Now that summer has arrived, let’s look at some of the shooting events coming in the next few months.
The Billings Trap Club will host the 119th Montana State Trapshooting Tournament July 10-14. 1300 registered targets will be shot over the 5 day tourney. In addition, the venerable Butte Rod and Gun Club Medal competition will be held on Saturday, July 13. This tourney is one of the oldest competitions in the Treasure State (for that matter, the entire US) and the “Butte Medal” event is open to any Montana shooter whether or not they are an ATA member. For more information go to: www.shootmt.com or www.billingstrapclub.com. Registered shoots in your area can be found at: www.shootata.com.
On July 18-21, the Anaconda Trap Club will hold an ATA Western Zone Tournament. This tourney always has lots of prize money and the folks at ATC do a really great job at this shoot. I guarantee everyone will have lots of fun. Contact the club at 406-498-1885.
July 12th-14th, the Missoula Club will hold the Big Sky Open Skeet Shooting tourney. This is the largest skeet tourney in the Northwest and one of the best in the nation. www.missoulatrapandskeet.com will get you information about the shoot. The Montana State Skeet Championships will be held at the Billings Rod & Gun Club August 23rd-25th. The website is www.billingsrodandgun.org.
Gallatin Sporting Clays will host the Montana State Championships August 15th-18th-check it out at: http://www.gallatinclays.org.
The Big Sky Practical Shooting Club in Missoula has several matches scheduled for July through October at the Deer Creek Range. Their website is http://www.bspsc.org. Also in Missoula, The Hellgate Civilian Shooters Assn. has lots of bullseye, hi-power rifle, black powder, and other disciplines scheduled for this summer; http://www.hellgatecsa.org will get you to their site.
Here are a few more websites that will lead you to local competitions for your favored discipline, whether it is rifle, shotgun, or pistol:
These are just a few of the many shooting opportunities available to Montana shooters and sportsmen and women. In addition to the firearms competitions, look for airgun opportunities. Remember, just heading to the range can be great fun for the whole family. Hunting seasons begin in about 2 ½ months-get your guns out and get ready. Unlike many sports, practice in the shooting and hunting sports isn’t drudgery; it’s really a lot of fun. Make some noise this 4th of July, but be sure to follow all the safety rules.
Be safe and good shooting.
Colonel Smoothbore
www.guncoach.net
