Muenster, TX Mar 7/8 25M Trail Life Event

[ScottInTX]

Muenster, TX has been a busy place so far in 2026, with the second event of the season taking place a week after the first.

An old Texan once told me 'If you don't like the weather in Texas, give it ten minutes', and there proved to be a good bit of wisdom in that adage this weekend.

I got to the range bright and early Saturday morning, and the Trail Life troop was already there, having camped out the night before.  Overnight, it had gotten cold, and thunderstorms and rain had rolled in, and these adventurous Trail Men had camped out in it.  It rained on and off all day Saturday, and I was glad that I'd thrown my muck boots in the truck.

Despite the temps and weather being a bit rougher than was hoped, the Trail Men were enthusiastic to be at the event (some hot chow first thing always bolsters the spirits), and the morning kicked off.

After LittleMissE taught the troop the safety rules, 6 steps to a safe rifle, and ammo malfunctions, the troop fired the first shots of the weekend.  Hits were tallied, and Josiah earned his first gold star of the weekend, with a solid hit on Morgan's shingle. 

Monocog Mike started the points of instruction, teaching the class about eye dominance, and then how to properly use their slings.  The class practiced donning slings, and after everyone figured it out, Steck explained how to properly get into the prone position, and some more practice followed.

The first squares were fired, and some nice groups were produced.  Some coaching on the line about sling tension and steady hold factors tightened the next groups up.

During lunch, Monocog Mike delivered the Second Strike of the Match to an audience eager to learn more about the founding of our nation.

After lunch some more practice was performed, and the class learned about what their targets were telling them.  And then learned how to take that data and turn it into adjustments for their sights.  Some more squares were fired, and sights were adjusted accordingly.

After a long day on the line putting in the honest effort in the cold and wet, the class was ready for some hot chow.  If you've ever been to a Trail Life event, you know those gentlemen know how to feed their troop.  Many thanks to the troop for sharing  with cadre of instructors, it was greatly appreciated.

Day 2 was certainly dryer than Day 1, but not any warmer.  I believe it got down to 30 degrees over night, but it certainly didn't do anything to dampen the enthusiasm of the Trail Men.  Everybody got some hot food in them, and they were ready to be back on the line for more.  4 more participants arrived to learn and hone their skills, necessitating relays.  First Officer Caleb and Second Officer Josiah took charge and broke the troop in relays, I appreciate them helping to keep the event running smoothly and efficiently.

Some positional exercises were run, some more practice was fired, and before long it was time for lunch.  Texas being Texas, the weather had warmed up nicely, and it was turning into a beautiful day.  Lunch was eaten on the range, where the troop listened in to some history, LittleMissE told the Elizabeth Zane story, Monocog Mike told the story of David Lamson and Mother Bathrick, and I told the storie of Samuel Whittlemore and Josiah Haynes.

After lunch it was time for an AQT, and the troop had the opportunity put into practice everything they learned an the targets demonstrated that the troop had been paying attention.  A subsequent AQT was fired, and scores continued to climb.  It was put to vote, and the troop elected to fire one more AQT, the 'ayes' decided that the final one would be a standard AQT rather than the 'Australian style'.  Scores were ever increasing, First Officer Caleb fired the best score of the weekend, with 191 points.  Had there been a bit more time in the day, I'm confident that he would have been able to earn his patch.  I certainly hope he will come back for some more opportunites.

The day ended with the final hits count, showing marked improvement from Saturday morning.  The day ended with the Benediction and Call to Action, and the troop was awarded the William Diamond patch.
Many thanks to the Trail Men for their attention, and their commitment to safety, which made for a fun and educational weekend.

Thank you to the North Texas cadre for coming out and braving the cold and wet to teach these fine young men.  Monocog Mike and LittleMissE spent a lot of time coaching the students, you both will make fine additions to the Instructor corp, and I look forward to working many events with you in the future.

[JustKim]

Oh, that Texas weather.  Sounds like it turned out to be OK.  The trail Life boys are a great organization to work with - Congrats for all of those climbing scores!

[ScottInTX]

They're troopers for sure, had just about freezing temps both nights, AND they were excited to get on the line both days!