Hi Baxter,
Yonderin and I was just jawin about an event which was held in Pincher Creek, Alberta (Canada) over the long weekend in July. It was our (myself and better half) first full event, and was a wonderful experience. We had no idea what to expect as we hooked up the “tin teepee” and started the 6 hour drive. Upon arrival we were greeted by the friendliest group you’ll ever find, shown where we could set up for the weekend, given clearance to enjoy the target range (better half needed to sight in her newly acquired rifle) and invited to join a group campfire for the evening, where the finer details of what to expect, etc. were clarified to us.
Day 1 started off with the prerequisite safety details, explanation of targets and questions answered. Targets ranged from 25 to 110 yards, all free hand and mostly steel in nature (some golf balls, cd’s, etc hung from strings). Simple format; form a line, take your shot and if a hit, collect your bead. No second tries. This was done throughout the day. The day ended with a bbq supper supplied by the host club, with some potluck thrown in. Surprising how a day in the sun can tire one so much, and after cleaning guns it was sack time!
Day 2, same format but with the addition of some BPCR shooting as well as clay pigeons for smoothbore. Day ended with a team “stake shoot” competition, with my team placing second.
Day 3 was just a morning shoot “mountain man walk” whereas you had to collect your meat (2 rabbit targets at 60 & 75 yds), your veggies (a potato and a carrot hung by string at 25 yds) and “defend” yourself (a cream can hung at 65 yds), all inside 10 minutes and loading from the bag. Then you were required to set a trap, sink the hawk in the target, knife as well and build a fire with flint/steel (under a minute, just get flame in the tinder bundle). We all started with 13 beads on a lanyard and each time you missed, or failed, a bead was broken. You must complete each step before moving on. Run out of beads, your done. One who finishes with most beads left is the “winner” (although that was quite the “trophy”!). I did not finish, never thrown a knife before really did me in. Completed everything else with 11 beads remaining, never stuck the knife. NOW the better half.... well... 10 beads remaining after completion. Not sure if she was batting eyelashes at her judge or what?!? Lol
Walk