Wilmington, OH CCFSA 21-22 Feb 2026 25m Winterseed AAR

[Longrifleman]

The winter campaign at Good Ol' bay 7 was well underway by the time we saw the first Redcoats. Clinton County Farmers' and Sportsmen's Association in Wilmington, OH is usually not the first place the enemy comes to forage for victuals this time of year but there they were. A whole line of 'em!

We seemed to be evenly matched so we set up an ambush at about 25 meters and hoped the element of surprise was on or side. But it wasn't meant to be. They musta' heard our campfire cracklin' or seen the glint of sunshine off a scope or two 'cause as soon as we opened up they went a-runnin'. We landed a few hits but nothin' to brag about and there was no doubt we'd see 'em again afore it was over with.



Winter in these parts can be a might unpredictable. It was just a day or so ago we could be sunnin' ourselves and listening to the birds singing but the weather was headed downhill. Saturday was in all honesty a perfect day for shooting. Chilly sunshine and a bit breezy but we knew our luck was running thin.

Five courageous shooters hunkered down for some History, Heritage and Marksmanship in what some hoped would be an easy February weekend. And, if we're being honest, some wanted the chance to earn the most elusive of all awards- the beautiful, icy blue Winterseed patch!




The World's Greatest Marksmanship Instructor Corps got down to business and we gave them what they came for. After a full day of steady holdin', six-steppin', and natural aimin' we posted our first AQT.

Isaiah nailed a very convincing 229 re-qual but it wasn't yucky enough for a blue patch yet!

Suddenly the Redcoats launched an attack over the east berm and caught us off guard. We limped away from that one and decided it was best to fight another day...

As if we had special-ordered a perfect day for a Winterseed Sunday morning dawned cold, miserable, and snowy!

We had a glorious place for instruction review at the range building (due entirely to the wonderful people at CCFSA) then bundled up and invaded Good Ol' Bay 7 to chase away them redcoats and post some targets. Some reinforcements arrived overnight so eight of us faced off against our dastardly crimson foe and we finally gave 'em some heat!



It was a classic lake-effect snow day with bursts of heavy snow squalls and cutting wind then peaceful flurries for a minute or two only to start all over again. The real challenge wasn't the cold or the wind or even the unpredictable visibility. It was the wet shooting mats! YUK!

After some squares and practice the AQTs came out.

It was immediately clear that this crew came here to get them some patches! Isaiah skated by with a 212 and TJ slid in with a 213- good enough for some ice-blue gold! Michael chipped out a 222 and Nate (as in Nate the Natural) shoveled out a 224. But it was Old Man Doug who plowed down the field with an unbelievable 245. (Attention Appleseed National- we need a blue Distinguished Rifle patch over here in Ohio, please.)





It was a hard slog throughout the day for both shooter and instructor alike. Jeremy was giving it his best and Adam was making headway right there with him while Eric made the best of a tough equipment day (we hate those days!)

Soon we couldn't tell what was wetter the mats or our pants so we baited them Redcoats in with some leftover bratwurst and pounced on them to rue the day!



Our heartfelt congratulations go out to these men who know what they're about after a real live Winterseed experience here at CCFSA.



Special thanks to the members of the World's Greatest Marksmanship Instructor Corps whose time and enthusiasm is unparalleled and greatly appreciated- Goodoldfriend, Owl1, Octopus, Potato_Hole, and Longrifleman. Your dedication is amazing (even if I do say so myself.)

And, lest we forget, our immense gratitude to the members and board of Clinton County Farmers' and Sportsmen's Association- Greatest Range in Appleseed!

[Spiderjerusalem]

Many thanks to CCFSA for the use of their fine facilities and to all of the instructors that put this on. Huzzah!

[Potato_Hole]

It was a treat for me to come lend a hand this weekend while passing through the region on my way south.  I enjoyed meeting the fine folks here and look forward to coming back again.  Well done, everyone.

[Owl1]

Fantastic job, shooters! Braving the elements and persevering. Enjoyed working with all of you. Till next time, Huzzah!

[kjkestner]

(Attention Appleseed National- we need a blue Distinguished Rifle patch over here in Ohio, please.)

Is this really a "thing".    If so, one more patch to add to my "to do" list since I have most of the others.

You are so right about the wet shooting mats and pants...only 2 things worse and those are wet undies or socks.   And the first two can lead to the second two!

Great write-up, BTW!

[Octopus]

That was a great WinterSeed weekend! Excellent job by all of the shooters. And thanks to Potatoe_Hole for joining us from several states over. Hope to see all of you on the line again, soon!

Octopus

[goodoldfriend]

This was another great patriotic February event. I am so glad to be part of it and to see my friends keep burning the torch if liberty.
Thanks to all the instructors and students for being part of this.