DECEMBER 2, 2018 - MINTO CHRISTMAS SHOOT

We are rapidly winding down the 2018 shooting season with today's Christmas shoot in Minto. At the same time that we had a wonderful time together, we did get bad news that the Chief Firearms Officer in New Brunswick has caused a number of range closures based on what appear to be rather minor issues. Petitcodiac's rifle and pistol ranges have been closed until modifications can be made and so the annual Christmas shoot there, an event that has been so much fun in the past, has had to be cancelled. Needless to say, this has caused a good deal of consternation and discussion during this Christmas shoot.
The Minto Gun Club ranges have also been inspected and the 50yd, 100yd and pistol ranges have received a 1 year certificate while the 200yd range is closed.
The Christmas shoot, organized by John McC., consisted of several fun targets designed by Shane McC. Thanks to both these gentlemen for their work on our behalf. The first target was a bunch of snakes around Indiana Jones, the second a bunch of worms coming out of an apple, the third were 10 foxes in the henhouse and the fourth a random target on which we had to shoot 5 shots. Scores on the first three targets were accumulated and the top shooter was able to pick first from wrapped presents we had each brought for this event. The second place shooter chose second, etc., all the way to the last shooter who chose last. No-one knew in advance what they would get.
Top snake shooters were Dan G., Volker T., Darryl K., George M., Don M., Bert deV. and Dave C. Top worm shooters were Darryl K., Don M., Gerard D., George M., Bill H., Matt McA. and Volker T. Top fox shooters were Bert deV., Dan G., Volker T., Bruce B., Darryl K., Cecil H., Gerard D. and John McC. When all was said and done, the top "pesky critter" shooter was Darryl K. with Volker T. a close second and Bert deV. a distant third.
The randomly shot targets were scored using a template with a shot being worth from 1 to 9 points depending on it's place on the sheet. The lowest scores won prizes of target sheets (since they obviously needed more practice). The lucky (maybe unlucky) winners were Bert deV., Volker T., Matt McA. and Wayne K. 
What is a Christmas fun shoot without the food? We don't really know!!! Thanks to Dave C.'s chili and brown bread; Wayne K.'s baked beans; hot dogs; and Barb J.'s mince meat pies we ate to our heart's content .  .  .  and had a lot of fun. A hearty "Thank you" to all who so generously provided the food today.
Many thanks also to those who gave their time and effort to make our shooting safe on the firing line, those who went down-range to change targets and those who were responsible for the scoring.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas.