What a Wonderful Weekend

[JAG]

GOT'ER Done!
What a cold wonderful weekend.
Had to share this with everyone.  This weekend, I took a young man, Chris M. Surtees, with me to an informal Trad. Shoot.  Chris is the son of one of my IBEP Instructors, Chris Surtees.  He is serving our country over in the Hot Sandbox.  Young Chris has just started shooting trad gear.  He' s doing good!
We call this shoot the Russ Dickson Memorial Shoot, after my good friend and Mentor. Here's the story.
Fri. afternoon, JAG met Larry and Chris to head up to the Russ Dickson Memorial Invite Shoot.
Hosted by Sterling and Krista Hollbrook.
Small bit of history: this started out as a rabbit hunt for a few of us die hards, after the deer season ended. After Russ got ALS and couldn't stomp the swamp anymore, it turned into an informal tournament. His last year with us, it was changed to the Russ Dickson Memorial Shoot. He even got to attend the first one! He had a ball! If he would have been there this weekend I know he would have approved! Heck I know he approved, I think I saw his Spirit in everyone there. He'd griped about some of the shots, but he'd had a ball. I just know he enjoyed watching Chris shoot and make a whole bunch of new friends.
The course was good. Food was good. Freinds were good. Fellowship was Wonderful.
Now down to the fun part.
Chris and JAG were in a dead heat! Down to the wire. Chris was holding his own. Ended in a dead tie! No scores will be mentioned!!!!!!!
Sterling does not allow any ties! No matter what place or who embaresses who! (the man has no heart) Sterling made a mark on the target! (too small to be seen) and then told JAG it was on the very front part of the bears' nose. (course I couldn't hardly see the bear, much less his nose) JAG let'er rip and I still contend I hit the speck on the bears nose!!! Sterling said it was a clean miss! He wasn't wearing his glasses....you know how blind umpires and the like are!
Well Chris steps up to the line. Man up Boy....(remember if you hit this thing, you're gonna need a ride back to Pensacola, Fl!)
Do you like to have someone bugging you and blowing in your ear as you're trying to make that "perfect shot"?..........................
Neither does Chris! Well after goofing off and complaining that someone in a Skunk Hat was messing with him, he FINALLY shot! Arrow hit the ground in front of the target and broke!!!!!
'Nother shoot of, Right? Wrong, point end of arrow rolled up an stuck in target. Chris declared Winner, by Sterling. (note to self:do not give judge pie, until after shoot-off)

We did have fun. Chris got his first lesson on how to knapp stone. Mr Bill Skinner show him and helped him get a point out of a rock!

We got up Sunday morning, cooked breakfast. Chris was supposed to help, but so goes the right of being the winner! He got to sleep a few moments longer. Then we headed back out a shot the course again.
Oh, I forgot to mention...we had running hogs, flying ducks, and a +50yd elk.
We both hated to say bye and head south. Good thing: Chris was welcomed at the fire of friendship, and was invited back, anytime!
Chris, thanks for going with me. (I would never make you look for a ride home!) (Well maybe if you beat me again) I enjoyed your company very much. You're welcome at my camp always.
Johnny

 
 

[vermonster13]

To much fun Johnny

[bacon]

What a great story.
Tim

[Mike Bolin]

From the looks of the photo, it's hard to tell who had the best time! Thanks for sharing-Mike

[Ray Hammond]

if Chris is anything like his Dad then he is a fine fellow.

[The Whittler]

Thanks for the pics and story. You made that young man very happy.

Alan

[Danny Rowan]

Outstanding!

Danny