Hi everyone. I am writing this as the third winter storm is about ready to hit us in the month of February. I can tell you my quota of snow shoveling is met and I am sick of this weather. I am ready for blue skies and trap targets flying in the air again.
I have a couple of milestones to mention. William Aschemann has shot 25,000 Handicap targets and Sue Staker has shot 25,000 Doubles targets. Congratulation to both of you upon reaching these accomplishments.
I was sorry to see that Ronald Smith passed away. Ron was a good man and friend and will be missed by all of us.
I am very excited to tell you about a new award the ISTA will be awarding to Illinois shooters. Currently you can be either an All-Stater, or All-American, or both depending upon where you shoot and how much you shoot. In both cases, you have to shoot all three disciplines well, and shoot a lot of targets. This is great, but what about the person that shoots only one or two disciplines? Or shoots all three, but only one or two well? They will not receive any recognition for their efforts. The ISTA will now be handing out at the state meeting High Average certificates to shooters who are not All-Staters or All-Americans, but are listed in the ATA average book for carrying a high average in one or more disciplines. With Covid, shell prices and entry fees, it is getting harder and harder to shoot as much as we would like. Now we can pat some people on the back who would not get that pat otherwise.
As soon as I get my 2021 average book, I will announce who these people are in my article so you can make plans to be at the annual meeting at the Illinois State Trapshoot to receive your certificates.
Spring is just around the corner so let's have a fun and safe 2022 shooting season.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate