[John Liles]

Mike, sorry I didn't get to meet you at the Southern, (or if I did we didn't get introduced!)Three days after the event, and we've got a three page thread on a shoot at a secondary venue, and not three words about the main reason we all gather in Sanford. (unless I'm missing something?) Beats Me!

LC Smith won the Challenge Event by only three birds in what I believe was the closest and most exciting Challenge Event to date. There was a tie for High Gun, I believe, and Parker Wizard Dr. John Truitt faced off with Elsie shooter Adam Picket in a sudden death shoot-off especially designed by our target host Rick Hemingway from Backwoods Quail Club in Georgetown, SC. Three true pairs that were ridiculous! Another tie at 5 birds each! Another shoot-off and three more true pairs later, and Adam had won. We had us a real horse race, and an absolute joy to watch.

If my understanding is correct, barring any score corrections after the final shots, Team Parker won the Hammer Gun event for the first time ever by 11 birds. Any participation shortcomings suffered by Parker in years past was certainly overcome this year. Team Parker Hammer Gun really shined, and I'd say Team Elsie Hammer Gun has their work cut out for them next year.

Hi-Lady also went to Team Parker this year with Deb Frey winning a three way tie by reverse-long-run tie breaker rules. Can't get much closer than that!

Lots of great guns and their owners in attendance, and hopefully they'll all be back next year!

That was my take on the weekend anyway.
John