Clay Target Nation

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

The North Star Open at Minneapolis Gun Club

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The North Star Open Skeet Shoot—hosted by the Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake, Minnesota on July 7-9—is putting skeet back on the map in the Midwest. Everything was first class, and the buzz is going around about how much all attendees enjoyed the shooting as well as the camaraderie and fabulous food.

Brian Hendrickson and Jerry Ryan

Friday was kicked off with Doubles as Nick Boerboon bested the field with the lone 100, followed by Jerry Ryan for runner-up, and Keith Brace third after shooting off with 99s. Following shoot-offs, everyone in attendance enjoyed a complimentary open bar and hors d’oeuvres. The field regrouped Saturday morning for the 12 gauge, resulting in 100s by Larry Hicks of Kansas, Jeff Korhonen of Minnesota, Kurt Lehman of Iowa, and Nick Boerboon of Pennsylvania. After the dust settled, Boerboon claimed first, Lehman second, and Korhonen third. The 20 gauge was also battled for that afternoon with 100s by Larry Hicks and Ryan Smithart of Iowa. Hicks took top honors followed by Smithart for second, and Nick Boerboon claimed third after shooting off with 99s.

Saturday evening is where the true story is set, as nearly 85 pounds of prime rib was cooked from one in the afternoon until about five in the evening. Steve Collier, Steve Boerboon and Bob Chamberland of Minnesota headed up the cooking operation and were assisted by Mark Cameron, Sam Radford, and Jay Lansing, all of whom volunteered their time for what proved to be the best meal ever served at a shoot. Everything was five stars, from the drinks to the main course and the dessert. All was available to everyone in attendance—competitor or not—as the Minnesota boys, consisting of Don Tesch, Tim Olson, Gene Helsene, Steve Boerboon, Mike Quigley, Brian Hendrickson, Jerry Ryan, Jeff Schneider, Tony Lowe, Leon Rother, Jim McLeod, Rick Volz and Ron McDaniels, donated everything with the goal of putting the North Star Open back on the list of must-attend shoots. The evening was shaping up to be memorable as the crowed geared up for the .410 Calcutta.

Larry Hicks

Sunday morning’s 28-gauge event resulted in two 100s, Mike Todsen of Iowa and Nick Boerboon. Boerboon ended up claiming top honors while Todsen finished second.  Third was taken by Jeff Korhonen after shooting off with six other 98s.

The .410 proved to yet again to be the deciding factor for the illustrious HOA title. Ryan Smithart and Nick Boerboon posted two 99s. After a shoot-off by old college teammates, Boerboon ended up besting Smithart for the .410 title. Third was captured by Keith Brace. As the shoot-offs went on, everyone kept their eyes on the board to see who was in the running for HOA. The Krieghoff sweep of the HOA podium included Nick Boerboon finishing with a 398 for first, Ryan Smithart with a 395 for second, and Larry Hicks taking third with a 394. HAA top spots where claimed by some familiar faces and Krieghoffs, as Boerboon came in first with a 498, Keith Brace of Iowa took second with a 491 and Larry Hicks claimed third with a 483.

After all the scores were added up and competitors shook hands, people reflected on what a weekend it was. One of the best shoots of the summer is sure to attract more competitors in the coming years. From the well-trained staff, to the setting of targets that were on a line to the stake, the Minneapolis Gun Club has accomplished its goal of making this shoot one to remember. Don’t miss out next year, as the same crew will be on post ready to make an enjoyable weekend for all.

– Contributed by Nick Boerboon | Photos by Lauren Nicolai

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Michelson Open at St. Joe Valley Conservation Club

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The 3rd Annual Harry Michelson Open was held July 21-23 at St. Joe Valley Conservation Club just north of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Originally named the Pickle Open, falling on the same weekend as St. Joe’s celebrated Pickle Festival recognizing the city’s Sechler’s Pickles, the name of the shoot was changed to honor long-time referee and club member Harry Michelson. Though he no longer referees, he does attend every shoot at St. Joe Valley and volunteers his help, along with his “sidekick” Ish (a.k.a. his wife) driving up and down the line in a golf cart retrieving all the score sheets and delivering them to registration.

Friday was a little breezy for the Doubles event, but Fred “Boom-Boom” Tschantz still managed to break ‘em all for the lone 100 to win the championship. The rain came after all the shoot-offs were completed, so the timing was good! Saturday’s weather was nicer, but considerably warmer. Two 100s were posted in the 12-gauge event and five in the 20 gauge. After the smoke cleared from the shoot-offs, Larry Israel was the 12-gauge champion and Jack Grehan the 20-gauge champ.

Sunday, as one would expect since we were shooting the baby bore, was breezy once again. Three managed perfect scores in the 28-gauge event, with Dennis Jameson the victor. A number of shooters were in the hunt for the High Over-All. Though there were no 100s in the .410, Bruce Christian eked out a 99 to capture the HOA Championship. He shot off against Brent Edwards for the .410 Championship, and also won that.

The shoot was near capacity with 69 shooters (70 is full) and follows a format similar to the Poco Loco (the 400-target, .410 shoot in June) with two flights in the morning and two after lunch. Harry and Ish Michelson not only treated everyone to lunch, but also provided $4,500 in added money. So, untold thanks and appreciation go to Harry and Ish, and also to all referees and volunteers. St. Joe is an all-volunteer club; if you haven’t been to a shoot at St. Joe Valley, you should find your way there next year!

– Contributed by Trish Magyar

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Michelson Open Shooters

 

 

 

Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot

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Held in July in Cooperstown, New York, in conjunction with the Evans Open Cancer Shoot, the Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot once again exceeded the previous year’s event in fundraising. A donation of over $7,000, which is $1,000 more than in 2016, will be made to Relay for Life to help find a cure for cancer. Glenn Stafford was the High-Over-All winner.

This event was started by the desire of one registered skeet shooter, in whose memory the event is named, to bring back registered shoots to Cooperstown. The event is in its fifth year of growth, thanks to many people critical to its success. The foundation of this event started with the Cooperstown Sportsmen’s Association offering to host the fundraiser and donating all the targets for two days of shooting. Second is the shoot committee under the leadership of chair Joyce Boyd, who keeps alive the spirit of her late husband, Spike Boyd, whose inspiration it was to have a home registered shoot. Our skeet and trap shooting community generously gave donations and recruited sponsors for targets broken. Many individuals and surrounding businesses also made significant contributions.

Last but not least, the National Skeet Shooting Association has provided three free memberships each year to boost participation by registered shooters. Two of our club members who received these memberships, Jeff Navratil and Rick DeBar, shot their first 25 straights in a registered shoot at this year’s event. Our club members who received these membership in the past have made it a point to make their annual renewals.

The New York State Skeet Association has also been very generous by giving free advertising in the state annual shoot calendar publication. This has drawn shooters from a wide area within the state of New York. Thanks to both organizations for their support.

By no means will the success of this year’s shoot end our fight against cancer. We all have much to do.

– Contributed by Ted Kantorowski

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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

 

 

 

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