Clay Target Nation

The official magazine of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the National Sporting Clays Association

Tom Cutlip Memorial at West Virginia Clays

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The weekend of May 18-19 convened the second annual Tom Cutlip Memorial Skeet shoot hosted by West Virginia Clays shooting center. The weather predictions were perilous at best; however, the clouds opened, and the weather couldn’t have been better for shooting.  As a supporter of SCTP in the tri-state area, we are proud that six SCTP shooters competed in this shoot and performed quite well.

Sean Curtis – HOA CH, 12 GA, 20 GA CH & .410 bore CH. Alexandra McGrew – 28 GA CH

There were 21 shooters in the 12-gauge, with Sean Curtis taking the gun championship with 99, followed by three SCTP shooters: D1 Alexandra McGrew (98), C1 Carter Shafer (97), and E1 Gage Denney (94). Nineteen shooters took to the fields for the 20-gauge, with Sean Curtis again taking gun champ after a shoot-off of 97’s with B1 Mike Adkins, followed by B2 Alexandra McGrew, D1 Steve Layne, and D2 Frank Akers.

Eighteen shooters took the fields for the 28-gauge, with Alexandra McGrew taking gun champ with a fine 97, followed by A1 Sean Curtis, B1 Dan Moore, C1 Carter Shafer, C2 Jill Taylor, D1 Kurt Weisbarth, and D2 Joe Windon. Nineteen shooters participated in the .410  bore, with Sean Curtis taking gun champ with 95 followed by B1 Steve Layne, C1 Alexandra McGrew, D1 Jill Taylor, and D2 Carter Shafer. Sean Curtis was HOA Champion, and class winners were B1 Bob Estep, C1 Alexandra McGrew, C2 Carter Shafer, D1 Frank Akers, and E1 Jon Delph.

Special thanks to Jill Taylor for making registration a breeze and to the folks from Galia County 4-H for providing refreshments and all friends and members who assisted in refereeing and general assistance.  Hope to see you all next year.

– Contributed by David Ashworth

15th Annual Clayton Snow Memorial at Meadville Sportsman’s Club

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The 15th annual Clayton Snow Memorial was held at Meadville Sportsman’s Club (PA) on May 18. Clayton Snow was a long-time member and supporter of this club and was especially interested in encouraging young people to learn to shoot. Sadly, Clayton’s widow Kathleen passed away in September 2023, at the age of 94. Kathleen, the Snow family matriarch, attended and was a staunch supporter of the memorial shoots over the years.

Kody Hoth – 20 GA CH, Evan Martin – 28 GA CH & HOA RU, Dan Berry – HOA CH

The weather was great, despite forecasts all week calling for rain. It was warm and partly sunny most of the day, with light winds and a few white puffy clouds. Twenty shooters (a full slate) participated in this 200-bird, 20- and 28-gauge shoot. The high total score of the day (193) was turned in by Dan Berry; Evan Martin’s 192 was good for HOA runner-up.

The shoot began with the 20-gauge event in the morning. Kody Hoth shot a 99 and was 20-gauge Champion; Jeff Ventry was runner-up with a 98. Class champions included Chris Dole (AA), Martin (A, after winning a shoot-off of 96’s with Tom Shields), Scott Daniels (B, after winning a shoot-off of 97’s with Berry and Joe Fisher), Trevor Hanna (C) and George Gleich (D).

The 28-gauge event took place after lunch. Martin was gun champ after he, Berry (runner-up) and Dave Wilke (A1) shot off their 96s. Other class firsts were Hoth (AA, after he won a shoot-off of 93s with Ventry), Jeff Riddle (B) and Gleich (D, after winning a shoot-off of 81’s with John Tucker).

Samuel Marks handled registration and score posting. Samuel’s dad Sam, Keith and Dale Snow and Mark Johnson pulled and scored. Beckie Snow and her sister Kay oversaw the food: fried chicken, potato and macaroni salad, cupcakes and cookies, yum!

Extra special thanks go to the Snow family for sponsoring this shoot by providing money and locally produced maple syrup as prizes to the gun and overall champs. Snow family members attending the shoot included Clayton’s sons Dale and Keith, Keith’s wife Beckie, and Kay Doctor, Clayton’s daughter. Kay’s sons, Calvin and Blake Doctor made the syrup.

– Contributed by George Gleich

Skeet Hier Capital City 500

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Memorial Day weekend brought nearly 50 shooters to the Lincoln Trap and Skeet Club in Lincoln, Nebraska for the annual Skeet Hier Capital City 500. The doubles event was held Friday afternoon, with World Champion Ryan Smithart taking the first title of the weekend with a 96. Saturday brought breezy conditions and the 12-gauge and 20-gauge events, with Smithart (98) winning the 12 and Grayson Kremeier (99) claiming the 20-gauge title. On Sunday, Smithart won the 28-gauge (99), and then Kremeier won the baby bore with a 100 straight!

Grayson Kremeier – HOA CH, 20 GA CH, .410 CH

It was certainly the Grayson Kremeier show at the Skeet Hier CC500, as he shot his first-ever 100 straight in the .410 and went on to win three events including HOA with a 391. He is 17 years old, lives in Cleveland, Missouri, and has been shooting for four years. He has shot several 98’s and 99’s, but this is his first 100-straight in any gun. He shoots a K-80 Vintage Scroll with Briley tubes. He has shot at the Lincoln Trap and Skeet Club on many occasions over the past four years, and his home club is the Polecat Creek Shotgun Park located in Harrisonville, Missouri.  Grayson is the grandson of Larry Hicks.

 – Contributed by Chris Lutz

JTH Agency Classic at Victor Rod & Gun

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Victor Rod and Gun Club proudly hosted the 2024 JTH Agency Classic on June 7-9. This year’s event was the 35th anniversary of this registered skeet tournament and the 20th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored the doubles and four-gun events. This year’s shoot featured over $6000 in added money and valuable prizes. Shooters traveled from around the region to attend this well-respected tournament.

RU – R. Dennis Lehman, Shoot Sponsor – John Hessney, HOA CH – Steven Wood

Friday afternoon started the competition with 44 shooters in the doubles event. Squadmates Mat Kelley and Jeff Ventry conquered 99 wind-blown targets to lead the field. Kelley won the short shoot-off to claim the Champ title, with Ventry becoming the runner-up. Class winners were Denny Lehman (AA), Rick Ayers (A), Aaron Burnett (B), Mike Kinsella (C), and William DiSalle (D). After the conclusion of the shooting, the shooters were treated to a happy hour and a great meal, compliments of Jim and Hilda Thompson. Thanks to Jim and Hilda!

Saturday’s weather was very breezy, causing the targets to do their dance. Fifty-eight shooters took to the fields for Saturday’s competition, with the .410 bore event first. Three shooters topped the field with scores of 97. Clay Tietjen prevailed in an exciting shoot-off to take the .410 champ title, with Kody Hoth claiming the runner-up spot and Steve Wood taking AA1. Other Class winners were Jeff Ventry (A), Denny Lehman (B), Jeff Groh (C), and Svilen Vasilev (D).

The 20-gauge competition commenced on Saturday afternoon. Clay Tietjen and Steve Wood posted the best scores with 99’s. After a lively shoot-off, Clay Tietjen was crowned 20-gauge Champion, with Steve Wood following as runner-up. The remaining class winners were Dess Ivanov (AA), John Boone (A), Ethan Call (B), Zack Jacot (C), and Joan Paddock (D).

This year, Pete Hamann of Pete’s Stockworks in Bloomfield, NY, generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D class shooters only. Zach Jacot won this year’s special 20-gauge handicapped event, with Ethan Call and Ed Cornelius picking up the second and third place monies. Our thanks to Pete for his generous support of this event and for all that he does for the recreational shooting community.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s shoot-offs, the shooters, family members, guests, and gun club volunteers all enjoyed a great happy hour and a succulent steak dinner donated by a group of Victor Rod and Gun Club members. The steaks were grilled to perfection, and everyone enjoyed them to the last bite.

Sunday’s weather continued to be windy with a chance of showers. With great anticipation, the fearless shooters went to the fields to compete in the 28-gauge and 12-gauge events. First up was 28-gauge. Denny Lehman and Steve Wood posted the first 100’s of the shoot. Lehman prevailed in the shoot-off to take the 28-gauge Champion title, with Steve Wood closely behind to take the runner-up spot. Class winners were Clay Tietjen (AA), Justin Aldrich (A), Mark Jesske (B), Kerry Henderson (C), and Dave Pickles (D).

Sunday afternoon featured the 12-gauge event. The weatherman’s “chance” of showers turned into a deluge of midafternoon rain. Three shooters were able to run all 100 targets. After a very competitive shoot-off, Denny Lehman took home the 12-gauge title, with Mat Kelley as runner-up and Dave Cooley as AA class winner. The remaining 12-gauge class winners were Jeff Ventry (A), Mike Kinsella (B), Dale “Bob” Patterson (C), William DiSalle (D), and John Yackiw (E).

Throughout the weekend, Steve Wood was steady, consistent, and on-target. Wood’s 394×400 was the top HOA score. Lehman finished as runner-up with a fine 391×400. HOA class winners were Dave Cooley (AA), Kody Hoth (A), Justin Aldrich (B), and Bruce Liddle (C-D-E combined).

For the 12th consecutive shoot, the HOA competition featured the added-handicapped HOA Challenge. All four-gun shooters were eligible to enter this event. This event is named “Joe’s Challenge” in memory of Joe Strazzeri. Joe was a great skeet shooter and a stalwart of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. The DiMarco Group donated $2500 in added money for Joe’s Challenge. The event drew great interest from the shooters. The scoreboard was watched closely throughout the weekend. When the results were all in, Steve Wood took home the top prize, followed in order by Dave Cooley, Denny Lehman, and Ethan Call.

Special thanks go out to our club volunteers for their strong support of this shoot. Congratulations to our admin team of Mark S., Terry P., Andy N., and Keith M. for streamlining the registration process and ensuring that the shoot management process ran flawlessly. Also, thanks to Jim Thompson and Dan Caryl and the great crew of fine referees. We cannot thank shoot sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney enough for their support and generosity. Each year they give back to the sport by sponsoring this fine shoot. John and Elizabeth are the owners and proprietors of the JTH Agency. They sell quality firearms, apparel, and accessories for the recreational shooting sports. Check out the store online at https://www.jthagency.com

Thank you to this year’s shooters. We appreciate your continued support of this shoot. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 JTH Agency Classic!

– Contributed by Wes Bailey

40th Pacific Arms Cowtown Open at Fort Worth Trap and Skeet

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Fort Worth Trap and Skeet (FWTS) hosted the 40th Anniversary Pacific Arms Cowtown Open, April 26-28. To begin, a huge thank-you goes to Mr. John Herkowitz, owner of Pacific Sporting Arms, for being the title sponsor. Like many successful events, this tournament came about with the combined efforts of many individuals. Mr. Herkowitz came on board early in the planning process to provide added money. 3on8 (Mike Gerschick) also provided support, as well as Briley Manufacturing through their contributions for all FWTS skeet shoots.

HOA Winners: Champ – Cash Hicks, Runner Up – Nicholas Godfrey, Third – Mike Gerschick

FWTS board and staff members can be credited with producing a beautiful setting, good targets and seamless registration. Member Allen Cline presided as Chief Referee and brought a top-notch crew of referees with him. Members Mike Schmitt, Ken Gigliotti, Rick and JoEllen Collin, Gene and Tracy Ragle and Board President Steve Bradbury each sponsored an event to ensure the winner would come away with the traditional Cowtown buckle and a monetary award. Members David Roberts and John Kirkland made certain participants would be well fed and well hydrated. A final nod of thanks goes to Chris and Jennifer Hicks, Jason Kennedy and Talia Hughes for their tireless work in the kitchen. No one left the shoot without the opportunity to be well fed.

Contestants hailing from not only Texas, but also Kansas and California were present to begin Doubles on Friday. Three rotations of Doubles were scheduled, and very few vacancies were available. Blustery conditions required some hard looks at the target, but good scores were recorded nonetheless. Gun Champ was Cash Hicks (99) with Robert Gonzalez (97) as runner-up. Adam Roberts was third (94), and Lady Champ was Jean Berry from California.

Saturday opened with the same windy conditions and the 12-gauge event. The weather did not prevent Cash Hicks or Adam Roberts from running perfect scores of 100 and meeting later that day for a shoot-off. Winners in every class were credited with scores in the 90’s, indicating the talent and fortitude that prevailed against the wind. When the shoot-off smoke cleared, Cash Hicks was Champion, Adam Roberts runner-up, and Robert Gonzalez 3rd and SSCH. AA1 was Dana Palmer (98) and Nick Godfrey AA2 (93). Russell Stevens and Greg VanBelois were A1 and 2, respectively, with 98s. Jean Berry was making a run for the Lady HOA Champion buckle by winning with a 92.

Saturday concluded with 20-gauge, and this time the Champ was Nick Godfrey (99), runner-up Allen Cline (99) and third Cash Hicks (98). Kansas shooter Grayson Kremeier was AA1 and Junior Champ (98), Mike Gerschick AA2 (98), and Casey Stanfield A1 and SSCh (97). JoEllen Collin shot 96 to win Lady Champ. Following shoot-offs, contestants and families were invited to a steak dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cowtown. Also celebrated was the 86th birthday of Tim Cudia, who served as referee all weekend.

Sunday was not consistent with most skeet tournaments; as the day wore on, the wind began to lie down, all threats of rain were exhausted, and shooters took up the little guns in more favorable conditions. Three young men scored 99s in 28-gauge, and the winners were Grayson Kremeier, Champion; Cash Hicks, runner-up, and Nick Godfrey third. Robert McClain was AA1, George Murray AA2, Mike Gerschick AA3 and Michael Dennis A1.

The .410 Bore event found Cash Hicks and Nick Godfrey shooting off for gun champ with 97s and Cash taking the buckle. Godfrey was runner -up and Dustin Holmes (96) third. Robert McClain and Adam Roberts had 91s for AA1and 2, Dana Palmer AA3. Mike Gerschick edged out Clay Laughlin for A1and 2, with Robert Ellington bringing in A3. Jean Berry took D1 and Lady Champ.

Frequent trips to the winner’s podium earned Cash Hicks the HOA title. This competitor won three of four events for 394. Nick Godfrey was HOA runner-up with a 388 and Mike Gerschick third with a 383. JoEllen Collin (362) was declared Lady HOA Champ and Jean Berry runner-up with a 357.

Skeet Chairmen JoEllen Collin and Tracy Ragle would like to extend an invitation to all registered skeet shooters to attend a Fort Worth tournament this year and experience a fantastic background and Texas hospitality for yourself.

– Contributed by Tracy Ragle

20 GA Winners: Champ – Nicholas Godfrey, Runner Up – Alen Cline, Third – Cash Hicks
28 GA Winners: Champ – Grayson Kremeier, Runner Up – Cash Hicks, Third – Nicholas Godfrey
.410 Bore Winners: Champ – Cash Hick, Runner Up – Nicholas Godfrey, Third – Dustin Holmes
Doubles Winners: Champ – Cash Hicks, Runner Up – Robert Gonzalez, Third – Adam Roberts
“This is the 2nd registered shoot for Hadison Hardy having shot her first in March. We appreciate her for shooting the Cowtown and look forward to seeing her and other youth shooters in the future.”
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