Gents,
Allow me to make a few comments, that will hopefully allay some of your fears/concerns:
1) Regarding mixed squads. You're preaching to The Vienna Boys Choir on that subject. We kicked it around ad infinitum but the logistics were prohibitive. HOWEVER, now that we'll be one dysfunctional "family" under the Ringling Bros big top, perhaps that could be accomplished? All competitors have to pass by the Bo-Whoop/Fox/Parker tent on their way to the stands, so it might be easier to acquire a stray Fox or Parker shooter in an effort to keep the squads "honest." Time will tell on that front.
2) Mark: the rules clearly state all gauges allowed (
10b ---.410) True, Fox never produced any, but we knew that many did leave from Cherry St. so we allowed them. Fire at will.
3) Harold/John: Dave and I have tried to customize the "crazy quail" to replicate more of a 5-Stand set-up, compared to the
insanity of a flurry. Extractors are fine, as you'll never shoot more than a pair of birds at one time. We work with the trapper to slow down the interval between releases.
Think of these as report pairs on Red Bull.
4) Daryl: While our two organizations are rife with, dare I say, "switch-hitters," to maximize team spirit we must insist that all shooters choose one team and stick with it throughout the competition. Obviously you can shoot multiple rounds with different guns but they must be from the same maker. Decisions---Decisions!
5) Finally, let me say this. We hear your concerns loud and clear. Though we can't please all the shooters all the time, we try damn hard to please most of the shooters most of the time. Have faith in your Parker/Fox congressmen and know they are working diligently to ensure that this contest will someday very soon, reach the true potential its founders envisioned from the starting gate. Trust me when I tell you: Two years from now, you ain't gonna recognize this place!
