With near-perfect weather conditions over the Labor Day weekend, skeet shooters from seven states came to track down the coveted trophy at The Grizzly shoot at New Pioneer Gun Club in Waukee, Iowa. It was also a renewal of the old traditions that have made this mid-size shoot one of the finest in the nation. The club brought back the High Handicap All-Around (HHAA) event, a prize-rich event that can be won by shooters of any class. The trophy was a Browning Buck Mark .22 pistol, valued at over $500.

Along with the trophy and other riches, there was fun, music, food and friendship. This shoot has brought good friends and new participants together for years. The New York strips were catered in from Rubes steak house and the live music was performed by Rob Lumbard. It doesn’t get any better than that.

The winner of the HHAA, with a 499, as well as the 12-gauge, was Mark VanderBloomer from Minnesota. Bob Rick, also from Minnesota, won the 20-gauge and 28-gauge with awesome shoot-offs, after running 100 straights in both. Iowa’s Dave McMillen won the .410 with a lone 98. Best of all, he brought a delicious cake for all the shooters to enjoy. Doubles was captured by Mike Jones from Iowa, with a 99. HAA and HOA honors went to Iowa’s Keith Brace with a 490 and 393, respectively. Keith did an outstanding job of coordinating the shoot committee and reaching out to Scheels to partner with us to be our main sponsor of the shoot. Chuck Follett also raised advertising funds for event sponsors. It’s a team effort, and we know next year will be even bigger. Thank you to Keith, NPGC board members and volunteers, sponsors, and most importantly, the shooters that came to Iowa to share this weekend.

– Contributed by Frank DeMarco