Publisher Doug Frey Editor Debbie Frey Red Chute Gazette Red Chute Gazette Volume 10, Issue 3 March 2018 March 2018 Inside this issue: Upcoming Skeet Shoots: Orange Blossom Open March 2, 2018 Mission Skeet & Trap Club Mission, TX Crawfish Étouffée Open March 4, 2018 Lafayette Skeet Academy Kaplan, LA TBMGC 12 Ga Marathon & 20 Gauge Marathon March 10-11, 2018 Toby Bancroft Memorial Gun Club West Monroe, LA Blazer Skeet Classic March 15-18, 2018 National Shooting Complex San Antonio, TX A Word from The Publisher 2 Hat Shoot Events 3 Mardi Gras Quail 7-15 Funnies 18 Quotable Quotes 21 News From The High House 25 Skeeter s Ponderings 32 Buy Sell or Trade 34-39 Fortune Favors The Prepared 40-42 Dining on The Road 44-46 Club Contacts 49-54 Red Chute Gazette Deal 55 The Windy Open March 17, 2018 Red Chute Shotgun Sports Club Barksdale AFB, Louisiana See many more on our website. Why is your shoot not listed on our site? Send us a flyer and we will help you get the word out!
A Word From The Publisher Last month I talked about the busy March Skeet schedule. Well, March is here! This week I have been busy getting ready for the Crawfish Étouffée Open at Lafayette Skeet Academy, as well as getting this issue out. The box on the first page of each issue of our magazine is not large enough to include all of the shoots we have flyers for. We have been receiving flyers from clubs all over, so be sure to check out website for those Skeet shooting opportunities. While we don t have any Skeet shoot write-ups in this issue, we do have photos from my annual Mardi Gras quail hunt in South Mississippi and a Dining on the Road adventure. If you like to see pictures of pointing bird dogs, we have them. I have also included an update of the planning checklist I shared last year, before the Skeet season began. One thing I did not list in that article was rain gear. With the rainy winter we have been having, I probably should have mentioned something about rain gear. When it comes to Skeet shooting, I am the eternal optimist about the weather. A 50% chance of rain is a 50% chance of sunshine! The forecasters hedge in their prognostications. The rain chances just mean it might rain somewhere in the forecast area, not necessarily on our parade! From Doug, Debbie and Skeeter at the Red Chute Gazette, we send to you our Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2018. Until we meet again in these pages or on the Skeet field, I am wishing you sunny days on the Skeet field and 3 @ 8. Doug Frey Page 2
HAT SHOOT EVENT If you have pictures of a Hat Shoot Event, please send them to us. We love to share success stories! Page 3
Promote your Skeet shoots in the Red Chute Gazette and on our website. Send your flyers to: publisher@redchutegazette.com D.C. Pawn & Gun 516 Sibley Road, Minden, LA 71055 Phone: (318) 371-9606 Open Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:30 AM to 430 PM Come see our huge selection of new and used guns, bows, and crossbows. We sell ammunition, archery supplies, holsters, scopes, lasers, magazines, rings, mounts, powder, primers and a large selection of jewelry for the ladies. We special order and do gun transfers. Brands include: Benelli DPMS Ruger Taurus Beretta Glock Savage TriStar Browning Henry Smith & Wesson Walther Diamond Bows Martin Stoeger Winchester Page 4
. We now have 3 Skeet fields. Page 5
The Toby Bancroft Memorial Gun Club Invites you to shoot with us. 599 E Puckett Lake RD, West Monroe, Louisiana (Physical Address - Not for Mail) Date 2018 Shoots Targets March 10 TBMGC 12 Gauge Marathon 200 March 11 TBMGC 20 Gauge Marathon 200 April 13-15 Lucky Open 500 June 2 TBMGC.410 Bore Marathon 200 Pre-Registration Requested To pre-register contact Raymond Haik at (318) 537-0856 or E-Mail him at rehaik@live.com Watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 6
Mardi Gras Quail Mardi Gras came early this year, February 13. That was dangerously close to Valentine s Day. That would only be an issue because every year on Mardi Gras I gather with friends to hunt quail at Thornhill s Shooting Preserve about 13 miles East of McComb, Mississippi. So, to be safe, I bought my Valentine flowers before I left town on February 12. This trip has become a tradition and I enjoy it a lot more than I would like dealing with crowds of rowdy folks fighting over worthless trinkets at the parades. To each his own! I Let the good times roll hunting quail birds. Longtime readers of the Red Chute Gazette are familiar with this annual pilgrimage, as I write about it every year. One of the reasons I like this trip is that it reminds me of my youth and the opportunities I got to hunt with my Dad. Sam Frey, Jr. loved to quail hunt almost as much as he liked to fish for bass in the Tangipahoa River. We always had bird dogs. Dad preferred Pointers. His brother Robert was partial to Setters. Sometimes we hunted with Uncle Robert. At some point, Uncle Robert persuaded Dad to keep his dogs. Between the bird dogs, five Beagles and a Collie, at one time the canine head count at our house was 18! Actually, none of the dogs were allowed in the house. Before I started hunting with my Dad, he hunted with a Stevens 12 Gauge side by side. It had 30 inch barrels and I am guessing they were choked modified and full. One day Dad came home from hunting in a not so happy mood. Apparently he missed more birds than he was used to. He tacked a piece of newspaper up on a large oak in our yard, then he shot it to check the pattern. After reviewing the pattern, Dad mumbled something and went into the storage room to fetch a hack saw. He then proceeded to cut two inches off the barrels. Now it was choked cylinder and cylinder! That year, Dad got a Belgian Browning A-5 Light 12 Gauge for Christmas and I started shooting the Stevens. I still have both of those guns. A few years ago, my friend Bill Schodlatz cleaned up my Dad s handy work on the barrels and put a bead on the end. Bill also patched some wood missing from the stock and added a recoil pad. It s not pretty, but it still functions and it patterns great for pen raised quail. Harry Hawthorne took the picture of me holding the Stevens on the left. Harry took some of the photos featured here and I took the rest. Its hard to multitask the cameras and hunt at the same time, but we did okay. I hope you enjoy the pics. Page 7
In preparation for this year s quail pilgrimage to Thornhill s, I decided I needed some aroma therapy. I asked Paul Williamson at Red Chute Shotgun Sports Club to get me a flat of Federal Gold Medal 12 Gauge paper hull shells with one ounce loads of number 9 shot. I was feeling a bit nostalgic and I thought the smell of those paper hulls being fired in that old Stevens might just take me back to the 1960s hunting with my Dad. They were pricey, but it was worth the experience! Mardi Gras Quail Sometimes we have a pretty good crowd at this hunt. I always bring two or three shooters and my friend, Dana Vutera from Baton Rouge, brings a few friends. Unfortunately, Dana caught the flu. My friend Gordon Benoit was also Doug Frey and Wayne Thornhill not feeling up to this trip. That left my son Michael and my friend Harry Hawthorne from Monroe. Having three hunters per guide works out well for quail hunting. Harry Hawthorne, Wayne Thornhill and Mike Frey Page 8
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Mardi Gras Quail Our guide was Gary Wayne Thornhill. Wayne has some well-trained bird dogs and they always put on a good show for us. We had Wayne put out 20 birds per hunter. The Mississippi 8 bird per hunter limit for wild quail does not apply, if you have a Shooting Preserve License and you are shooting pen raised quail on a Shooting Preserve. The only limit is your appetite for fun. Wayne can sell you a Shooting Preserve License for about $15 and it is good for one year. You can also buy them on the Internet. Page 14
Mardi Gras Quail The wild quail season in Mississippi runs from November 23 to March 3. The season for shooting preserves runs October 1 through April 30. Wayne Thornhill told us that this season has not been a good one. The weather has really cut into the hunting activity and he lost quite a few birds to snowfall. That said, he has plenty of birds left and the season is not over until April 30. Wayne s prices are very reasonable, less than $10 per bird, including cleaning. If you are interested in booking a hunt, give him a call. You can reach Gary Wayne Thornhill of Thornhill s Shooting Preserve, 91 Thornhill RD, Jayess, MS at (601) 684-2138 (Home) or (601) 248-0245 (Cell). Be sure to tell him I sent you. Doug Frey Note: The quail Michael and I brought home will be fried up for one of our Skeet shoots at Red Chute Shotgun Sports Club. We take good care of our shooters! Page 15
See the flyer at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 16
1365 Northwest Drive, Port Allen, Louisiana 70767 Date 2018 Skeet Shoots March 31, 2018 12 Gauge Marathon* (200 12 Gauge Targets) May 26, 2018 20 Gauge Marathon* (200 20 Gauge Targets) August 17-19, 2018 Baton Rouge Open *Denotes a LA Marathon Buckle Race Event To preregister Contact: David O'Quinn (225) 753-2144 or dloquinn@bellsouth.net Page 17 Watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html
Funnies An old man and woman were married for many years, even though they hated each other. Whenever there was a confrontation, yelling could be heard deep into the night. The old man would shout, "When I die, I will dig my way up and out of the grave and come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!" Neighbors feared him. They believed he practiced magic, because of the many strange occurrences that took place in their neighborhood. The old man liked the fact that he was feared. To everyone's relief, he died of a heart attack when he was 98. His wife had a closed casket at the wake. After the burial, she went straight to the local bar and began to party, as if there was no tomorrow. Her neighbors, concerned for her safety, asked, "Aren't you afraid that he may indeed be able to dig his way out of the grave and haunt you for the rest of your life?" The wife put down her drink and said, "Let him dig. I had him buried upside down, and you know men won't ask for directions." ******************************************************************************************* The following was overheard at a recent "high society" party. "My ancestry goes back all the way to Alexander the Great," said Christine. She then turned to Miriam and asked, "How far back does your family go?" "I don't know," replied Miriam, "All of our records were lost in the flood." ******************************************************************************************* The world is divided into haves and have-nots: those who have a sense of humor and those who do not. Page 18
Lafayette Skeet Academy Kaplan, Louisiana Date 2018 Skeet Shoots March 3 LSA Youth Shoot (Youth Skeet Clinic not registered ) March 4 April 29 June 8-10 July 6-8 August 10-12 October 14 October 15 Crawfish Étouffée Open* (12 Gauge Marathon) Boiled Crawfish Open* (20 Gauge Marathon) Briley Louisiana Open Louisiana State Championships izone VI Championships Poule D eau Open* (28 Gauge Marathon) Poule D eau Open* (.410 Bore Marathon) *Denotes a LA Marathon Buckle Race Event This ad was FREE! Your club s can be too. See the last page of this issue Watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 19
You are invited to shoot Skeet in Mississippi Date February 25 March 11 March 23-25 April 6-8 April 20-22 June 1-3 June 22-24 August 10-12 Sept. 21-23 October 19-21 Dec. 7-9 2018 Shoots New Year Open ishoot - Participating MS Clubs March Madness Open ishoot - Participating MS Clubs 2018 Gulf Coast Open - Coast Rifle & Pistol Club Bois D arc Open - Starkville Gun Club 2018 Catfish Open - Capitol Gun Club 2018 Hillbilly Open - MSSA To Be Determined 64th Rebel Open - Capitol Gun Club izone VI Championships - Participating Zone VI Clubs Mississippi State Skeet Champs - Starkville Gun Club Double Eagle Open ishoot - Participating MS Clubs 2018 Holiday Open - Coast Rifle & Pistol Club http://www.msskeet.org/registration Don t miss out on the fun! Page 20
Quotable Quotes "Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." ~George Washington To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do. ~ John Adams "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." ~ Thomas Jefferson The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money. ~ James Madison "It is by a thorough knowledge of the whole subject that [people] are enabled to judge correctly of the past and to give a proper direction to the future." ~ James Monroe "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" ~ John Quincy Adams These quotes brought to you by: Page 21
Bayou Boeuf Skeet Club LeCompte, Louisiana We wish you a Happy New Year! Come shoot with us this year. Date 2018 Shoots Targets April 28 28 Gauge Marathon* 200 July 21 Doubles Marathon 200 *Denotes a LA Marathon Buckle Race Event Pre-Registration Required To pre-register contact Wade Jones at (318) 776-5474 or E-Mail him at wjones1015@aol.com Look for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 22
Gulf Shores, Alabama FOR RENT Sea Bell 4 BR/3BA Sleeps 12 318-573-2310 Would you like to enjoy this view? www.vrbo.com/442509-4 Bed / 3 bath www.vrbo.com/599310-6 Bed / 6 bath www.vrbo.com/791226-9 Bed / 9 bath Page 23
Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana You are invited to shoot registered Skeet with us in 2018. Date 2018 Shoots Targets March 17 Windy Open* (12 Gauge Marathon) 200 May 19 Gertrude Hurlbutt Open* (28 Ga. Marathon) 200 June 16 June Bug* (20 Gauge Marathon) 200 July 14 Independence Open* (.410 Bore Marathon) 200 Aug. 24-26 North Louisiana Open (All Gauges & DBLS) 500 Sept. 15 RCSSC Champ & Open * (12 Ga. Marathon) 200 *Denotes a Louisiana Marathon Buckle Race Event. Pre-Registration Required We will register any gauge targets you need. To pre-register call Doug Frey at (318) 635-6218 or send him an E-Mail at dougfrey@bellsouth.net. Shoot Management reserves the right to make modifications without further notification. See the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 24
News From The High House (A Message for Louisiana Skeet Shooters) Dear Louisiana Skeet Shooters: If you have not paid your 2018 LSSA dues, you can use the form below: Most Sincerely, Roland Thibodeaux Secretary -Treasurer Louisiana Skeet Shooting Association Page 25
Help Wanted We have immediate openings for the following positions: Chef Chef needed to prepare plan and prepare food for special events with 5 to 150 participants. Must be able to work on a tight budget with less than optimal facilities and equipment. Sous Chef Needed to assist the Chef in preparation and serving food at special events for 5 to 150 participants. Good dishwashing skills a plus. Marketing Manager Needed to promote participation in special events (skeet shoots) and to solicit corporate sponsorship (prizes). Must be a skilled communicator with the ability to maximize results through social networking, Internet and other means with virtually no budget for expenses. Skeet Czar (aka Skeet Chairman, Manager or MIC (Man in Charge) Needed to oversee the management functions of a registered skeet program. Those functions are Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Controlling. Qualified candidates may be male or female. In the event of the later, she would be the Czarina, Manager or FIC (Female in Charge). Registrar- Responsible for registering contestants and collecting the appropriate fees and dues. Candidate should be familiar with NSSA Classification systems and shoot management software (if lucky). Candidate needs to be able to do simple math (addition, subtraction and averaging). Scheduler Responsible for squadding shooters. Qualified candidates must be a master at coordinating, placating, and diplomacy. A PhD in Psychology would be helpful. Referee Must be knowledgeable of the rules of the game of American Skeet, a fast thinker and have the ability to take command of the skeet field to which he or she is assigned. Candidates should have good eyesight and be physically able to stand in the hot sun for hours. Experience dealing with difficult people a plus. Scorekeeper The scorekeeper manages the scoreboard, evaluating the results, determining the winners in accordance to NSSA rules and posting those results for all to see. Mentor/Coach/Recruiter Encourages, teaches and recruits new shooters to the sport. Helper The person selected for this position must be able to help or fill in for any of the individuals listed above on a moments noticed. There are many opening for this position. Pay None of these positions pay monetary wages. If you are feeling charitable and think you would like to experience the gratification of helping others enjoy the sport of skeet, please contact one of the Club Representatives at one of the Clubs listed in the back of this publication today. They would love to hear from you. Page 26
Alabama Skeet Shooting Association 2018 Shoot Schedule Dates Shoot Name Host Club March 3 Cold Nose Open, 2 x 100 (12, 28 & Dbls) Muscle Shoals Skeet & Trap Club March 10 Pat Pa erson Open (2x100 (12 & 20 Ga)) Red Eagle Skeet & Trap Club March 10 Lamb or Lion Open, 4 x 50 MARS Redstone Arsenal March 11 Taxman Cometh, 2 x 100 (20,.410 & Dbls) MARS Redstone Arsenal March 17 Luck O The Irish (2x100 12 & 20 Gauge) Southern Skeet & Trap Club March 24 March Winds Open, 4 x 50 Headland Skeet Club April 13-15 The Rocket City Open, 5 x 100 MARS Redstone Arsenal April 21 The Li le Money Open, 2 x 100, (12 & 28 Ga) Headland Skeet Club April 22 The Warrior Open, 2 x 100, (20 &.410) Fort Rucker Skeet Club May 12 The Ed Eckl Open, 2 x 100 (12, 20 & Dbls) Muscle Shoals Skeet & Trap Club May 19 & 20 The Stephen M. Gilbert Memorial (4x100) MARS Redstone Arsenal June 8-10 The Heart of Dixie Open, 5 x 100 Red Eagle Gun Club June 15-17 The LA Open, 5 x 100 Fort Rucker Skeet Club July 20-22 The Alabama Open, 5 x 100 MARS Redstone Arsenal July 27-29 Zone 4 ishoot @ Ft Rucker Fort Rucker Skeet Club August 18 Summer Sizzler, 2 x 100 (12 & 20) Madison County Shoo ng Sports August 24-26 The Southern 500 Open, 5 x 100 MARS Redstone Arsenal August 25 The Miner Clie Open (2x100(12 & 20 Ga)) Red Eagle Gun Club September 14-16 Alabama State Championship Skeet Shoot (AL Shooters only) Fort Rucker Skeet Club September 27 Fall Burner Open, 2 x 100 (28 & 410) Madison County Shoo ng Sports October 6 The Dove Cookin Open, 2 x 100 (20 &.410 & Dbls) Muscle Shoals Skeet & Trap Club October 20 The Harvest Moon Open, 4 x 50 Headland Skeet Club October 27 Falling Leaves Open, 4 x 50 MARS Redstone Arsenal October 28 All Hallows Eve, 2 x 100, Shooter s Choice MARS Redstone Arsenal November 2-4 Redneck Open, 5 x 100 Fort Rucker Skeet Club November 17 Mini Ironman (2x100) Shooters Choice Southern Skeet & Trap Club November 17 The Bill Karwin Memorial Open, 4 x 50 Headland Skeet Club November 18 Turkey Trot Open 2 x 100 (Shooter's Choice) MARS Redstone Arsenal December 2 Last Chance Open, 2 x 100, Shooter s Choice Madison County Shoo ng Sports For shoot contact information see the Schedule at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 27
You are invited to shoot Skeet in Oklahoma In 2018 Don t miss out on the fun! Dates Club Shoot February 17, 2018 Tulsa Gun Club Winter Freeze Shoot - 200 12 Gauge March 17, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Cold Duck (12 & 20) March 23-25, 2018 Tulsa Gun Club St. Patrick's Day Open April 21-22, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Redbud Open (4 Guns) April 28-29, 2018 Ada Skeet & Trap Club Ada Open (4 Guns) May 5, 2018 Bartlesville Sportsmen's Club Coon Creek Open (12 & 20) May 19, 2018 Tulsa Gun Club Oklahoma State SCTP Championships June 8-10, 2018 Ada Skeet & Trap Club Ada Challenge June 15-17, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Sooner Open July 20-22, 2018 Tulsa Gun Club, Tulsa, OK T-Town Classic August 4, 2018 Bartlesville Sportsmen's Club Summer Open (28 &.410) August 5, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club August Open (12 & 20) August 25, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Sooner Doubles (100 Pair) Aug 31-Sep 2, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Oklahoma State Skeet Championships October 20, 2018 Oklahoma City Gun Club Last Chance (5X50) For more information watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 28
You are invited to shoot Skeet with us at Blue Rock Sportsman Club, Inc. 7800 Baucum Pike Rd. North Little Rock, AR 72117 The Rock: May 11-13th Arkansas Open: July 5-8th (note four-day shoot) Zone VI: August 10-12th (i-shoot) Arkansas State Championship (Open): September 14-16 th For more information watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 29
Club Hours Noon to Dusk on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9 AM to Dusk on Saturday Come shoot with us! New Shot Reclaimed Shot AA & STS Shells Rio & Estate Ammo Steel Shot Shells Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana Call Paul Williamson at (318) 453-0991 to order Reloading Supplies. paul.williamson.3@us.af.mil You must visit the club to get our low prices. Come shoot with us and save big $ on supplies. Page 30
Young Shooters Gun Club Sterlington, Louisiana You are invited you to shoot with us in 2018. Space is limited so be sure to pre-register. with Jacob Young by E-Mail at: youngjl@warhawks.ulm.edu Or by phone at: (318) 953-2721 Shoot Management reserves the right to make modifications without further notification. Date 2018 Shoots Targets March 24 Gary Sibley Memorial (20 Gauge &.410 Bore) 100 Each September 8 One More Before The World (12 & 28 Gauge) 100 Each Watch for the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Page 31
SKEETER S PONDERINGS I agree with Mark Twain. Years from now you will be more disappointed by things that you didn t do than by the ones you did do. Skeeter s Word of the Month Sarchasm: (noun) The gulf between the author of sarcastic humor and the person who does not get it. Page 32
Shouldn't you be advertising in the Red Chute Gazette? Tuesdays Noon to Dusk Paul.Williamson.3@us.af.mil Page 33
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ BENELLI FOR SALE Benelli M2 12 gauge 26 barrel Black synthetic stocks in like new condition includes hard case with chokes and manuals $1,050.00 price cut $975 cash Contact Steve at: (318) 393-3137 Page 34
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ BROWNING SUPERPOSED 4 BARREL SET FOR SALE 28 barrels in original Browning case. Small gauges unfired. 12 Gauge shot very little and 20 gauge less than 200 rounds. Asking $4,995 Contact Ken at: (504) 328-1370 or gundoc@cox.net More photos are available. Page 35
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ ProSporter Krieghoff 30 Barrels FOR SALE I am looking to sell my spare ProSporter Krieghoff 30. It has 10>6mm rib, and a complete set of Briley Ultimate Ultralite tubes. Included are extra 12 gauge chokes and barrel weights all Krieghoff, as well as tube chokes. Asking $5K, originally $6+K. See photo below. Ralph Grasso (251) 504-5739 rgrasso@gulftel.com Page 36
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ For Sale Winchester 101 28 Gauge with 28" barrels, choked Skeet and Skeet. This is a sweet little gun. $1,300.00 Jim (713) 818-8833 Price Reduction Now $1,200 Page 37
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ If you have something shooting related that you want to buy, sell or trade, advertise it here in the Red Chute Gazette Personal Want Ads. Send us an E-mail with the details and your contact information. Digital pictures (jpeg) help, but are not required. If you own a business, we invite you to contact us about our reasonable rates. For Sale Once fired hulls. E-Mail Gorace815@aol.com for prices and availability Once fired hulls 12 Gauge AA and STS 7 cents a piece Jacob Young (318) 953-2721 57 new bags of Downrange DRRT12 (Remington TGT 12 Replacement Wads) All 57 for $500 or $9.75 per bag separately. Darrell Loup (225) 436-6814 Wanted Field Reporters for the Red Chute Gazette. Applicants must have a digital camera or a friend who will loan them one. Must also have a desire to promote their gun club and be willing to work for free. To volunteer send an E-Mail to: publisher@redchutegazette.com Page 38
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $ Perhaps your ad should be here. Got something to sell? We are always looking for articles of interest to Skeet shooters. If you have something that would be of interest to our readers, we invite you to share your information, writings, photos, and experiences with us. Please send your contributions to publisher@redchutegazette.com. Please feel free to call me at (318) 635-6218 to talk about how we can help you promote the sport we love and your Club s efforts to do so. Doug Frey - Publisher Page 39
Fortune Favors The Prepared Mind In 1854 Dr. Louis Pasteur said: Did you ever observe to whom accidents happen? It is because in the fields of observation, fortune favors the prepared mind. A friend of mind had a quote posted in his office that said, The harder I work the luckier I get. I believe that quote is credited to Thomas Jefferson. As many of you know the Boy Scout Motto is Be Prepared. Last year I wrote about being prepared. Those words are worth revisiting here. Well folks, Skeet season is upon us. Now is the time to plan your shooting itinerary for 2018, if you have not already done so. Here is a list of To dos I use to ensure I have a great year: 1. Planning Now is the time to review the Skeet schedule for my state and those around me to determine which shoots I want to participate in. I put them on my calendar in Outlook so I can avoid conflicts. 2. Share Once I have my list, I need to share that with my bride so that she can put it on her calendar. She may be involved in some of my travel plans. 3. Make Reservations Now is the time to make hotel reservations for those shoots you plan to travel to. I travel a bit for work and I try to stay in hotels that are part of a particular chain. I can use those loyalty points to help defray some of my Skeet travel expenses. I have already booked my hotel rooms for all of the Skeet shoots I plan to participate in. 5. Pay Dues The gun clubs I belong to invoice their dues at the beginning of the year. This is the time to pay those dues. If you are not a Life Member in the NSSA or your state Skeet organization, pay those dues. 6. Preregister Whenever possible, preregister for the shoots you plan to attend. The shoot managers will greatly appreciate your advance registration. They really like it when you preregister a full squad. This may give you the advantage of picking shoot rotations better suited to your needs. It will also help shoot managers to plan. Page 40
Fortune Favors The Prepared Mind 6. Update your Average Card The NSSA recently sent out new average cards. Make sure you check your card and faithfully post all of the targets you shoot. You would be surprised how many people show up to a shoot and don t have an up to date average card. I know people who use their cell phones to check their averages at the NSSA website instead of keeping up with their averages. That is a big mistake! Scores don t always get posted at the NSSA timely due to delays in reporting. Those averages may have you in a class different than what you are actually in. You could actually register for a shoot in a higher class in error. That will be treated as a declared up classing change and you may be stuck in a higher class the rest of the year. I use an Excel spreadsheet created by Mike Skidmore to keep up with my scores and classes. It makes the math easier. You just update it after every shoot and print off a new copy for your next shoot. You can download that worksheet from the NSSA website or follow the link on the Red Chute Gazette Flyers Page. 7. Check the math Periodically, visit the NSSA website to make sure your records agree with theirs. People make mistakes. Early on my shooting career when all I had was a 12 gauge, I shot in a 20 gauge tournament and registered 12 gauge targets. The shoot manager accidently reported my targets as 20 gauge. I caught the error and reached out to the shoot manager to get him to correct the error. We all make mistakes, even shoot managers. 8. Get ready - Prior to shoot day, get your equipment ready. Make sure you have the right shells and anything else you are going to need. If you get this stuff ready and in the vehicle the night before you leave, you will be more relaxed on shoot day. 9. Fill up - The day before the shoot, fill up the tank. You don t want to waste time going to the gas station on shoot day. Even worse, you don t want to run out of gas. Page 41
Fortune Favors The Prepared Mind 10. Map it out - Know where you are going and how to get there. Whenever I go to a new club, I print a Google map with directions. I also use GPS. When I get to a new club, I reach over and tap the screen on my GPS and save the location for future use. If you have traveled for a shoot at a new club, make a dry run to the club the day before. 11. Leave early - On shoot day, leave early enough to get to the club well before your squadded shoot time. It takes time to get through registration, even though you preregistered. You don t want to hold up your squad mates and you don t need to be rushed. Get there early and have time to see how the targets and wind are going. You might need a potty break before you shoot. You sure don t need that distraction. 12. Be organized - When you get to registration be organized and ready to present the registrar with the following information which is required at all shoots: A. Name and address as shown on the NSSA score card. B. NSSA member number. C. State member number. D. Gauge classification as shown on your up-to-date scorecard. E. Concurrent classification as shown on your scorecard. F. You should have already determined the events and purses that you intend to shoot. G. Have your entry fee (money) ready when you register. Bring cash or check. Don t assume that the club can handle credit cards. 13. Be considerate - If for some reason your plans change, contact shoot management and tell them you are not going to be there. That way, they can squad someone else in you open spot. Not doing so is downright rude and inconsiderate of shoot management and your fellow shooters. Your mother taught you better than that! Just live by the Golden Rule. That is quite a list. If we can be prepared before we get to the shoot, we will have less stress and more fun. Most likely we will have better scores, because we will be able to focus on what we need to do when we step into the shooting station. Oh, one more thing. Don t forget to have fun! Doug Frey Page 42
Come shoot with us in 2018. See the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html Our shoots fill up fast. Pre-registration is required. Page 43
Dining on The Road In this issue, we share with you details about my recent trip to South Mississippi to hunt quail with my son Michael and our good friend Harry Hawthorne. Our hunting destination was Thornhill s Shooting Preserve which is near the quaint little town of McComb, Mississippi. McComb is just off I-55 down close to the Louisiana border. After spending the morning hunting, we had worked up an appetite. As part of this annual excursion, we always plan for a visit to The Dinner Bell in McComb. I first wrote about The Dinner Bell in our March 2010 issue. This restaurant is the place to go for home style country food. Meals are eaten at special round eighteen seat Lazy Susan tables. The food is served in bowls placed on the inner table which turns, allowing the guests easy access to all the dishes. The menu is different each day, although there is a schedule on their website, so you can know what will be served before you get there. That allows you to pick a day for your favorite entrees which might include baked chicken, smoked sausage, meatloaf, pork chops, or catfish. Every day is fried chicken day and Sunday lunch will either be roast beef, ham or turkey. Your entrees may be accompanied by yams, turnips, green beans, lima beans, field peas, rice and gravy, dumplings, coleslaw, cabbage or one of The Dinner Bell specialties, fried eggplant. Every day they cook fried eggplant. The owner, Andre Davis, once told me they cook 25 to 35 bushels a week. On Tuesdays, when Andre can get them, they cook rutabagas. This is the only place I have ever eaten rutabagas which are very tasty with a sweet turnip flavor. This trip, they did not have rutabagas. They did have corn bread, but I didn t get any of that this trip either. There are special rules on how you eat at a Lazy Susan table. If you do not follow them, lunch would be a train wreck. Fortunately the learning curve is short and the staff will keep the table supplied with the more than you can eat revolving buffet. Yes, it is an all you can eat revolving buffet! There are three dining rooms, each with one of these large round tables. Seating begins at 11 AM. If you get in the door by 2 PM, you will be served. Page 44
Dining on The Road Eating at The Dinner Bell is a very social affair. You may be dining at the same table with 17 total strangers. Well, at least that is how it starts. Of course, you can t eat with strangers in the South. Everyone will introduce themselves and you will enjoy this culinary feast with new friends. You will be sharing in the common bond of The Dinner Bell lunch table. I have eaten here several many times over the years and you do meet people from all walks of life. Most have been there before or were brought there by a friend. If you didn t know it was there you might not take exit 15A on I-55 to go to South McComb. The restaurant is not right on the Interstate, you will have to look for it. You can get directions from their website or ask a local. As a youngster growing up in Amite City, Louisiana, I remember coming to The Dinner Bell for Sunday lunch. McComb is 39 miles North of Amite. The restaurant started over 61 years ago with the Lazy Susan round table tradition that was common with boarding houses that needed to serve large numbers of people. The restaurant (which was never a boarding house) moved from its original location on Louisiana Avenue to its current location in 1959. I remember eating in the original location when I was about 7 years old. Ownership has changed several times over the years and the restaurant is now run by Andre Davis and his wife Ashley who took over the reins from Andre s father Buddy Davis. Andre and his family live on the second floor of the old home that houses the restaurant. Much of the staff at The Dinner Bell has been working there for their entire lives. With experience like that in the kitchen, you can expect the food to be great. Page 45
Dining on The Road As you might expect, the guest book at The Dinner Bell includes the names of the famous and infamous, friends and neighbors and literally generations of patrons who came as children, returned as adults and then brought their children. They have had visitors from every State in the Union, Canada, Mexico and many other countries. Lunch is served every day except Mondays from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. Dinner for private groups of 36 or more can be enjoyed by reservation only. The cost is $13 per person during the week and a little more on weekends. I can promise you that the hungry hunters in our party got their money s worth this day. Good food, good company and great memories to share. You will want to check this spot out if you are near McComb at lunch time. I suggest you plan on it. You can find them at 225 5th Avenue, McComb, MS 39648, Phone: 601-684-4883, www.thedinnerbell.net. If you go, please tell Andre that you read about it in the Red Chute Gazette. Safe Travels and Good Eats, Doug Frey Page 46
Don t miss out on FREE advertising! Notice to All Gun Clubs Please send your Skeet shoot flyers when they are ready. We will post them on our website so our readers can plan their shoot itineraries. Be sure to take advantage of the Red Chute Gazette Deal described on the last page of this issue. Page 47
Don t miss the target! If your marketing strategy includes targeting consumers of high end competition shooting products you should be advertising in the Red Chute Gazette. Promote your products and services and support the sport of American Skeet at the same time. Contact: Douglas F. Frey, Publisher Red Chute Gazette Phone: (318) 625-6218 E-Mail: Publisher@redchutegazette.com Page 48
Alabama To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Alabama Skeet Shooting Association Roy Jorgensen, President Club Contacts (256) 924-0683 alabamaskeet@aol.com http://www.alabama-skeet.org Ft. Rucker Skeet Club Ft. Rucker, AL Ralph P. Aaron, President (334) 347-8363 RPASKEET@YAHOO.COM Headland Skeet & Gun Club, Dothan, AL Bob Jenkins. Pres. Earl Beamon, Sec.-Tr. (334) 677-6131 bobj@headlandskeetgunclub.com earl@headlandskeetgunclub.com www.headlandskeetgunclub.com Madison Co, Shooting Sports, New Market, AL Mars Skeet Range Redstone Arsenal, AL Muscle Shoals Skeet & Trap, Florence, AL Ralph Applebaum Bill Zupko (256) 379-2716 (256) 509-3412 rangemaster@mcssa-al.org bill.zupko@adtran.com Larry Krutsinger (256) 450-9329 TNSKEET@AOL.COM Charles Irwin, Secretary, Treasurer (205) 757-1481 Club (256) 740-7005 www.mcssa-al.org Red Eagle Skeet & Trap, Childersburg, AL Arkansas Scott Roberson President (256) 872-1625 scott@royaltireservice.com www.redeaglegunclub.com Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Arkansas Skeet Shooting Association North Little Rock, AR Rick Hall (870) 723-5022 rickhall1950@yahoo.com www.arkskeet.com Bella Vista Skeet Club Springdale, AR Blue Rock Sportsman Club, Inc. North Little Rock, AR Gary Greenhaw (479) 756-1189 GARYGREENHAW@COX.NET Hal Matthews, Shoot Chairman (501) 771-1997 hc.matthews@comcast.net http://www.bluerocksc.com/ If you see something that needs to be updated, let us know. Page 49
To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Arkansas Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Dirty Creek Skeet & Gun Club Coal Hill, AR Rick Weaver (479) 754-2512 Duncan Farms Shotgun Sports & Game Birds Bismarck, AR Malloy Sportsman Club El Dorado, AR Mountain Valley Sportsman s Association Hot Springs, AR Pajaro Gun Club Fort Smith, AR Twin Lakes Gun Club Mountain Home, AR West Poinsett Gun Club Weiner, AR Louisiana John Duncan (501) 865-3459 dfarms@catc.net www.duncanfarms.net Chris Crawford (870) 881-6178 Tom Sackett, Chairman Wendall Holmes President Floyd Lee President Wayne Black Chairman (501) 922-9060 TLSACKETT@SBCGLOBAL.NET (479) 646-4331 glow2282@yahoo.com PAJAROGUNCLUB@YAHOO.COM www.mvsaonline.com (870) 481-5599 skeet@twinlakesgunclub.com www.twinlakesgunclub.com (870) 910-6969 wayne@bscn.com Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Louisiana Skeet Shooting Association Cottonland Skeet & Trap, Inc., West Monroe, LA Bayou Boeuf Gun Club LeCompte, LA Bridge View Gun Club Port Allen, LA E. Wayne Tanner President Roland Thibodeaux Secretary/Treasurer (337) 239-6043 (318) 518-8778 wtlimousin@aol.com Roland_thibodeaux@yahoo.com Wade Jones (318) 776-5474 Wjones1015@aol.com Eddie Baker Club Contacts Glynn P. Kiper (318) 366-2194 kiperfarms@att.net info@bridgeviewgunclub.com www.redchutegazette.com www.bridgeviewgunclub.com Lafayette Skeet Academy Kaplan, LA Gordon Benoit (337) 962-5334 gbenoit09@gmail.com Red Chute Shotgun Sports Club, Barksdale AFB Doug Frey (318) 635-6218 dougfrey@bellsouth.net www.redchutegazette.com Toby Bancroft Memorial Gun Club West Monroe, LA Raymond Haik, M.D. (318) 537-0856 Rehaik@live.com Page 50
To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Louisiana, cont. Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Young Shooter s Gun Club Sterlington, LA Jacob Young Manager (318) 953-2721 ETYOUNG@QPSB.NET Mississippi Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Mississippi Skeet Shooting Association Starkville, MS Clark Hartness (662) 324-5353 (662) 341-2462 clark@msskeet.org www.msskeet.org Capitol Gun Club Jackson, MS Judy L. Stewart- Boyd, Manager (601) 506-6052 Club Phone (601) 362-6053 LYN2DALE@BELLSOUTH.NET www.capitalgunclub.com Coast Rifle & Pistol Club Biloxi, MS Randy Brownlee Skeet Chairman (228) 263-6151 Gorace815@aol.com www.gcrpc.com Starkville Gun Club Starkville, MS Clark Hartness President (662) 324-5353 clark@msskeet.org Www.starkvillegunclub.org Whitetail Ridge Outdoors Blue Springs, MS Richard Holloway President (662) 869-2925 whiteridgeoutdoors@yahoo.com www.whiteridgeoutdoors.com Missouri Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Missouri State Skeet Assn. O Fallon, MO Jeff Smith (636) 262-9200 jsmith92@gmail.com www.moskeet.org Gateway Gun Club Bridgeton, MO Club (314) 344-1050 manager@gatewaygunclub-stl.com Www.gatewaygunclub-stl.com Joplin Skeet & Trap Club Joplin, MO Roger Brown Manager Club (417) 781-1101 Page 51
Missouri, Continued To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Lead Belt Gun Club Bonne Terre, MO Dave Bahr Manager (573) 760-5669 Poplar Bluff Gun Club Poplar Bluff, MO J L Costin, Mgr. Mike Galloway, President (573) 785-8405 secretary@pbgunclub.com 2atloweight@gmail.com Www.pbgunclub.com Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports Club, Columbia, MO Matt Riddell Manager (573) 387-4747 SHOOTING@PRAIRIEGROVESH OTGUNSPORTS.COM www.prairiegroveshotgunsports.com Rolla Shooting Club Rolla, MO Rover Gun Club West Plains, MO D. C. Look Chairman Lester Jett Owner (573) 341-7510 LOOK@MST.EDU www.rollashootingclub.org (417) 293-9020 ROVERGUNCLUB@GMAIL.COM Springfield Rod and Gun Club Springfield, MO Bud Wood (417) 833-2199 W (417) 862-2701 THE4102MYFRIEND@HOTMAIL.COM SHOOTING@PRAIRIEGROVE SHOTGUNSPORTS.COM St. Louis Skeet & Trap Club Pacific, MO Rex Powers (636) 271-4210 THEMANAGER@SKEETRAP.COM WWW.SKEETRAP.COM Oklahoma Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Oklahoma State Skeet Assn. Broken Arrow, OK Pete Garcia President Ray Vaslavsky Secretary/Treasurer (918) 495-3774 (918) 455-2133 pete.garcia@cox.net RVASLAVSKY@AOL.COM www.okskeet.com Ada Skeet & Trap Club Ada, OK Bartlesville Sportsmen s Club Bartlesville, OK Jim Bevers Wade Drennan Chairman L M Winkler, Chairman Joe Simon, Sec. (405) 755-3359 Cb(580) 332-5286 H (580) 436-7699 (918) 333-2583 jbevers@earthlink.net wade@cableone.net lossonw@sbcglobal.net joe.simon64@gmail.com bartlesvillesportsmensclub.org Oil Capital Rod & Gun Club Broken Arrow, OK Michael Brewer Sec/Treasurer (918) 266-3866 (918) 486-1113 ducknorth28@yahoo.com Oklahoma City Gun Club Arcadia, OK Craig Wasson (405) 840-9398 wasson@ionet.com www.okcgunclub.org Sand Springs Sportsman Club Sand Springs, OK Harold Hockett President (918) 214-4881 secretary@sssportmanclub.com sssportsmanclub.com Tulsa Gun Club Tulsa, OK Matt Riggin, President Carol Goodart, Skeet Chairwoman Rex Powers, Club Mgr. Club (918) 272-2062 meriggin@cox.net cagoodart@aol.com powers.rex@gmail.com www.tulsagunclub.com 69 Clays Miami, OK Jean Lasiter Manager (918) 540-0733 69clays@datalinkok.com Page 52
Oklahoma, cont. To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Comanche Skeet & Trap Fort Sill, OK Bob Wolf Manager (580) 248-3427 Texas Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Texas Skeet Shooters Assoc. Rockwall, TX Aerial Targeting Systems Uvalde, TX Woody Anderson President Tomm Hupp Manager (214) 808-3721 wanderson@mytssa.com www.mytssa.com (830) 591-7860 acero@hilconet.com American Shooting Centers Houston, TX Ed Arrighi President (281) 556-8199 lynn@amshootcenters.com www.amshootcenters.com Arlington Sportsman Club Mansfield, TX Ernest Blocker Manager (817) 295-0657 Asc-membership@swbell.net Bandera Gun Club Bandera, TX J. M. Clements Manager (830) 796-4610 bandergunclub@sbcglobal.net Bexar Community Shooting Range Marion, TX Jennifer Winkelmann Manager (830) 914-2182 bcsrths@sbglobal.net Callahan Co. Shooting Assoc. Clyde, TX Kevin Meier Chairman (325) 672-9521 Capitol City Trap & Skeet Austin, TX Henry Wurzburg Skeet Chairman (512) 423-3479 hwurzburg@yahoo.com www.capitolclays.com Cen-TX Skeet Club Henry Wurzburg (512) 423-3479 centxskeet@yahoo.com www.centxskeet.com Comal County Shooting Sports Spring Branch, TX John Van Ausdall (210)573-5361 jvanausdall@logixonline.com www.comalskeet.com Corpus Christi Gun Club Corpus Christi, TX Dallas Gun Club Dallas, TX Ellis County Sportsman Club Waxahachie, TX El Paso Skeet & Trap Club El Paso, TX Bud Colwell Skeet Chairman Woody Anderson Skeet Chairman Charlie Beard Skeet Chairman John Braddock Skeet Chairman (361)696-3335 arthur.colwell@hdrinc.com (972) 462-0043 info@dallasgunclub.com www.dallasgunclub.com (469) 371-9882 cebeard@peoplepc.com (915) 629-7386 johnrose23@sbcglobal.net Page 53
Texas, cont. To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Fayette County Gun Club West Point, TX Fort Hood Skeet & Trap Club Belton, TX Walter Van Wart Skeet Chairman Henry Wurzburg Skeet Director (979) 242-3389 wb78963@yahoo.com (512) 423-3479 hwurzburg@yahoo.com www.fthoodskeet.com Fort Worth Trap & Skeet Club Ft. Worth, TX Tracy Ragle Skeet Chairman (817) 244-9878 clubmanager@fortwortht rapandskeet.com www.fortworthtrapands keet.com Graham Skeet Club Graham, TX Bob Manskey Skeet Chairman (940) 328-1400 Grand Prairie Gun Club Grand Prairie, Texas Robert Nicholas (214) 325-9653 nicholas.robert@sbcglobal.net www.gpgc.net Greater Houston Gun Club Missouri City, Texas Kevin Doughtery Manager (281) 437-6025 manager@ greaterhoustongunclub www.greaterhoustongun club.com Hot Wells Skeet Range Cypress, TX Josh Vacek Manager (281) 373-0232 (832) 603-1777 Josh@HotWellsRange.com www.hotwellsshootin grange.com Gun Emporium Conroe, TX Madison County Gun & Archery Madisonville, TX Maud Gun Club Texarkana, TX Mission Skeet & Trap Club Mission, TX Rose City Flying Clays Tyler, TX San Antonio Gun Club San Antonio, TX Sheppard AFB Skeet Wichita Falls, TX Terrell Rifle and Pistol Club Terrell, TX Waco Trap & Skeet Club Waco, TX Mike Scambray Skeet Chairman Dave Radenz President Larry Oxford, Skeet Chairman Richard Kotzur Skeet Director Chris Dorsey Owner P. D. Parker Manager Rick Davis James Schmehl David Bell President Greg Surber Manager (936) 760-2323 info@gunemporium.net wwwgunemporium.net (936) 348-6423 gailradenz@aol.com www.missionskeetandtrap.com (903) 280-0482 loxford@windstream.net (956) 279-4594 richardk@hiline.com (903) 597-3345 chris@rosecityflyingclays rosecityflyingclays.com (210) 828-9860 manager@sagunclub.com (940) 224-8165 rickcrashdavis@hotmail.com JUDGEFLB@HOTMAIL.COM (903) 454-6334 davebbell@gmail.com (254) 753-2651 wstclub@wacoskeet.com wacoskeet.com Be sure to send changes to your organization s contacts to Publisher@redchutegazette.com. Page 54
THE RED CHUTE GAZETTE DEAL Mission Statement The goal of the Red Chute Gazette is to promote the game of American Skeet. Our target market includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Our goal is accomplished through publication and distribution an Internet only magazine containing items of interest to those individuals participating in, promoting and supporting registered skeet shoots. Subject matter includes calendars of upcoming events, shoot flyers, shoot reports and pictures. Also included are articles and stories about bird hunting, travel and food. The Deal The Red Chute Gazette will publish flyers advertising registered skeet shoots for your gun club at no cost to your club. Simply send us your flyer in Microsoft Word or PDF format via E-Mail. That s FREE! The Catch If we agree to publish your shoot flyers, you agree to provide us with a shoot report, write-up or article suitable for printing in the Red Chute Gazette. Include pictures (jpeg or gif files) if possible. It doesn t have to be lengthy and it doesn t have be worthy of a Pulitzer. Just tell or show our readers about the fun you had. What about Sporting Clays and Trap or other events? The mission of the Red Chute Gazette is to promote interest and participation in registered Skeet. Sporting Clays and Trap are not subjects we focus on. We recognize that many gun clubs offer events other than Skeet. We are happy to provide commercial advertising space for clubs that wish to promote other shooting related events... Please contact us for our very reasonable rates for commercial advertisers To take advantage of this service contact Doug Frey by phone at (318) 635-6218 or via E-Mail at publisher@redchutegazette.com. 2018 All Rights Reserved Douglas F. Frey, Publisher, Red Chute Gazette, 6600 Gahagan Circle, Shreveport, LA 71119-3402 Page 55