I was at last years and this years VGC.
What Mr McCormick said is spot on.
Much more shooters this year over last. Much more shooters on the course and entering events.
More vendors. I don't know how the vendors felt. If guns were sold or not. I know I bought one but overall I just don't know how it went for them.
I will say this as far as from a shooting perspective (again shooting, nothing else): Mr and Mrs Hopkins and their excellent staff have done and are willing to do everything that has been asked of them. They made adjustments that were asked of them from last years event and made them much better this year. THEY ARE LEARNING and WILLING TO DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES to make this shoot a success.
IMO: advertising for next years event needs to start now. Just like Kevin said, all the usual magazines, journals, parker pages, LC smith journal, etc. Get the word out. On line sites, etc.
As for the course:
1. sub gauge course (410,32,28,24,20)
2. large bore course (16,12,10)
3. Two practice five stands
4. One competition five stand (FPC and Main event shoot off for HOA)
5. a great 6 machine driven flurry set up
6. 100 bird main event course (on a totally different part of the property)
7. Rifle course for big bore, stalking/ stopping rifles/ cape gun/ drilling/ etc
It is a big place. I do suggest a golf cart or gator or something. some were walking it but a cart helps.
Trappers at all stations and fields.
Water coolers on the course
great targets!!!!!!!!!!! for all events, each course with its own flavor.
Excellent staff. Very professional. they know what they are doing.
remember this is only their second time dealing with a side by side event. They are used to NSCA. so it is a big learning curve and very different than what they are used to.
I have nothing negative to say about the event, course, location, people, etc.
I am thankful the VGC is back and around and back again for next year. I will do everything I can to support both the VGC and Hopkins and the PGCA.
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