At the recent NBRSA Wisconsin State Hunter Rifle Championships, hosted by the VanDyne Sportsmen's Club, VanDyne, Wisconsin, Dick Baier was kind enough to present yours truly with a COMPLETE set of Americon Conference News, dating back to the day I took over managing the conference ; my worthy predecessor was Don deckert, of Porcupine, SD.

In perusing some of those early issues(beginning with the 1987 season), two things caught my eye:

1) during my maiden season as League Director, a TOTAL of 4 (FOUR) 250 scores were recorded for the ENTIRE season! A total of 20 clubs participated, thus there were 425 'qualifying' scores (including the shoot off) recorded that season; for the 1987 season, 250 scores equaled  0.9% of the QUALIFYING scores (most clubs had several members each mont who did not 'qualify')! When, at the conclusion of the 2002 season, I gave up the throne, we were shooting 25+ 250 scores EACH month - and with only 14 teams! With a season total of 305 Qualifying scores (shoot off included),  a whopping 36% of the slots were occupied by 250 scores!  Comparing the actual numbers (110/4), reveals a 2750% increase over the 15 seasons! I do not believe that group shooting has seen such a dramatic srinkage in the best group sizes during the same interval - this may help explain why 'THEY' (especially those who have no direct contact with Hunter class competitions)have a difficult time comprehending just how good our dedicated competitors and our equipment have become. . .

2) I ran across a NAME I'd like to see more of here at WereWolf  - indeed, the world IS a small place! It seems that 'way back then', one Hope Carleton  Jr. shot as a regular contributor to the Bluegrass (Kentucky) TcL club! Before the 'old' WareWolf site 'went away', I enjoyed the contributions made [to the forum] by one Hope Carleton  - I wonder are these Hope Carletons one-in-the-same ? I assume they are! And I keep keep looking for more great hunting experiences from Mr. Carleton . . and I hope others do too!

In my exchanges with Stan Ware, I beleive I'm correct in stating that this site has room for both accuracy and interesting HUNTING topics . .and huntin'/callin' seasons are just below the horizon!

Keep 'em ON the X! R.G.