Shooters test skills in competition

Ladies’ trap shooting was one of the events held at the High Prairie Gun Club’s shooting range Sept. 14. Left-right are Delani Bissell, Tammy Kaleta and Gale Yanishewski.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

About 70 adults and children put their skills to the test in a series of competitions at the High Prairie Gun Club’s shooting range Sept. 14. One the events was “Annie Oakley”, whereby many competitors line up to shoot. If the first person shoots and misses, the second person can take the shot. If they hit the target, this puts the first competitor out of the running. Adding to the difficulty, the remaining competitors have to move back one yard after they all make their shot, making accuracy more critical. It came down to Darryl Basarab and Gary Coleman, as they matched each other shot for shot and moved back continuously. Finally, Basarab missed and Coleman was the winner. Nonetheless, Coleman praises his fellow competitor. “He’s a good shooter,” says Coleman. “I figured I’d run out of ammunition and I did. It’s great fun.” The club’s executive also hosted an open house so people could talk to them about what it has to offer. Gale Yanishewski says the club makes families feel welcome. “It’s an awesome facility,” says Yanishewski. “They’ve got everything and they practice very safe habits. They encourage all family members to come out and enjoy the sport.” Yanishewski finds trap shooting to be very addictive and encourages women to join the sport. Something she’s interested in is mounted shooting on horses and hopes the club will offer it. Paul Loewen’s favourite sport is handgun shooting, although he also shoots black powder muzzleloaders. Loewen doesn’t recall taking first place at any High Prairie competitions, but he has placed in a few. He also likes competitions as a way to meet people. “I like the interactions with the people. It’s always been good,” says Loewen. He is from Valleyview where he looks after the trap range. Shooting competitions also attract young children including Delani Bissell, 11. She placed first in the 22-calibre youth (open site) competition and won a silhouette target stand. “It’s cool,” says Bissell. “It’s fun to shoot and to be with people you know. It’s just a fun sport.” Bissell encourages other girls to participate. She was about five years old when she fired her first gun. She turns 12 later this year and wants to hunt a mule doe this hunting season. William Russell was the other first place winner, which was for the 22-calibre youth (scope) category. He also received a silhouette target stand. Russell likes shooting competitions so he can improve his hand-eye coordination and encourages youth to get into the sport as well. Tammy Kaleta, one of the organizers, says this was an “awesome” event and is looking forward to next year’s event.

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