Clay Target Nation

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

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

 

 

 

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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