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.

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.

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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