Skeet shooting is back in full swing at Wright-Patterson Rod & Gun Club. The club, located in Dayton, Ohio, overlooks the Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright Brothers perfected their controlled, powered flight ability. Just beyond the open field is Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. While shooting, you may get a flyover from a C-17 Globemaster and other aircraft. With nothing but blue skies, this gun club has one of the best backgrounds you can find. The fields are lined with trees just beyond station 4 on all five fields, providing ample shade on stations 3,4, and 5 during the hot summer days. This contributes to an enjoyable experience while shooting great targets thrown by Promatic machines.
The Buckeye Challenge, dating back to the 90s, is one of the club’s annual shooting events scheduled in the summer, adding to its appeal. While participation has dwindled in the past few years, the Wright Flyers Skeet Association is enthusiastic to bring back its shine! At this year’s event on July 29-31, the shoot boasted 27 12-gauge shooters and a total of 19 4-gun shooters. Shooters joined the club from multiple states including Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and New York.
Friday began with a comfortable breeze, clear skies, and an impressive group of shooters competing in the doubles event. Andrew Winders was crowned Doubles Champion, posting a 98. Class Champions were Bruce Christian (AA), Peter Bogdon (A), Connard Bailey (B), Andrew Smith (C), and Connor Picard (D).
For the next 2 days, shooters enjoyed impeccable weather, allowing for some impressive shooting. The 12-gauge event was won by Jack Grehan with a 100. Class winners were Bruce Christian (AA), Ryan Melcher (A), Peter Bodgdon (B), Andrew Smith (C), Mickey Moore (D), and Bill Bush (E). The 20-gauge was also won by Jack Grehan with a solid 100, posting his first 200×200. Pat McCartney also shot his first 100 in 20-gauge but, more importantly, his first 100 registered ever! He was able to walk away with the A-class title. Additional winners were Kevin McDonald (AA), Robert Palmer (B), Mickey Moore (C), and Bella Earley (D).
On Sunday, Jack Grehan continued his streak of 100s, posting yet another milestone with his first 300×300 and taking the 28-gauge title. Class winners were Bruce Christian (AA), Peter Bogdon (A), Pat McCartney (B), Mike Picard (C), and Bella Earley (D). Finally, the .410 bore event came along and Jack Grehan posted a 99. He was so close, and you could hear the squad lose their breath as a low 6 continued to fly unbroken. But he finished strong and posted an impressive weekend. However, his title reign was put to an end by Tom Davis from Kentucky who also posted a 99 in the .410 event and won the shoot-off against Jack Grehan who took A-class. Class winners included Bruce Christian (AA), Greg Volz (B), Pat McCartney (C), and Connor Picard (D). HOA Champion Jack Grehan had a successful weekend and earned his impressive score of 399×400. HOA Class champs were Kevin McDonald (AA), Tom Davis (A), Peter Bogdon (B), Mike Picard (C), Conor Picard (D), and Bella Earley (E).
We would like to thank Outdoors Environments, Inc, Briley Mfg., and SGS Performance Eyewear for their sponsorship of the shoot. We look forward to upcoming years and are eager to welcome registered shooters from all over the world! Be sure to visit the NSSA website for updates on next year’s Buckeye Challenge.
– Contributed by Andrew Winders
