Trap and Field's Around the ATA article from the Atlantic Provinces ATA Delegate
June, 2018
Hello from the Atlantic Provinces.
A final update on the status of Spring in Newfoundland. I have come to the realization that it will arrive when Mother Nature decides. The weather hasn’t been much better in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick either but hopefully we’re getting close. Perhaps the few crocuses starting to show on our lawn is a good sign of the changing season. Keep in mind it’s late April when I’m writing this.
It’s great to see local gun clubs are gearing up for the 2018 trapshooting season. At my home club, the St. John’s Rod and Gun Club, we remove our traps for the winter months to avoid damage from the winter elements. We have just reinstalled our traps and have had our first shoot of the year. Turnout was good with shooters eager to get trapshooting again. The Highland Gun Club in Nova Scotia are in full swing and have had Handicap and Doubles marathons in April. The Petitcodiac Sportsman’s Club in New Brunswick have a couple more weeks left to their Winter Trap League with the final shoot scheduled for May 5. Results are available on shootatlantic.com.
The Dartmouth Clay Target Shooting Association (DCTA) in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia (hometown of NHL superstar Sydney Crosby) have had their share of troubles lately. If the winter tidal surges and flooding weren’t bad enough, a recent range inspection by the Chief Firearms Office has resulted in the suspension of all range operations. In Canada, one of the requirements to operate a gun club or shooting range is a valid Range Operating Certificate issued by the Chief Firearms Office. This office falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and enforces various aspects of the Canadian Firearms Program. The range approval is subject to compliance with a national Range Design and Construction Guidelines document and other government approvals and regulations. DCTA club representative Barry Turner informs me that they are exploring their current options with relocating being one of them. Unfortunately, this seems to be a case where historic activity takes second priority to encroaching neighbours.
As founder of DCTA in 2001, Barry played a key role in the club’s development. Most notably, he lead the initiative to convert the club into a not-for-profit association, revitalized membership, organized a Harlan Campbell shooting clinic in 2012 and was instrumental in bringing back the Atlantic Provinces Trapshooting Championships to the DCTA in 2012 and 2015. Prior to that, the DCTA last hosted our ATA shoot in 1999. I have fond memories of the DCTA and am disappointed to see things go this way. The DCTA board of directors have done their best to comply with all rules and regulations, but it seems their efforts may not be enough to keep the club operational.
Shooters at Highland Gun Club in Yarmouth County, NS have also been ramping up preparations for year’s Atlantic Provinces ATA shoot and it’s shaping up to be well attended. Shoot dates are August 30 – September 2 and the shoot program is available for download on shootatlantic.com. If you would prefer a printed program, feel free to contact us. If you need accommodations, check out the program for the shooter’s rate at a local hotel.
On the Canadian trapshooting scene, the Brandon Gun Club in Brandon, Manitoba will be hosting the 2018 Canadian Trapshooting Championships June 27 – July 1. This shoot is an ATA All American Points shoot and will have $5000 in added money. For more information and a shoot program visit the Canadian Trapshooting Association’s website - shootcanada.ca.
For more information on the Atlantic Provinces Trapshooting Association feel free to contact me or visit shootatlantic.com.
Regards,
Andrea
Andrea Bassan
shootatlantic.com