Contact us by e-mail: bccourier@
sbcglobal.net
to send press releases, advertising inquires, compliments or complaints.

Contact Web master by e-mail: pcwordsmith@
indian-creek.net
to report a missing link, a problem with the Web site or incorrect information on the Web site.

Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

Subscribe to the Bandera County Courier

Gail Joiner: Publisher
Carl Holt: Sales/Marketing
Staff: Judith Pannebaker, Editor
David Arny, Writer
Dennis Allyn, Political Cartoonist
Linda Reynolds, Classifieds
James Henry Frazar, Composition Editor
Contributors: Stephanie Parker, Marlene Heavner, Doug White, Clare Barnett, Mikie Baker, Doris Doebbler, Jack Finger, Ed Longhurst, Bill Ellis, Bob Jamison and Jim Harris.

The BCC is responsible for its errors in advertising to the limit of the size of the space occupied by the error. Any mistakes will be gladly corrected provided advertiser notifies this office after the first publication. We reserve the right to reject any/all advertising at any time. The taking of an ad by e-mail, clerk, or other BCC personnel does not constitute acceptance of the material for publication.

Download Bandera County Courier Advertising Rates. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the ad rate card.

Entire contents Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 - Bandera County Courier

The Bandera County Courier
Deadlines
Real Estate Review and Community Board Ads
Noon Friday
All other Advertising and Articles
5 p.m. Friday
(Proof corrections Noon Monday)

Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Oct. 4, 2007    It was the last big Wednesday Fun Shoot of the year and JM Clements (His Royal Longhornness) was the champion with a 48/50 score. The game was 25 regular skeet targets and 25 reverse doubles, which made it more like dove hunting in November.     Robert Whitehead (England) managed to take the runner-up slot in a shoot-off against a big field of shooters who turned in a 40+ for the day.     The AAA+AA+A Class champion was Martin Brister (England) and Mich Longhorn (Oops! Lawhon) He's from that other school who's emblem looks like an ATM machine.     The B+Hunter Class winner was Michael Bradshaw (a Boerne Aggie) and that will move him into B Class for the rest of his life or until he wins it twice and moves to A. Rick Bostain (Bandera) took the runner-up money and also advances to B class. We will average the number of geese he takes during the season to establish his class going into next year.     Our last big shoot of the year will be Oct. 25 through 28, the BGC Club Championships. We will again pre-squad for this shoot, so call us early.     Meanwhile, the World Skeet Championships get underway Oct. 3 to 13 at the National Shooting Complex on FM 471 in San Antonio. Come on by and visit with us in the Museum and Hall of Fame and watch some of the greatest shooters in the world in action. You may be surprised at the number of Bandera shooters who will be involved.     Meanwhile... come on out to Bandera, sight-in your deer rifle, shoot some IDPA pistol competition or some trap or skeet and... "Git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Here's what is in the Gun Club section of the Courier:

Gun club columns	Oct. 4, 2007 Sept. 27, 2007 Sept. 20, 2007 No column Sept. 13 Sept. 6, 2007 Aug. 30, 2007 Aug. 23, 2007 Aug. 16, 2007 Aug. 9, 2007 Aug. 2, 2007 July 26, 2007 July 19, 2007 July 12, 2007 July 5, 2007 June 28, 2007 June 21, 2007 June 14, 2007 June 7, 2007 May 31, 2007 May 24, 2007 May 17, 2007 May 3, 2007 April 19, 2007 April 5, 2007 March 22, 2007 Feb. 8, 2007
Visit the gun club from 2006 page
Visit the sports Web page	Visit the golf Web page

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Sept. 20, 2007    Great weather and some great shooting highlighted the 2007 John Webber Memorial at the Bandera Gun Club.     Shawn Scott turned in the highest High Overall score since we started these shoots some 20 years ago with a 500 target score of 494. Several have been close, but Shawn turned in 100 straights in both the 12 and 20 gauge events, a 99 in the 28 gauge, a 97 in the .410 and a doubles score of 98 to win the HAA buckle. Randy Bates of San Antonio was runner-up with a 488, and John Rodriquez of San Antonio placed third with a 484. You will note in the official photograph that Randy had left early and Bill Tanner from Austin was kind enough to stand in for him as the stunt double without a net.     Congratulations to Kenny Foust of Kerrville for his first 100. It was in the 20 gauge event. His comment after the shoot-off with three other 100 straight shooters was something to the effect of "this is harder than it looks."     Junior shooter Austin Hale from San Antonio has all of the older guns worried with his performance in the .410 contest.     He had to face Shawn Scott in the shoot-off and held his own through several stations before dropping a target. He ended up taking third place in the event and won his class in the HAA.     Our two fields were humming with a turnout of 37 shooters who shot some 16,000 targets. The shoot is held annually in memory of one of skeet's great referees and shooters, John Webber. Each year at this shoot the club gives a silver buckle to the registered referee who has worked at least two shoots during the year in Bandera, and who has the highest score on an undisclosed event.     This year it was the 20 gauge, and Kenny Foust was the winner. Our referees are all unpaid volunteers. Raymond Adamietz, Don Lichtenegger, Woody Woodard deserve special mention since they shot early and spent the weekend pulling and scoring.     Others including Shawn Scott and Kenny Foust helped also, but only Kenny turned in a winning score.     The other event winners were:     12 gauge     Champion: Randy Bates 100/100     Runner-up: Shawn Scott 100/100     Third Place: Bill Tanner 100/100     20 gauge     Champion: Shawn Scott 100/100     Runner-up: Bill Tanner 100/100     Third Place: Kenny Foust 100/100     28 gauge     Champion: John Rodriquez 99/100     Runner-up: Randy Bates 99/100     Third Place: Shawn Scott 99/100     .410 bore     Champion: John Rodriquez 98/100     Runner-up: Shawn Scott 97/100     Third Place: Austin Hale 97/100     Doubles     Champion: Shawn Scott 98/100     Runner-up: LaDon Richardson 97/100     Third Place: Randy Bates 97/100     HOA     Champion: Shawn Scott 396/400     Runner-up: John Rodriquez 394/400     Third Place: Randy Bates 391/400     Between the brisket Saturday and the lasagna Sunday and the cobbler both days we all came away with a few extra pounds of flesh to replace the weight of the shells we fired. The great food was provided by the dynamic duo of Mary Clements and Tandy Mansfield on the stove, with accompaniment by JM Clements on the barbecue pit.     The next big skeet event is the World Championships at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio Oct. 3-13, and the next Bandera shoot is the 2007 Club Championship Oct. 25-28. Make your plans now to attend and ... "giter- done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Sept. 27, 2007    The next-to-the-last Wednesday Fun shoot of the year! We are rapidly approaching the World Skeet Championships which get underway Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the National Shooting Complex on FM 471. Many of our regulars will take part in this 10-day event so we are making next week's 12-gauge the last one for 2007.     This past week was the .410 and we were faced with the usual challenge of hitting the regular skeet targets with those miserable little shells that have almost no shot in them, and then having to do the same thing on 5-stand sporting clays which are even more difficult.     Rick Bostain (Bandera) turned in a 48/50 but it didn't count because he was shooting what appeared to be a 10-gauge magnum in the .410 event. It looked good anyway. The shoot-offs were held in the dark without lights. That is another reason we are making the 12-gauge the last of the year. Besides ... it's hunting season.     And the winners were:     Champion, Mike Oliver (San Antonio) 48/50 - With a .410.     Runner-up, Shawn Scott (San Antonio) 47/50 Not sure what he was shooting.     AAA+AA+A Class     Champion, Gage Scott (San Antonio)     Runner-up, Randy Bates (San Antonio)     B+Hunter Class     Champion, William Boenig (Pipe Creek) Welcome to B class, Will.     Runner-up, David Laffoon (Bandera)     Those of you who want to learn more about skeet and would like to see the best in the world be sure to come to the National Shooting Complex and take in the World Championships. There is no charge to come and watch. Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and ..... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Sept. 6, 2007    Welcome back, Tim Gallagher.     It has been a while since Tim (Boerne) has been able to join his son Ryan for the Wednesday shoot but, when it was all over on Aug. 29, he was the winner. The usual round of regular skeet was a replaced by a modified doubles game on field one, and the 5-stand sporting clays event on field two was a challenging warm up for dove season.     The high 5-stand score among the 29 participants was a 20/25. Most scores were in the mid to low teens so it was more like shooting doves in late October. No wonder fearless 4-H leader Woody Woodard, who set up the course, opted to just pull and keep score. Next week Woody, you have to shoot!      The other winners were:     AAA+AA+A CLASS     Champion – Cameron Schuster (Kerrville)     Runner-up – Mike Oliver (San Antonio)      B+Hunter Class     Champion –  Gage Scott (San Antonio)     Runner-up –  Todd Worlow (Bandera)      The next registered shoot is only a couple of weeks away. The John Webber Memorial is named for one of the greatest referees in the game, as well as an outstanding shooter and supporter of youth programs and all of the shooting sports. The shoot is September 13 through 16 and will be squadded in advance.     Dove hunting looks good this year as far as numbers are concerned but, with all the rain, shooting over stock tanks may be on the slow side. All the hunting seasons look promising with the deer numbers, body condition and antler development above normal. The scattered rains during the opening week of dove season may keep them scattered, which will make accurate shooting a big advantage. That only comes with practice, so next week bring your 20 gauge, come on out to Bandera and... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5.”

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Aug. 30, 2007    What is about the .410 that attracts so many shooters? Is it fear of recoil? Desire for extreme challenge? Tendency to inflict self-punishment? Ready excuse for missing so many targets?     Whatever it is, there are 32 people who fit into one of these categories, and who came out to Bandera to partake in the Wednesday Fun Shoot .410 bore event. It is a sure bet that the second reason caused Kent Freeman (Kerrville) to show up and take the championship with a perfect skeet score of 25, and a perfect five-stand sporting clays score of 25 for a total of 50/50. There was a shoot-off for the runner-up slot with ties of 48/50 turned in by Randy (how’d I miss those two?) Bates (Boerne), and Cameron Schuster (Kerrville). Randy took home the money. The other shoot-off winners were     AAA+AA+A Class     Champion –   Mike Burney (Kerrville)     Runner-up –    James Fierros (Devine)      B+Hunter Class     Champion –   Andrew Flanagan (Bandera) Welcome to B class, Andrew.     Runner-up –  Andy Clark (San Antonio)  and – the question of the week – who is “Precious?”  And is that just an excuse to stay in the shoot-off?     More details soon.      Our next big registered shoot will be the John Webber Memorial Sept. 13–16. Doubles and open shooting will be available on Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday will be squadded in advance, and you must pre-register. You can do so on line or at the club. A $25 deposit is required for registration, and anyone not squadded in advance will have to take pot luck on times and availability. Saturday will be 12 gauge in the morning and 28 gauge in the afternoon. Sunday will be 20 gauge in the morning and .410 in the afternoon. As usual there will be great food included in the shoot fees of $25 per event.      Next Wednesday is the 12 gauge, so bring your big bore and come on out to Bandera and …“git-er-done @ 3-4-5.”

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Aug. 23, 2007    Get ready for hunting season! The Wednesday Fun Shoot in Bandera is a great way to get tuned up for dove season which is only a couple of weeks away. This week was 28 gauge and the game was 25 skeet plus 25 five-stand sporting clays set up and operated by the 4-H. We are going to continue this while the equipment is available.     The entry fee starting next week will be raised from $12 to $15, and the $3 increase will go to the 4-H shooting sports program to help the kids. It's well worth the price – just ask anyone who was here last Wednesday.     Gary Burley (Boerne) took the 48/50 score. There championship featured plenty of shooters, so we also ran a shoot-off for runner-up which was won by Mike Burney (Kerrville).     The AAA+AA+A Class Champion was Randy Bates (Boerne) and runner-up was Keith Howe (Boerne). Andrew Flanagan (Bandera) was the B+ Hunter Class Champion, with runner-up Danny Grammer (Bandera).     Next week, get ready for more five-stand and bring your .410 if you have one.     The next registered shoot is coming up Sept. 13-16, the John Webber Memorial. This will again be a pre-registered and squadded shoot, so make the arrangements early. A flyer will be emailed over the weekend with all the details.     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and ... "Git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Aug. 16, 2007    It was the best Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot yet in Bandera. Twenty-six of the 35 entrants shot both events. Everyone who came had all the Blue Bell ice cream they could eat. J.M. cooked up a couple of briskets and Mary turned out a couple of great cobblers to go with the Blue Bell. Virginia Rose brought the root beer for floats and, by the end of the day, we were all pleasantly miserable.     Most shooters had to borrow either a pump or side-by-side, so they were shooting a strange gun in at least one event. We were also shooting Low Gun with a 0 to 3 second delay in target launch. That's the way they played the game back in 1934. There were not many 100s in those days. The new paint job on the skeet houses was also a distraction for some. Field one is UT Longhorn Orange, with logos, and field two is A&M Maroon, with logos on order.     If you missed this one, you will have to wait until next August for the 6th annual event, with more great Blue Bell ice cream, good prizes and lots of fun.     Here are the winners.     HOA (both events, total score)     Champion– Terry Neans (Fredericksburg, 94/100) won the knife of his choice from the club.     Runner-up, Ed Stiteler (San Antonio, 92/100) won a flat of ammo.     Third Place, Dennis Gates (San Antonio, 91/100) won half a flat of ammo.     Corn Husker (pump gun, 50 targets)     Champion, J.M. Clements (Bandera, 47/50) won a knife.     Runner-up, Don Snyder (San Antonio, 46/50) won a flat of ammo.     Third Place, Mike Brazzell (Floresville, 45/50) won half a flat of ammo.     Two-Holer (side-by-side double barrel 50 targets)     Champion: Dick Armstrong (Spring Branch, 44/50) won a knife.     Runner-up: Shawn Scott (San Antonio, 44/50) won a flat of ammo.     Third Place: Randy Bates (San Antonio, 44/50) won half a flat of ammo.     The door prize was won by J.C. Mullins (Pipe Creek). His prize was an equipment bag from the NSSA/NSCA Museum & Hall of Fame, donated by Jim Harris.     The low score prize went to Virginia Rose, who received a box of ammo which she used on Wednesday at the fun shoot. This was her first competition since switching from right to left-handed shooting.     Speaking of Wednesday – there were 24 people who joined us to shoot 20 gauge and help clean up the leftover Blue Bell ice cream. Mike Oliver (San Antonio) missed a single target to take the championship with a 49/50. Randy Bates (San Antonio) won the AAA+AA+A shoot-off, with Mike Burney (Kerrville) in the runner-up position. The B+Hunter class champion was Danny Grammer (San Antonio?), with D.A. Allen (Bandera) winning the runner-up money.     Next Wednesday is 28 gauge, but if you don't have one, bring what you got, come on out to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Aug. 9, 2007    Wednesday was ice cream weather without the ice cream! We were saving that for Saturday when the fifth annual Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot takes place. But even without the dairy refreshments, there were 36 shooters who turned out for the 12 gauge contest. Most were using their trusty old pump guns or side-by-sides to get ready for Saturday, August 11.     Randy Bates of Boerne was back to reclaim the championship and Rob Harmon of San Antonio claimed the runner-up prize. The AAA+AA+A class champion was Devine's James Fierros. Runner-up was Steve Skinner from San Antonio. The B + Hunter class champ was Todd Worlow and runner-up was Clint Faas, both of Bandera.     Remember! This Saturday is the summer's hottest event, the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot. The two events will be, The Corn Shucker (pump gun entry fee, $30) and Two Holer (side-by-side double barrel entry fee, $30). Those who wish to enter both events (HOA) will pay $50 total. Any pump will do, and you can use single or double trigger double guns.     We will start about 9 am with the cutoff at 4:30 pm. There will be first, second and third place prizes for each event and for HOA. Winners are eligible for only one prize each, so there will be a total of nine winners. There may also be a door prize or two. JM has some knives for first place winners and 12 or 20 gauge ammo for the others - in addition to all the great Blue Bell Ice Cream you can eat.     There will be trimmings to go on top and I heard Virginia Rose say something about bringing some root beer to make floats! There may even be a brisket or two running loose.     So bring your antique scatter guns and your appetite and come on out to Bandera and git-er-done @ 3-4 & 5.

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Aug. 2, 2007    Some folks are not overly fond of what we affectionately refer to as the “Li'l Gun,” or Sub-Small Gauge, or the .410, but there were 26 shooters who were unintimidated this week. Some of the no-shows were Randy Bates, Shawn Scott, and Mike Oliver. They usually win the Wednesday shoots, but their absence gave the others a chance for fame and glory. As a matter of fact, there were 26 ties for the championship. Well, maybe not – Mike Burney from near Kerrville was the winner with a 49/50 and everyone else was in the shoot-off.     The AAA+AA class was dominated by the "Brits from Boerne." Champion was Keith Howe and the runner-up was Babette Burley. The B+Hunter class saw first-time Wednesday shooter Lindsey Hollin (Kerrville) as champion while David Laffon (San Antonio) took the runner-up slot.     Tom McMillian (Sabinal) just had time enough to unpack his new Browning over and under before the shoot, and he says he’ll pick up all the packing foam later. He ran to the field to fire a perfect score in regular skeet, so he is happy with his new toy.     Next week, bring your 12 gauge. It would be a great time to get ready for the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot August 4, so you may want to bring a pump gun or side-by-side. In any case, you need to come on out to Bandera and … “git-er-done @ 3-4-5.”

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published July 26, 2007    The prodigal son has returned to the Wednesday Fun Shoot, and he hasn't lost his touch on the skeet field. Reece Nors (Pipe Creek) managed a 48/50 with some really tough sporting clays targets which was good enough for the 28 gauge championship. Jenna McLean (San Antonio) who is on the Lindenwood, MO, college team, and shoot international skeet also had a 48/50, and Reece has to fight hard to keep from taking the pink "I was Beaten by a Girl" pin from JM's hat. Jenna ended up with AAA+AA+A class second place after losing her second shoot-off to Pipe Creek's own Don "it's raining, I can't weld and paint your gate" Dial.     The Hunter +B class shoot-off consisted of 14 new or fairly new shooters with the championship going to Ryan Gallagher (San Antonio). Runner-up was CJ Carmichael (San Antonio).     Next week is the mighty .410, and August 4 is the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms shoot, so come on out to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."     Jack Moss Memorial Shoot     Great weather for the Jack Moss Memorial shoot in Bandera.  Clear and Still .... i.e. clear up to your rear end and and still raining! Only 42 shooters found their way around the flood waters to take part, and there were only ten 100 straights reported. Don Lichtenegger, Mike Burney, Robert Kline, Raymond Adamitez, Keith Howe - the referees - pulled well over 16,000 targets, most of which somebody hit.     Thursday & Friday had scattered downpours and some wind for the early shooters, but Saturday morning, on field 2, the referee had a score pad in one hand and a bass rod in the other. He had to throw back all the bass (undersized) and two of the shooters (overclassified).      Tandie Mansfield and Mary Clements won the award for the best grub at a shoot in Texas on Saturday and Sunday. The trophy is in the mail. And... for those of you who were afraid you would melt in the rain, starting with this shoot, the HAA winner gets his entry fee back along with any other awards. This is in honor of the club pioneer for whom the shoot is named and will apply to all future shoots, or until we run out of money, whichever comes first.     The question is - Which is higher?  HAA (High All-Around) or HOA (High Overall)?      According to the Skeet Gods HOA is the original game since it includes all four gauges or 400 targets.  HAA includes a round of doubles in addition to the originals for a total of 500 targets. Both seem to be higher than most of us shooters can reach. Let's see who came close.     And the winners were:     HAA Champion and winner of the gold buckle, a one year club membership, and all of his entry fee back was Randy Bates (San Antonio) with a score of 490/500. He was so excited about winning the membership he almost forgot the buckle, and did forget to collect the entry fee. Come back soon Randy! He won in a shoot-off with Bryan Boehme (San Antonio) who also had a 490/500 score, but was so busy getting ready for his wedding that he blew it in the shoot-off. Congrads anyway Bryan. Third place went to Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) with a score of 488/500.     The real sleeping dog to watch is John Henry, Jr. (Lakehills) who is returning to the game after a number of year off due to health problems. It's good to see him back, feeling good, shooting one of the five 100 straights in the 20 gauge, a 99 in the .410, and taking third place in the HOA.     The 20 gauge event had five perfect scores. That's the most ever posted in Bandera for a single event, and it was the Longhorns vs the Aggies. HRL JM Clements, His Royal Longhorness, placed a huge pucker factor on the Aggie opponents when he won the shoot-off for the gauge championship. He plans to paint the shoot-off field orange. That will be a change from "Rainwater Blue" and "Flood Brown."     Doubles     Champion - Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) 97/100     Runner-Up - Carter Wehrhein (Boerne)     Third Place - Randy Bates (San Antonio)     12 gauge     Champion - Keith Howe (Boerne) 100/100     Runner-Up - Robert Kline (Bandera) 100/100     Third Place - Mike Burney (Kerrville)     20 gauge     Champion - JM Clements (He owns the place) 100/100     Runner-Up - Randy Bates     Third Place - John Henry Jr.     28 gauge     Champion - Hugh Milner (New Braunfels) 100/100     Runner-Up - Bill Tanner (Austin) 100/100     Third Place - Bryan Boehme (San Antonio) 100/100     .410 bore     Champion - John Henry Jr. 99/100     Runner-Up - Bill Tanner 98/100     Third Place - Randy Bates 98/100     HOA     Champion - Randy Bates 394/400     Runner-Up - Bryan Boehme 394/400     Third Place - John Henry, Jr. 394/400     Lady's HOA     Champion - Roz Howe (Boerne) 385/400     Runner-Up - Babette Burley (Boerne) 384/400     Third Place - Nan Kruer (San Antonio) 370/400     The next shoot will be the John Webber Memorial, September 12-16. We will be accepting pre-registrations for this event since everyone liked the way this shoot was conducted. Our thanks to Mike Brazzell, the curator of the NSSA Museum and Hall of Fame, for suggesting or actually insisting on it. He then ran off to Boston to get as far away as possible in case it didn't work. It did work!  Mike - Come on home to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published July 19, 2007    The Fourth of July was the 12 gauge event, in spite of a couple of interruptions caused by passing thunderstorms. Most of them only lasted a few minutes and the two dozen shooters managed to stay dry right up until the shoot-off, when we all got wet.     The champion with a perfect score of 50/50 was Randy Bates from San Antonio who seems to make it a habit of winning. During the rainy shoot-off, Mark Mishnick (Comfort) managed to outlast Neal Hodges (Bandera) to take the AAA+AA+A class winner's purse leaving Neal with the runner-up share. The B+Hunter class champion was Rick Bostain (Bandera) and runner-up was Gage Scott (San Antonio). Next week is the 20 gauge and we expect a good turnout.     The squad sheet for the Jack Moss Memorial registered shoot is filling up fast. There will be definite starting times Saturday and Sunday, and those that are not pre-registered and assigned to a squad will have to take pot luck on being able to shoot. Pre-registration can be made by email or by phone to the Bandera Gun Club.     Less than a month to the Bluebell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot. Make your plans to attend along with your vintage long guns. Also, bring your appetite for some of those great Bluebell flavors.     The Saturday 5-Stand Sporting Clays shoots are becoming more popular. Call for more information, but, as usual, you will have a great time. Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published July 12, 2007    The Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot is August 4, starting at 10 am. Entries will close at 4:30 pm. The Bandera Gun Club offers fun shooting which goes back to the days of yester-year, as well as all the great Blue Bell Ice Cream you can eat!     There will be two events, the 2-Holer and the Corn Shucker.     The 2-Holer is for side-by-side double barrel guns, either hammer or hammerless.     The Corn Shucker is for pump shotguns, either hammer or hammerless.     Each event will consist of 50 skeet targets. You may enter one or both. The entry fee is $30 for a single event, or $50 for both. There are always plenty of guns around for those who don’t have the proper ones.     The shooting order will be conducted as it is in present day skeet (using the speed-up rule). The targets will be launched from 0 to 3 seconds after the call of pull, and the shooter must use “low gun” position, i.e., the top of the stock must be at least eight inches below the top of the shoulder (as in FITASC). If the shooter starts to mount the gun after calling “pull,” and the target has not yet been launched, it will be a lost bird. The exception will be on station eight, where the target will be launched at the “pull” command with no delay.     The winners will be determined by the best score, and ties will be shot-off as doubles at 3-4-5.     Prizes will be awarded to the winner, runner-up and third in each event and to the champion, runner-up and third HOA. The HOA winners will not be eligible for the single event prizes. A special trophy will be awarded to the worst score of the day, and yes, any ties there will be shot-off with a BB gun.     Blue Bell flavors will include strawberry, chocolate, peach and cookies and cream, in addition to the best-selling single flavor in the entire USA, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla.     There will be stuff to put on top or go on the side, so bring your summer appetite and come to Bandera and “git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published July 5, 2007    They're coming out of the woodwork! Some 37 shooters on .410 night made it the biggest Wednesday shoot ever. We almost needed headlights for the shoot-off. The usual 25 regular skeet and 14 doubles targets were followed by 11 sporting clay type targets. The first was a running rabbit with a high flier on report. The final target was a flying rabbit. Shawn Scott (San Antonio) led the pack with a 47/50. Steve Skinner (San Antonio) took the runner-up slot.     AAA+AA+A CLASS     Champion - J.M. Clements (Bandera)     Runner-up - Babette Burley (Boerne)     B+Hunter CLASS     Champion - Will Thornton (Bandera)     Runner-Up - Rob Harmen (Bandera)     Welcome to a bunch of new shooters. Virginia Rose (Bandera) used her father’s gun in her first Wednesday shoot and brought along Pam Hubenak (Kerrville), who said she'll be back. Next week is the 12 gauge and you may want to get here a little early.     Pre-registration for the Jack Moss is going well. There are still a few openings, but you may want to get in soon as we are about two-thirds full at this date. It will be July 19-22. You can register by email or phone.     JM is working on the prizes for the Bluebell Ice Cream and Antique Firearms shoot August 4. Details will be published in the next couple of weeks.     Meanwhile - come on out to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published June 28, 2007    Texas State Skeet Championships     The Eagle has landed - again! The original Texas State Five-Man Team trophy is on display at the Bandera Gun Club after the Bandera team won the shoot-off against the Tyler Gun Club in the Texas State Skeet Championships this past weekend, June 17-18, in Waco.     The Tyler team at least won “The Duck” so they didn’t go home empty handed. After seeing “The Duck” they may have wished they were empty handed. “The Duck” is a moth eaten, one-legged, weather-beaten mallard mount which had hung on the outside of the Bandera Gun Club for 10 years or so, then was fixed with a base and slipped into the fancy gun case in the lobby of the Houston Gun Club the first year Bandera won the eagle. We just hated to see that case remain empty for a whole year. It has since become an institution in Texas.     Bandera first won the eagle in 2000 and repeated in 2001. The trophy is awarded to the state’s top 12-gauge team. In the past few years, the Texas State Skeet Association has added more eagle trophies to other events. They now have one for each skeet gauge plus High-Overall, which Bandera won last year.     The weather was cool for this year’s state shoot, and if your shotgun was pointed toward the sky it became an expensive rain gauge. Some of the fields were ankle deep in water. Others were even deeper. One of the wheelchair shooters said he was going to try to find some pontoons. Don Snyder used baggies and - appropriately - duct tape. (Duck tape?) Some wore rubber boots and others just toughed it out with bare feet and sandals.     This year’s Zone 3 Lifetime Service Award went to yours truly, Jim Harris, a member of the Bandera Gun Club and assistant curator of the NSSA/NSCA Museum and Hall of Fame. The complete list of winners in the state event was not available at press time. We will let you know who won what in the near future.     Wednesday Shoot, June 20     It’s a good thing JM Clements isn’t setting sporting clay targets for the Nationals. The best part is that there were only 11 of them - of which JM broke only one. We shot the usual 25 skeet followed by 14 doubles followed by 11 disaster sporting clays with the 28-gauge. The winner was again Randy Bates (San Antonio) with a 46/50 score.     The closest scores below that were Steve Skinner (San Antonio) and Jim Harris (Pipe Creek) with 44s which got them in the shoot-off with everybody else. However, JM prevailed in the shoot-off in class AAA+AA to take the championship. Runner-up was Steve Skinner.     The B+Hunter class was won by Neal Hodges (Bandera). Welcome to A class, Neal! The runner-up was Dillon Erskin (Bandera).     Jack Moss Memorial     The Jack Moss Memorial, July 19-22, will be pre-squadded. Advance registration will get requested shooting times.     Thursday will be open times for those who are working the shoot and anyone else who wants to join us. Friday will be doubles with squads at 3, 4:30, and 6 pm. Saturday will be 12-gauge and 28-gauge with squads starting at 9 am, 10:30 am, noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm and 4:30 pm. Sunday will be the 20 gauge and .410 at the same times.     Anyone not pre-squadded will have to take a number. You may shoot ahead only Thursday and Friday unless there is time left at the end of the day after the shoot-offs. This shoot will be pre-squadded with the following schedule:     Thursday: 2 pm - Open     This is primarily for the referees and helpers to shoot ahead so they can work the shoot.     Friday: Doubles     Rotation 1 - 3 pm     Rotation 2 - 4:30 pm     Rotation 3 - 6 pm     Saturday: 12 Gauge     Rotation 1 – 9 am     Rotation 2 – 10:30 am     Rotation 3 – Noon     Saturday: 28 Gauge     Rotation 1 – 1:30 pm     Rotation 2 – 3 pm     Rotation 3 – 4:30 pm     Shoot-off: Doubles – 12 - 28 following final squad     Sunday: 20 Gauge     Rotation 3 – 9 am     Rotation 1 – 10:30 pm     Rotation 2 – Noon     Sunday: 410 Bore     Rotation 3 – 1:30 pm     Rotation 1 – 3 pm     Rotation 2 – 4:30 pm     Shoot-off: 20 - .410 following final squad     Entry fee is $125 for all five events or $25 per event. Lunch will be served Saturday and Sunday as part of the entry fee. Shooters who pre-register will be assigned shooting times and must be present and ready to shoot at that time, or they will be replaced by anyone available. Shooters not pre-registered will be worked into available slots when and if they are available.     Pre-registration may be done by phone, 830-796-4610, or by email to banderagunclub@sbcglobal.net.     Note: Already taken for Saturday and Sunday: Squads 101, 201 & 202. There are two individual slots open on Squad 201.

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published June 21, 2007    Some 26 shooters came out this week for the 20 gauge Wednesday, June 13, Fun Shoot. The shoot-off was patterned after the Eveready Bunny, it just kept on going...and going, and going. This week was good practice for the Texas State Skeet Championships in Waco over the weekend. The outright winner was former world champion Tim Gallagher (San Antonio) with a 48/50 score. The range was set for 25 regular skeet, 14 pair of doubles with station one and seven as reverse doubles, and the rest as regular doubles. The 11 sporting clays targets were a real challenge.     Shawn Scott (San Antonio) and Randy Bates (San Antonio) were in contention for the AAA+AA class championship and went almost a full box before Shawn missed one to get the runner-up position. Randy was again the leader in class.     The B+Hunter class saw Dennis Erskin (Bandera) with the championship and Dillon Erskin (Bandera) in the runner-up position.     The Bandera "Eagle" team at the state shoot consists of Don Snyder, NSSA Executive Director; Mike Brazzell, Curator NSSA/NSCA Museum; Shawn Scott, Carter Wehrheim and Randy Bates. They will be competing for eagle trophies in all events at the shoot. Results next week!     Next on the schedule is the Jack Moss Memorial, July 19-22, and the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms shoot Aug. 4.     Meanwhile, come out to Bandera and try some 5-stand sporting clays on Saturday Afternoons and ... "Git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published June 7, 2007    It just keeps getting hotter. We're not just talking about the weather.     Some 39 shooters rolled into Bandera for the 12 gauge Wednesday Fun Shoot and once again Randy Bates of San Antonio took the honors, and the money, with a 48/50 score. Former world champion Tim Gallagher of San Antonio was the runner-up.     The combined AAA+AA+A class was won by Steve Skinner of San Antonio with Keith Howe of Boerne taking the runner-up spot. The B+Hunter class champion was Neal Hodges of Bandera with Scott Asher of Bandera taking the runner-up money. Next week is the 20 gauge.     The Wednesday Fun Shoot has been around for a number of years and it has introduced many talented shooters to the game of skeet. It's a great way to start someone who wants to learn the game, especially the younger folks. Some of the regular shooters are qualified instructors, and there are many very experienced shooters who are always ready to lend a hand.     The club also offers ranges for rifle and pistol shooters, and for trap shooters. A five-stand sporting clays range will be available in the near future. It will be set up on Saturday afternoons for those who want to practice.     You may want to start practicing with your pump gun and side-by-side for the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms shoot Aug. 4. The rules will be about the same as last year with the shooters required to use the "low gun" position and the targets launched from zero to three seconds after the call. This year we will define "low gun" as the top of the stock eight inches below the top of the shoulder. The gun cannot be moved until the bird is in the air or it becomes a lost target. Start practicing. A complete set of rules will be published in the near future.     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published June 7, 2007    J.M. is back! He used his Texas 'Longhorn Orange' Beretta to take the championship. The reason he won is Randy Bates didn't show up. It was a .410 day and the targets were difficult to say the least, but 22 shooters tried to break 'em all. The game was 25 regular skeet, 14 doubles and 11 sporting clays, which consisted of a pair from stations 6 through 2 plus one from station 1.     One target went across the center stake and the other shot straight out from near station 6 parallel with the low house fence. That made it about a 40+ yard shot from the last two stations.  J.M. dropped one in regular skeet, one in the doubles, and two in sporting clays to post a 46.     Mitch Lawhon of Medina, our R.A.I.C - Resident Aggie In Charge - won the shoot-off in AAA+AA class. and Shawn Scott of San Antonio was runner-up. The B+Hunter class champion was Lance Babbitt of Pipe Creek and the runner-up was Neal Hodges of Bandera.     Next week it's back to the big gun, so bring your 12 gauge and join us about 5 pm Wednesday afternoon for a great time in Bandera.     Mark you calender for the following upcoming events:     Saturday, June 9 - IDPA.  Mandatory shooter orientation at 8:30. Sign-up at 9:30 with the stages to follow. In case you are new to the sport, the IDPA stands for the International Defensive Pistol Association, and sets up "real world" scenarios for self-defense. No "competition only" equipment is used in IDPA. The events are arranged to promote skill and the ability of the individual using practical handguns and equipment. The group shoots on the second Saturday of each month here in Bandera.     July 19-22 - Skeet. The Jack Moss Memorial which will feature NSSA registered targets in all four gauges plus doubles. We will be pre-squading for this event so get your groups together. Entry forms will be available shortly.     August 4 - Fun. The Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms shoot. All the great Blue Bell you want and two 50 bird events, one for pump guns and the other for side-by-side double guns. Details to be published soon, but if you don't have a pump or a side-by-side there will be plenty of people who will loan you one.     So..... Come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published May 31, 2007    It's hard to beat a perfect score. Randy Bates of San Antonio shot a 28 gauge score of 50/50 in the Wednesday Fun Shoot to take the championship money.     The usual 25 regular skeet targets, 14 doubles and 11 sporting clays made up the game for 25 shooters. Shawn Scott (San Antonio) took the AAA class championship in the shoot-off and the runner-up was Mark Mishnick of Comfort. Class B+ Hunter went to Neal Hodges and the runner-up was Lance Babbitt.     Next week is the .410 bore, but bring what you have and have some fun.     J.M. is working to put together the fifth annual Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms Shoot Aug. 4. Plan to clean the dust and rust from your old Side-by-Side and Pump shotgun, and bring your hot weather appetite.     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and . . . "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published May 24, 2007    Thirty-six shooters for our last spring shoot of the year. The weather was just about perfect, with temperatures in the low 80s and none of the familiar gusting winds or downpours. Most Bandera regulars didn't know how to handle that. The usual great food was served on Saturday and Sunday – brisket, sausage and all the trimmings including Mary Clements homemade cobbler.     J.M. Clements, who owns the club, managed to edge out Sandy McPherson by one bird (484 to 483) to take the championship gold buckle. Sandy was awarded the runner-up silver buckle, and Shawn Scott, who was third place, received nothing (and from the looks of the official picture, wasn't too happy about it). He says he'll be ready next time. It was good to see John Martinez from Houston at the shoot. It was his first time in Bandera, and our first time to witness his unique (almost from the hip) shooting style.     And the winners were:     Doubles     Champion: J.M. Clements (Bandera) 97/100     Runner-Up: Keith Howe (Boerne) 95/100     Third-Place: Babette Burley (Boerne) 95/100     12 Gauge     Champion: Gary Burley (Boerne) 100/100     Runner-Up: Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) 99/100     Third Place: Roz Howe (Boerne) 98/100     20 Gauge     Champion: Sam McAllister (San Antonio) 100/100     Runner-Up: John Martinez (Houston) 99/100     Third Place: J.M. Clements 99/100     28 Gauge     Champion: Shawn Scott (San Antonio) 99/100     Runner-Up: Sandy McPherson 99/100     Third Place: J.M. Clements 99/100     .410 Bore     Champion: Bill Tanner (Austin) 96/100     Runner-Up: Shawn Scott 95/100     Third Place: Keith Howe 94/100     HOA     Champion: Sandy McPherson 390/400     Runner-Up: Shawn Scott 388/400     Third Place: J.M. Clements 387/400     Since the Texas State Championships are held in June, our next registered shoot will be July 19-22, the Jack Moss Memorial. Also, plan to be here August fourth for the Blue Bell Ice Cream and Antique Firearms Shoot with two divisions: the "Corn Shucker" and the "Two-Holer." For you city folk that's "Pump Gun" and "Side-by-Side."     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published May 17, 2007    Two weeks of shooting to report this time.     The 12 gauge event, May 2, saw J.M. back in the winners circle with his Texas Orange longhorn gun. He was joined by AAA Class champion Cody Mills (Bandera), and B+Hunter class champion Scott Asher (Bandera). Mark Mishnick (Comfort) was runner-up in AAA class, and Gage Scott (San Antonio) was Hunter class runner-up.     Last week a number of shooters volunteered to help out at the Boy Scout fund-raiser at the National Shooting Complex. There were 244 registered for the event which consisted of 100 sporting clays targets. Thanks to the Bandera Gun Club members who gave a hand to this worthy event.     As a result of the conflict, there were only about a dozen who turned out for the 20 gauge event. Dick Jenkins (Helotes) turned in the winning score to claim the championship. The AAA+AA class was won by Mitch Lawhon wearing an A&M T-shirt with runner-up honors going to Bill Frazier (Boerne). The B+Hunter class champion was Rich Boenig (Pipe Creek) and runner-up was John Grill (Bandera).     The next big registered shoot will be May 17-20, the Bud Bell Memorial. Thursday will start registration and doubles. Friday will conclude doubles. Saturday will be 12 and 20 gauge followed Sunday with 28 and .410. There will be buckles for the HAA Champion and Runner-Up. The usual good food will be served Saturday and Sunday, and the entry fees are still $25 per event or $125 for everything. You can warm up for this shoot by joining us Wednesday evening with your 28 gauge for the Wednesday Fun Shoot. $12 dollars gets you into the game, everyone is in the shoot-off and you may even win some money.     The Texas State Skeet Championships are in Waco in June and our next Bandera shoot after that will be July 19-22. J.M. says he will be advance squadding this one as a trial. Then comes the Blue Bell Ice Cream & Antique Firearms shoot Aug. 4. There will be a pump gun event and a side-by-side event, and an HOA winner for those who enter both. More details will follow.     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published May 3, 2007    The Longhorns win again. This time it was Randy Bates from San Antonio who led the way with a 28 gauge score of 48/51. The other Longhorn, J.M. Clements, showed up along with 22 other shooters. Those Aggie shooters will have to get busy if they hope to recoup their honor. The game consisted of 25 regular skeet targets, 14 doubles and 11 sporting clays, and the sporting clays were really sporty with the wind gusting at about 20 MPH.     And the winners were:     Champion: Randy Bates (San Antonio)     AAA+AA     Champion: James Fierros (Devine)     Runner-Up: Shawn Scott (San Antonio)     B+ Hunter Class     Champion: Gage Scott (Shawn's Son) - Welcome to B Class Gage.     Runner-Up: Scott Asher (Bandera)     Next week is the 'Lil Gun - .410 bore - but if you don't have one, come on out anyway and join the fun crowd with whatever gauge you have.     The next registered shoot in memory of a great Texas shooter and person, Bud Bell, will be held May 17-20. Make your plans now to attend.     The Texas State Championships are in Waco in June, and as we understand it, the Waco club is selling part of the property next year so this may be the last year it is held there. Hope you can make it.     Meanwhile, come on out to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published April 19, 2007    "His Royal Longhohnness" J.M. Clements is back! You know him as the guy with the TEXAS ORANGE shotgun. The "Cowboy Capital", our third registered shoot of the year, wrapped up with J.M. winning the championship HAA Buckle with a score of 481/500. Keith Howe (Boerne) came in as Runner-Up, and Reese Nors (Pipe Creek) was third. Each will be sporting a new belt buckle from the Bandera Gun Club.     A total of 34 shooters braved the gusting winds which plagued the shoot Thursday through Saturday. Then came Sunday and we had near perfect weather for the wrap-up.     And the winners were:     DOUBLES     Champion:    J.M. Clements 99/100     Runner-Up:   Gary Burleigh (Boerne) 98/100     Third Place:  Keith Howe 96/100     12 GAUGE     Champion:    J.M. Clements 99/100     Runner-Up:   Carter Wehrheim (Boerne) 98/100     Third Place:  Sam McAllister (San Antonio) 97/100     20 GAUGE     Champion:    Reese Nors (Pipe Creek) 99/100     Runner-Up:   Mark Mishnick (Center Point) 98/100     Third Place:  Carter Wehrheim 97/100     28 GAUGE     Champion:    Carter Wehrheim 100/100     Runner-Up:    Babette Burleigh (Boerne) 98/100     Third Place:   Phil Nikel (Portland, TX) 98/100     .410 BORE     Champion:   Reese Nors 99/100     Runner-Up:   Carter Wehrheim 98/100     Third Place:  Roz Howe (Boerne) 95/100     HOA     Champion:   Carter Wehrheim 393/400     Runner-Up:   Reese Nors 388/400     Third Place:  Robert Kline (Bandera) 383/400     HAA     Champion:  J.M. Clements (Bandera) 481/500     Runner-Up:  Keith Howe 477/500     Third Place:  Reese Nors 475/500     The usual great food included: Roast Beef, Taters, Green Beans, Salad, Lots more trimmins, and cobbler. Sunday was enchilada casserole, spanish rice, etc, topped off with brownies and more cobbler.     Last Wednesday 24 shooters made it out to the Fun Shoot. The winners were Reece Nors, Champion, Shawn Scott, AAA+AA1, and Zack Schmidt, B+Hunter1. Next Wednesday is 20 gauge night so load up and come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published April 5, 2007    Twenty-five shooters made it to Bandera for the 20 gauge event at the Wednesday Fun Shoot. Most were warming up for the Toni Ann Rogers Spring Extravaganza and Kids & Clays at the National Shooting Complex to benefit the Ronald McDonald Foundation.     The game was 25 regular skeet targets and 26 reverse doubles for a total of 51 targets. Reverse doubles are more difficult since you have to shoot the further target first. This lets the normally close target be way out there in the south-forty before you get to shoot at it.     Mike Oliver, a world champion skeet shooter from Helotes, demonstrated to a field of "heavy hitters" that he could break 'em all in doubles the hard way. However, he missed four regular skeet targets on station six for a total of 47. We've lost track of how many 100 straights Mike has recorded in regular skeet, but station six eluded him this week. Other positions were decided in shoot-offs.     Champion – Mike Oliver, Helotes     AAA1 – Shawn Scott, San Antonio     AAA2 – Babette Burley, formerly of England, buy now Boerne by way of China, Switzerland, California and Florida     AAA3 – Billy Williams, Montana     CLASS B1 – Bill Frazier, Boerne     Hunter Class – Scott Asher, Bandera     Some of the other "heavy hitters" who shot, but not quite good enough, included Reese Nors, Dennis Gates, Carter Wehrheim, Steve Skinner and James "I got ‘em all last week, so what happened?" Fierros. A total of 15 of the 25 shooters were in Bandera AAA Class.     Scott Asher just started a couple of weeks ago and when he took the skeet-bait, he swallowed hook, line, sinker and all. He's awaiting the arrival of a tube set for his shotgun so he can enter all four gauges. He's almost ready. Now all he needs are 12, 20, 28 and .410 gauge reloaders, a bunch of shot and powder, a toe pad for his shoes, a glove for his left hand, 12 colors of shooting glasses – minimum – and a custom belt and pouch. You're almost there, Scott! Next week will be 28 gauge, but if you don't have one, bring whatever you do have and come on out to Bandera to … "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."     The 28-gauge event Wednesday, March 21, was held in Seattle, Wash. At least the weather felt like the Pacific Northwest, heavy clouds with wind and misting rain and temperatures in the 60s. Twenty-one shooters braved the conditions to shoot 25 regular skeet targets, seven pair of doubles, and 11 sporting clay targets.     The sporting clay game featured a low "worm burner" which passed about two feet over the center stake followed by a bouncing rabbit. Steve Skinner (famed one-armed shooter from San Antonio) missed one target in the doubles and one in sporting clays for a total of 49 out of 51 to take the championship.     The other winners were ...     AAA+A CLASS     Champion: Robert Kline (Bandera)     Runner-up: Bill Frazier (Boerne)     B+HUNTER CLASS     Champion: Scott Asher (Bandera) - Welcome to "B" Class Scott.     Runner-up: Bill Baker (Castroville) - a new shooter who will be back for more fame and fortune.     Next week is the .410 bore if you have one. If not bring your favorite and join us anyway.     The next registered shoot is one of the big one of the year, the Cowboy Capital which is scheduled for April 12-15. The usual great food will be on the tables Saturday and Sunday, and there will be buckles for HAA Champion, Runner-up and Third Place.     Come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published March 22, 2007    Five and a half inches of rain caused the grass to turn green, the creeks to rise, and the skeet shooters to leave their wintertime reloading tables to start off the Wednesday Fun Shoots for 2007. We weren't scheduled to start until next week, but the rain brought them out for the 12 gauge event early.     James Fierros, from Devine, must have been saving up all winter. He took the championship with a perfect score of 51x51 which consisted of 25 regular skeet targets and 26 doubles. He gets to move into the AAA class with all the rest of the shooting greats from the club.     We had three new shooters Wednesday. Scott and Dillon Asher from Bandera, and Gage Scott (is everybody named Scott?) from San Antonio. We also were joined by a AAA shooter from England, Robert Whitehead.     Here are the results:     AAA CLASS     Champion: J.M. Clements (Bandera)     Runner-Up: Don Dial (Pipe Creek)     HUNTER CLASS     Champion: Gage Scott (San Antonio)     Runner-Up: Dillon Asher (Bandera)     We will officially start next Wednesday at about 4 pm or so. Bring the family and your shotgun and join us. The event will be the 20 gauge, but bring whatever you have and come on out to Bandera and ... "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."     Weekend Shooting Results     Sunshine, wind and mist didn't interfere with the perfect scores at the Fred Smith Memorial shoot in Bandera. Seventh grader (just turned 13) Sean Hammer from San Antonio shot his first perfect 100 in the 20-gauge event Saturday against a field of world class shooters. He then turned around and followed it up with his first 100 in the 28-gauge event Sunday which earned him a lifetime membership in the Bandera Gun Club.     Needless to say his fingers were trembling as he loaded his final two shells at station 8 both days, but in this case youth and skill did overcome old age and treachery, and the bad news for all the Bandera wannabe winners is that he will be back for the Wednesday afternoon league, but J.M. says he will not be in hunter class! Tradition calls for shooting the hat of the shooter who runs his first perfect score, and he cost the club two hats which were shot into several pieces, but which he wore for the rest of the weekend.     Sean did not shoot the only perfect score. There were three 100 x 100 in the 12-gauge event, and two more in the 28-gauge. There were a couple of dozen other shooters who came up with at least that many excuses for not being in the top six. The Aggies did show up with a lot of pressure from His Royal Longhorness, JM Clements. Bryan Boehme, who shot during the day and spent the nights moving to College Station, shot another pair of 100 straights.     Here are the winners: In Case of a tie the winners are determined by a shoot off at stations 3,4 & 5.     DOUBLES     Champion: Steve Skinner (San Antonio) 96 x 100     Runner-up: J.M. Clements (Bandera) 96 x 100     Third Place: Bryan Boehme (College Station) 93 x 100     12 GAUGE     Champion: Bryan Boehme 100 x 100     Runner-Up: Robert Whitehead (Northhamptionshire, England) 100 x 100     Third Place: Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) 100 x 100     20 GAUGE     Champion: Sean Hammer 100 x 100     Runner-Up: Bryan Boehme 98 x 100     Third Place: J.M. Clements     28 GAUGE     Champion: Sean Hammer 100 x 100     Runner-Up: Bryan Boehme 100 x 100     Third Place: Mike Brazil (Floresville) 99 x 100     .410 BORE     Champion: Mike Brazil (Floresville) 96 x 100     Runner-Up: Robert Kline (Bandera)     Third Place: Ray Tozier (Sharronville, Ohio) 94 x 100     HIGH OVER ALL (All gages excluding doubles)     Champion: Bryan Boehme 388 x 400     Runner-Up: Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) 388 x 400     Third Place: J.M. Clements 384 x 400     HIGH ALL AROUND (All gages including doubles) AND WINNER OF THE HAA BELT BUCKLE     Champion: Bryan Boehme 481 x 500     Runner-Up: J.M. Clements 480 x 500     Third Place: Sandy McPherson 479 x 500     The usual good food, and after hours party with refreshments and even a cigar now and then provided a good time for all.     The next registered shoot will be the Cowboy Capital April 12-16 with buckles for HAA Champion, Runner-Up, and Third.     The Wednesday league shoots will continue every Wednesday afternoon starting at about 4 pm until dark until next November. If you are a new shooter just bring your shotgun, your family, and come on out to Bandera and "git-er-done @ 3-4-5."

Bandera Gun Club, Inc. Submitted by Jim Harris Published Feb. 8, 2007    The 2007 Skeet year actually started Nov. 1, but with the cold, wind and ice we didn't do much during the three months prior to February except light fires and scrape ice. Yes, it sometimes does freeze actual ice in South Texas.     We still kept some of the cold and wind for the first few days of the seventh annual Hal Davis Memorial shoot which ran Feb. 1-4. The 36 shooters shot at 13,700 targets and even broke many of them in conditions that ranged from windy and cold Thursday and Friday, to almost tollerable Saturday, to 70 degrees and clear Sunday.     The shooter who broke the most to take the HAA (High All Around) gold buckle was Shawn Scott from San Antonio. He fired a perfect 100 in the 12 gauge event and ended up with a 486/500.     The HAA Runner-Up silver buckle was won by Jim Harris, the vetern (older'n dirt) shooter who writes this stuff. He managed to whop-up on HRL (His Royal Longhorness) J.M. Clements by one target. Even so, J.M. manage to beat up on the A&M crowd. We also welcome Sub-Junior new shooter Zack Schmidt to the ranks of the pros.     Here are the results:     12 GAUGE     Champion - Shawn Scott (San Antonio) 100/100     Runner Up - Reece Nors (Pipe Creek) 98/100     3rd Place - John Henry, Jr.Lake Hills) 98/98     20 GAUGE     Champion - Reece Nors 99/100     Runner Up - J.M. Clements (Bandera) 98/100     3rd Place - Don Snyder (San Antonio) 98/100     28 GAUGE     Champion - Roz Howe (Boerne) 99/100     Runner Up - Don Snyder 98/100     3rd Place - Shawn Scott 98/100     .410 BORE     Champion - Mike Brazzell (Floresville) 97/100     Runner Up - Shawn Scott 96/100     3rd Place - Sandy McPherson (San Antonio) 96/100     DOUBLES     Champion - Shawn Scott 97/100     Runner Up - Sandy McPherson 95/100     3rd Place - James Fierros (Devine) 94/100     HIGH OVERALL (12 - 20 - 28 -410)     Champion - Don Snyder 391/400     Runner Up - Shawn Scott 389/400     3rd Place - Reece Nors 384/400     HIGH ALL AROUND (12 - 20 - 28 - 410 - Doubles)     Champion - Shawn Scott 486/500     Runner Up - Jim Harris (Pipe Creek) 475/500     3rd Place - Sandy McPherson 475/500     Ties are shot-off with doubles at stations 3-4-5 unless somebody like Sandy leaves before the shoot-off and lets some old gray haired, blind shoorter win by default.     Saturday and Sunday Mary Clements and Tandy Mansfield provided the chow. Anyone who didn't make the shoot missed out on some really fine groceries and some great cobbler, so make note of the next shoot and plan to be here. The Fred Smith Memorial is scheduled for March 15-18, and yes, John Henry, Jr. and James Fierros, JM has plans to fix that broken station 4 before you have to miss on it again.     We will be starting our Wednesday Fun Shoots again starting March 21 so call your friends and come on out to Bandera and ...     "Git-er-done @ 3-4-5."