RELOAD!

MAY 2005 NEWSLETTER
Editor Pro Tem: Al Anglace

COMMENTARY:

“Change is good, isn’t it?” Those are the words of Bruce Buck as he
tried to sooth my nerves. As you should know by now, there is a mass
exodus from the massive Reload! complex in Westport, CT, in favor of a
new Florida villa. Yes, “Miss Manners” was upset and slammed her
familiar pointed shoe to the floor in disgust. Hizzoner, “The Judge”
spoke about the legality of it all, in a gruff tone, with a promise
for review. The “Technoid” has been so involved with his slide rule
that they have not told him as yet.

It was just time for them to move on and continue their lives in the
land of sunshine, palm trees and easier targets. Not to mention that
they will have to shoot and play golf all twelve months. How tiring.
We certainly will look forward to the promise of the long distance
contributions in the future made by Bruce. The Traveler’s had a long
and enjoyable union with Bruce and Rebecca as friends. Bruce’s
unparalleled commitment to making our Reload! newsletter such an
anticipated read for all those wonderful twelve years will always be
remembered. Especially when we barge in on them for a visit.

From our hearts we say Thank You!!! We wish them both much happiness
in their new life in Florida and hope they don’t forget their good
friends in the north. And I’m not sold on change being good.

-Al Anglace

APRIL “TAX TIME REVOLT” SHOOT
Old Newgate Coon Club
Norfolk, CT
April 17, 2005

It’s always a pleasure to visit the Old Newgate Coon Club for a
sporting event. It really doesn’t matter if it is sponsored by the
Travelers or by the club. This shoot was exceptional! We reintroduced
the Travelers’ original version of international sporting targets with
full use of the gun singles and mixed pairs over 15 stations. They
will be known as “Traveler Interesting” targets, not “Tough Targets.”
Although the scores would not substantiate it as the temperature was
higher than the winning score. It must have been the sudden change in
presentations that stymied a bunch of top flight shooters. Every
target was within Imp. Cyl. Choke range, no short windows, no vision
problems or targets into the next Zip Code. However, the presentations
were slick. Varying speeds and latitudes on the same stations that the
shooters seemed to just scratch their heads in disbelief when they
shot only 50% or so, on many stands.

Maestro Bob Busha has grown into a master target setter in his
beautiful woods setting. He knows how to set the targets according to
the occasion. Sort of like a band leader playing the music the people
want to dance to.

Hank Drapou commented on the “teal from heaven” in a way that it
really could not be determined if he liked or disliked them. He did
have a smile on his face so I would vote for the positive here. Andrej
Kirylak had a bewildered look on his face as he turned in his score
card. “They looked easy, but they were very tricky . . . I guess.”

The lesson to be learned at this shoot is one of the most important
competitive qualities a shooter can employ in the Sporting Clays game.
Never give up targets because you got off to a bad start or had a bad
run. Unlike the other clay target venues, Sporting is a game of hits,
not misses. No miss and out. You can be a hair off your game and still
be at the finish line with a competitive score, or maybe the
Championship. Who would have thunk that some of the best shooters in
the club would not exceed a score of 75? It happened at this shoot.

It took a delicious chicken dinner to settle the crowd. Ed Shine won
the 50/50 raffle and Ed Davies tormented as many as possible to round
out a great day of clays.

HOA RALPH LOWERY 75
I-1 GEORGE OSTRANDER 72
I-2 LAVERT CYPHER 72
I-3 TED BURKE 72
II-1 LARRY PRATHER 71
II-2 MARK LATAKAS 68
II-3 ED MORITT 67
III-1 PAUL CAHAN 68
III-2 DAVE DUNN 68
III-3 DON HUTCHINSON 66
IV-1 LYELL WILLIAMS 68
IV-2 PETER COLOMELLO 63
IV-3 GINNY TENNISON 60
V-1 KRISTEN HACHMANN 54
V-2 DORIS WILLINGER 53
V-3 EMILE DORIZZI 53
Lady GINNY TENNISON 60
Vet LAVERT CYPHER 72
SrVet AL ANGLACE 70
Jr KRISTEN HACHMANN 54

ON A MENTOR
By Phil Steinkraus

I would like to dedicate some space here to that writer, editor and
raconteur extraordinaire, the superlative Mr. Buck.

I first got to know Bruce just as I started shooting sporting clays
back in 1992. I was a rank beginner then, struggling to break out of
the 50’s at Travelers shoots and hungry for advice from any source I
could find --Bruce was always forthcoming. As luck would have it,
Bruce was a member of the Campfire Club, that venerable private
institution in Chappaqua, NY to which my father also belongs, so I
often ran into Bruce on the skeet fields there. My father has always
been extremely fond of Mr. Buck so there already existed that familial
connection, but I developed my own friendship with Bruce by shooting
the private club circuit, in which Campfire participates. At those
competitions Bruce was more often than not near the top of the leader
board and what struck me most was that he could seemingly shoot
everything well: Sporting, skeet, trap-- nothing threw him including
FITASC. He was a benchmark of sorts for my shooting for a long
while--anytime I could get within spitting distance of Bruce’s scores,
I knew I was on the right track. Although he’s backed off the hard
core competitions in the last couple of years, Bruce remains the
epitome of the well-rounded shooter--indeed, the well-rounded
sportsman, as I know shooting is just one of his many passions.

People love to talk about “mentoring.” How this person got them this,
or gave them that, but to my mind that isn’t mentoring. A mentor is an
old hand guiding a young one, sometimes encouraging, occasionally
stern but always selfless and without motive.

I wanted to write, but when you’re in your 20’s, people aren’t
necessarily interested in what you have to say. I’d been a creative
writing major in school and was hungry to get into outdoor writing,
but I hardly knew where to start. Bruce suggested maybe I’d like to
learn to crawl before walking. He said he could use me on Reload. Sure
it was unpaid, but it was an opportunity to get into print
regularly--and then he added his famous come-on line, “I’ll make you
famous.”

I can’t say the shoot write-ups I did for Reload ever made me famous
but I do know this gig got me my first short piece in Shooting
Sportsman simply because the managing editor was on the Reload mailing
list and was familiar with my work. I guess the most I can say about
my time writing for Bruce was that there was never any doubt that this
publication was in fact his. He ran it as Al runs the Travelers--as a
benevolent dictator and I was just his guest! It was his editorial
sensibility that coursed through these pages and while I had a
tendency to court controversy and shout extremely unpopular opinions
from the tallest mountain tops (I still do both, unfortunately) Bruce,
with a wave of his magic red pen, would transform my inflammatory copy
back into that of a seemingly well-adjusted adult. I can remember
being a little miffed at some of his cuts early on, particularly
because he never told you how heavily he’d edited you that month, and
it was only when the issue came out that you knew the truth. It was
his businesslike approach to editing that prepared me for the
heartless realities of writing professionally. Indeed, if Bruce hadn’t
so well prepared me on his newsletter, I well might have been suicidal
after some of my early professional pieces received editorial hatchet
jobs.

While I moved on and wrote about hunting dogs in addition to shooting
for other publications, Bruce used Reload as a springboard to graduate
to the world of big-time magazine writing, specifically with Shooting
Sportsman--the best publication of it’s kind in this country. Bruce
joined them initially as a book reviewer and then added travel pieces
to his repertoire. In addition to his duties at Shooting Sportsman
Bruce is also a partner and contributor to the Shotgun Report web
site, to which this publication has links.

Finally, the term “gentleman” is another overused word in this day and
age. It implies a sense of style, education, refinement, athleticism,
panache and fair play. There are damned few people left on this planet
who can fulfill all these requirements, but Mr. Buck is one of them. A
lawyer by training, Bruce is the embodiment of the scholar athlete,
indeed perhaps even the philosopher king.

His retirement as editor of this publication (he’s moved to Florida
where he’ll continue his other professional editorial commitments)
gives me pause for reflection: Of how far Travelers has come as a
group, of how many shooters have ebbed and flowed in and out of our
game over the years and how this sport has both lived up to and fallen
short of it’s full potential over the tenure of Bruce’s editorship.

The baton has been passed: I’m not sure I’m the guy who’ll carry it
all the way home, but I say three cheers to my friend and mentor,
Bruce Buck. He did one hell of a job over a dozen years with this
newsletter and he’s earned his right to a break in the sun. Best
wishes from all of us at the Connecticut Travelers and we’ll look for
him in print.

COURTING CLAYS…

Yes, we will have a “Courting Clays” shoot this year. Final
arrangements are being made to the venue and date. It will be held at
the Mid Hudson Sporting Grounds in the month of August. The National
Shooting Sports Foundation’s ‘Step Outside Program” is co-sponsoring
this event and will provide funds for advertising and promotion.

Can you help with our annual Courting Clays shoot? It’s an extremely
popular low key shoot for couples. We need some volunteer help to make
it a success. Contact El Presidente Al Anglace at 860-354-9351 or
email CTSCA@email.com.

CLUB HISTORY by John Hachmann…

In last month’s Reload! I wrote about the previous months shoot,
“March Madness” at Mid Hudson Sporting Grounds. This month I will
review the history of the past “May Minuet” shoots, the upcoming
shoot. Why the change in format you ask, well if you recall I did ask
for suggestions as to how this column should be written. Only one
suggestion was offered, let’s just say a “High Ranking” suggestion was
e-mailed to me. OK, I get the hint, so here it is.

The “May Minuet” shoots have historically been held at Tamarack
Preserve, at least dating back to 1999. Before that, it was Mid Hudson
and East Mountain. Average attendance for the “May Minuet” shoot is
108 shooters although the past two years have seen a lower turnout,
approximately 70.

My first instincts said that the weather must have played a role in
the reduced attendance but when I checked I found that no weather data
was recorded after 1999. However, 1999 did show a weather forecast of
“70’s & Crystal Blue Sky” and a turnout of a whopping 151 shooters. So
that must be it. WOW, I love this stuff! The HOA defending Champion is
Lavert Cypher who shot an outstanding 86 over the usual challenging
Tamarack track. Last month we reviewed the “May Minuet” history of the
Ladies Division, this month we will look at the history of the Junior
Division.

1996, 1st Place . . . Ryan Sandner 51
1997, 1st Place . . . Lee Horn 57
1998, 1st Place . . . Ryan Sandner 58
1999, 1st Place . . . Rocky Cotoia 48
2000. 1st Place . . . George Kaiser, Jr 56
2001, 1st Place . . . Info. not available
2002, 1st Place . . . Luke Sproviero 57
2003, 1st Place . . . Mike Fabano 62
2004, 1st Place . . . Jason Lenhart 52

Congratulations to “all” of our Junior Champions over the years. To
all of the Junior members who will be shooting the 2005 “May Minuet”
at Tamarack Preserve, the overall high score to beat is a 62. If
possible, get out there and practice a bit before the shoot. Good
Luck!

TRAVELER’S PHOTOGRAPHS:

Thanks to a good friend and supporter of the sport, Joe Potosky,
members can view club photos on www.losttarget.com.

RELOAD! STAFF ENLISTMENTS:

Phil Steinkraus, free lance sports writer whose articles have appeared
in major clays publications nationally, has volunteered to not only
write, but along with his wife Stefanie, will assume the
responsibility of managing the monthly process of publishing Reload!.

Also, Lans Christensen, world famous clays shooter, bike racer,
phototographer, cabinet maker and husband to an upcoming shooting
star, has also agreed to write and assist in the publication of
Reload!. We have enjoyed Lans’ articles in the past as he presented
coverage of many shoots over the years.

We would like to encourage our membership to get involved with this
fun part of our club by taking a turn at writing an article. Tell us
about your recent shooting trip, a lesson you took, or an old favorite
gun you drug out of the closet and beat your brother-in-law with. It
is great fun and there is no need to be concerned about grammar or
spelling as all articles will be edited by a professional editor. You
may have a favorite subject to write about? Give it a try.



*** 2005 CTSCA SHOOTING CALENDAR ***

MAY 15 MAY MINUET- TAMARACK PRESERVE, NY
JUN 11 CLUB CH PRELIM FITASC AND 5 STAND- MID-HUDSON, NY
JUN 12 RUDY PASSERO CLUB CH- MID-HUDSON SHOOTING GROUNDS, NY
JUL 17 SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME- ORVIS/SANDANONA, NY
AUG 12~14 GREAT EASTERN LOBSTER CLASSIC- ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI
SEP 18 SEPTEMBERSHUTZENFEST-MILLBROOK ROD & GUN CLUB, NY
SEP 30-OCT 2 ANNUAL FALL TRIP- PA & NY WEEKEND TOUR
OCT 16 SMALL GAUGE CLUB CH- FAIRFIELD COUNTY FISH AND GAME, CT
NOV 13 monthly shoot- to be announced
NOV 27 KOEHLER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER-venue to be announced
DEC 18 DICK LOSEE MEMORIAL SHOOT /CHRISTMAS PARTY- MID COUNTY, NY

*** OTHER 2005 SHOOTS OF INTEREST ***
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM

APRIL 29, 30 & May 1 – RUGER NORTH AMERICAN ALL AROUND SPORTING CLAYS
CHAMPIONSHIP & NSCA RI STATE SHOOT. ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI.

MAY 6 – RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY BANQUET HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR
SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. If you have purchased tickets contact Michelle
Benedict at 888 564-6747.

MAY 15 – “TOUGH AS NAILS” SHOOT, ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI.”

JUNE 5 – “SHOOTING FOR A CURE”. MID HUDSON SPORTING GROUNDS, NY.
Fellow Traveler, Ira Conklin runs this shoot to benefit cancer
research. Please support this shoot.

- THE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY SPORTING CLAYS CHAMPIONSHIP, ADDIEVILLE
EAST FARM, RI.

JUNE 26 – 18TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN DUCKS UNLIMITED SPORTING CLAYS
OPEN, ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI.

JULY 17 – “PIG ROAST BLAST”, ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI.




CONTACTING THE TRAVELERS...

CTSCA Home Office: Email <ctsca @email.com> (by far the best way) or
telephone 860-354-9351 if you absolutely must.

Membership, Address Changes and Shooting Class status: Contact Cyndi
Dalena at Email <shotguncyndi@prodigy.net>.

Guide Book questions, Dick Orenstein <oren@umich.edu> or call
203-226-5251.

Past issues of “Reload! are available on line at
www.ShotgunReport.com.




**** THE UPCOMING TRAVELERS MONTHLY SHOOT ****

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2005
“MAY MINUET”
TAMARACK PRESERVE
MILLBROOK, NY
(845) 373-7084

It doesn’t get any better than a day at the beautiful Tamarack
Preserve! You will spend as much time counting the Wild Turkeys as you
will your score. Wonderful.

The gross expenditure is $60. GUESTS ARE WELCOME AT THIS SHOOT. For
those who want to try sub-gauges, you shouldn’t find our usual
handicap too taxing: 16 ga = +3, 20 ga =+5, 28 ga = +10, 410 bore =
+20, pumps and SxS get another +5.

NOTE: WHEN USING A HANDICAP IT IS THE SHOOTER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO LIST
THE PARTICULAR REASON AND AMOUNT OF HANDICAP TARGETS ON THE SCORE
CARD. ADD THEM TO THE RAW SCORE AND CIRCLE THE FINAL SCORE..

TAMARACK REQUIRES THE USE OF FIBER WADS ON THEIR COURSE. LEAD SHOT IS
FINE, BUT A FIBER WAD MUST BE USED. TAMARACK HAS A SUPPLY OF
APPROPRIATE SHELLS, INCLUDING SMALL GAUGE, FOR SALE AT TRAVELERS’
DISCOUNTED PRICES. Reloads can be used if they have a fiber wad.

DIRECTIONS: Tamarack Preserve, Route 44, Millbrook, NY – 845 373-7084.
From the junction of US 84/684/NY 22, take NY 22 North to the traffic
light in Amenia, NY. Go West (left) on NY 44 for 2.9 miles to Turkey
Hollow Road on left (look for Tamarack sign). From the Taconic
Parkway, take the NY 44 exit. Go east (right) on 44 for 1.7 miles, go
left onto NY 44-A heading East for 3.2 miles and then back onto NY 44
for 6.7 miles to Turkey Hollow Road (look for Tamarack sign) on right.

NOTE: EYE AND EAR PROTECTION IS MANDATORY AT ALL TRAVELERS’ SHOOTS!