St. John's Rod and Gun Club, Holyrood, Newfoundland and Labrador
August 28 - September 1, 2024
Report by: Andrea Bassan
Photo credits: Andrea Bassan, Steve d'Entremont, Troy Coldwell, Christian Winter and others.
The St. John’s Rod and Gun Club held the 2024 Atlantic Provinces ATA Provincial Shoot August 28-September 1, 2024.
Members of the host club were well prepared for the shoot and had the club in tip-top shape to welcome shooters from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The weather cooperated for the most part with bright and sunny skies most days. The Albertans finished up Event 1, The Dianne Wood Singles, with some angry clouds hovering overhead. Fortunately, they didn't get too wet. The wind, at times, was a factor at times during the shoot, but the target setting committee set good targets and shooters just had to adapt. Some managed better than others.
Sourcing nice trophies is always a challenge. The APTA do their best to find unique trophies with a local flare. For this year's shoot Troy Coldwell made these unique trophies from railway spikes and a little creativity. Jason Wall at Complete Gun Repairs sandblasted and cerakoted the trophies for that added touch. The items on the left are wine bottle holders awarded in the Dianne Wood Singles. The shooter figurines went to the the Class and Place in the other preliminary events, while the figurine with the traphouse were awarded to the event champions.
For the Championship events, The ATA and APTA always provide a great prize table.
Congratulations to all winners (Shoot Results) and the 2024 Atlantic Provinces Champions.
| Closed | Open | |
| Singles | Troy Coldwell | Shawn McNeil (AB) |
| Doubles | Troy Coldwell | Jesse Smith (AB) |
| Handicap | Larry Rosa | Brad Johnson (AB) |
| High Over All | Troy Coldwell | Brad Johnson (AB) |
| High All Around | Troy Coldwell | Brad Johnson (AB) |
The St. John's Rod and Gun Club won a close competition against the Highland Gun Club for the Atlantic Provinces Club Points Challenge. Each club is awarded 2 points for the high score and 1 point for the second score in each class during the Atlantic Provinces Singles Championship. The loosing club has the honour of displaying the trophy for the next 12 months.
At first it looked like a landslide win for the St. John's Rod and Gun Club but after a request for a recount, the final score was much closer,
But after the highly scrutinized recount, it was still a win for the St. John's Club. Andrea Bassan, from Team St. John's, presents Kenny d'Eon the trophy and wishes the Highland Gun Club the best of luck in 2025.
In the Battle of Alberta, Jesse Smith bet Brad Johnson $50 that he would bet him in the High Over All. Here's Brad accepting the signed $50 bill from Jesse. Rumor is that the bill will be displayed at the Wainwright Gun Club for a long time to come.
On Monday, September 2, Peter Tucker, John Tucker, Christian Winter, and friend Harry French treated the shooters from Alberta and Ontario to a day on the water during the final day of the recreational cod fishery. The smiles says all that needs to be said.
Thanks to everyone that made this year's shoot possible. It takes a huge effort and a willingness to help for our shoots to be possible. Thank you to everyone that helped score, clean up, load traps, set targets, cook lunch, run the registration desk, and the dozen other things that need to be done during a shoot.
See you next year in Yarmouth.
Shoot Results
Photos