Van Etten Appleseed

[Imker]

Fog early on in the morning gave way to a beautiful day in Van Etten, NY. 

Realizing the potential for a wash-out on Sunday, and not having a clubhouse available, shoot boss Imker and Instructor Gunville opted to push like mad on Saturday.  IIT Vibbet make the journey from north of Syracuse to help out which was greatly appreciated.  Other local IITs, Wayne, Cat, and especially Ron, thank you!

We covered all the briefings, and instruction by noon plus the first strike.  We got through red coats, squares, sighters, and stage by stage AQT as well.  After lunch, we raced against a sky which was clouding up and wind which was beginning to rise to complete numerous timed AQTs and both second and third strikes.  We pushed late into the day and managed to produce one new rifleman with several close to the 190 mark as well.  Total round count for Saturday, 525. We then tore down the tent and shooting line in preparation for high winds.

This was the fire hose approach to learning and I want to make special mention of the spirit with which our students rose to the occasion even though the instructors pressed them relentlessly.

Special congratulations to Martin, who made rifleman during this, his 4th Appleseed.  I look forward to seeing him in an orange hat some day soon.  Special kudos to our Canadian participants who made the journey from Montreal, good shooters both.

To all the students, we witnessed major improvements in skill in a remarkably short time, and if weather had permitted, I believe we would have seen at least two more riflemen.  I urge you to come back and try again.

As expected, the rain commenced Saturday evening and continued nearly all of Sunday with strong gusty winds.  The Sunday shoot was cancelled by the shoot boss.

Pictures to follow.