Clay Target Nation

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

58th Kentucky Lake Open

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Dennis Burns, All-American of Fancy Farm, Kentucky, posted a sterling 398 to take top honors at this year’s Kentucky Lake Open. A rare respite from typical mid-summer temperatures kept the daily highs below the magic 90-degree mark. A good time was had by all, with many promises of “see you next year” upon our contestants’ Sunday afternoon departures.

Jerry Triplett, Rob Gyngard, and Burns broke 98s to start the shoot in Friday’s Doubles event. In a prelude of things to come, Burns vanquished his two foes for his first, but surely not last championship of the weekend. Ken Ford, Calvert City (95) led the AA class while Triplett settled for A1. Willie Taylor, Jr., all the way from West Point, MS, was the B-class winner with 94, and Kevin Hess took C by busting 87.

Three competitors broke them all in Saturday morning’s All-Gauge event, with Burns topping squadmate Tom Selley (AA1), and Joe Marr (B1) in the tie breaker. Ronald Blalock was best in A class with his 99 as Don Beard did the same in C with 97. Dean Rapp won D with 88, and Mike Hatler was best in E class with 93.

Three shooters had 100s with the yellow shells – Burns, Selley, and up-and-coming collegiate star Codey Dean. The youngster won the shoot-off, notching his first ever KLO gun championship. Burns settled for AA1. Mark Presnell was first in A class with his 99 while Barry Stevenson won B with 98. John Lawson won C with 92. New local shooter Jason Summarell led D by breaking a nice 89.

Burns apparently enjoyed the handshakes and congratulations he received after his prior conquests enough that he decided to do it again Sunday morning, but this time his 100 was the only red mark on the 28-gauge scoreboard. Glenn Rickman was AA1 by virtue of his 99. Bart Redman was best in A class with just one miss. Don Beard grabbed another class win, easily out-distancing the B field with his great score of 98. Bill Huffman was the C top gun with a total X count of 92. Mike Hatler marked again by prevailing in a tie breaker of 91s over Bob Simpson for the D-class crown

In the baby bore, Burns wrapped up his shoot with a strong 98 to take another uncontested gun championship. Selley won AA with a 97. Codey Dean took home more Kentucky Lake Open prize cash with his 97 in A class. John Phillips took home B1 money with his 96. Rodney Reinier won C with 93. Leigh Hanneken prevailed in D by busting 62.

Dennis Burns’s 398 took the HOA purse outright, leaving Selley atop AA with his 395. Mr. Dean, A-class HOA shooter, won his division with a nice 391. Barry Stevenson took B1 HOA honors with his 383. Bob Zimmerman made the trip from Indiana worthwhile by grabbing the top spot in C with 368. Bob Simpson was D-class HOA champ by virtue of his 354, with granddaughter Leigh Hanneken winning E with a 270.

The KLO continues to run smoothly each year, due mainly to the pitch-in-and-help attitude displayed by many club members. Chief Paduke Gun Club would also like to thank all those who supported and participated, especially Harrah’s, which hosted all competitors and their respective entourages in a complimentary buffet at Harrah’s of Metropolis, a KLO tradition in its 23rd year.

Plan now on signing up early for the 2018 version.

– Contributed by Bob Toy

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JTH Agency Classic at Victor Rod and Gun Club

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Victor Rod and Gun Club (New York) hosted the JTH Agency Classic June 9-11. It marked the 14th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored this Doubles and four-gun event and the 29th anniversary of this registered skeet tournament. Shooters arrived at the Victor Rod and Gun Club from western and central New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Canada. The shooters saw first-hand how the months of preparation and numerous capital improvements provided a first class-shooting venue for the “Biggest Little Shoot in New York State.”

The JTH Agency Classic started with the Doubles competition on Friday afternoon with 40 shooters taking to the fields under clear skies and a slight breeze. Canadian Doubles champ Dan Morris let one bird escape, but his 99 was enough to win without a shoot-off. Both Steve Wood and Dean Herzberg took their 98s to a shoot-off to determine the Doubles runner-up. In a lengthy shoot-off, Wood prevailed, with Herzberg becoming the A1 class champ. Other Doubles winners were Don Lewandoski (AA), Ed Freedman (B), Brian Quealy (C), and Victor Stirpe (D).

The spring weather in western New York brought historic amounts of rainfall. Saturday’s weather did break with a threat of a shower, but fortunately all the showers passed around the club, and the day turned into a warm, breezy summer day. A total of 49 shooters took the field for Saturday morning’s .410 bore event. Ian Smingler bagged 98 targets to best the field and claim the .410 bore champ spot. The balance of the .410 field of winners were Des Ivanov (AA), Mat Kelley (A), Ed Call (B), John Mutchler (C), and Al Morris (D).

The 20-gauge event concluded the shooting on Saturday afternoon. Five shooters were perfect in crushing 100 targets. After a spirited shoot-off, Canadian Dean Herzerg won the 20-gauge championship, with junior shooter Hunter Dickerman close behind as the runner-up. The balance of the class winners were Joe Strazzeri (AA), Justin Aldrich (A), John Mutchler (B), Michael Cawley (C), and Al Morris (D).

Again this year, shooter Randy Cook generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D-class shooters. Junior shooter Michael Cawley had the top handicap score and won the first-place money, with John Mutchler and Al Morris splitting the runner-up cash prize.

Clear skies and warm temperatures greeted the 50 shooters for Sunday’s lead-off 28-gauge event and closing 12-gauge event. The high scores continued with three 100s and two 99s. In a three-way shoot-off, Ian Smingler bested Dennis Lehman, runner-up, and Mat Kelley to take 28-gauge champ honors. Mat Kelley finished the event as the AA class winner. Other winners included Justin Aldrich (A), Dave Eckert (B), Mark Snyder (C), and Jim Fox (D).

On Sunday afternoon, Ian Smingler, Mat Kelley, and Steve Wood all posted 100s in the 12-gauge event. In a shoot-off lasting into the third box, Ian Smingler emerged as the 12-gauge winner. Kelley took runner-up honors with Wood becoming the AA class champ. Other 12-gauge winners were Colin Smingler (A), Hunter Dickerman (B), Jim Johnson (C), Michael Cawley (D), and Al Morris (E).

The HOA champ was decided without the need for a shoot-off. Ian Smingler dropped only two targets to register the top score of 398. Mat Kelley was three targets behind to finish as HOA runner-up. Other HOA honors went to Ivanov (AA), Joe Strazzeri (A), Hunter Dickerman (B), John Mutchler (C), and Al Morris (D).

For the sixth year, the HOA competition featured the added handicapped JTH Agency Classic HOA Challenge. All four-gun shooters were automatically entered to win premium prizes for the event. Joe Strazzeri won this year’s HOA Challenge event and took home a certificate for a full set of Briley matched-weight tubes. Al Morris claimed the second-place prize of a premium Perazzi gun case. The third-place prize of a Beretta gun case was earned by Ian Smingler. Congrats to all winners of this special event and thanks to John Hessney for the donations of these fine prizes, in addition to the added money for the shoot.

The JTH Agency Classic is a source of pride for the members of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. The club is fortunate to have a group of such dedicated volunteers who devote countless hours to making this shoot the best it can be. We appreciate that the shooters keep this shoot on their shoot calendar and return each year.

Special thanks to shoot chairman Andy Nolan, along with many volunteers. Thanks also to chief referee Dan Caryl and his great crew of fine referees. Many thanks to the advertisers in our excellent shoot program and to shoot sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney for their support and generosity. 

Visit victorgunclub.com to see photos from the shoot.

– Contributed by by Wes Bailey

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JTH Agency Classic
JTH Agency Classic

 

 

 

Fish Fry Open at Union City Sportsmen’s Club

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The 2017 Fish Fry Open at Union City Sportsmen’s Club in northwestern Pennsylvania began Friday, July 14 with the Doubles event, starting under sunny, humid, and breezy weather. Before shooting was finished for the day, one could feel the humidity dropping, and the shooting finished on a nice summer day. Nineteen shooters went at it with some nice scores turned in, given the stiff breeze. 

Chris Kline took high gun with a solid 99. Dan Rogowski took runner-up over Kody Hoth after going five stations in a shoot-off of 97s. AA1 went to Ken Riddile with a 94. Kody’s 97 earned him A1, and the other 97 by John Brickner gave him A2. John, unfortunately, missed out on the 97 shoot-off by leaving the club a bit too soon. B1 went to club president Mike Wojtecki with a solid 89. Scott Holman’s 88 was good for B2. C1 was taken by Lou Brickner with an 84, while C2 went to Ron Johnson with a 82. D1 went to Marie Palmer who broke 74, and Willis Proctor took D2 with a 67.

Saturday’s 12-gauge competition began on a cloudy and occasionally drizzly morning, but by early afternoon and the 20-gauge event, the sun came out for a nice finish to the day. Twenty-six shooters took part, with Kody Hoth and Matt Littlefield running all 100. Kody outlasted Matt in the shoot-off to claim the top spot with Matt runner-up. Other class winners were Steve Troy AA1 (99); Ken Riddile AA2 (99); Paul Augustin A1 (99); Mike Zavasky A2 (97); Rick Rupprecht B1 (97); Bruce Raymond B2 (96); Mark Johnson C1 (96); Brad Schweitzer C2 (95); Aaron Rhinehart D1 (92); Willis Proctor D2 (82); and Marie Palmer E1 (82).

Twenty-six shooters again vied for the 20-gauge prize. Ken Riddile ran the only 100 for the top spot. Steve Troy outlasted Chris Kline for runner-up after both posted 99s. Other class winners were Chris Kline AA1(99); Mike Zavasky AA2 (98); Dan Rogowski A1 (94); Matt Littlefield A2 (93); Kody Hoth B1 (98); Scott Holman B2 (98); Rick Rupprecht C1 (98); Keith Snow C2 (91); Willis Proctor D1 (85); and Marie Palmer D2 (84).

Following Saturday’s shoot-offs, everyone was treated to the dinner the shoot is named for—fried Lake Erie perch and walleye with all the fixings.

Twenty-four shooters competed for the 28-gauge championship. Matt Littlefield came out on top with a sweet 100, while Chris Kline, Dan Rowgowski, and Rick Rupprecht shot-off for runner-up after all posted 97s. Chris came out on top. Class winners were Kody Hoth AA1 (96); Ken Riddile AA2 (91); Tim Botwright A1 (94); Mike Zavasky A2 (94); Dan Rogowski B1 (97); Ron Johnson B2 (95); Rick Rupprecht C1 (97); Bruce Raymond C2 (92); Marie Palmer D1 (80); and Willis Proctor D2 (79).

Ken Riddile won the .410 bore with a 97, while Chris Kline won the shoot-off with Dale Snow and was runner-up with a 96. Twenty-four shooters participated. Class winners were Kody Hoth A1 (95); Matt Littlefield A2 (92); Dale Snow B1 (96); Tim Botwright B2 (95); Ron Johnson C1 (93); Lou Brickner C2 (88); Keith Snow D1 (84); and Mark Johnson D2 (81).

Chris Kline came out on top in HOA class 1 with a 391, while Rick Rupprecht posted a 379 to maintain his lead in class 2. The shoot-off between Chris and Rick to see who would get his choice of duck decoys, carved and painted by Steve Best, went to Chris. He chose the Northern Shoveler drake, with Rick then getting the Redhead drake. Beth Best sewed camo deke bags for the winners to tote their prizes home.

This shoot would be impossible to put on without all the volunteers that helped to keep the club looking awesome, manage shoot registration, catch and prepare the Lake Erie perch and walleye, replenish trap machines, and prepare and serve meals. Those volunteers include:


Shoot management: Mike Wojtecki
Referees: Milt Lang, John Jackson, Chuck Isaac, Steve Best, Mike Wojtecki, Paul Huckno, and Travis Monday
Registration and scoring: Dave Minella
Food and drinks: Kim and Shannon Schweitzer, Mike Wojtecki, Anita Rogowski, Joe Fisher, Beth Best, and Miss Maddie
Fishermen: Mike Wojtecki, Steve Best, and Paul Huckno
Trap replenishment: Joe Fisher, Shannon and Greg Schweitzer, Bud Proctor, and Ben Long
Club grounds: Mike Wojetcki, Steve Best, Shannon Schweitzer, Bud Proctor, and Joe Fisher

If you’re in northwest Pennsylvania next July and are looking to shoot at a very nice little club, find next year’s dates by checking out the club’s website, ucsportsmensclub.com.

– Contributed by Stephen Best

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Tanner Memorial Open at San Antonio Gun Club

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It was a hot time at the San Antonio Gun Club on the weekend of July 21-23. To paraphrase “pants on fire,” it was “fields on fire” as temperatures broke records on both Saturday and Sunday. The gun club provided iced water and ice-cold towels, which allowed shooters to survive the 104-105-degree blast furnace heat. The Tanner, named in memory of Col. William “Wild Bill” Tanner, a retired World War II fighter pilot ace, was attended by 55 forged-in-Texas-heat shooters.

Jamie Gaines, assisted by his erstwhile crew of kitchen help, once again delivered a finger-licking shrimp boil, and ice cream helped cool the Saturday evening heat.

Van Boerner took HOA honors. Lady HOA Champion was young Peri Olson. Gun champs were Greg Massari, Doubles and 12 gauge; Troy Behrens, 20 gauge; Bill Tanner (Col. Tanner’s son), 28 gauge; and Cody Sergeant, .410.

Young Ms. Lauren Lee from Houston was honored with the traditional ceremonial cap shooting for her first 100 straight in the 20 gauge. Way to go, Lauren, with many more to come!

As an additional feature and a further way of giving back to the shooters, the San Antonio Gun Club sponsored a no-fee, three-man blind draw for the .410 event. The winning team members each received $50, 2nd place $35 and 3rd place $20, all paid in cash on the spot.

Some very special thanks to the referees are in order. Their conscientious efforts during the high heat conditions that eventually forced a 30-minute cool-down period for them is tribute to their dedication to the event. They and the field staff of the San Antonio Gun Club helped make the shoot a memorable one. 

– Contributed by Terry Olson

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Parsons’ 398 Dominates 3F Summer Classic

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Craig Parsons, 12-, 20-, 28-gauge and HOA Champ; Dave Wilke, 12-gauge runner-up

The 3F Club in Lewiston, New York, hosted the 3F Classic on July 21-23 with 48 shooters attending from New York, Pennsylvania and Canada. The 3F continues to host one of the top money shoots in New York and also maintains Top-100 status. For the 2017 event, over $3,000 in added money was awarded, along with breakfast, lunch, dinner and a cocktail hour for all, thanks to its many dedicated sponsors.

Friday started with the doubles event with four 99s being posted by Des Ivanov, Matt Kelly, Bill Black and Ed Smith. After a lengthy shoot-off, Ivanov emerged as champion, with Kelly as runner-up. Class winners were Don Lewandowski AA1, Bill Black A1, Mike Smith B1, Aaron Burnett C1, and John Yackiw D1.

Saturday brought clear and bright sunshine, light winds and temperatures in the 80s to the Niagara region for the 12 gauge. Seven perfect scores (Mike Ferchaw, Des Ivanov, John Kapron, Matt Littlefield, Craig Parsons, and Juniors Matt Lenehan and Dave Wilke) and eight 99s were posted. After three boxes, Parsons won the championship with Wilke runner-up. Class winners were Lenehan AA1, Colin Smingler A1, Victoria Ferchaw B1, James Johnson C1, Al Morris D1, and Jimmy Hunter E1.

Following the lunch break, shooters took to the field for the 28-gauge event, in which Parsons posted the lone 100 to win the championship. Eight 99s were called to the shoot-off field to battle it out for the second spot. Ed Smith outlasted Littlefield, Kapron, Ivanov, Joe Strazzezeri, Dale Patterson, Mike Ferchaw, and Dave Sobiegray for the runner-up title. Class winners were Kapron AA1, Strazzeri A1, Sobiegray B1 and Bruce Raymond C1.

Sunday morning the weather was still cooperating, with bright sunshine and light winds. The 20-gauge event concluded with four 100s by Kapron, Bernie Lenehan, Parsons and Smith, plus six 99s. Parsons outlasted the field to take the championship, and Smith took runner-up. Class winners were Kapron AA1, Lewandowski A1, Dana Driscoll B1, and Burnett C1.

For the .410, the final event of the day, all eyes were on Craig Parsons, looking for the 400×400. Thirty years ago, Craig posted a 500×500 at the 3F during the 1987 New York State Shoot, but with the lone 100 and his first in the .410, Dale Patterson captured the championship. Parsons, Sobiegray, and Kody Hoth shot off 98s for runner-up, with Hoth prevailing. Class winners Parsons AA1, Sobiegray A1, Victoria Ferchaw B1, Mike Haff C1, and John Yackiw D1.

Finishing at 398, Parsons captured the HOA crown. Des Ivanov and Dale Patterson shot off 395s for runner-up, with Ivanov prevailing. Class winners were John Kapron AA1, Dale Patterson A1, Dave Sobiegray B1, Victor Stirpe C1, and John Yackiw D1.

Thank you to all of our dedicated sponsors, especially Duane Manth and Manth Mfg., without whom we would not be able to offer the added money, and to the venue to enable us to grow the shoot year after year. Thanks to Randy Cook for his generous donation for the 20-gauge B-C-D event. Thanks to our referees and all our volunteers who made this shoot possible, including Mike Clarke, Jeff Ventry, Garland Taborn, Dave Sobiegray, Rich Falcone, Tim Baldwin, Jackie Ventry, and Lisa Kelly.

We invite you to join us next year and make it a vacation. There’s a lot to do in Niagara Falls!

– Contributed by Dave Sobiegray

12-gauge shoot-off

 

 

 

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