I know we have shooters in W Va,and I know we have at least one Appleseed participant in the state.
Step forward and be recognized.
Surely at least one of you will answer the call.
Where are you?
Sam
I'll make it short and sweet...
Keep your shirt on Sam, the Mountaineers are coming aboard! ;D I have been in contact with some of the folks at Appleseed and we are in the process of setting up a range for the April 19, 2009 shoot. Details will be posted as they become available.
I am going to volunteer as a WV liaison--or something to that effect--as was mentioned in a solicitation on another area of this forum. I know quite a few people in high and low places, so I will be actively working these potential recruits to spread the word around.
Frank
Thank you Frank.
I've given up on all my kin down in Mullens and Bluefield and have been petitioning the Tennessee contingent to invade. ;D
I know you'll make a good job of it.
Sam
Quote from: SamD on December 01, 2008, 09:50:48 PM
I've given up on all my kin down in Mullens and Bluefield and have been petitioning the Tennessee contingent to invade. ;D
Surely not! I think it would be easier to sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, than trying to get some West Virginians to motivate. :D
Quote from: SamD on December 01, 2008, 09:50:48 PM
I know you'll make a good job of it.
I will certainly do my best. ;)
I'm about 40 minutes north of Wheeling. I just joined RWVA. Anxious to attend appleseed shoot. :D
Fantastic Bill.
There will be Appleseed in WbG this year. O0
Make sure you introduce yourself to the Machine, and roust some more Mountaineers for the shoot.
You'll be a solid organization before the shoot.
Sam
Man, WV is tough.
How do you convince folks to go someplace to learn to shoot a rifle when so many of them can step out onto the back porch and shoot? Let alone walk out in the back yard, walk up the holler above the garden, drive out on the strippin' and shoot anywhere from up close to hundreds of yards?
Many of them have been shootin' rifles since they were in elementary school. Deer hunting is mostly rifles, any rifle just about. Many states don't even allow rifles for deer hunting, or have either caliber restrictions or type of action restrictions.
My cousin lives in Greenbrier County. He's been trying to talk two different hunt clubs he belongs to into hosting an Appleseed and just can't seem to get them interested. They figure they already know how to shoot those rifles.
How do you convince them there is something they can learn about shooting a rifle?
Make 'em put up or shutup.
Hang out the targets and Show them. Of course you had better be able to deliver &)
After you take their soap money away, they'll get their dander up for a week or two and then one day they'll slide up and say, ya know that was pretty good, how'd ya do that shooting anyway?
After that it's easy 8)
Sam
Quote from: Old Dog on December 17, 2008, 10:06:06 PM
Man, WV is tough.
How do you convince folks to go someplace to learn to shoot a rifle when so many of them can step out onto the back porch and shoot? Let alone walk out in the back yard, walk up the holler above the garden, drive out on the strippin' and shoot anywhere from up close to hundreds of yards?
Many of them have been shootin' rifles since they were in elementary school. Deer hunting is mostly rifles, any rifle just about. Many states don't even allow rifles for deer hunting, or have either caliber restrictions or type of action restrictions.
My cousin lives in Greenbrier County. He's been trying to talk two different hunt clubs he belongs to into hosting an Appleseed and just can't seem to get them interested. They figure they already know how to shoot those rifles.
How do you convince them there is something they can learn about shooting a rifle?
Well,ya know....that kind of made me smile....I started shooting when I was 5 years old..my Dad took me to go shooting. It was a winchester model 1890 pump,that was handed down by my Grand father,who bought it from Sears and roebuck for 2.00 dollars..22 short.. I still have it and it still shoots well.
Now,to address the question of being able to step off the back porch,etc,etc. This is true for a lot of West Virginia. In my area though,areas are not as easy to find,though there are some available. I'm in the northern panhandle,so it's more crowded and more and more land is used for development.
I can be in ohio or pennsylvainia in less than 30 minutes. I am thinking right now of 3 clubs that I can inform of the appleseed project. One of which is 15 minutes away. I have already told one gun shop that has a range,and the owner was very interested.
I have a friend in VA that has a 100 acre farm that I told about aplsd,and he has already been in touch with some one from the organization about using his place..
So, Wv will catch up,and I might add most of us are fair shots. The folks downstate aren't as easy to convince,but they will come along after the word is out about the expert rifleman being produced. ;)
Quote from: SamD on December 17, 2008, 10:24:08 PM
Make 'em put up or shutup.
Hang out the targets and Show them. Of course you had better be able to deliver &)
After you take their soap money away, they'll get their dander up for a week or two and then one day they'll slide up and say, ya know that was pretty good, how'd ya do that shooting anyway?
After that it's easy 8)
Sam
Invariably, the ones I know will say. "Ah that's just a target. I can't hit nothin' unless it's got fur."
QuoteAh that's just a target. I can't hit nothin' unless it's got fur.
;D
I got a pal like that. lives in Elkins. Always picking up chunks of metal, right after I chopped them of something with teh smoke wrench.
What s wrong Roy burn yourself?, Naw, just done looking at it 8)
Sam
QuoteI'm about 40 minutes north of Wheeling. I just joined RWVA. Anxious to attend appleseed shoot.
Dirty Bill, "welcome to the jungle", and check your PM. ;D
Maryetta Ables here near Sutton WV - I know Frank, we live about a half hour apart. I am from California, hubby was born here and when he retired he came "home", we have been here for about 15 years now so it is home. It is now what CA was when I was a child in the northern part of the state, up around Mt. Shasta. That area is way over populated now.
I have had the same rifle for 36 years, a 300 Savage, and with the same scope until recently. I had to replace the scope a few weeks ago and found out that I don't know how to target practice! I have always just gone out and shot without having to practice, it never occurred to me to "practice". 200 yd head shots are natural and easy, but a piece of paper at 100 yards or 50 yards and I am all over the place! Go figure!!
I have 50 acres with a ridge running thru it N/S so with an eastern and western facing ridge for backstop, someone is supposed to come look at it, we'll see if it can "cut the mustard" or if I can be of use in some other way/s.
Sutton is at the geographic center of WV, if you have a map with the exit numbers, I can see I-79, Exit 62 from the western side of my ridge. I can see the Town of Sutton from the eastern side.
Anyone else out there hail from WV??
Well, unfortunately, being from WV ain't the same as still bein' there.
I've gone mostly since 1975 when I went in the Army after High School (Greenbrier West) but it's still "home" to me and my wife. We get home 5 or 6 times a year now (but would like to start going back more often). It'll always be "home", whether we get back there to stay or not.
Its still tough to pack up and drive back down here after a weekend.
I know what you mean Old Dog, I (of course) don't know where you are now, but when the mountains and trees call the heart, there is no other place that can satisfy the soul. I learned that years ago. If you are ever driving across I-79 give us a shout and we'll meet you for a coffee break, or feed you on your way through!
Ya'll are spoiled.
Did, have no I-79.
Had to drive that nasty old US 19. ;D
SAm
Oh - You mean "blood alley"... I drove that also when we first moved here - what a nightmare it was! between I-79 and I-77S to Beckley it is now a 4 lane highway (not freeway - cross roads ya know).
"Corridor L". That was supposed to be I79. The politicians got I79 diverted to Charleston so they could make a quick trip to and from Morgantown for WVU games.
I once got a speeding ticket on Rt. 19 for 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. Good thing those two state troopers clocked me topping out that hill and not going down the other side. 8)
Like I said awhile back, get those Appleseeds set up on the right weekend and I'll try to make it up there for one or two. You guys are about an hour from my mom and dad. I can take a 4 day weekend, stop at their house, spend a couple nights of the weekend with them before and after the Appleseed.
Hey OD, just to give you and others a heads up if traveling Rt. 19 to an AS--watch Summersville. The speed limit makes a sharp drop from 60 mph down to 25 mph, and believe me, anything over 25 is a guaranteed ticket.
Summersville is so renowned for speeding tickets, they have bumper stickers around here that say: "Summersville, World's Biggest Speed Trap". >:( And they love out of state tags!
It's been a real cash cow for the town. Court costs are up to $100.00 now, and the speeding fine is a tacked on bonus. For the size of Summersville, they have an extremely disproportionate number of police cruisers, and other tools of the trade. I hear patrolman salary isn't too shabby either.
[Dirty Harry voice] "So ya feeling lucky today?"
I know the feeling. When I run up there to visit my daughter in Cowen and son in Webster Springs, I can FEEL the eyes and radars/lazer of the local yolkes in Summersville. They must like the view of my Georgia plates.
I know what you say of the call of the mountians. I feel it ever time I come back home. Be it off of Rt 19 in Summersville visiting the kids or trying to dodge the potholes of Rt 2 between Wheeling and Weirton.
Buzz.
QuoteWhen I run up there to visit my daughter in Cowen and son in Webster Springs...
I have several friends in that area and my wife has kin up on Cranberry Ridge, outside of Camden-on-Gauley. Maybe we can connect next time you're up that way.
Now that we are going to hold ASs in WV, you HAVE encouraged your kids to attend, right? ;D
Quote from: The Machine on December 24, 2008, 10:49:28 PM
QuoteWhen I run up there to visit my daughter in Cowen and son in Webster Springs...
Now that we are going to hold ASs in WV, you HAVE encouraged your kids to attend, right? ;D
I always involve family. My youngest one who is 16 went with me on the last AS here in Ga.
I will give them a heads up when you get your DAR up and running.
QuoteI will give them a heads up when you get your DAR up and running.
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Say Mr. Machine,
Down here in Athens we have one traffic light and 1.3 cops. Rte 20 runs right through the heart of town.
I've lived here since Aug and the first time I saw the cop was yesterday, he was walking into the town hall.
Gunner Jim
@&)
I know where Athens is!! I do get down to the Princeton area once in a while on business. Nice to meet ya Gunner Jim - I am just outside of Sutton. <:)
Sutton has no stop lights, about 1,100 residents, and about 5,771 households in our county - we have such a "terrible" crime rate (practically non-existent) that the feds have "granted ($) into existence" no less than: 3 town police, 15 sheriffs, and a state police detachment with a regional jail - oh, did I mention at least 3 officers in our high school of less than 800 students also.... %)
- Maryetta
Howdy Gunner Jim,
If you're not a fan of traffic lights, you'll love Calhoun County, since there aren't any here at all. Unless, they snuck one in while my back was turned! >:(
We do have some police presence, but they kinda do it "old school", on an as-needed basis. Since most of us in Calhoun own guns, we maintain civility through our own form of "citizen justice". Gunfire is the universal language around here :~ and we only call in the dogs when needed. @&)
Nice to hear from you and thanks for the introduction. Now if you would kindly study this thread, the top part:
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=4974.0
We'll put you to work immediately to help save the country! <:)
Charleston area reporting in.
Quote from: TracyWV on January 22, 2009, 06:48:36 PM
Charleston area reporting in.
Hello again Tracy, I saw your post in the other "Appleseed is taking root in WV" thread, and my question about where you were from has been answered here.
You are about 40 - 45 miles from our farm, so we are practically neighbors. :)
I listened to the "Call to Decision" show and a fella named Bill called in mentioning your name and someone else. We are planning on having a get together in March at the farm to do some shooting and strategizing, so you and your buddies are invited. I hope to see all of you soon, please keep in touch.
Hello guys I'm kinda new to the Appleseed project. This is my first post. I was in Clay Co. a couple weekends ago to volunteer in setting up the range. Hope all is going well.
"And that said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress...to prevent the people of the Unites States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms"
-Sam Adams
Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer
Aug 20, 1789
Hey, I know you M71...but I'm trying to figure out which one of the gang YOU were. ;D
I really appreciated all the hard work that you guys did. FYI, you were in Calhoun County (Stinson), not Clay County, as you thought. No biggie though, since one edge of the property almost sits in that "other" county.
Are you going to come out for the March 21-22 shoot; to try the new range that you worked on? Better yet, why don't you come and drag some of those other fellas with you?
If you haven't looked at it yet, check the 3 stickys at the top of the WV board to see the schedule and needs of our program. There's a place for you in the WV Appleseed program, and I'll gladly help you find it. <:)
Anyhow, welcome aboard!
I have a job for M71. He can clean my rifles before and after the Apr shoot! LOL. ;)
I'm so darn tired from working around the house that I'm lucky if I can clean my glasses! ;D
I am near Ft Gay WV and am new to Appleseed.
I just completed my first one at Toccoa.
Looks like WV is finally on the Appleseed map.
Won't have to get Tennessee to invade ya's after all.
I'd love to be there. Hope it's a favorably memorable shoot
Sam
Quote from: Barry-WV on March 19, 2009, 07:02:41 PM
I am near Ft Gay WV and am new to Appleseed.
I just completed my first one at Toccoa.
Welcome, and glad to have you Barry!
We are just getting things fired up in WV; our first shoot is this weekend. I will be relying on folks like yourself to help spread the word and get bodies on the firing line.
I see you already attended an Appleseed, so you already--or should--have your bailing bucket and can continue to build on what you learned, to share with others. So, I encourage you to attend our April 18-19 event and consider becoming part of our Instructor Corps. Also, we will be holding our own IBC in the near future here in WV, at the Stinson DAR location.
The two areas of focus right now are promotions and recruiting folks to become instructors. There's plenty of other jobs available and I'm sure there's one that would suit you. Please look over the "Positions Available" thread on the WV board and see if you can start bailing.
A great promotions effort was started recently called the EPT, and we need a couple of folks in our state to participate in it. It only requires a few hours a week at your keyboard, so PM me if you're interested.
If you need anything, just give me a shout. @@)
The Machine said, "instructors wanted". Well, if folks haven't changed too much since I left WV in 1985 I think once you put that hat on and start instructing you'll feel that phrase change to "want to instruct".
I've been helping instruct at Appleseeds for 2 years now (I went to the 2nd RBC, held at Ramseur, NC, in Feb. 2007).
You know why I like to instruct? It's that look I see on people's faces when they start to "get it" and their groups tighten up and hit where they want them to hit. That look on their face when they shoot that rifleman's score on the AQT. The way their walk changes when they head back to the firing line knowing they've worked hard, improved their shooting and are about to be handed one of those green and black Rifleman patches.
Another draw for me is the varied types of rifles you see at Appleseeds. Rifles I'll never own or shoot, but get a kick out of seeing others shoot.
Go to an Appleseed, ask the Shoot Boss about becoming an instructor and start working your way up the ladder to instructor (or farther if that's what "trips your trigger") and you'll see just how "right" it is to share you knowledge and experience on shooting a rifle better with the new folks who come to an Appleseed to learn that.
Appleseeds are different. The instructors do it for free. No pay. No glory. Just an understanding that what they are doing needs to be done met by the willingness to donate their time and effort to get it done.
I was the one with the OD Green Jungle fatigues, Machete, & Bushmaster AR-15. I'm not sure if I can make it in march, But I do have plans for the Apr 19th weekend.
Quote from: Militiaman71 on March 20, 2009, 01:53:47 PM
I was the one with the OD Green Jungle fatigues, Machete, & Bushmaster AR-15. I'm not sure if I can make it in march, But I do have plans for the Apr 19th weekend.
You picked a good screen name, since that's what I called you that Sat.--militiaman. ^-^
Well, I'll give you a pass on our inaugural shoot, but if you miss the April one, I might be making a trip down Dunbar way. &) ;D
BTW, I really liked your Bushmaster. You'll have to bring it with you in April for some long distance stuff.
I'll be there. I may pawn my .22 and get a ruger 10/22 though. I may even bring a few other rifles such as my AK & SKS.
That'll work. Looking forward to seeing you again. In the meantime, if you could keep spreading the word about Appleseed, that would be the most helpful thing you could do right now.
Hello MM71,
Glad to see you found your way through the internet to our spot on the Appleseed forum.
Thanks again for the help with the black doughnut invasion.
Sadly,I wasn't able to make the march shoot.The cold virus got me. I hope the shoot went well. I fully intend to be there in April.
Dirty Bill
South Charleston checking in here. :)
I grew up in Clay, just off the Big Otter exit actually, my folks still live on the family farm up there. Practically neighbors! O0
I plan on attending the April shoot and have been passing out the flyer to like minded folks here at work. TM, there is PM inbound with stuff I can help out with.
Welcome to the program vanrichten! I actually read and responded to your PM before I saw this post, so I won't rehash what was in it.
Since your family is only a few miles from our DAR, that is pretty convenient, indeed.
We have some other members (TracyWV, Militiaman71) who live down in the Dunbar area, that probably aren't too far from where you live. You'll get to meet them at the April shoot. Nice guys...just don't say "black doughnut" around them...brings up unpleasant memories! ;D
I'm glad you're coming to the April 18-19 event; it will be a reunion of sorts, since the entire WV Appleseed team should be there. It will give us all an opportunity to fellowship, and formulate a game plan on how we can make Appleseed "viral" in WV. <:) Looking forward to meeting you...
Quote from: The Machine on March 30, 2009, 09:13:30 PM
...
We have some other members (TracyWV, Militiaman71) who live down in the Dunbar area, that probably aren't too far from where you live. You'll get to meet them at the April shoot. Nice guys...just don't say "black doughnut" around them...brings up unpleasant memories! ;D...
"black doughnut" arrrggg! &)
Welcome indeed vanrichten. Looks like you've got neighbors at both ends.
Just wish I would have paid more attention when this was getting ramped up so I could have helped get the range started. Glad to be here now though :) Looking forward to the shoot in a couple of weeks. Need to get to the range soon and get some practice in!
Vanrichten, don't be disappointed, we're still in the "ramp up" stage. You are still considered a "foundational" member in WV Appleseed. Now, doesn't that make you feel better? ;D
As for the DAR range...still plenty of work to be done.
I want to expand the long range section from 100 meters out to at least 200-300 meters. This will require some able bodies with chain saws and brush cutting equipment.
Perhaps one of the most interesting projects is what I call "The Doghouse for Wayward Appleseeders"; i.e. the classroom/instructor bunkhouse. It will also serve as a sanctuary (doghouse) from cranky spouses/partners in time of need. We don't want any of our WV members sleeping in, or roaming the streets, when things go sour--relationship wise. ::) ;D
There are other "side" projects that we will discuss with each other in April.
So, opportunities abound, and there's plenty of room for more new members to still get in on the ground floor. Thank's for doing your part; I'm inspired by your eagerness! O0
Quote from: The Machine on March 31, 2009, 02:16:50 PM
Perhaps one of the most interesting projects is what I call "The Doghouse for Wayward Appleseeders"; i.e. the classroom/instructor bunkhouse. It will also serve as a sanctuary (doghouse) from cranky spouses/partners in time of need. We don't want any of our WV members sleeping in, or roaming the streets, when things go sour--relationship wise. ::) ;D
Do you mean the new "WV Appleseed Instructor Bunk House" for those folks whose spouses get aggravated about all the weekends they spend off Appleseeding? :)
Well, I love shooting and I love taking/teaching people to shoot. This sort of environment, with the history and the camaraderie just makes it that much more appealing.
As I said, my family farm is just up the road at Big Otter, so I can drive the tractor over with brush hog and a 3-point hitch post hole digger. Makes things go by much faster. Always eager to help get a new range set up and bring more people into the shooting sports ;D
QuoteDo you mean the new "WV Appleseed Instructor Bunk House" for those folks whose spouses get aggravated about all the weekends they spend off Appleseeding? :)
BINGO! And we have a winner! :D Why the interest OD? Is the wifey getting twitchy, or are you giving our future instructors some sage advice? ;D
QuoteAs I said, my family farm is just up the road at Big Otter, so I can drive the tractor over with brush hog and a 3-point hitch post hole digger. Makes things go by much faster. Always eager to help get a new range set up and bring more people into the shooting sports ;D
Man, it doesn't get much better than this! I will even get you hooked-up with an AS sticker for that tractor (mobile advertising) and you will have your AS tee-shirt to wear after you attend the April event.
We even have a "sign guy" down in Dunbar. I'm thinking one might look good in your parent's yard... ;)
They are back in a holler :D but I am sure I can put a sign up. I am trying to get my dad to join me but not sure if he will yet or not. I will happily put a sign in my yard in South Charleston though, much more traffic @@)
Ever heard of the name the mountain area above Quinwood is called? "Squat and dodge". Named for the fighting that went on during Prohibition between the mountain folks that weren't about to let a bunch of out of state federal men tell them they couldn't make drinkin' likker. Lots of fightin' went on up there. Squattin' an dodgin' bullets, that's where the name Squat and Dodge came from. It's a local name, not on a map.
Anyway, my wifewas raised up on that mountain. She could outshoot with a .22 when we met (I had to practice to fix that situation) and has never minded me shooting, reloading, hunting, etc. We've been married 32 years in June. And no, she doesn't shoot anymore, so she won't be coming to the Appleseed.
See you at the WV DAR in 2.5 weeks.
As originally posted by wvmmfalcon in another section of the WV boards.QuoteHi Barry, I was scanning through the forum and ran across your name. Have you got your reloading outfit set up yet. There are a lot of people on this forum that could probably help more, but, I know a good bit also and will be happy to help if I can. We have at least met a couple of times. I need to get to know more people here so that I will know more about who knows what and can find out more that I want to know if I need it. I am on a learning expedition and there are several subjects that I strive to be learned at. I am a mechanic by profession and at heart(which helps me in many ways). Got stuff to do now. Catch ya later. Jeffrey
I have the outfit in a box so it is portable. I have the dies for .38/357 right now and
I would also like to be able to load .223 eventually. Mechanic is a great profession,
a very needed profession.
Jeffrey here from Wetzel co. A friend mentioned AS a while back and HERE I AM!
Barry i have a mobile outfit put together and will try to bring it along so we can compare the next time we meet. I am going to be at the August shoot. Jeffrey
I am in the middle of Wetzel Co. directly below the northern panhandle. Been living on a dirt/gravel/tar and chip Road for most of my life. The people that I talk to about AS seem interested but I am having trouble getting any of them to come. got some lines out yet and I am hoping that some of them will bite. I know that if they do, that they will come away with a better handle on who they are and how we got here. Jeffrey KYPD
Quote from: wvmmfalcon on July 17, 2009, 07:48:03 PM
I am in the middle of Wetzel Co. directly below the northern panhandle. Been living on a dirt/gravel/tar and chip Road for most of my life. The people that I talk to about AS seem interested but I am having trouble getting any of them to come. got some lines out yet and I am hoping that some of them will bite. I know that if they do, that they will come away with a better handle on who they are and how we got here. Jeffrey KYPD
Keep your chin up my friend, keep doing what your doing and some will come. Surely you know how "apprehensive" most West Virginians are of anything new? ;)
Glad to hear you have a mobil outfit Jeffery. I really look forward to seeing it.
I should be at the next AS barring something unforseen coming up to prevent it.
Jerry,
There have got to be Riflemen in a county named for Lewis Wetzal, you just keep plugging, you are bound to scrape one off a sofa sooner or later. You might ease up over the M-D into Greene Co. They got some Riflemen up there too.
Just fine 1-2 good ones
Sam