Eagle Cap Shooters Association Newsletter, 29 June 2007

Tom Crooks (432-2580)–Editor

Range Development: Jack Thompson has been setting the large steel Long Range Black Powder Cartridge targets on the range. If you go to the range and Jack has posted a Range Closed sign on the gate, please do not plan on shooting. At the present time the targets will be laid down to prevent being ruined by being riddled by modern high power rifles. Jack has gone to considerable expense and time to have the target fabricated and set and the Association appreciates his efforts. A BP cartridge match is planned this summer and Jack has expectations of bringing in shooters who will contribute to the Association coffers. If you are willing to help Jack with this project, call him at 432-3214.

We are continuing to solicit for bad hay/straw bales to add to the sound barrier wall at the end of the firing line berm. If you have any of this material to contribute, or want to work with the few individuals who are grunting and straining on the project, contact John Joyce at 432-3808 or myself at 432-2580.

We need to formulate an overall long range plan for range development to facilitate the use of any grant or other monies we are able to capture. Not only does a plan assist in this use of the money, but it demonstrates to contributors that we have given serious thought to where we are going with this important asset to the county. What we do now will be around for years for the benefit of the upcoming County shooters who will follow us. Your thoughts on the subject can be transmitted to the Range Master, Eric Kozowski at 432-2214 or eric@kozowski.com

Third Sunday Monthly Shoot: Floyd McCadden and I will hold an egg shoot on Sunday the 15^th of July . This will involve long range (100-300 yds) shooting at both paper targets and eggs suspended within a box against a black background. If shooting in front of other people bothers you, Floyd will have brown paper bags available for masks. Call either one of us (Floyd at 426-4204 or Tom at 432-2580) for more info. If you have a dozen eggs to contribute, or need the shoot concept explained, contact Floyd.

The 2^nd Annual Machine Gun Shoot: 16 and 17 June, was a rousing success. It is estimated that approximately 400 people–spectators, shooters and staff- passed thru the gate to participate. A rough count of gate receipts is about $2200 and we will get a complete accounting of the gross, cost and profit at the July meeting. Thank you to all the Association members who turned out to serve as RSOs, registration and entry crews, parking attendants, set up and clean up crews, as well as those who worked long beforehand to prepare the range–-fencing crews, warning sign posters, and the sound barrier hay/straw stackers. We need to show our appreciation to Mike Musia for both bringing the target vehicles and his two water trucks to the range. Mike Rahn supplied an abundance of clean Hooters for the use of our guests. I should mention that we got lots of great comments from nearly everyone on the positive changes to the range. Once again the artistry of Charlie Olson is noted.

Classes: A NRA Range Safety Officer Course is scheduled for Saturday June 30^th, 9:00 AM at the Joseph Legion Hall. Contact Duncan Hunter at 569-2008 for additional information.

A Concealed Carry Course is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 7 and 8 July. Contact Duncan Hunter to sign up to attend. It actually is fairly painless–one day of class and a half day at the range shooting. Everyone seems to have a good time and no one has failed—yet.

Friends of the NRA: The 2^nd Wallowa County Friends of the NRA banquet/fund raiser is on the calendar for Saturday, 18 August at the Joseph Community Center. Contact Keith Newburn for information- 263-0574. The first meeting of the committee to set up this banquet is scheduled for this coming Monday, 2 July at the Joseph firehall at 7:00 PM. Everyone who wants to assist in this important fund raiser is encouraged to attend.

The NEVER-ENDING RAFFLE: The raffle drawing was held Saturday evening, 16 June, following the afternoon portion of the Machine Gun Shoot. The lucky winner of the Browning shotgun was member Mark Blake and the winner of the Stevens .22 rifle was non-member Keith Hatfield. The final take on the raffle was approximately $400. Future raffles will hopefully not be long drawn-out affairs. Discussions are underway relative to prizes which have more curb appeal and will attract more customers.

ECSA Gun Sales: Call Duncan Hunter at 569-2008 to look at the 2 remaining guns for sale. All proceeds go to the ECSA.