BAGA - 4^th Annual Badgerland Regional

FT Championships - August 23-24, 2003

The 2003 Badgerlands are now in the history books and lots of new exciting events are now etched into our clubs historical ledger. This was the second year of the two-day format, but this year we increased the number of targets to 58, making it a 116 total shot venue. To try and balance the schedule with that of the traveling shooter, we had 64 shots in the Saturday afternoon match and 52 shots for the Sunday morning match. Normally this should have allotted lots of slack time for all to eat their Sunday brunch, get their awards and still catch their planes for early departures, but then there is always a glitch! Our glitch was the exciting shoot-off contested between 4 shooters to determine the 3^rd place position and by its derivative, the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th placement. In addition the High Senior standing was also determined by this same shoot-off.

To begin with, the entire weekend's weather schedule couldn't have been more perfect, except for a slight little breeze that cropped up late Sunday morning. The dry forecast and breeze did keep most of the lively bugs to a minimum, but I'm sure some of us might have preferred the bugs to that little wind on the last few lanes on the final day. Add to that a bit of the infamous Badgerland difficulty factor and sprinkle in some of the countries premier FT shooters and it simply spells E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T. This years piston group was well balanced, albeit some wished their equipment had been checked a bit more whilst others should have left the barrel un-cleaned. But then these are the intricacies of the FT shooter. The Open groups was also well balanced, but did not have near as much equipment issues, although the unexpected hiss of an emptying reservoir did remind most of us to be sure and fill halfway through the course.

The course layout provided some exceptionally well thought out targets or as were referred to by the one of the participants as " what the heck made you put that one there?" and by another as "How did you get that one all the way up there? Needless to say the new target positions started quite a few discussions. These discussions also entailed quite a bit of talk about the off-handers and the forced kneelers as well. Long story short, seems as though a mediocre off-hand or an easier kneeler proved to be almost as difficult as the most difficult sitting positions. This year's event even had a couple of targets that stretched beyond the 55-yard guideline, but everyone was advised in advance to shoot-in at the appropriate yardage.

The meals, both a Saturday evening supper and a Sunday afternoon lunch, were again prepared by our own restaurateur, Bill Slater and his wife, Maureen. Maureen's culinary expertise showed well in the Chicken and Dumplings and again in the Praline Sweet Potato and roasted ham. And as always the desserts were fantastic. Thanks again Bill and Maureen!

The course difficulty was a bit lower then in past Badgerlands, set at only 42.6 overall. But the target lighting and some of the very high shots should have skewed that number a bit closer to the ratings of years past. (Does anyone know what rating factor to use on a target that is greater then a 48-degree incline?) Nonetheless, the match was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. I'm sure that we will see all of these shooters return for next year's championships.

At the completion of the match, only the third place Open Division needed to be determined by a post match "shoot-off". All of the spectators were treated to a highly exciting duel, which was finally determined by a sudden death, 59.5 yard shot, on the open and windy sight in range. Awards included custom etched Crystal Plaques and were awarded to the top 5 Open and top 3 Piston shooters. In addition three 1^st place team awards and the high Lady, Senior and Junior awards were also presented. Other prizes were presented to the first two early registrants and to some special club helpers. Thanks again to all that have helped make the Badgerlands such a great success. See you next year.

- Reported by Alex Modic - BAGA

Here are the results of the 4th Annual Badgerland Regional FT Championships