Vintage Gunners Cup 2024?

[tom tutwiler]

Thought it was supposed to stay in Pa for a few years. Googled it today and it appears it might in Maryland?

https://vintagers.org/vintage-gunners-cup

[James L. Martin]

Tom, I agree. I wonder what happened to move it from Pennsylvania. Also October is grouse and woodcock season.

[Bill Murphy]

Could it have something to do with the feces spread around inside the only, yes, the only, porta john near the tent? It could be forgiven if it had ever been cleaned up. We're old guys and we need a porta john on a regular basis. And what do you think our wives think? Good riddance. I like George Hopkins and his family and facility, but the location sure didn't attract much of a vendor attendance when the Vintage Cup was there. I hope things are different this year. I will attend as I always have.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by James L. Martin

Tom, I agree. I wonder what happened to move it from Pennsylvania. Also October is grouse and woodcock season.

IMO from what I experienced the club wasn't prepared to deal with the crowd, there were multiple organizational issues. Some folks reported they had guns damaged from a pesticide that was sprayed on the grass before they set up the big tent over it.

[Double Lab]

I was just notified that the Vintage cup will be held at Hopkins Hunting and Sporting Clays in Kennedyville, MD on Oct 3-5, 2024.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

I was just notified that the Vintage cup will be held at Hopkins Hunting and Sporting Clays in Kennedyville, MD on Oct 3-5, 2024.

I would think holding it in the first week of October will hurt attendance, that is the traditional opening of small game, upland bird and waterfowl in many states.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Pete Lester

I would think holding it in the first week of October will hurt attendance, that is the traditional opening of small game, upland bird and waterfowl in many states.

I agree.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by James L. Martin

Tom, I agree. I wonder what happened to move it from Pennsylvania. Also October is grouse and woodcock season.

Yes Jim, it is grouse and woodcock season. It also begins in September in Maine. September is also the beginning of dove and October ushers in archery for deer and bear in PA. Once the calendar turns to September there's pretty much some sort of upland, big game or waterfowl hunting season open, especially in PA, through mid-April. As much as I enjoy hunting, when the weather is nice and there's a SxS tournament, the clays win out. I don't have to chase them or clean them and I can shoot 1000+ clays in a four day event. I can't do that hunting!! Someone will say Argentina. That's all well and good but not everyone has a passport or the desire to travel that far for dove and pigeon.

My point is, speaking as a range owner, there are only so many weeks to choose from to host a multi-day event. Weather is the main determining factor. Hunting seasons are something we don't really factor in as a small percentage of shooters choose birds over clays. It is what it is,

[B. Dudley]

Yeah, there were a LOT of shortcomings in last years venue.

The bathroom situation mentioned above may have contributed to it. Or maybe the caustic lye that the field was sprayed with the destroyed peoples guns didn't help either.

[Dr Bob]

I got this email today addressed to the Lefever Arms Collectors Association. I will preface it with saying that we had several vintage guns, gun cases and display stands that were severely damaged by whatever they sprayed on the field before raising the tent. Despite attempts at a contact nobody has addressed this issue. The restroom facilities were abominable, and I say that as a gastroenterologist who was used to dealing with s&it on a daily basis. The shooting was messed up with the five stand and the manufacturers competition was messed up. It was just obvious that venue was just not ready for the influx of shooters and exhibitors who showed up. I have much more faith in the new venue of being able to handle to event, However, as others have expressed the timing is horrific. This is prime bird season in the east. The LACA is debating whether the turnout will be worth traveling 10-18 hours to attend an event when most shooters will be hunting.

Hi All,

I hope this email finds everyone doing well in their personal, business and sporting lives! Delaney & Sons has finished their season and is in the "let's fill those pegs for next season!" stage.

As many of you know and witnessed, last year's Vintage Cup took a lot out of me. For many reasons, things kept getting added to my plate and I tried the best I could with the resources that I was given to pull off a successful event. Whether or not it was a success is debatable. I received many compliments and I received many complaints. In the end, we increased the turn out from previous years and there were no complaints about the displays under the exhibitors tent. Everyone loved what you all brought to your tables! I thank you for that!!

After some thought, I have decided to step off the Vintage Gunners Board. My time and energy is best spent focused on D&S and our youngest, Graham's, senior year in high school.

As for 2024, they will not be returning to Warrington Sporting Clays. The decision was made by 3:1 vote from the board to go to
Hopkins Hunting & Sporting Clays in Kennedyville, MD.
October 3 through October 5, 2024 (Thurs - Sat)

Your points of contact about this year's cup will be
Matt Haney: mmhaney@comcast.net
Ray McNaughton: raymcnaughton@comcast.net

You can expect to start receiving info packets in early April. Matt and Ray will have them at the Southern, for those attending.

If anyone has questions, suggestions or feedback, Matt and Ray will be happy to help you.

Hope to see you all soon!

Cheers, Liz