Project Appleseed

EVERY event is an opportunity to learn and sometimes you'll be surprised at the lesson.

For example - during the Appleseed Academy lesson on Range Estimation, Ghostring teaches us that the Giant Texas Jackalope is a predator which measures about 36" across.  I need to share a different story...

QuoteThis past weekend, I learned about the Great Smoky Mountain Jackalope.  It is slightly smaller but far more dangerous than it's Texas cousin. 

Some historians have noted that the only people in history to domesticate the Great Smoky Mountain Jackalope were the Overmountain Men in the early 1770s.  Once these predators were trained, they were loyal guardians of the Overmountain Men's settlements in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Further, it's believed that the Great Smoky Mountain Jackalope likely contributed to the Patriot victory at Kings Mountain in 1770!  Many of these Jackalopes faithfully traveled with their masters from Sycamore Shoals (Tennessee) to South Carolina.  They were ferocious in battle, particularly on hilly terrain like that surrounding Kings Mountain.  Historians are convinced that all written accounts of the relentless GSM Jackalope were purged at the order of George Washington, who insisted on keeping this a secret to preserve the element of surprise against Cornwallis.

Though hunted to near extinction today, it's been said that if you go to the Home Range in Ramseur, you might be able to see one.  On a moonless night, you must go alone to the firing line at the 500y range.  At the stroke of midnight, you must crinkle an empty Wendy's bag and wait.  If you possess the true spirit of a Rifleman, one of the few remaining Great Smoky Mountain Jackalopes in North Carolina will appear briefly to you!

It's amazing the things you can learn at the Home Range!!

If you haven't made a pilgrimage to the Home Range, it's a place of legend and something every Rifleman should do.  This past weekend, ten Appleseeders gathered in the clubhouse at Ramseur to focus on the art and science of Shoot Bossing! 

Our day started early Saturday morning.  The NC State Coordinator, Vapor Trace, had the clubhouse all organized and ready for us!  The folks attending ranged from Shoot Bosses to very new volunteers interested in becoming as effective as they could be towards the Mission.  We had broad range of perspectives in the room and everyone was able to learn from their fellow attendees. 

During the two days we spent together, we discussed leadership, history, our Mission, and the art of Shoot Bossing.  We invested lots of time learning about mentorship and retaining new volunteers.  We dedicated time to Ball & Dummy, a drill critical to success as a Rifleman.  Of course, we spent plenty of practicing Known Distance lessons.

I really want to thank everyone who made the time to attend.  It was a pleasure working with each of you.  It's obvious the future of the Appleseed in North Carolina is bright with each of you becoming Shoot Bosses!

My special appreciation to Vapor Trace who was instrumental as BOTG.  He made the weekend so easy for this visiting instructor.  Thank you so much!   

In Liberty,
MO 

P.S.  I got a few pictures... feel free to share some of your own!

Yes Sir, we all arrived safely home.
With appreciation, want to Thank You for coming to Ramseur and holding this Shoot Boss Camp. It's an exceptional learning experience for us. Again,  Thank You

I propose a TX vs GSM cage match 

Thank you so much for coming and presenting this training session. I am a very long way from Shoot Boss, but everything I can learn along the way will help me to become a better volunteer for Appleseed. It was a pleasure to spend time with other dedicated volunteers, meet new people, learn, and work towards growing Appleseeders of the future.

I've attended all three IBC formats now, and the SBC is definitely my favorite. I'm so glad you all made it to one! 

Most of my pictures were blurry or eyes shut.  Sorry

Thanks for the hospitality.  I hope to shoot at that range soon - what a pretty area.


Max Ord warns Dchelwig of the Smoky Mountain Jackalope
Possibly demonstrating a portion of the KD block at the same time


NC resident Tar Heel goes on to warn about the lesser known, but almost as ferocious, cousin of the Jackolope - Tony the Squirrel.
He's got the range estimation virtually down pat, so you guys should survive another day.