Marion, IL, October 20-21

[dond]

Sold Out - and more. We sold out at 25, but somehow managed to put up one more target, and 28 shooters showed up, including all 25 preregs. Twenty one of the participants were first time Appleseeders.    Two preregs graciously gave up their spots Saturday morning so the walk-ons could shoot.  However, a family of four had to leave mid-afternoon which freed up some spots. There is always a great turnout of eager shooters at Marion. The club is also helpful and cooperative. What a great location.

Nine young youth shooters showed up, as well as 4 older youth shooters. It's always good to have such a good turnout of serious young shooters. This shoot also was a great example of Appleseed being a wholesome family activity. Seven family groups participated. This included a grandfather who shot beside his grandson for two days. Another grandfather accompanied his grandson but did not shoot.

Two new Riflemen were made on the very first AQT. Scores continued to improve with time. Some 190s were achieved, as well as two 206s. One of these was the grandfather mentioned above. And amazingly, the other 206 was a pregnant lady who couldn't get into the prone position. She had to shoot stages 3 and 4 from the sitting position!      What an inspiring and heartwarming performance she gave.

I'll remember this shoot for a long time.

[olefido]

Had a great time, Don. Met a lot of new shooters who were real enthusiastic about Appleseed. Mutti, Riflesnreins, CadyCat, Steck, Ratboy, Mike, and of course, the real shoot boss, Sara( ), I really enjoyed working with you all. I will keep plugging away trying to get my patch as well.

[Mutti]

We had a wonderful time meeting many new shooters and welcoming back a few friends. Brian H - Outstanding! I know you've been working on this for a while.

To all of the Youth - thank you for being so enthusiastic and safe - I cannot believe how well you're groups improved. I have to say that the Transitions were smooth on Sunday.

Howard and Cooper - thanks for reminding me what "persistence" really means. Jason - your family was delightful.

Few photos here with more to come later: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22465254@N04/sets/72157631836490152/

[KD Cat]

Thanks for a good shoot everyone! It was very nice meeting everyone. Saturday was a little busy, but everything was taken care of. On Sunday we got down to the AQT's. On the very first AQT two riflemen where made ! High scores of 190's and 200's were achieved. Lots of new shooters. And we all had fun. Very nice 2nd and 1st strike Mutti and Steck . 

See you on the trail!

KD Cat.     

[Steck]

What a wonderful group!  The calm patience of the new shooters was particularly impressive.

Let's see if any of RatBoy's photos came out -- if so, they'll be posted 

[Mutti]

So thankful that Larry Morse sent some more photos to update this thread:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22465254@N04/