The first ever AS in the Valentine, NE area was held at the Niobrara Riverview Retreat in the breaks of the Niobrara River, a scenic hot spot for vacationers to the area who come by the thousands in the summer to enjoy the pristene scenery and canoe the waters. The range we were privileged to use was carved out of a spot in the owner's pasture which was nestled among pine and deciduous trees, and the fall colors and weather could not have been more accommodating. How can you beat 70 or 80 degree days and only a stiff breeze on Sunday morning?!!!!
We had twelve shooters starting the weekend and finished with nine on Sunday afternoon. We had seven lady and ladyette shooters who were a real fun bunch and ranged in age from 6 to, well, over 30. Buck was real close to earning his rifleman badge and the ladies made a lot of improvement! I think they were all pleased by the program and will certainly be good advocates for future local shoots. Thanks to Mike and Eric for driving from Lincoln to help with instruction-couldn't have done it without you guys! And a special "Thank you" to Steve and his wife, Debby, for hosting and feeding us at the lodge.