Lethbridge Sporting Clay Shoot - July 2 and 3

[norskie]

As the title says - 200 registered targets on Saturday and 150 registered targets Sunday....

Event at the Lethbridge Fish and Game range in Lethbridge, and start time is 10AM sharp with registration starting at 9AM each day

We have some neat targets and terrain in the river valley - come and give it a try!

 

[Covey Ridge]

As the title says - 200 registered targets on Saturday and 150 registered targets Sunday....

Event at the Lethbridge Fish and Game range in Lethbridge, and start time is 10AM sharp with registration starting at 9AM each day

We have some neat targets and terrain in the river valley - come and give it a try!

How much for the 200 registered?

 

[NZClaybuster]

$150 for the Saturday, (sorry I am late posting, but I didn't know till I got there. Targets were GREAT!!!, Lunch was Dirty Bird (cmon guys, this is feed lot country, scrounge up some burgers or steaks)
BIG round of applause for another well organised shoot.
We need more shooters at this shoot, too good a facility to waste.
J

 

[norskie]

$150 for the Saturday, (sorry I am late posting, but I didn't know till I got there. Targets were GREAT!!!, Lunch was Dirty Bird (cmon guys, this is feed lot country, scrounge up some burgers or steaks)
BIG round of applause for another well organised shoot.
We need more shooters at this shoot, too good a facility to waste.
J

I apologize immensely for the lunch - but in all fairness to the fellow organizing, the caterer stiffed him last minute, so it was KFC.

If you attended the meal for a 15 dollar pittance on Saturday night - you would have been treated to a 10 oz (or larger) strip loin steak and a spread that was referred to as "the best meal at a clay shooting event ever" by a couple of participants... Not to mention door prizes, a silent auction and ice cold beverages.

I would like to personally thank all of those who supported us this year, and as J mentioned if we do not see an increase in folks it may not happen again. It would be a shame - we do have some of the neatest terrain around, and try to use it to make some interesting targets - things you won't see anywhere else in the Province.

Thanks again

Norskie

 

[Covey Ridge]

How many attended this shoot?
With the cost of most registered sporting shoots being in the range of $145.00 or more and the econonmy, I would not expect a very high turn out. I would like to see more non registered fun shoots that made an honest effort to include hunters and weekend warriors and not just cater to the very competative and those with funds to burn. With the formation of the new Canadian Assocaition I do not see prices being more reasonable or attendance at registered sporting events going up.

 

[fukenehh]

is this open every day? what are the hours? sence brooks closed i need a new home

 

[norskie]

How many attended this shoot?
With the cost of most registered sporting shoots being in the range of $145.00 or more and the econonmy, I would not expect a very high turn out. I would like to see more non registered fun shoots that made an honest effort to include hunters and weekend warriors and not just cater to the very competative and those with funds to burn. With the formation of the new Canadian Assocaition I do not see prices being more reasonable or attendance at registered sporting events going up.

We tried that gig last year on the Sunday. We had a 26 shooter turnout for 200 registered targets and around 15 - 20 for a 100 fun targets on Sunday (30 bucks)

This year we thought maybe both days registered would attract more out of towners and we had 34 Saturday and 20 on Sunday. In all fairness Saturday was very hot/humid and we lost at least 5 because of it.

I agree it would be great and to be honest I don't care about registered targets - but the local support is pathetic. We had a fellow bring his boys down, and they left stating it was too expensive. The same folks take advantage of Thursday night youth shooting where ammo and targets are supplied by the club. He is a professional in town, so I know he could have paid the half priced entry for his boys to support us....


Watch for fun shoots in the future, it may be the way the club rolls.

 

[norskie]

is this open every day? what are the hours? sence brooks closed i need a new home

No, we only put that type of shoot on once a year - the setup and planning takes a very long time.

That being said, if you want to pound some targets, there is a trap league, skeet league and a Thursday night drop in sporting clay deal where a few throwers are set in always changing locales. The cost is very reasonable - 5 bucks a round.

Norskie

 

[norskie]

How many attended this shoot?
With the cost of most registered sporting shoots being in the range of $145.00 or more and the econonmy, I would not expect a very high turn out. I would like to see more non registered fun shoots that made an honest effort to include hunters and weekend warriors and not just cater to the very competative and those with funds to burn. With the formation of the new Canadian Assocaition I do not see prices being more reasonable or attendance at registered sporting events going up.

Oh and another thing Covey - the fun shoots do exist now: Crowsnest Pass on Sunday, Mossleigh on Sunday etc.

But you are right on the money - with costs rising and a slow economy it is pricey.

 

[Covey Ridge]

norskie,

Last year Mossleigh charged a very reasonable $105.00/200 registered and Blairmore charged a very reasonable $120/200 registered. I was there.

 

[norskie]

norskie,

Last year Mossleigh charged a very reasonable $105.00/200 registered and Blairmore charged a very reasonable $120/200 registered. I was there.

I was at both as well.

We do have some additional costs - we have to "rent" our entire range (It is around $50 per range per day or about 350 per day and we also rented the softball complex across the way for camping - liquor is not permitted on our range) That is 1100 bucks expense neither the CNP or Mossleigh would conceivably have. divide it by 45 shooters approx both days and you get about 25 dollars. We also had many additional expenses, and tried to make sure we were not going to lose to badly - nothing would kill our chances of subsequent events quicker than taxing the Fish and game club with shortfalls.


I really enjoy the CNP and Mossleigh - they are great events that are reasonably priced and you always get fed well.

And I wonder how the first and second year shoots at these places were?

 

[salter]

Norskie

I wouldnt give up on your event just yet. If you attracted 34 shooters for the Sat registered shoot, I would say you were quite successful. We managed to get to a measly 22 shooters for our last event and considering the work that goes into organizing and setting up the event it is hardly worthwhile. We had mostly sunshine for the weekend while at Beverhill they managed to attract almost 60 shooters in the rain.

We try and keep our pricing in the range of .60/.65 cents per target, we have more variety in targets than I have seen elsewhere and the prizes and meals are great. Part of the problem is that there are two events almost every weekend so attendance is split. Good for shooters, not so good for the organizers. We had previously committed to attend the Kamloops shoot, otherwise we would have been at your shoot.

Regarding registered vs fun shoots, it seems attendance is higher if it is a registered shoot. Not sure why that is but its a fact and overall, the cost of the shoot has very little to do with attendance as long as you put on a good event.

 

[norskie]

Norskie

I wouldnt give up on your event just yet. If you attracted 34 shooters for the Sat registered shoot, I would say you were quite successful. We managed to get to a measly 22 shooters for our last event and considering the work that goes into organizing and setting up the event it is hardly worthwhile. We had mostly sunshine for the weekend while at Beverhill they managed to attract almost 60 shooters in the rain.

We try and keep our pricing in the range of .60/.65 cents per target, we have more variety in targets than I have seen elsewhere and the prizes and meals are great. Part of the problem is that there are two events almost every weekend so attendance is split. Good for shooters, not so good for the organizers. We had previously committed to attend the Kamloops shoot, otherwise we would have been at your shoot.

Regarding registered vs fun shoots, it seems attendance is higher if it is a registered shoot. Not sure why that is but its a fact and overall, the cost of the shoot has very little to do with attendance as long as you put on a good event.

Thanks for that Salter. Nice to get some encouraging feedback too!

We understand the splitting of shooters - one of the reasons we had chose the long weekend....

I think the cost is a factor though - but our reality is we will never compete with small town clubs that have lower overhead. I do know folks who shot at Brooks who returned sparingly after going there and paying almost a dollar a bird. I think if we can stay around 150 bucks for a 200 bird shoot we can make it work. Word is spreading fast as to the uniqueness of our layout and the terrain and birds we throw. I know there were a group of 4 of us who spent a couple full days positioning and setting targets. That should be worth something!

Where are you from, or where was the 22 shooter attendance?

Norskie

 

[Covey Ridge]

norski,
34 shooters is not bad. The last shoot at Silver Willow only had 19. Weatheer was a factor there. What I found intetresting is that over half of that number were master shooters and the next highest number were the AAs. Hardly any lower class shooters.

As far as reqistered shoots attacting more is because they are usually on the saturday of the two day shoot and registered shooters often are the only ones that know of the shoot. Low shoot numbers seem to be the norm this year. I would expect numbers to be low with the exception of the next Mossleigh shoot which will cost about $110.00 followed by a fun shoot that will be quite a bit cheaper.

 

[norskie]

norski,
34 shooters is not bad. The last shoot at Silver Willow only had 19. Weatheer was a factor there. What I found intetresting is that over half of that number were master shooters and the next highest number were the AAs. Hardly any lower class shooters.

As far as reqistered shoots attacting more is because they are usually on the saturday of the two day shoot and registered shooters often are the only ones that know of the shoot. Low shoot numbers seem to be the norm this year. I would expect numbers to be low with the exception of the next Mossleigh shoot which will cost about $110.00 followed by a fun shoot that will be quite a bit cheaper.

You bring up an interesting point - I would say that the guys in the top classes usually love it to death, and they will make an effort to get out. I would love to see more shooters from any class.

The reason that there will be so many at Mossleigh is that once you have had roast beef Frank has cooked you will make the effort to come back - the fact he slices it about 2 inches thick doesn't hurt either!

Is that fun shoot a Pump gun shoot Covey?

Norskie

 

[Covey Ridge]

Norskie,

Last year the fun shoot was an all gauge, all gun type of event. The smaller the gauge, the more points you were spotted and pump actions were also given a point spot. Last year the winner shot a 20 o/u and the year before that a .410 won.

I am not sure about the top classes loving it more. In past years when all shoots were around 15 squads, all the lower classes from E to A were all represented.

 

[norskie]

Norskie,

Last year the fun shoot was an all gauge, all gun type of event. The smaller the gauge, the more points you were spotted and pump actions were also given a point spot. Last year the winner shot a 20 o/u and the year before that a .410 won.

I am not sure about the top classes loving it more. In past years when all shoots were around 15 squads, all the lower classes from E to A were all represented.

Well I haven't ran the stats - but my guess is to get into the top classes you are shooting more targets (generally). This could be from loving it or having money to burn as you suggest.

I have also been shooting a fair amount of years now - and have noticed any of the guys with a few years in progressing up the scale. If anything I would say our recruitment has become somewhat stagnant.... I did notice shooters that were in c and d classes a couple of years ago now shooting A and AA class.

That small gauge shoot sounds fun - I hope I can make it.

Norskie

 

[cmcconnell]

First, I would like to say I was there and it was a great event! Great targets and a great dinner. 34 shooters at your second event on a long weekend back to back with another shoot is pretty good.

I do know folks who shot at Brooks who returned sparingly after going there and paying almost a dollar a bird.

I don't remember Brooks ever costing that much - I seem to remember $145. IIRC the target was ~$70/100, which was very similar to everybody else in the province (besides Mossliegh and CNP). Also, you have to consider what you get for that money. 25 Stations with 2 Autos at each aren't cheap to set up and maintain.

The most I have ever paid was $180 at Beaverhill.

 

[norskie]

First, I would like to say I was there and it was a great event! Great targets and a great dinner. 34 shooters at your second event on a long weekend back to back with another shoot is pretty good.



I don't remember Brooks ever costing that much - I seem to remember $145. IIRC the target was ~$70/100, which was very similar to everybody else in the province (besides Mossliegh and CNP). Also, you have to consider what you get for that money. 25 Stations with 2 Autos at each aren't cheap to set up and maintain.

The most I have ever paid was $180 at Beaverhill.

I was including the cost of a cart (25 bucks) and the pay to play options (like the "special bird" etc. No doubt the setup cost was high.

From what I am seeing the trend may be for less registered targets and more "fun" shoots to mitigate some of the cost.

Glad you enjoyed the Lethbridge shoot.

 

[cmcconnell]

Yes - including the cart and options make it close to $1/target. I do know for a fact that the club was operating at a loss on the carts.

Fun shoots over registered - I have shot in many of each. Other than the slight price difference, I don't see much benefit to the Fun shoot route. A lot of the fun shoots end up being fund-raisers for something else - with silent and live auctions, raffles, elimination draws etc - all designed to part me from my money.

I am not saying you are wrong, but my preference leans towards the registered...