Updated: October 04, 2012

News and Notes

This page will be used to present news and info of general interest for New Hampshire

Shooters. If you have something to post here just send an email with the information!

Click here to send an email: tomaini@comcast.net

2012 National Trap Day

October 4, 2012-Peterborough, NH

This Sunday the 7th of October Peterborough Sportsman's Club will host their last registered shoot of the calendar year. 10 AM start.

This shoot will recognize National Trapshooting Day and we will give out NTD attendance pins.

Trophys for high gun in each event will be cash awards this year.

Program for the PSC shoots is attached.

Please plan to attend.

Thank you for your past support of the PSC registered trap program.

Doug Whiton

Please click on shell box for full program

10/4/2012

President Felipe Garcia, speaking for the officers, has announced that the NHCTA will provide a free lunch at this shoot as a small token of thanks to you our shooters and to you our member clubs for your continued support in 2012. Only you, through your continuing participation will keep our sport viable in the future.

VTSS Pictures

Click on the URL below to view the pictures Jason Green sent along from

the 2012 VT SS.

https://picasaweb.google.com/104971031688368229890/20120617VermontStateShoot?authkey=Gv1sRgCMzUqPq7ntinMQ&feat=email

                    MASS Pictures

Click on the URL below to view the pictures Jason Green sent along from

the 2012 MA SS.

https://picasaweb.google.com/104971031688368229890/20120609MassachusettsStateShoot?authkey=Gv1sRgCP7Q_ayp9rzYgQE&feat=email

         ~Emile Rocheleiu~2012

The NHCTA was saddened to hear of Emile's passing reported by

Vice-President Dan Madden. If more details are received we will report

 them here.

WINCHESTER AA REBATE

http://www.winchester.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/special-offers/

2012 Summer AA Promotion Redemption Form - FINAL.pdf

                Reclaimed Shot

Robinson Ranch Trap & Skeet Club (Dunellen, FL) recently had their fields skimmed for shot by an outfit called "Lead Us Reclaim, LLC" out of Augusta, WI. FYI, if you've never seen the equipment involved, here are some pictures you might find interesting.

The unit in the first few pictures is a sort of "lead sled" that is pushed through the shotfall area were it scoops up the top soil and pellets and returns the soil to its original state while filtering out the lead by running it over a vibrating sieve that has holes sized to stop anything over the diameter of a 7 1/2 pellet. During this dredging operation a powerful air blower causes air to remove most extraneous debris. The equipment in the next to last picture consists of a gas powered cement mixer and a gas powered air blower used in the final cleaning and graphiting process. Here the shot is first tumbled in the air flow and then, without air, graphite is introduced into the tumbler. The 55 gallon drum contains raw shot. I'm guessing on the recovery figures since the facilities were done a couple of years ago but IMHO 50 tons would be possible. Since reclaimed shot is going for $1/# that's $100,000 to be split between the club and the reclaimer at some agreeded to ratio. Most shooters are happy using reclaimed for 16 yards, practice and 1st shot at doubles considering the $25/bag price. Some folks also suggest tightening your chokes up one notch with reclaimed.  

1934~Dick Betz~2012

NH Titles

1962 Doubles Champ

1962 AA Champion

1965 Handicap Champion

1966 Singles Champion

1966 Handicap Champion

Lifetime Target Attainment

500900 Singles

163975 Handicap

45300 Doubles

NHTA President 1962, 1963, 1995 & 1996

Dick Betz, age 78, passed away on March 25, 2012 and while having retired to Florida, was a longtime NH resident and shooter. Clicking on the URL below brings up the February 1951 issue of Boy's Life showing, on page 34, that 17 year old Eagle Scout Dick Betz of Portsmouth won a couple of shooting titles back then which may have been   the start of his long and successful shooting career. The NHTA would like to honor the memory of Dick Betz and thank him for his substantial participation and leadership in our organization.

That's Dick on the left with a squad that shot 500X500 in a singles event on 6/21/2000 @ the Silver Dollar (L to R from Dick-Mike Battista, Bob Smith, Joe Marsala and Jess Almond)

Southern Grand

March 20, 2012

From NHTA President Felipe Garcia:

Southern Grand Highlights

Well the Southern Grand is history, my wife and I made the trip again this year as

we have done in the past. This year mild weatherin the Northeast may have out

done the weather in Florida. Florida was hot in the high 80’s low 90’s, but in any case

the weather was nice in both regions. This has been my fourth year traveling to shoot

at the Southern Grand. We saw many of our friends that eithertravel for the winter

or just like us travel for the long weekend, or in my words fun in the sun of course

my wife thinks otherwise when it comes to shooting Trap.

The great Jimmy Giarrusso with his camera in hand, his sidekick Peter Tomaini, John

Chick, Mike Blaisdell, Jack MacDonald, Stu Patenaude, Don Linger and Donald Lee,

all from NH plus Steve Bigras from VT, Vince Conti, Cal Stinson from ME and Robert

 Scott, Mike Sherry and Andy Forester from MA just to name a few. On Thursday or

 Friday the President of the ATA and a few of the EC had aquestion and answer

meeting which was held from 5:30 – 6:30 it did run over by thirty minutes. President

Wagner and Vice president Taylor went over their reasoning why they went in the

direction they did, there were lots of question and concerns but nothing that you

have not read or heard through the grape vine. Mike Blaisdell did hit on some

concerns about the Sub-Vet (Mike will be one next year so watch out) his concern

was when you did turn the age 55 was it mandatory to fall in this category, the

response was no, you can turn it down and stay in the open division if you so wish,

but if you do turn it down make sure before you shoot otherwise you will be stuck

in that category for the remainder of the shoot.  Mike then hit on the Lady’s category

1 & 2 he asked the same question, could a lady turn down these category’s if she so

wished the response was NO. Then the debate got started as well you  can imagine.

Mike expressed that this was not right to treat a lady different than the man, which is

true. I don’t know the outcome but I believe the EC will revisit the lady’s category on

this issue. Other issues had to do with the AIM Shooters during the Grand America

and why the AIM shooters are being treated different than the rest of the ATA

members. If you don’t go to the Grand then it has no real importance, But in a nut

shell the AIM shooters will shoot the week before the Grand championship week,

which one person had an objection to and thought it should all be integrated.

Other issues had to do with the handicap system, some people suggested the system

is broken, which it may be. The two yard reduction was implemented, which you can

refuse just like a normal reduction if you so wish. Some people did take it before

going to the Southern Grand but found themselves right back where they were before

the reduction, so does it work? for some it will for others no. Well by the time you all

have read my article you would have read the March issue of T&F, you will see some

pro’s and con’s for the direction the EC has taken, good or bad we shall see. If you

have an idea or a concern please feel free to contact the President of the ATA I think

he is very open to people concerns. Remember we are members to, so please don’t

sit on the sidelines and complain, so please speak up and have your say. I know I will.

As a final note Jimmy Giarrusso had to have his fifty cents in this meeting. His

complaint was the quality of the trophies, how they have gotten worse over the years

and it was duly noted with cheers and laughter. Well Jim shot extremely well but did

not win a trophy I guess he did not like was he saw in the trophy cabinet at the

Southern Grand so he passed them by. Thanks Jimmy ( I won a doublestrophy which

I’m glad to have as it is my first at this Grand). Spring is here go out and have some

fun, shoot when you can try and bring a friend or two if you can. My Grandson who

you have all seen me drag around will be six this year a few more years and you

shall see him on the trap field trying to beat up on Granddad, remember time fly’s so

enjoy yourself and your family.

If you have any concerns or suggestion and you don’t feel comfortable emailing the

ATA President or EC board please feel free to contact me or Delegate Phil Wright. I

thank you all for your time reading this short article. 

Felipe Garcia

NHTA President.

Cell: 603-703-7076

Felipe.garcia@geagroup.com

This years Southern Grand, beyond producing some excellent weather, had a nice

boost in overall attendance of approximately 12% with about 857 folks shooting.

This is nice to see considering the EC's concern with member retention.

Congratulations to the following NH shooters who helped to take home some  of the

445 trophies awarded:

John Chick         E3        Dbls          Class B Winner         94

John Chick         E6        Dbls          Vet Winner               98

Mike Blaisdell    E11       Dbls          AAA RU                    98

Felipe Garcia     E11       Dbls          Class A Winner         98

Jack McDonald   E12       Hdcp         Vet Winner               96

(Honorable mention to Jimmy Giarrusso who shot a respectable 96 in the E15

Handicap Championship only to loose a shoot off for Vet RU while non-category 96s

took 4th and 5th places.)

Click on the poster below to see Jimmy Giarrusso's pictures !

(Ed. Note: I didn't hear Mike's question regarding the Ladies catagory but if Felipe's

report is correct then IMHO the EC's response was incorrect. All categories are

voluntary and forcing a woman to stay in Lady (or Lady 1 or Lady 2) would be gender

discrimination. Thusly, depending on her age, a gal could shoot in no category or in

any of the categories if she so wished.  Pete)

ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE GRAND

Felipe Garcia and Frank Culbertson decided to attend the 2011 Grand American

at the last minute  and thusly did not have accommodations booked ahead of time.

Our beloved President assured Frank that he would find a place for them when he

hit Sparta. Sure enough Felipe came through and Frank was kind enough to share

this picture showing the "Turkey in the Straw" in the upper bunk. Frank took the

lower berth not visible in this picture. For particulars or 2012 reservations feel free

to contact Felipe.

REMEMBER WHEN

Happy New Year 2012! What better way to start the year and think about

where we're going than to go back and look at where we've been and ,

in this case, it's our 1988 State Shoot at Pelham. These pictures were taken

in 1988, some 24 years ago, by Pete Tomaini and were hanging in a frame

at Pelham Fish and Game all that time. Thanks to Jason Green,

Pelham Clays Committee chairman, who scanned each photo and uploaded

the images to a Picasa Web Album. The site will be a little slow coming up

so be patient. For background the 1988 shoot was arguably the biggest

shoot in NH history with about 281 attendees shooting over eight fields

plus practice.. In one of the pictures you can see squad 53 posted on

a scorer/puller stand. Bob McCarthy took the singles crown with a 198X200.

Lillian Chick led the ladies with a 193X200.

Phil Wright took the caps (96X100) as well as the All-Around (388X400).

Frank Sampson won the doubles crown with a 98X100. NHTA President

Roger Hamel and PF&G President Kit Fox both worked hard setting up this

shoot and from the pictures you can see the results from the large amount

of vendors, the RVs and people. Vendors included  Dick Thomas, Art Corey,

Mike Pratico, Winchester and Federal reps and numerous others. Some of

the folks in the pictures include:

• A young looking Joe Cantin

• Pete and Ted Nusbaum

• Rocky Begone

• Lillian and Bob Chick, Jr. in fancy shorts

• Mike Pratico in similar shorts

• A young (pre-PatTrap) Patenaude family (Stu, Catherine & Amy)

• Lou Rudinski, Lee Partridge and Big Jim playing cards

• Art Corey at his booth

• Nelson Maine on his scooter

• Roy Carroll and Jim Armitage (Roy, besides shooting, serviced the

•  Winchester hand set machines).

• Prominent vistors from PA-Elwood "Woody" Brown (PSSA President),

•  Gene Anastasio (ATA VP) and Frank Little (All-American and

• Hall of Fame enshrinee)

• Kit Fox and Roger Hamel

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=jgreen1222&target=ALBUM&id=5692393100552740977&authkey=Gv1sRgCJrS-4_4jpDdYg&feat=email 

and

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=jgreen1222&target=ALBUM&id=5717244911156859297&authkey=Gv1sRgCOjVq9CO_JvwOg&feat=email

2011 Wrap-Up

The NHTA December Meeting is history and we have a new president,

a 2012 State Team, money in the bank. a 2012 State Shoot and the

 Holidays rapidly approaching. You can check out the meeting minutes

 in the NHTA section, the state team rooster and averages under State

Team and mark your calendar for July 6-8, 2012 at Pelham Fish and Game.

Congratulations to Felipe Garcia, our new president, and much thanks to

 Buddy Hackett, our outgoing president. For you

tall folks who can't see down too low here's Felipe's picture:

You can checkout the final 2011 averages for all qualified folks by hitting

 the "State Team" tab. As a quick check if your picture is not here you

 didn't make it! Kidding aside congratulations to Mike, Phil, Matt, Jimmy,

 Buddy, Frank, Dave, Felipe, Steve and Frank.......The 2012 NH State Team!

112th 2012 NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE SHOOT

PELHAM FISH & GAME

PELHAM, NH

JULY 6-8, 2012
 

On behalf of our members we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very

 happy and healthy New Year!

Surry, NH

Murgatory Goes 200X200

Gennie Cushing reports, from Cushing's Trap Range, that Dave shot his                                                                      first 200X200 while participating at their National Trapshooting Day  shoot                                                    October 9, 2011. Dave held a 96.75 singles average in the 2010-2011                                                               target year so he's off to a good start for 2012.                                                                           Congratulations Dave.

NHCTA 2011 December Meeting

NHCTA ANNUAL MEETING

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already here! The trap shooting year has come  

and gone. That means that it’s time for the NHTA annual meeting. The meeting will

be held on Friday, December 2nd  at Pelham Fish & Game Club in the main clubhouse @

Pelham Fish & Game at 6:30 PM. A hot meal will be served prior to the meeting.

Pelham Fish and Game registered shooting program is on a solid footing and based on

the success of this year’s state shoot we anticipate that Pelham will want to host again

 in 2012. We are pleased with the continued favorable response from those attending

the state shoot.  Even though a few more participants would be nice, the shoot went great.

 The Pelham Clays Committee and the NHCTA volunteers worked superbly as a team to

show the shooters a good time.  Your executive committee thanks all those involved in

making the 2011 state shoot a success and looks forward to making the 2012 shoot even

 better.

Other agenda items will be:

State Shoot program and trophies

Announcement of the State Team Financial report

ATA delegate’s report

Election of officers

For those planning on attending the meeting, please RSVP by Wednesday November 30th

 so the proper amount of food can be ordered. Contact Phil Wright by e-mail or phone.

 Contact information is: pwright948@myfairpoint.net 882-3063.

We will also be collecting the NHCTA 2012 shooting year dues at the meeting. If you are unable

 to attend the meeting please enclose $5.00 for each member along with the name of each

member. Please see Phil Wright for your card over the course of the shooting season.

Yours truly,

NHCTA Officers

Updated 6/27/12 for NH "CLAYBRD"

Shootin' Plates