RELOAD!

NOVEMBER 2003 NEWSLETTER
© Bruce Buck, editor

OKTOBERSCHUTZENFEST
Millbrook Rod & Gun Club
Sunday, October 19, 2003
By Lans Christensen

For a bunch of reasons, Millbrook always winds up as one of our best
shoots… Tough targets…deep fried turkeys….and most of all: the best
hospitality on tour. This weekend always falls in peak foliage season
and with brilliant colors and strong contrast, the targets seem to
defy hard focus. With that in mind, the overcast skies promised better
visibility at least, so we arrived with a trunkload of guns,
ammunition, and high hopes. Before we sponged up sufficient caffeine
and sugar, the overcast skies started spitting and a truly nasty cold
rain backed us under the porch and tent. The flag dropped and Al sent
85 Travelers out onto the course… each of whom was thinking that the
weather would bother the other 84, but not yours truly. It really is
all about the ability to concentrate and, for brief moments, to put
one’s discomforts on the back burner. Don’t pretend it’s a summer day,
savor the misery, and when you call “pull”, it’s 110%….To The Target.
Okay.. so what if it’s easy to say and hard to do.

“Technical” always describes the Millbrook targets. It was a 14
station course which included several “ 2 report, 2 simo”
presentations. These test your ability to make a plan, and to execute,
as the obvious is not necessarily the easiest. There were plenty of
new looks along the way: Wet conditions changed the background,
especially at station # 5. The lowland has turned into a pond, and
shooting at the true pair of outgoers below the platform produces a
visible pattern on the water. Often deceiving, if it looks like the
pattern is all around the unbroken bird, you missed high and the
target flew over the pattern a split second later. Change of pace
targets are another technical challenge. Station #9 was the
all-time change-up winner. A lazy gravity rabbit followed by a wicked
fast mini going away… about like jumping from a decelerating
good-humor truck onto a flat-out Ferrari. Even in the woods, Lavert
provided some nice long shots at 13 and 14. Both were going away
presentations but with angle and edge aplenty.

The eagerly anticipated fireplace back at the clubhouse didn’t let us
down. Plenty of hot food, and we were all recovering nicely. Again,
not enough can be said about the good spirits that prevailed under
foul conditions. This is a great venue and a great shoot and it is
provided by one of the Travelers and his generous staff..Thanks Lavert
and all involved.

Your writer had the good fortune to shoot with the HOA, and the
results were no surprise. Always near the top of the lists, Dean
Anglace put it all together. He was cold and wet like the rest of us,
but stayed in the game all day. The rare misses were always on the
first or second bird, and he knew how to make the correction, and he
didn’t miss again. Al had a well deserved moment of pride in
recognizing his son’s achievement. A first for the Travelers: Father &
Son who have both won our coveted 1st place. Congatulations.

HOA DEAN ANGLACE 84
I-1 Paul Fostini 82
I-2 Vin La Scalza 80
I-3 Jim Muller 80
II-1 John Lawlor 80
II-2 George Begbie 79
II-3 Al Anglace 76
III-1 Denis Morgan 76
III-2 Paul Ragusa 70
III-3 Tom Boyle 67
IV-1 Kevin Coon 71
IV-2 Warren Lambert 67
IV-3 Bob Blake 64
V-1 Scott Lenhart 63
V-2 Sue Foster 48*
V-3 Chester Onuma 48
VI-1 Les Carter 45
VI-2 Gwyn Grant 17
Lady-1 Anna Maria Collins 67
Lady-2 Cyndi Dalena 58
Lady-3 Sue Uliano
Mesdames Mary Jo Begbie 40
Vet-1 George Ostrander 79
Vet-2 Mike Steiner 72*
Vet-3 Jim Kline 72
S Vet Martin Schroeder 64
Jr-1 Jason Lenhart 62
Jr-2 Mike Griffin 36
Jr-3 Kendall Coon 34
High Guest Brian Griffin 67
*Ties decided by tie-breaker station


THE TECHNOID CHOKES UP FOR EDGE-ON (continued from last month)…

In the previous issue of this 1995 rerun article, your truculent
Technoid argued that just because the National Champion used fairly
open chokes to win it all one year, doesn’t mean that something isn’t
being given up by open chokes for everything. It’s interesting to note
that in 2003, sporting’s dominant shooter George Digweed, uses
extremely tight chokes for almost everything. Toldyouso! Toldyouso!
Here’s the rest of the 1995 article…

As the Technoid has told you repeatedly, the center of your pattern
will always break the bird. Ignore it. Concentrate on maximizing the
fringe and getting that full 24". Due to central thickening, this will
always mean that the center of your pattern is too hot. No way around
it. If your center is just right, your fringe will be too thin and
your effective pattern smaller than it should be.

The fact that Brindle insists on patterning into the traditional 30"
ring is confusing. If optimum pattern size for #8s lies at about 24"
and #9s at about 27", why doesn't he use the Technoid's 27" patterning
circle and just study the pattern in the 20"-27" annular ring? Sniff.
N.I.H. (Not Invented Here) probably. You, however, are under no such
constraint.

Bottom line? Brindle says that you are not maximizing your fringe
unless you are getting 70-80% of your pattern into a 30" circle at the
distance at which you are breaking the bird. This will insure a
properly filled 24" circle and that is all that you can hope for. The
rest of the pellet distribution outside of the 24" circle is not dense
enough to always insure a broken edge-on target. All this will
certainly mean full choke from 35-40 yards out and may well mean
modified at 30 yards, light modified at 25 yards and improved cylinder
at 20 yards. This is probably one degree of choke more than you are
used to using.

Previously, the Technoid had recommended skeet (.005") to 20 yards,
light modified (.015") to 35 yards and improved modified (.030")
thereafter. These are still good all-around chokes for the wide
variety of targets we encounter. That said, when the bird is edge-on
and you just have to break it to win, remember the mathematics of the
situation and choke down.

Many people happily go through their shooting careers using less than
optimal choke for the edge-on birds. They break enough targets to have
faith in their choke selection. When they do not break a bird, they
assume that they have simply missed. They never consider the fact that
a little tighter choke might have given them a slightly larger
effective pattern and that might have given them the bird. Remember
the words of John Satterwhite, US Olympic Skeet Team 1976, who was
quoted here before: "I want the best pattern I can get because when I
miss, I don't miss by much."

Do a little experimenting on paper and warm up your calculator. Do
not be misled by the heaviness of your target breaks. If you center
the bird, you should puff it. If you center the clay and just crinkle
it into five or six pieces, you pattern may be a little too open to
give you the most efficient outer ring possible at that distance. It
does not sound right, but it is. Just always think in terms of filling
out the fringe as much as possible. The center will take care of
itself. You want to get your full 24" of effective coverage to ensure
the hit you deserve on an edge-on target.

So, after wading through all of this (The Technoid makes Brindle much
clearer, right?), you should come away with one lesson: Use extra
choke for edge-on targets.

Next month we will go into what happens to the effective part of your
pattern (that 24") before and after it reaches optimal range. You may
be in for a surprise. Bet you just can't wait.


INANE FILLER…

Since it is against the law to leave too much white space in any
publication, here’s some filler to ponder. Just view this stuff as one
of the many benefits inflicted on you for being a Travelers member.

For those of you who think that speed kills, here’s a direct quote
from the Hodgdon Powder Company internet site. Speed merchants take
note.

Lead Required to Break a Target from Position #4 on a Skeet Field

Assuming a regulation target at a distance of 21 yards traveling at 88
fps upon exiting the house and a remaining velocity of 60 fps at the
center stake.

Velocity of Shot Charge Lead Change in Lead
(feet per second) (inches) (inches)
1100 41.23 +3.43
1150 39.44 +1.64
1200 37.80 0
1250 36.28 -1.52




THE HAROLD KOEHLER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER SHOOT

“A GROUP OF SPORTSMEN DEDICATED TO PROMOTE THE WILL OF A DECEASED
FRIEND AND FELLOW SPORTSMAN”

Annually scholarships are awarded by the Society to honor the memory
of Harold F. Koehler, an original Connecticut Traveler, popular
businessman, accomplished wildfowl wood carver and sportsman. He lived
in New Milford, CT and devoted his life to community service. The
Society is made up of Harold’s many local friends and fellow sportsmen
like yourself who want to promote his ideals for the betterment of
young people continuing their education beyond high school. The
Society selection committee, in conjunction with the graduate’s high
school and future college personnel, completed the selection process.
The Connecticut Traveler’s November 30, 2003 “Harold Koehler Society
Fundraiser Shoot” is the main source of funding for this great
endeavor. Please plan to attend this year’s shoot. It’s a great fun
shoot with lots of prizes and good food. It’s also a chance to instill
proper values in our young people.

This year’s scholarship recipients for the 2003/2004 year are:

David Santucci, 34 Linda Lane, New Fairfield, CT 06812. Graduated from
New Fairfield High School and will attend the University of Vermont.
His goal is to attain a Bachelors Degree in Environmental studies and
go on to specialize in environmental law. David, an Eagle Scout, is
the son of Karen and David Santucci.

Justin Perreault, 1271 Durham Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. Justin is
entering his second year of environmental studies at Unity College,
Unity, Maine. He was a 2001 winner of a Koehler Society Scholarship
and will again receive financial assistance to help him fulfill his
dream to become a Federal Game Warden.

Lou Anrico, Jr., sponsored by Traveler Ted Fedun. Lou is a senior
Fisheries and Wildlife student at Oregon State University in Corvallis
Oregon. He has worked with the State of Connecticut Dept. of Env.
Protection and worked at the Valley Angler in Danbury as a fly tying
and fly fishing instructor.

The Koehler Society invites all previous applicants to apply each year
for financial assistance to help them continue their education.
Contributions at large in the form of cash or prizes for the shoot are
appreciated and can be sent to: The Koehler Society, 35 Park Lane
Road, New Milford, CT. 06776.

SHOOT INFORMATION:
DATE: Sunday, November 30, 2003
PLACE: East Mountain, Dover Plains, NY
Cost: $65 (tax deductible) CHECKS TO: “HAROLD KOEHLER SOCIETY”
Time: Registration 9:00 AM, Shoot Starts 10:00, lunch by Chef Mark after the shoot
Directions to East Mountain Preserve, Dover Plains, NY:

At the junction of Rte 84 and NY Rte 22, take Rte 22 North for about
27 miles to the town of Dover Plains. Turn Right on Mill Street at
the first traffic light in Dover Plains, just before the Citgo
station, and go straight for one mile directly into the East Mountain
driveway at the top of the hill. If lost, strayed or stolen call East
Mountain Preserve at 914-877-6274.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2003
HAROLD KOEHLER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER SHOOT
EAST MOUNTAIN PRESERVE, DOVER PLAINS, NY

Send your paid reservations (tax deductible check for $65 made out to
“The Harold Koehler Society”) for the Sunday, November 30, 2003 Harold
Koehler Society Fundraiser Shoot at East Mountain to: CTSCA, attn:
Harold Koehler Society, 91 Park Lane Road, New Milford, CT 06776

NAME:______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

PHONE and EMAIL :___________________________________________________________




*** 2003 CTSCA SHOOTING CALENDAR ***

As the days dwindle down to a precious few…

NOV 16 EAST MOUNTAIN, NY-CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOV 30 EAST MOUNTAIN, NY-KOEHLER SOC. FUNDRAISER THREE SHOT
DEC 14 MID-COUNTY, NY-DICK LOSEE MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

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

NOV 2 NEWGATE COON CLUB, CT (860-738-3619) THREE SHOT SHOOT OUT
DEC 7 NEWGATE COON CLUB, CT (860-738-3619) CHRISTMAS AT THE COON
DEC 7 FAIRFIELD COUNTY F&G, CT (203-426-8508) SHOOT & GAME DINNER



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 860-582-3142 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Or Email
shotguncyndi@prodigy.net

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

To place an ad, post a shoot date in Reload! or simply heap abuse on
the editor, contact Bruce Buck at tel: 203-454-1080, fax: 707-215-0668
or email: <bcb23@columbia.edu>.





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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2003
DR. RUDY PASSERO MEMORIAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
EAST MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
DOVER PLAINS, NY

Dr. Rudy Passero was one of the original Travelers and was our
Treasurer from Day One until he died in 2000. His contribution to the
Travelers was simply beyond measure. In gratitude we have dedicated
our Club Championships to his memory. Rudy, here’s a tip of the cap to
you. Thanks for everything.

Rudy did everything with style and this is just that- The Summit
Meeting. The Travelers Club Championship is when the big dogs bark.
You have had all year to practice up for it, so don’t hold back now.
Come on out and strut your stuff. Being a Traveler’s class champion
is the peak, the pinnacle, the paradigm of plu-perfection. You don’t
want to miss this one.

It’s all the usual drill. You’ve been doing it for years. Arrive by
9:00 AM and check at the desk to see which squad you are on. Then get
your gear ready to go. Load up on that cup of coffee and doughnut so
that you will have enough fuel to schmooze with your buddies. This way
you’ll not only be ready when the whistle blows, but you’ll be in a
howling sugar high, vibrating with caffeine and full of good advice
when you hit that first station.

As befits such a momentous occasion, nothing but the best will do.
East Mountain’s newly tweaked course is guaranteed to be Travelers
Tough, yet also caring and supportive with just the right touch of
maudlin sentiment to properly mix the yin and yang of clay target
shooting. That ought to do it for your inner shooter, you Champion
you.

The price is $55. Juniors under 18 years of age are free. So are
junior guests under 18. Adult guests are also welcome at this shoot.

Directions to East Mountain Preserve, Dover Plains, NY:

At the junction of Rte 84 and NY Rte 22, take Rte 22 North for about
27 miles to the town of Dover Plains. Turn Right on Mill Street at
the first traffic light in Dover Plains, just before the Citgo
station, and go straight for one mile directly into the East Mountain
driveway at the top of the hill. If lost, strayed or stolen call East
Mountain Preserve at 914-877-6274.

REMEMBER, EYE PROTECTION IS MANDATORY AT ALL TRAVELERS SHOOTS.