with our historical schedule, and the recent Vermont Supreme Court ruling makes it clear that we are able to do so. A different ruling could have provided municipalities with no less than a regulatory template that would have threatened the existence of shooting ranges statewide.

It is our hope that this ruling will serve as a protective barrier against municipalities across Vermont who may seek to limit the operations of existing shooting ranges within their borders. It is clear that precedent has now been set, and that doing so is not within municipalities' authority. As such, this decision will provide protections to existing shooting ranges in all of Vermont's cities and towns.

However, we will need to remain vigilant for new attempts to limit shooting range operations. In this case, our shooting community came together to stand as one against this attempt to impose such limitations on a single club. If any other attempts are made, we plan to once again stand together, and once again, win.

North Country Sportsman's Club would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations who stood by us throughout this case. Whether the support was of moral or monetary variety, to say that we appreciated the backing would be an understatement. It would be impractical to list everyone by name, but our special thanks go to the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Sportsman's Club of Franklin County, Barre Fish and Game Club, Lamoille County Fish and Game, Barre Rifle and Pistol Club, Vermont Trapper's Association, Vermont Bear Hound Association and especially the National Rifle Association for their extraordinary support. To each and every individual who gave time or money to this victory, it as much yours as it is ours, and we thank you.

Thank you,
Bob Otty
President, North Country Sportsman's Club

Liquidation prices! Preparing for the new Gander Mountain

21st Annual Spring Deuce @ Rochester Brooks Gun Club

Rochester Brooks Gun Club (Rush, New York)

203 shooters in the main event, 179 shooters in the Prelim, and the two (2) Parcour FITASC event had 77 shooters.  A handful of Hunter Class shooters.

The sub-gauge course was pretty much busy throughout the shoot.  More so then I've seen in the past.

Great weather on Friday (T-shirt and  shorts). 

Saturday I was in dungarees and sweatshirt. 

Sunday, froze my butt off.  Rained just before the 8:30 start and made for a cool and damp morning. 

38 degrees when I returned to the vehicle.  I went out to shoot more video and take additional photos when I was done shooting on Sunday, but the body was not willing and packed it up after about 15 minutes. 

No problems with machines and didn't have to use any spare shells. 

As always, excellent referees.

Ample water on the course, as well as bowls of peanuts and apples.

I'd call the Prelim., skeet in the woods (in difficulty) and the main event the opposite.

Posted two videos and a couple hundred photos

Club Clean Up Day @ Sportsman's Club of Franklin County

Sportsman's Club of Franklin County (Vermont)

Boots a must have.  Muddy at the start and drizzled a few times during the day.  Cool and damp.  I don't think the temperature hit 50 degrees.

More then a clean up day. Trees cut down and target stands for the rifle/pistol range built.

Hot dogs for lunch, as well as a raffle.  

The clubs sends out monthly emails keeping members informed of club activities and I suspect todays turnout was a direct result. 

Tachyon Gun Cam - Trap Station 2 & 4

I've posted on my use of the camera for sporting clays and skeet, and highly recommend for those clay target disciplines.

For trap shooting I'm on the fence.  16 yard shooting.  A tree background didn't help, but saying that I think the combination of fast gun movement and an out going target pushed the camera to it's limits.

I would think if you held well above the roof (two eye shooter) you would reduce gun movement and achieve better video results.

I'd suggest frame by frame viewing if your trying to see barrel movement in relation to the target and looking for issues you or a student might have.

A short video, you decide.....

Shotgun used was a Beretta A400, 30 inch barrel.  Stock not modified.  Used for skeet, trap, and sporting clays.

Video shot at Sportsman's Club of Franklin County (St. Albans Bay, Vermont)

Apr 10, 2017 @ Sportsmans Club of Franklin County

Sportsmans Club of Franklin County (St. Albans, Vermont)

It takes about 1hr 20min for us to drive to the club, so when summer like weather (mid 70's) was the forecast we decided to take advantage.  Three others (two from New York) had the same idea and both skeet and trap were shot.

We shot on a Monday, but the clay target portion of the club is open for skeet and trap (summer schedule) on Thursday (after 3pm) and Sunday starting at 9am.

Outdoor pistol/rifle range is open seven days a week and gets a good workout each day judging by the traffic and sound of shooting.  The club also offers archery.

We last visited the club in late 2016 and it wintered well.  Machines running like a fine watch and we didn't have any target issues.

The fee charged to shoot is reasonable priced for both members and non-members.  A family can come out with a value pack or two and have an enjoyable day without breaking the bank.

The club no longer offers registered skeet but I remember attending NSSA shoots in the 80's.  A squad or two from New York and a squad from Quebec always in attendance.  Also, it was not unusual to run into shooters from Maine or NH and of course always a strong showing from Vermont shooters. 

An enjoyable place to shoot and we'll be visiting often.

 New gun racks on all three fields.

Picking up hulls....

Winchester AA Rebate - Apr 16/Sep 4,. 2017

Winchester Rebate

Remington Rebate - 4/6/17 through 4/30/17

Rebate Form

Offer good in the USA only.

* Rebate was posted on trapshooters.com

GunCam ® for Clays (Skeet)

We've used the camera on the sporting clays course.  Now, I wanted to see what it could do on the skeet field.

I think an excellent teaching tool for problem stations for new shooters and for old timers having issues.

Targets much closer then in sporting and almost no need to display video in slow motion.  The camera does not record in slow motion.  You need a video program that offers that feature.

A heavily edited video..... Short and to the point.

Best viewed full screen...

Shooting a Beretta A400 with 30 inch barrel.  I find the camera works best if the lens is 5 inches behind the front of the barrel/choke.  Had it a little further back and you can just see the barrel.

I picked up on a couple of issues in my shooting that could cause problems.  Once I got to my hold point not waiting a few seconds before I called for the bird. And, on singles not staying with the target after I pulled the trigger.

If you have that "one" problem station such as High 2 or Low 6, a must have.  Sure beats shooting box after box of shells trying to figure out what your doing wrong.

Camera weight has not been an issue. 

$229.99 direct from the company.

Mar 18, 2017 @ Flagler Gun Club

Flagler Gun & Archery Club (Bunnell, Florida)

We paid a visit to the Flagler club for practice trap.  First time this year we shot trap.

When we arrived one field open and by the time we left, three fields open.  15-20 shooters on hand.

Dean Newell told me Saturday trap shooting was the most popular of the two days they offer open shooting.  They also shoot on Tuesday and have a coin operated field so members can pre-purchase coins and shoot seven days a week.

I been coming to the Volusia club for 11-12 years and Dean has been a mainstay. Always lending a hand.  When Dean's around everything seems to run smoothly.  Dean also shares his volunteer time with the Volusia Skeet and Trap club.

 The club recently purchased two PAT traps to replace older machines.

 Dean Newell

First time shooter.  I'm told he shot a 15 and 16.

Club throws back rim targets.  On field #4 both my wife and I found them hard to see, but on field #3 no such problem. The voice release on field #4 was overly sensitive.

A good time and everyone was friendly.

Entry to the club is via a secured gate using a card swipe system.  Your membership card (with photo imprinted), slightly bigger then a credit card, is needed to enter and exit.  Club has a record of the coming and goings of club members and can also disable individual cards if lost or failure to renew.  Sure beats handing out keys or combinations.

Mar 17, 2017 @ Jacksonville Clay Target Sports

Jacksonville Clay Target Sports (Jacksonville, Florida)

We dropped in to shoot sporting clays. 

Shot the North course last winter, but not yet had a chance to shoot the new South course.

15 stations.

After the first couple of stations it became apparent birds had more speed on them than the previous two clubs we shot.  Not necessarily harder, just faster.  We had card issues and it wouldn't work on three stations (the lady working the desk said she was going to destroy it). 

We shot unused targets on the North course.

Unlike the North course where I think only the hardiest should attempt to walk (cart is a most), the South course can be walked provided you park your vehicle in the parking spaces at the end of the skeet range.  If you have health issues, rent a cart.

Club has cart rentals at $18 (member and non-member).

It looks like the club ran a water line around the South course.  Planted trees have individual watering hoses.

Nice looking club and great facilities.  I filmed an International Skeet Shoot at the club recently.

I've always found it hard to partner up for trap at this club.  Unless they changed policy, no Voice Release for practice.  Don't know if they have a Clay Delay available.  So, unless your meeting up with someone.....

I've said it in the past and will repeat.  Before you shoot skeet or trap at the club as a non-member, do a price check.

Tachyon GunCam for Clays - Quick Review

A friend used a GoPro with a barrel attachment and I got a chance to play around with the unedited video,  Just no way could I see sporting clays targets breaking, even using slow motion.

Seen the advertisement for the Tachyon and it was pocketbook friendly.....

Camera operation is pretty straight foreword.  You do have to purchase a mini memory card.  The size you require is determined on how long your going to run the camera.  I picked up a 16GB card. 

In theory, the battery will last non-stop for 2.5 hours.   We turned on and off the camera at each station, conserving the battery.  Recharge (USB or plug) upon return home has been quick.

Also, by turning on and off the camera at each station it made viewing individual station videos manageable.

We took the camera to three clubs. 

Dark areas (flying in front of trees/brush in the shade) can be an issue. 

Best viewed full screen

I attached the camera to the barrel, with the camera lens 6 inches from the barrel/choke.  It worked, but the second time out the camera walked and I could see the barrel.  Maybe I didn't tighten it properly.  Now I attach at 5 inches and carry a tape measure to periodical check. 

You have the option of popping the mini card and viewing video from you laptop or any machine that will accept a card.  You can also use an USB cord.  I have not done it, but if you have the equipment you could review the video after each station.

I highly recommend a video program that can do slow motion.  Many times you have to slow down the video to see what happens in regard to barrel swing and leads.

I highly recommend.....

Klaus Hiptmayer (Quebec)

Because of health issues, stock maker and gun flitter, Klaus Hiptmayer has closed his business.