Why is the attendance at SxS events down?

[Double Lab]

I think you pretty much nailed it Craig. I think a four day shoot is stretching things a bit for most shooters, three days max. A hunters class should be set up for shooters who want to shoot but not compete against the top dogs who are master class shooters. Trying to have 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and .410 events, in my opinion, is not really needed. 10,12,16=big bore. 20, 24,28, 32,.410=smallbore. Keep it simple. Mike set up some great targets. All in my opinion were breakable with a 28 ga. So just set up one course, start handicapping from 20 ga. down and make it a 100 target event. Make the entry fee reasonable, most courses I shoot are from $35-$40, and if you want to compete against the big guys have a money option or a lewis class.

I know I go to these events for the friends I have made through the years and to look at all the bling. I can shoot much cheaper around here but seeing all the guys and gals is the main reason I attend. I'll support Mike at the Rock because he makes me feel as if I'm a friend and not just another shooter. That's the main reason I stopped attending the vintage cup.

[C.O.B.]

The bottom line is it's expensive. The weekend at The Rock with travel, hotel, food and shooting would have run close to a grand and as I'm leaving for Wyoming Thursday it just wasn't in the cards. Next year I plan on going. I think three days is plenty of time to burn powder and reconnect with the guys you saw at the last shoot.

Timing always plays a part in the attendance. as mentioned previously the Fall Southern is well it's in the fall during the peak of Grouse season here and birds win out over targets, The Rock is on the cusp of bird season but it's still early enough that it doesn't really interfere.

I agree with Craig that most of us attend these events for the fun of attending and not as serious competitors. If there was a way to shoot and enjoy the camaraderie but not for score at a lesser cost more targets might get thrown. A Lewis class system would even things out some as well.

A person can only do so many shoots/trips in a given year unfortunately.