These events present great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new friends to talk with and get to know them. We saw new shooters competing at the state shoot level for the first time. We saw experienced shooters competing in their eleventeenth or more state shoot.
We saw All-Americans performing at the highest levels that most of us can only wish for.
We saw Champions from the past stand up on their hind legs, take on all comers and emerge with another victory.
We saw shooters reach new milestones, first 25s, first 50s, first 100s and even a first 200! We saw people break a personal best to win Class, Category and Event Champion! There were first earned yardage punches. There were shoot offs complete with first timers struggling with the nerves that come with.
I’ll call it the agony of victory and experiencing the thrill of defeat. If you’ve been there you know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t been, you will understand when you get there.
A significant highlight for me was when I spotted Ray Gaultney sitting on the porch. I went over and sat down to talk with him for a good amount of time. As we talked, we came up with solutions to several of the World’s problems. We cured the rotten political climate in the country and, we discussed the current status of trapshooting and a little of it’s associated history.
For those that may not know, Ray is a NC HOF Member that owns multiple State Doubles and Handicap Championships. I can still picture him with one of his 1100’s just rolling targets into a ball of smoke from the 27 or destroying pairs with precision and apparent ease. The man could shoot!
Some of our discussion involved the equipment and shells of yesteryear compared with today. We both recalled when a case of shells was a case of shells (packaged 500 per vs 250). We remembered when you could afford to buy the best handicap shell ever- the iconic Federal Paper that set the standard by which all handicap shells are judged.
We even debated the merits of the model 12. How many records were set with them?
Another topic was some of the shells used for the games that trapshooters used to play, Annie Oakley’s, Follow the Leader, Protections, etc. There were shooters that would push the limits with reloads and were capable of breaking targets at unbelievable distances.
These brief looks into past experiences, both from long ago, recent, and just yesterday, emphasizes to me that we, all of us, are creating both memories and history at the same time. To reminisce with others that shared these and similar experiences is priceless. To relay glimpses of past events, significant and otherwise is an honor.
So, when you get a chance to, sit on the porch wherever you are with and old friend, or, make a new one. Share experiences and past adventures with others. Its great entertainment and an outstanding way to pass the time.
See you next time wherever it is. Travel Safe! Dan
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