Fall Southern

Mark Conrad · 10-26-2009, 09:00 AM

I got home late last night and am still sorting stuff out along with e mails. The Parker team won the American Classics Challenge. I wish I had all the names of the 5 shooters but I didn't write them down. Maybe David or Tom could give us a report on how our PGCA members did and who the Parker shooters were for the American Classics Event. It was close with L. C. Smith just behind the Parker team. Any PGCA member within a days drive of this place should seriously consider this shoot for next year. The venue is the best, there are lots of guns to look at and shoot and the Back Woods Quail Club goes out of there way to make everyone welcome. I was sorry we had to come home.

By the way, Ric Hemingway is the owner of Back Woods. He also sets up the 5 stand and pulls the targets at the Challenge at Deep River. Ric and his team set the best targets for both the large and small bore coarse I have ever shot in a side by side shoot. The targets were fair, different, creative and most had blue sky in the background. How about a true pair bouncing off a trampoline. The small bore coarse was set for small bore guns and every target could be broken with a 410. I heard zero complaints about the targets.

Mark

Bill Murphy · 10-26-2009, 10:02 AM

I had a great time, spent time with great people, saw some great guns. Last time I looked, the team challenge was very close with the Smith guys at 100 targets of 125 for the top five shooters. The Parker shooters had 103 targets of 125. Close enough? The Smith shooters must have arrived by bus because Friday there were a dozen or more Parker scores on the board and only two Smith shooters. By late Saturday, it had equalled out. There were two large tents of vendors. I would hope that next year there will be an additional tent. There is no limit on space for vendors or parking. Quail shooting parties were coming and going, probably amazed at the activity. Kevin and I had an animated conversation with one of the guides who had worked at it for many years. The PGCA tables were well manned and decorated with many fine Parkers. A very nice local couple wandered in with a couple of Parkers they wished to sell. We had a nice visit with them and inspected their shotguns. Unfortunately, everyone seemed to be in hammer gun mode and no one seemed to notice the AAHE 32" Whitworth pigeon gun with retrofit factory vent rib or the seemingly unfired 12 gauge DHE Skeet. Everyone agreed that it was the best DHE Skeet they had ever seen. I thought it was a pretty useful pair for someone just getting into trap and skeet. Hotels and restaurants are in close by Georgetown, a twenty mile country ride from Back Woods. On the way into Georgetown, we stopped at a store to buy a bottle of wine and, good grief, they were having a free tasting, food, wine, and spirits. Kevin and I hung out there for a half hour there before we checked in to the hotel. What a way to start a great weekend. Rick put on a great show for everyone and I will be back next year.

John Truitt · 10-26-2009, 11:00 AM

The Fall Classic at Rick Hemingway's place is outstanding. This facility is a shooters dream and I have been to none finer for a side by side event. The people there and the locals truely live up to the reputation of southern hospitality at its finest. I feel very fortunate to have been able to make this event over the past two years and cannot wait until next year.

The Parker boys did very well in the events, both individual and the team event. I know that several of our guys brought home a few trophies each. Guys like Carl Brandt, David Collins Sr and Jr, Ron Garrido, Mark Conrad, Buddy Marson, and Tom Carter all come to mind having a lot of metal/ bling to carry home.

Not to continue to beat a dead horse, but this place and the event are just amazing. I highly recommend it to any and everyone. Try your best to make it next year if you can. You will not be disapointed.

Bill Murphy · 10-26-2009, 12:26 PM

"Welcome back" to Ron Garrido who somehow missed the Spring Southern and the Smith versus Parker Challenge. Somehow, he didn't think a trip from California was too far to come to see his Parker shooting buddies. Maybe next year, we can get the Fox collectors group to head south in October.

Ron Jones · 10-26-2009, 01:37 PM

Drove Up From Columbus,Ga.On Friday and spent The Night With My Son {never a hunter, shooter or fisherman} On Daniel's Island. The Drive From Charleston Saturday Morning Was Relaxing And Spending Quiet Time With Scott Was a Treat.
Although Not Into Shooting Sports Scott Was Very Impressed With The Facility,Organization And Congenial Manner Of Those We Met. I Do Want To Thank David ,Tom And Others We Met At The Parker Table For The Nice Things Said About My 28 Ga VH.
Best Regards,

RON JONES

Mark Conrad · 10-27-2009, 09:19 AM

Here are some pics from the Fall Southern. The first shows the large grassy area for tents and parking. The picture is only covering about 30% of the parking area. The second one is showing Carl Brandt, Mike Harris and Dr. Truitt getting ready to shoot the 5 stand. The third one has Ron Garrido and Dan Christoffersen. It was nice seeing Ron. He missed the Southern at Deep River this year. The 6th one down is Ric Hemingway, owner of Back Woods Quail Club. The 8th one down is showing David Dwyer actually braking a target. The 9th one down is showing Tom Carter trying to find his gun and the last one is the PGCA display.

John Truitt · 10-27-2009, 10:20 AM

Scores from the Fall Classic can be found at the following site:
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/view...?f=95&t=196844

Buddy Marson · 10-27-2009, 11:11 AM

John,
Thanks for directing us to the final scores. What a great weekend! My opinon of this event is, this is better than both the Vintagers and the spring Southern. The course is the best and the food Ric provides is much better than I have had anywhere. Ric has a real jewel with this fall event. I am already looking forward to next year.

All the best!
Buddy

Rick Hemingway · 10-27-2009, 11:41 AM

Back Woods would like to thank everyone who attended the 09' Fall Classic and look forward to having everyone back for the 2010 Fall Classic. We have already started making plans for next year's event in hopes of making the event even better. Below are some of the pictures that were taken here during the event.

Thanks again,

Rick Hemingway

Bill Murphy · 10-27-2009, 12:57 PM

Rick, thanks for the shoot and the pictures and John, thanks for the link to the scores. I guess the scoreboard tells the tale about the excellent participation in this shoot. Yup, we'll be back next year if not before.