Elissa Notebook

Elissa's
Notebook

April 15, 2008

Elissa's Notebook

Archives:

Apr. to Dec. 2007

   I am so glad to be a part of trapshooting, an activity that so many families enjoy together.
   Recently I heard from Pam Walker of Colleyville, Texas, whose daughter Virginia wrote a paper about her trapshooting family for an anthropology class. Here are some excerpts from her paper that I found particularly interesting.
   “We have always been a trapshooting family. When we were little, my parents would take my sister and me to the local trapshooting range, and we would be looked after by various friends of the family while our parents shot trap. Eventually, when we were old enough, we joined them on the trapfield. We are a trapshooting family. It has been a major part of my upbringing, who I am, and most importantly, helps define my relationship with my family.
   “My family has always been very vocal in expressing our love and support for each other. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Trapshooting is one of the ways that my family can express their love and need for each other without the use of words.”

Harlan Campbell Sr. and Jr. attended the Spring Grand together in February.

Thanks, Pam, for sharing this with us.
   Recently Harlan Campbell Sr. accompanied his son to the Spring Grand. Not surprisingly, JR collected numerous trophies, including the doubles and all-around titles, while Harlan Sr. earned B runnerup honors in the class twins. Harlan Jr. was introduced to the sport by his dad when he was seven years old, and the four-time All-American captain says his dad has been the most influential person for him in the sport. In an interview I did with Harlan several years ago, he said, “My dad gave me very good working basics—something that would allow me to shoot any place, anywhere and compete well.”
   I will be attending the Great Lakes Grand next month and am bringing my daughter Avery along. It will be her first trapshoot, and I’m looking forward to introducing her to the great people in this sport. She’s already asking if she can try shooting.
   Now that spring weather is arriving, take the opportunity to enjoy a day at the gun club with your family.
   Let me know about your trapshooting family at elissa@trapandfield.com.

Sean Hawley completed his long run in doubles at the Spring Grand. He celebrated Friday night, taking the dance floor with Callie Dixon, daughter of fellow All-American Leah Larkin-Dixon.

Jim Hughes shows off his new clay target tattoo that he got during the Spring Grand.

After the shoot concluded Sunday, I took a drive through Saguaro National Park, which is just a few miles from Tucson T&SC. I recommend that everyone check out the beautiful scenery is this park the next time you’re in Tucson. Saguaro National Park celebrates its 75th anniversary this Saturday. Go to www.nps.gov/sagu/ to find out more.

I love hearing from everyone around the country. E-mail me at (elissa@trapandfield.com) to let me know what’s going on at your club.

February 29, 2008

Despite freezing rain on the day I flew out, I made it to Tucson for the Spring Grand and enjoyed some nice warm weather.

Congratulations to all the champions, which included Missouri ATA Delegate Karrol Hillebrand, singles; Gene Bibb, handicap; Harlan Campbell Jr., doubles and all-around; and Ray Stafford, HOA.

Also, a big congratulations to Sean Hawley for completing a record-setting long run in doubles of 1,130. Watch for the April issue to find out more about these shooters’ achievements.

I got the opportunity to talk to many shooters while I was in Tucson, including Jim and Jaimie Hughes of Washington. Jim decided to show his enthusiasm for the sport by getting a clay target tattoo on his leg during the tournament, and Jaimie collected two handicap awards at the Spring Grand.

I also met Darrel and Marilyn Miller of Kansas. Marilyn showed me a quilt she made with trapshooting T-shirts. It fits perfectly on the bed in their motorhome. What a great idea for using those shirts we all collect at shoots!

Marilyn Miller displays the quilt she made using trapshooting T-shirts she has collected during her travels.

Next time you visit Tucson T&SC, take the opportunity to check out the scenery in nearby Saguaro National Park

February 21, 2008

   I’m heading to Tucson tomorrow for the Spring Grand—hopefully. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather system moving into Indiana doesn’t ruin my plans.
   Sub-juniors Colton Kant and Cole Mitchell took the top spots in last year’s Handicap Championship. We’ll all be keeping an eye on these young shooters this year.
   Beaudry RV will be on the grounds again along with Bruce Bowen, Della McClure and several other advertisers. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.
   Check back next week to find out all the news from Tucson. Good shooting!

January 8, 2008

Redlands’ (Cal.) New Year’s Shoot was a success, with 30 squads competing on the tournament’s biggest day. Shooters came from Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and Canada in addition to all parts of California. The club sponsored a tri-tip dinner one evening for shooters and their guests.
   Sean Hawley broke 100 in Friday’s doubles to continue his long run, which now stands at 900+. Good shooting, Sean!
   There were 14 100s in Saturday’s feature singles (six of them by veterans). Everyone decided to draw rather than shootoff, and Al Yapelli was the lucky winner.
   I also heard a rumor about someone breaking 100 straight while shooting in bunny slippers. I’ll have to check my sources on that one.
   Let me know what’s happening at your club. E-mail me at elissa@trapandfield.com.

ATA members Tammy Webb, Shed Doyle and Rick Webb participated in the Santa Suit Shoot. “Santa Tammy” earned high-gun honors with 25 straight.

December 28, 2007

I hope everyone had a great Christmas this year! I enjoyed my time with family and friends and trust you did too.

Androscoggin Fish & Game in Auburn, Maine, celebrated the holiday by holding their first Santa Suit Shoot Dec. 23. Six shooting Santas participated, with Tammy Webb breaking 25 straight for top honors. The club plans to make the Santa Suit Shoot an annual event, so keep this fun day in mind for next year. A new member of the ATA family, Androscoggin F&G will hold their first registered tournaments in 2008. Welcome! Watch for their dates in T&F’s Shoot Directory.

Happy New Year to everyone! I look forward to all the great things to come next year! Let me know what your club has planned for 2008 at elissa@trapandfield.com.

The New Year’s Shoot at Redlands (Cal.) T&SR begins today. I’ll be back soon to let you know all the happenings.

Six shooting Santas took the line at Androscoggin Fish & Game’s Santa Suit Shoot, which the club plans to make an annual event.

December 11, 2007

Be sure to check out the December issue to find out about the effort put forth to get the 1911 Grand American Handicap champion medal, won by Harvey Dixon, into the Trapshooting Hall of Fame. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. More than 50 people donated to help with this purchase. Also, thanks to Hall of Fame director Kenny Ray Estes. Kenny was honored as ATA Volunteer of the Year at the 2007 Grand and is a great asset to our sport.

To find out more on how to contribute and help preserve our sport, contact Tami Daniel at the Hall of Fame at 937-898-4638, Ext. 528 or tdaniel@shootata.com.

Tami Daniel

Trapshooting Hall of Fame
Office Coordinator

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