American Heritage Youth Side by Side Championship - Updated!

[Mike Franzen]

THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ALL REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS COMPLIMENTS OF THE PGCA

Many of you saw the announcement in the Parker Pages about the upcoming Youth Shoot the PGCA is sponsoring at the 2018 Southern Side X Side. In case you didn’t see it or you are a Forum Associate I wanted to post some of the details here. At this years Board of Directors meeting, held at the Southern, the idea for the shoot was brought up by Gary Carmichael. He stated he would donate a 16 gauge Parker Trojan to be given away at the event. After much deliberation and discussion a proposal was put together and presented to Bill Kempffer, Founder and President, of Deep Rivers Sporting Clays and Shooting School. His team reviewed the proposal and wholeheartedly got on board. In addition, Morris Baker, RST Shells, agreed to provide the ammo Brad Bachelder agreed to donate his time and talent to restore the gun.

The mission of this program is to attract young shooters to our double gun world. It is not a recruiting tool for any particular organization or a vehicle to demonstrate that one make of side by side is superior to another. It is open to any and all youth shooters 10 - 17 years of age. They may shoot ANY side by side. It is our hope that our fellow double gunners from LC Smith, Fox, Lefever, German Gun Collectors and any other groups or individuals shooting Side by side doubles will attend and participate.

The following are some of the particulars regarding date, time and rules. As everyone knows, when putting together an event such as this some things may change from what is originally published. If that happens notifications will be published on our forum. Please feel free to share this information with anyone interested in passing on our sporting heritage to future generations.

Date: April 28, 2018

Time: 1:30 pm

Venue: Five Stand

Shooting Participants: The event will be open to any shooter age 10 – 17 years.

Proposed Rules:
1) Shooters may use any Side by Side shotgun.
2) Shooters must use RST shot shells for the qualifying event.
3) The event will be shot at the 5 stand venue.
4) Shooters will be grouped according to age: 10 – 11, 12 – 13, 14 – 15, 16 – 17
5) Shooters will shoot 6 targets at each stand for a total of 30 shots.
6) Top gun in each group will be awarded a trophy
7) In case of a tie, scorecards will be compared and the first missed target will eliminate that shooter. If still tied, a shoot off will take place. A coin will be tossed and the winner will determine who will shoot first. The loser will choose which station will be shot.
8) Every shooter will have their name entered in a drawing, for the Parker Trojan, to be held at the conclusion of the event.
9) Age groups 10 – 11 and 12 -13 must have an adult gun bearer standing directly behind them to act as a safety monitor.
10) All shooters must sign waivers and Hold Harmless agreements.
11) Eye and ear protection required of all participants.
12) All Deep River rules are to be observed at all times.

The future of the shooting sports lies with the youth of today.

[Paul Ehlers]

Super Idea & event.

My hat's off to all of those involved!!!!!!! Thank You:bowdown::bowdown:

[Gary Laudermilch]

I fully understand the logic behind the requirement to use an American made sxs but I would think it might eliminate some individuals from participating. Why do we care what gun he/she is using as long as it is a sxs.

[Eric Eis]

I fully understand the logic behind the requirement to use an American made sxs but I would think it might eliminate some individuals from participating. Why do we care what gun he/she is using as long as it is a sxs.

I am sure if a young shooter did not have an American sxs, one could be provided, matter of fact I'll loan a Parker DH 12 to any young shooter that wants to shoot. Eric

[Mike Franzen]

That’s a good point Gary. I’ll run it by the board. Shouldn’t be an issue.

[Mike Franzen]

The gun rule has been amended to allow any side by side.

[Eric Eis]

The gun rule has been amended to allow any side by side.

My offer still stands if we have a shooter without a gun.

[Tom Pellegrini]

I have a young man who shoots in the Junior U.S. Open at Backwoods every year who if he is able to attend will be using one of my three Parkers.

[Mike Franzen]

I think if we talk this up and you guys that have contacts with the other groups will let them know about it we can have a really good turnout. Maybe we can come up with a flyer that’s downloadable so we can post the info at our local clubs and shooting venues. I keep imagining the look on the kids face that wins the drawing for the Parker.

[Brett Hoop]

I think a flyer type advertisement would be a splendid idea.
Something that could be posted in a lodge or clubhouse.

My thanks to Dean who today went out of his way to help get info in front of the sponsors and coaches of a youth sporting clays group.

They are out there, we just have to get the word out.

[Robin Lewis]

Anyone have a good contact with the NRA, maybe they could run an article on it in their magazine.

[Mike Franzen]

Charlie Herzog might. He got them to loan him the first 410 so it could be displayed at the HOF banquet a couple years ago.

[John Campbell]

One other thought:
Might it be worthwhile to ask Deep River to add this NEW event to the 2018 Southern SxS home page?

That way ALL who might attend would know of it, and possibly bring youngsters for the fun.

https://www.southernsidebyside.com/the-spring-classic

[Mike Franzen]

That’s a great idea John! I’ll give them a call a request it.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Mike I will run a couple adds in the local paper here in Floyd County, they have some good young shooters as this is hunting country, heck they even close school on opening day of deer season, how good is that! to bad I did not live here when I was young, Gary

[Mike Franzen]

That sounds like a good idea Gary. If you lived there as a youngster the deer herd probably wouldn’t be the size it is today.

Also, I spoke to the people at Deep River and they are going to add the Youth Shoot to the website.

[Dean Romig]

Both Daniel Cote of Double Gun Journal and Ralph Stuart of Shooting Sportsman will be publishing a press release on this event in their issues prior to the Spring Southern.
This should get a lot of attention!

Thank You gentlemen!





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[Robin Lewis]

Are there any TV sports shows that would put an event like this on their programming? I remember watching shooting events on TV years ago but I haven't watched much in years. It would be great to get as much exposure on this and get the ball really rolling.

[Gary Laudermilch]

There is a short but nice piece on the shoot in the current issue of Shooting Sportsman.

[John Campbell]

Are there any TV sports shows that would put an event like this on their programming?

Just a suggestion: It might prove worthwhile for PGCA and Deep River to contact the Raleigh-Durham TV affiliates well ahead of time. This event might prove worthwhile for their news or sports segments...

Indeed, the entire Southern SxS might be worth their while to "investigate" as local news with a national/international twist...

[Tom Pellegrini]

I talked to a board member of the South Carolina Youth Shooting Foundation, Mr. Don Roth. I passed on the information for the youth shoot at the Spring Southern. He told me that he has a number of young shooters that shoot sxs in their competitions. He is going to set up a link on his website and hopefully we will have a great turnout.
Tom

[Dean Romig]

The more, the merrier!





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[Mike Franzen]

You can copy and share the link to this thread to anyone involved in youth shooting activities.

[Mills Morrison]

LC Smith is giving us some press in their journal. Everyone reading this should spread the word far and wide

[Mike Franzen]

BREAKING NEWS:
The PGCA Board of Directors has unanimously approved a recommendation to comp the $15.00 entry fee for the event. However, any practice rounds will still be charged for by Deep River. So, our young shooters get a free registration AND free shells from RST.
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

[Dean Romig]

Thanks for the announcement Mike!





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[Mike Franzen]

Craig Larter has posted the info on the Fox forum. Thank you Craig and good luck to the Fox shooters.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Craig!





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[Mike Franzen]

I talked to Bob Decker, President of the LeFever Gun Collectors, about the Youth Shoot and their organization is very excited about the event. He and the LeFever Board of Directors are donating a $100 Cabela’s gift card to be given away during the gun raffle. He also said they will have a loaner gun on hand should a shooter need one. Also, he is including information about the event in the LeFever newsletter which goes out in a few days. Bob stated several times he would be willing to help out any way he could. So, thank you to Bob, the LeFever BOD and the membership for getting on board.

[Dean Romig]

That's great news Mike!

Thanks Bob!





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[Mike Franzen]

Here are 3 pics of the 16 gauge Trojan donated by Gary Carmichael to be given away to some lucky youth shooter. This gun also carries the distinction of being one of the last guns Brad Bachelder ever worked on. Sadly, Brad will not be able to present this stunning example of his work but, his memory will live on through this gun and the many others he touched. Please share this thread anywhere double guns are revered and people have a strong belief in the young shooters that will keep our heritage alive.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Talked to Parker at Bachelders, he has shot the gun and repairs made should be on the way back to me via 2nd should have it Tuesday I will be leaving for Sanford Thursday Morning he is shipping in wooden crate that I made to send the gun to him in, so hope everything will be OK, Do we have any idea how many young shooters might show? Gary

[Dean Romig]

It should draw a good number of youth shooters - I put the press release in Shooting Sportsman, Double Gun Journal, and Parker Pages of course.






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[Mills Morrison]

I put up a blurb on a few hunting and gun Facebook pages I am a member of and encouraged a few friends to come. Even if we have a huge turnout, the odds of winning the gun raffle are about the best the lucky shooters will ever have

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

I also ran 1/2 page ad in local paper for two weeks, Gary

[Gary Laudermilch]

So, how did the kids shoot go? How many entrants, scores, pictures, etc.?

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

We had six young people shooting, One young lady and five young men, they shot well I thought. top gun 21, I believe, A lot of photos were taken, I am sure you will see some on here shortlyThe winner of the Trojan was from Waynesville N.C. he and his dad left at 5:00 in the morning to get there. I Talked to a gentlemen in charge of the youth shooting team in the area and assured us many more for next year! Mike Franzen and I are excited and look forward to next year, this has been a long time coming. I think it was a great success and enjoyed by all. Time to start planning for next year, Gary

[Chuck Bishop]

Here are 2 pictures of the 6 youths that shot for the Trojan. The big fella won his age group and the Trojan. The other youth with the trophy is John Davis's cousin. They all shot well, the race was close.

[John Davis]

My cousin, Sawyer Banks, broke 22 targets and was high gun shooting a Parker Trojan. I taught him every thing he knows about shooting and despite that he still won. Some folks can overcome anything.

[Mike Franzen]

I have submitted a write up to Parker Pages with plenty of pics. I think we got off to a good start it will be up to the Deep River staff as to whether or not we do it again next year. I feel confident they will want to. Maybe you have a young shooter you could invite.

[Gary Laudermilch]

To all those involved with the conduct of this inaugural kids shoot, my hat is off to you. I think I can appreciate just how much effort was required to pull this off. So, in no way am I trying to throw a wet blanket on past or future events.

At the time of the southern all kids are still in school. Making the trek from afar would require taking them out of school for a day or two. Doing so is a bit more difficult in today's environment than one might think. So, it seems that participants in this event will pretty much be restricted to folks living within a reasonable commute. Add to that the cost to a young family for a half hour competition and the pool of participants shrinks even further. I suspect that those participating are already indoctrinated into the pleasures of sxs shooting because some family member has exposed them to it. It seems as though we, as an organization, should be trying to reach the other 99.9 % of the youth shooting population.

[Mills Morrison]

To all those involved with the conduct of this inaugural kids shoot, my hat is off to you. I think I can appreciate just how much effort was required to pull this off. So, in no way am I trying to throw a wet blanket on past or future events.

At the time of the southern all kids are still in school. Making the trek from afar would require taking them out of school for a day or two. Doing so is a bit more difficult in today's environment than one might think. So, it seems that participants in this event will pretty much be restricted to folks living within a reasonable commute. Add to that the cost to a young family for a half hour competition and the pool of participants shrinks even further. I suspect that those participating are already indoctrinated into the pleasures of sxs shooting because some family member has exposed them to it. It seems as though we, as an organization, should be trying to reach the other 99.9 % of the youth shooting population.


That is a good point and something to consider. Having kids myself, I can attest to the challenges.

School schedules vary from region to region and school to school. Also, with camps, summer schools and some year round programs, kids don't get much free time nowadays.

[Mills Morrison]

My son just came with me and missed two days of school. His teacher is a cuter version of Ms. Ballbricker from Porky's Revenge, so I was fine giving him a break from her.

[Tom Pellegrini]

There would have been quite a few more youth competitors from South Carolina except our youth challenge was the same day as the South Carolina Youth Shooting Foundation Championship Shoot in Edgefield, SC at the NWTF Headquarters.

[Gary Laudermilch]

Just to be clear, I was not questioning the number of participants at this year's event. I am wondering how this wonderful event satisfies this organizations objectives of reaching out to youngsters everywhere when the pool of participants is so restricted geographically. Also, it seems a bit like preaching to the choir as these kids probably already have a mentor to guide them down the sxs path. It seems we need to address a broader spectrum of youth shooters and instigate a spark in them to try a sxs and learn of their part in shotgun history. By all means keep having this event but I am not sure it is actually fulfilling the objective discussed when we first talked about a youth program.

[John Dallas]

My grandkids - Both Master class clays shooters (one is an all American collegiate shooter) don't know how to hold a S x S gun

[Mike McKinney]

Gary, I agree with what you said from an attraction standpoint. I also believe there is value in the youth shoot, it really did produce some excitement. To your other point I am a big believer that the biggest influence in bringing young shooters into the game is through the local youth sportsmen clubs whether they are school affiliated, 4-H or wherever. It seems to me that once young people see others shooting they are likely to attract others, and in many cases youngsters that have had no exposure to guns. I’m not sure how we effect this effort and that deserves ideas and discussion.

[John Dallas]

Unfortunately, with all their friends shooting single-plane guns (O/U or Semi-autos), it's hard to get them into SxS, since they have been told that single plane guns are more accurate. (which is probably the truth)

[Tom Pellegrini]

When I contacted one of the directors of the South Carolina Youth Shooting Foundation and forwarded the rules to him, he was very interested and told me that he has a number of youths that shoot SXS. That is why I mentioned that there would have been more competitors at our Youth Challenge. I was never questioning the number of competitors we had. Hopefully next year the dates will not interfere.

[Mills Morrison]

We have a very active youth program at our gun club but talking to them about sxs's is like talking to a rock. Will keep working.

[John Davis]

I think we have to take them one kid at the time. The young man I took to the Southern was not a side x side shooter. He is now.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

John is right! The real challenge here is to keep the fire burning! If we get 10-12 shooters next year and I really believe we will, we stand a chance at making this something young folks will want to do. It made me feel really good to see them shooting this year and see the smiles on their faces when a target was broken, and a shaking of the head when one was missed, this can work! we must stay the course! gary

[Mills Morrison]

Gary is right and we will keep the fire burning

[Mike Franzen]

I think we have to take them one kid at the time. The young man I took to the Southern was not a side x side shooter. He is now.

John is right. I watched his young cousin transform into a double gunner right before my eyes. Only one of the six shooters in the competition had much experience shooting a ScS. I thought about the April time factor as well and it really isn’t a deterrent. We go to karate tournaments all over the country. Hundreds, of school age kids from everywhere show up and frequently they only get 2 minutes or less of competition time. And it’s a WHOLE lot more expensive than going to the Southern. Bottom line is if the kids want to go and the parents see value they go and miss a day or two of school. Go to Disney World any day of the week and see how many kids are playing hookie. Our challenge to make this event more successful boils down to one thing - Effective Marketing.

[Lee Sherfield]

As a fledgling youth trap coach,I believe exposure is the key. Get them there and let them try it and you will draw some in.
This last week some of our youth worked at the local sporting clays tournament. Guess what they are already talking about trying it.
I plan on shooting some of the side events at the MEC great northern and if I can i will have some youth in tow doing the same.I believe by time we are done working there and doing a little shooting they will be begging for more.
Lee

[Brian Dudley]

Thank you guys for arranging this event and for all the sponsors. It is disappointing to see such a small turnout. But, it is a good start to something that i am sure will grow.

[Robin Lewis]

I have the latest issue of the NRA's American Hunter that addresses this topic and they have designated May the Mentor Initiative month. They have offered anyone interested help on getting started as a mentor information at a download of a free copy of the NRA's Guide For New Shooters that can be found at nramentorsweepstakes.com

This is all good. If we can get just a few new shooters into the fold, and all the others clubs do to, maybe our sport will survive the PC movement against us. One can only try, but the PC movement has the force of the propaganda machine that controls the airwaves and access to our children's minds in school. It's all up hill for us but I am encouraged to see the NRA asking its' million(s) of members to expose new shooters to the shooting sports.

For years, I have told friends that have a fear of guns that they should come with me to a range and shoot a gun (few do). I use the analogy that you may not like to swim but if you know how the fear of water goes away - the same with guns; if they learn to shoot a little, and understand how a gun functions, the fear will go away too. Learning true facts is always good for both sides of any issue.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Robin - that's Great news and I like the way you have presented it.





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