By Cole Boehler
Montana Tavern Association shotgunners kicked off the organization's 2007 convention at 10 a.m. on a beautiful September 10 Monday morning at Big Sky Sporting Clays just outside of Polson some 50 miles south of the Kalispell convention site.
Two flights of five shotgunners each circulated a beautiful 14-station course laid out in widely varying terrain on the Van Voast farm.
While always competitive, the shooters were primarily focused on having fun while getting in a little practice with long-time or even new friends.
Past MTA President Ralph Ferraro blasted the competition hitting 79 of 100 targets presented in every fashion, at every angle and speed imaginable. He is a widely known if not respected shotgun enthusiast.
Many in the group expected Kent Frampton, equally regarded for his shooting prowess, to give Ferraro a run for his money, but it was not to be as Frampton's familiar automatic 12-guage was failing to deliver the second shell to the chamber.
Frampton fought the problem halfway through the course, then finally borrowed a gun which wasn't the answer this day. He ultimately splattered 45 of 100 birds.
And as Frampton was often badly trailing, his vaunted coaching was in tight supply and missed by many who would have appreciated his expertise.
Tom Jones, lagging badly toward the end, staged a masterful comeback, dusting nine of 16 pigeons at the final two holes, bouncing into third place with a total of 41 hits.
Kyle Burgess, Jill Frampton and Dan Skiles all tied for fourth with a 40 score, followed by this writer with 36 out of 100.
However, I did put the scare into a few shooters when I aced nine out of the first 14, causing them to grumble about "ringers" while I secretly understood there was nowhere to go then but down.
Dennis Williams hit 28, Jonni Pekus hit 26 and Jeff Windorski, his first time ever on a sporting clays course, acquitted himself well with a 12.
A lot of smiles and lively chatter was observed as the sore-shouldered shooters adjourned to the clubhouse for delicious barbecue burgers, salads, chips, ice cold beverages and dessert. Terri Van Voast was the perfect host.
Frampton, who organized the shoot, was thanked often and profusely as many remarked of how much pure enjoyment they got out of the event. Frampton then passed out to participants quality long-sleeve shirts with "MTA 2007 Sporting Clays" embroidered on the breast.
It was the best money this writer has spent in a long while. A great course, ammunition provided, good companionship, good sport, good shooting, a delicious lunch and a very nice shirt for $50? You bet!
Should some other convention committee organize one of these in the future (c'mon, Great Falls!), I and likely many of my shooting companions would look forward to it with relish.
Congrats, Ralph! Nice shooting!
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, September, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.