American Shooting Journal - May 2022 by Media Index Publishing Group

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YOUR MUST-STOP BEFORE HUNTING & FISHING ON PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND, ALASKA KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE, WHEN AND HOW!

A M ERIC AN

SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 11 // Issue 8 // May 2022 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Jason Brooks, Cassidy Caron, Chris Cocoles, Scott Haugen, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Kelley Miller, Mike Smith DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines, Jon Ekse INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER After a 12-year career as a dominating defensive end for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, Jared Allen, 40, has turned his focus to hunting around the world, writing a wild game and fish cookbook with his wife and raising their two daughters, as well as fundraising to build or remodel mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans. (JARED ALLEN)

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal Twitter: @AmShootingJourn

MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

2022 SPECIALS AVAILABLE FOR MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER. There has been no fishing pressure in our waters for over two years. SALMON

The most successful Salmon Hatchery on the Pacific Coast is just 30 miles from Zeballos. For the past several years, over 50,000 Chinook Salmon have returned each fall to the Conuma Creek spawning grounds where the hatchery is located. Most of these migrating Salmon start to come through our waters starting in May. We have non-spawning Chinook Salmon in our waters year-round—Winter Chinook (Kings, or Springs). In May you'll be catching on average 12 to 18 pound Salmon—absolutely the best table fare.

HALIBUT

We are located very close to an amazing halibut fishery that seems never ending. We can't remember a trip where we didn't hook into many of these amazing eating fish. Come with us, and we'll show you how to bring up white gold. Be prepared with coolers!

Limited trips left, book now before we are sold out!

DAY TRIPPER

Up to 4 people per boat, expect full limits Three Great Locations: Zeballos, Tahsis & Tofino - One Night’s Accommodations In Zeballos - Solo Anglers Welcome - Maximum 4 Anglers/Trip - Up to12 hour Trips - Food & Drinks - 28’ Covered Boats - Halibut quota Available

$455.00 USD + 5% tax /per person Book Your Day Trippers Trip at zeballostopguides.com/day-trips Complete and submit the form. TRIP LIMITS for Day Tripper Package: 4 Salmon of which 2 can be Kings and two can be Silvers, 1 Halibut up to 70 pounds, 3 Lingcod and 4 Rockcod. We have purchased Halibut Quota from the Commercial Halibut Fleet and if you wish to take extra Halibut, the cost will be about $5 per pound.

HALIBUT EXPRESS

Drive-In 3 Nights / 4 Days Package Join us for our 11th annual Halibut Express starting May 1st, 2022! - 20 hours of guided fishing - 3 nights accommodation at the Cedars Inn - All meals including wine with the dinner meals - Cleaning and filleting of your catch - All fishing tackle provided (You are welcome to bring your favorite rod and reel)

Party of 2 fishing 2 per boat: $1395 + tax USD Per Person Party of 3 fishing 3 per boat: $1175 + tax USD Per Person Party of 4 fishing 4 per boat: $795 + tax USD Per Person TRIP LIMITS for 3N/4D Halibut Express Package: 8 Salmon of which 4 can be Chinook (Kings), 2 Halibut, 6 Lingcod, and 8 Rockcod. We have have purchased Halibut Quota from the Commercial Halibut Fleet and if you wish to take extra Halibut, the cost will be about $5 per pound.

LEARN MORE

zeballostopguides.com/halibut-special Call 250-337-2158 Email: doug.zeballostopguides2022@gmail.com

NOTES: Fishing Licenses required and can be purchased April 1, 2022

Guide and Staff gratuities not included Bring your own coolers ... you’ll need them!

Don’t wait—packages sell out fast every year, contact us now!

CONTENTS

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 8

FEATURES

PRS PROFILE: A LATE, FAST BLOOMER In just his second year in the Precision Rifle Series, Todd Goossen is racking up Top Senior wins. We check in with this longtime hunter and self-described “gearhead” on his relatively recent entry into the long-range shooting competition scene.

THERE ARE NO EASY MOUNTAIN GOATS  BUT SOME ARE MUCH HARDER THAN OTHERS When a Norwegian couple went looking for a “hardcore hunting adventure,” they got it – and so much more – in the wilds of British Columbia. Outfitter Cassidy Caron recounts the epic late-season hunt she led Trygve and Nina on for mountain goats in the rugged Coast Range.

ROADHUNTER: TOUTING BEAVER STATE TURKEYS Oregon is known for ghost towns, big trees, tasty salmon and the deepest lake in the country, but did you also know it might be the very best in the West for hunting turkeys? Scott Haugen lays out the case for why the Beaver State might really be called the Gobbler State!

BULLET BULLETIN: ON TARGET, AND ON THE PODIUM, FOR A CENTURY Federal has a long, successful history of producing some of the world’s finest shotshells, and on the Minnesota company’s 100th anniversary, Phil Massaro takes a look at their many fine sporting clay and competition loads, from yesteryear’s Monarks to today’s High Over All.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: ‘LAST LINE OF DEFENSE’ SAVES RUNNERS Florida Highway Patrol trooper Toni Schuck was heralded as the “last line of defense” for stopping an alleged drunk driver headed toward a major footrace. Find out how she risked her own life to likely save so many runners.

SELFDEFENSE TRAINING: DIGNITARY PROTECTION COURSE SERVES UP TIEINS FOR FAMILY SAFETY Attending an in-depth, 40-hour Karl de la Guerra, Inc. personal protection class was a chance for Paul Pawela and a couple dozen other students to learn tactics and train with top-shelf instructors.

JARED ALLEN

COVER STORY

FROM SACKS TO SUCCESSFUL SHOTS Former NFL defensive end standout Jared Allen talks about his career, love of hunting, organic food, family and giving back through his Homes for Wounded Warriors project.

112 PLINK TO BECOME A BETTER SHOT Target shooting is not only fun and challenging, but a great way to correct bad habits, get more comfortable before moving up to full-size firearms, practice trigger control and more. Gather up some empty cans and a box of .22 LRs, we’re going plinking with Jason Brooks!

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2022 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

CONTENTS ALSO INSIDE 31 31 57 71 93 97 109 111 121 129

NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS AND EXHIBITS FEATURED PRODUCTS Gun Gear Adventure/Industry Gear Shotguns Ammunition Handguns Knives Rifles Reloading

123 BLACK POWDER: QUADCLUB MATCH ‘SIMPLY A LOT OF FUN’ When the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen, Lynch Creek Longhunters, Bremerton Brigade and Evergreen Muzzleloaders got together for an annual match, it wasn’t just about winning a very unique trophy, but a chance to enjoy black powder camaraderie. Mike Nesbitt recounts the festivities.

DEPARTMENTS

123

19 21 23 MIKE NESBITT

Gun Show Calendar Competition Calendar Precision Rifle Series Calendar, Recent Match Results

TitanVault.com

HOME NIA CALIFOR

ED• •APPROVNT OF E DEPARUTSMTICE J

CARRY LEGALLY IN YOUR VEHICLE BE SAFE IN YOUR HOME LIFETIME WARRANTY 16

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

NO BATTERIES, NO BIOMETRICS, NON NONSENSE! PROMO CODE: TITANUSA

TRAVEL

VEHICLE

americanshootingjournal.com 17

PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

C&E Gun Shows

May 14-15

Hickory, N.C.

Hickory Metro Convention Center

cegunshows.com

May 14-15

Springfield, Ohio

Clark County Fairgrounds

May 21-22

Columbus, Ohio

Ohio Expo Center

May 21-22

Salem, Va.

Salem Civic Center

May 28-29

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

June 4-5

Fayetteville, N.C.

Crown Expo Center

May 14-15

Ontario, Calif.

Ontario Convention Center

June 4-5

San Bernardino, Calif.

National Orange Show Grounds

Florida Gun Shows

May 21-22

Orlando, Fla.

Central Florida Fair Grounds

floridagunshows.com

May 28-29

Miami, Fla.

Miami-Dade Fairgrounds

June 4-5

Tampa, Fla.

Florida State Fairgrounds

June 11-12

Fort Myers, Fla.

Lee Civic Center

May 14-15

Springfield, Mo.

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

May 14-15

Paducah, Ky.

Trader’s Mall

May 21-22

Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta Expo Center

May 28-29

East Ridge, Tenn.

Camp Jordan Arena

May 28-29

Tulsa, Okla.

Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square

June 11-12

Lawrenceville, Ga.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

May 7-8

Harker Heights, Texas

Harker Heights Event Center

May 21-22

Waco, Texas

Lee Lockwood Library and Museum

June 4-5

Harker Heights, Texas

Harker Heights Event Center

June 11-12

Taylor, Texas

Williamson County Expo Center

tannergunshow.com

May 13-15

Denver, Colo.

Crowne Plaza

Wes Knodel Gun Shows

May 14-15

Centralia, Wash.

Southwest Washington Fairgrounds

wesknodelgunshows.com

June 4-5

Redmond, Ore.

Deschutes Co. Fairgrounds Expo Center

June 18-19

Centralia, Wash.

Southwest Washington Fairgrounds

Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows crossroadsgunshows.com

RK Shows rkshows.com

Real Texas Gun Shows therealtexasgunshow.com

Tanner Gun Shows

Note: Covid-19 restrictions have largely been eased across the country, but always confirm events before attending. To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com.

americanshootingjournal.com 19

PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

usashooting.org

uspsa.org

gssfonline.com

cmsaevents.com

idpa.com

May 6-14 2022 Paralympic Ranking Match Colorado Springs, Colo.

May 11-15 2022 Rifle Junior Olympic National Championships Hillsdale, Mich.

May 21-22 Team Shooting Stars May 2022 PTO Carrollton, Texas

May 12-15 Team Motley Dragons Cup 2.0 Odessa, Texas

May 19-22 2022 Northern Arizona Classic Bagdad, Ariz.

May 21-22 2022 Great Plains Section Championship Canton, S.D.

May 13-15 Mississippi Classic Florence, Miss.

May 20-22 2022 Mid Atlantic Sectional New Tripoli, Pa.

May 26-29 Top Gun Championship Tulare, Calif.

May 14-15 2022 Inland Empire Sectional Benton City, Wash.

May 20-22 Ruger USPSA Classic Nationals Talladega, Ala.

May 26-29 Carolina Reaper Sanford, N.C.

May 7-8 Cornhuskers Classic IX Alda, Neb.

May 14-15 Gunsite Glock Classic I Paulden, Ariz.

May 14-15 Music City Shootout XI Mount Pleasant, Tenn.

May 21-22 Belton Blast III Belton, S.C.

May 21-22 Northern Lakes Regional Classic XXXI Lake Elmo, Minn.

May 6-8 TLC Equine Classic Columbiana, Ohio

May 21-22 DuQuoin Spring Shootout DuQuoin, Ill.

May 6-8 South Carolina State Championships Pendleton, S.C.

May 21-22 Campbell County Showdown Gillette, Wy.

May 7 Indy CCP CCO Classic Atlanta, Ind.

May 14-15 2022 Rollin On The River Valdosta, Ga.

May 13-14 Delaware State 2022 IDPA Championship Match Bridgeville, Del.

May 20-22 2022 Space Coast Challenge Palm Bay, Fla.

May 13-14 Oklahoma State Championship Match Tulsa, Okla.

May 20-22 2022 Great Lakes Regional Saginaw, Mich.

May 28-30 2022 Colorado State Championship Castle Rock, Colo. May 29-30 North Mountain Regional St. Regis, Mont. May 21 2022 Iowa State IDPA Championship Elkhart, Iowa May 26-29 2022 Rocky Mountain Regional IDPA Championship Palisade, Colo. May 28-29 2022 Walker’s Texas State IDPA Championship Whitewright, Texas

Note: Covid-19 restrictions have largely been eased across the country, but always confirm events before attending. americanshootingjournal.com 21

SCHEDULE Pro Bolt Gun Series May 7

Okie Spring Showdown

Ninnekah, Oklahoma

May 14

Federal King of Coal Canyon

Raton, New Mexico

May 21

Parma Precision Rifle Rumble

Parma, Idaho

May 28

K&M Kahles Precision Rifle Competition

Finger, Tennessee

June 4

Pigg River Precision H.A.M. Presented by Leupold Optics

Rocky Mount, Virginia

June 18

Short Action Customs Blue Ridge Rumble

Benge, Washington

June 25

2022 Hodgdon Punisher Positional

Conway Springs, Kansas

July 8

Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge

Evanston, Wyoming

July 16

AlderBrook Brawl Pro Series 2 Days

Littleton, New Hampshire

July 30

Wisconsin Barrel Maker Classic

Cascade, Wisconsin

July 30

The Lead Farm Barrel Burner

Prosser, Washington

August 6

RCBS Rumble

Pleasant Hill, Missouri

For more information visit www.precisionrifleseries.com

RECENT RESULTS (continued)

2022 A-TEAM APRC

VORTEX VENGEANCE

LEUPOLD BEST IN TEXAS

1st Place BEN GOSSETT Open Div. 173.000/100.000 2nd Place COLE HIGGINBOTHAM Open Div. 165.000/95.376 3rd Place MATT UTROSKA Open Div. 162.000/93.642

1st Place CHAD HECKLER Open Div. 158.000/100.000 2nd Place LEVI WILSON Open Div. 141.000/89.241 3rd Place ALLISON ZANE Open Div. 140.000/88.608

1st Place NATHAN TOUNGATE Open Div. 164.000/100.000 2nd Place (tie) CHRIS KUTALEK, STEVE MC, and AARON ROBERTS Open Div. 162.000/98.780

Carbon Hill, Alabama April 23, 2022

Kennerdell, Pennsylvania April 23, 2022

Navasota, Texas April 30, 2022

PRECISION RIFLE SERIES

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

A LATE, FAST BLOOMER In just his second year in the Precision Rifle Series, Todd Goossen is racking up Top Senior wins. PHOTOS BY TODD GOOSSEN

odd Goossen has only been shooting in Precision Rifle Series competitions for about two years, but he has already made a name for himself in the sport. In January of this year, Goossen won Top Senior at the 2022 Leupold Classic in Navasota, Texas, which also marked his first full year of competition. Then in early March, he again won Top Senior at Clay’s Cartridge Company Classic in Leedey, Oklahoma. As of this writing, Goossen is currently leading the Pro Series standings in the senior division. Goossen can chalk his PRS

victories up to a childhood spent hunting in western Oklahoma, and later, a fascination with long-range shooting. “As a gearhead, I started building my own rifles and became interested in long-range shooting,” he explains. “I attended a five-day sniper training school in Grandfield, Oklahoma, at Badlands Tactical, and it ignited my desire to shoot long-range.” He continues, “I found the thrill of long-range competition through friends in the Oklahoma Practical Precision Shooters Club, and became involved with the NRL (National Rifle

League), which led me to the PRS.” Goossen aims to shoot in one boltgun competition a month, depending on location, but he has to work around his schedule as the owner of Boss and Bling Firearm Solutions (bossandblingfirearmsolutions.com), which he and his wife Cindy opened in 2018. “My wife and I work to find a solution for any firearm-related need of our customers,” says Goossen. The gun store not only offers a plethora of firearms, but also features pistol and rifle ranges on-property and training from NRA-certified instructors.

A longtime hunter as well as self-described “gearhead” who builds his own rifles, Todd Goossen traces his interest in the Precision Rifle Series to a sniper course he took and then friends’ introduction to long-range competitions. americanshootingjournal.com 27

The shooter also runs a gun store in western Oklahoma with his wife. It features firearms, on-property ranges and training from NRA-certified instructors.

TODD GOOSSEN’S RIFLE & GEAR • Rifle with an Impact action in a Foundation stock • Bartlein Barrel chambered in 6 Dasher • Hornady 110 A-tip bullets • Nightforce ATACR Mil-C scope

• Really Right Stuff tripod • Swarovski binoculars • WieBad bags and rifle caddie • MDT Ckye-Pod bipod • Kestrel ballistics meter • MagnetoSpeed chronograph

And while Goossen continues to find success in PRS competition, he emphasizes that the people are what truly make the matches so special, not the accolades. “The most memorable moment of any competition is the other competitors I meet and get to know.”  Goossen has two Top Senior wins this year and at press deadline was leading the PRS Pro Series’ Senior Division.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Editor’s note: For more information on the Precision Rifle Series, visit precisionrifleseries.com.

gun GEAR GENTRY CUSTOM LLC gentrycustom.com Gentry Custom is known for the Quiet Muzzle Brake, which will make for a user-friendly rifle. The Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil and muzzle jump so you can get that second shot off if needed, without the large increase of noise to the shooter. Many of the factory rifles have been threaded for a muzzle brake. Gentry Custom offers 5/8-24 threads and many others. Call them today and they can provide the proper Quiet Muzzle Brake for your rifle. Gentry Custom also offers a three-position safety for the Remington family of rifles and the Mauser 98.

DIVERSIFIED INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS diproductsinc.com Not content with the cheap plastic parts that many firearms companies produce to cut production costs for rimfire firearms, the folks at DIP Inc. make drop-in metal replacement parts and accessories that are both high quality and affordable. All products are made in the USA. DIP Inc. manufactures parts for the following brands: CZ, Marlin, Savage, Ruger, Remington,Tikka, Steyr, S&W, Howa, Marlin, Sako, Anschutz, Henry and others.

NOWLIN ARMS nowlinarms.com Proven reputation. Eight world championships and 22 national titles, all won by competitors using Nowlin. Today, you can elevate your own 1911 to this level of performance with Nowlin’s ECM Match Grade barrels. Made from 416 rifle-quality bar stock, with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness and an 8 RMS bore finish, Nowlin 1911 barrels deliver maximum accuracy. Nowlin’s unique precut barrel locking lug design ensures precise engagement, while centering the firing pin on the primer. Under 1 inch at 25 yards and under 1½ inches at 50 yards in the company’s barrel testing fixture.

RECOIL BUFFERS buffertech.com Recoil Buffers are designed to minimize abrupt metal-on-metal contact of a firearm’s bolt or slide impacting the frame while firing. Their buffers help mitigate felt recoil and minimize component wear. Polymer (Estane 58130) material won’t be affected by common firearm cleaners, lasting for hundreds and hundreds of rounds. Lightweight, inexpensive inserts are available for a variety of rimfire and centerfire semiautomatic handguns and rifles, such as Ruger 10/22, CZ 75/85, SKS, 1911, S&W 41, Browning High Power, Glock, AR-15, Sig Sauer, AK and more. Buffers are easy to install (no gunsmith required) and installation instructions are included. americanshootingjournal.com 31

gun gear BOONE TRADING COMPANY, INC. boonetrading.com Finally … Imitation elephant ivory (laboratorycreated) that really looks and feels like African elephant ivory! Boone Trading Company has been making genuine elephant and mammoth ivory grips for nearly 50 years and they are so excited about this material to replace the no-longeravailable African elephant ivory. Many customers have reported that these grips actually look better than their real ivory grips. Boone Trading Company calls it American Ivory, imitation elephant ivory, and each pair has unique grain just like genuine ivory. Available now in full-size 1911 grips.

JONES ARMS jonesarms.com Introducing the Jones Arms Barricade Stop! This minimalist-style barricade stop is machined out of 7075 aluminum and uses M-Lok to attach to handguards. It provides excellent traction when braced along objects, thanks to the teeth that dig into the material. The curve of the BCS-1 allows for movement and adjustments for the shooter when needed. It can also be used forward or backward as a hand stop, finger rest or thumb rest. The lightweight, low-profile design doesn’t get in the way of other accessories and only needs one M-Lok slot to attach. Currently comes in two colors, black anodized or electric bronze. Made in the USA.

ALUMAGRIPS alumagrips.com The Desert Digital Series grips are another great option from AlumaGrips. Available for Beretta 92, 1911, Coonan Classic and Para P14, 16 and 18. Standard features on these grips include: cuts for an ambi safety, complete coverage checkering pattern, and all the full-size standard-thickness 1911 and Beretta 92 grips have been hollowed out to reduce weight. The grips are first finished with a Type III hard brown anodize and then coated with a desert digital pattern. Every pattern is uniquely different.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Custom Guns

When it comes to full custom guns, whether it be custom revolvers, custom 1911s, or full custom large caliber rifles, the place to look first is Gary Reeder Custom Guns. In business for almost 40 years building some of the finest full custom guns, built to your specs. Reeder Custom Guns is a fully licensed firearm manufacturer and can build that very special gun you have always wanted. To see almost 70 different series of full custom guns, see our web site, or if you have questions feel free to call. 10 to 12 month delivery in most cases. Gary Reeder Custom Guns • 2601 7th Ave. East • Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

gun gungear gear

ULTIMAK, INC. ultimak.com UltiMAK, Inc. has been the world standard for rifle optics mounting for over 20 years, and is the choice of serious shooters everywhere. The UltiMAK AK optic mount is the choice of the US Department of the Army, the US Department of Defense, and the US Department of State. It adds virtually no weight, allows you to mount a reflex (“red dot”) sight in the optimum position for fast target acquisition, provides good cheekweld, and allows cowitnessing of iron sights with an Aimpoint Micro or Primary Arms MicroDot optic. Available for a wide variety of AK models and configurations. Now shipping.

BROOKS TACTICAL SYSTEMS brookstactical.com AGrip! is the revolutionary new custom-fit, wraparound, nonslip grip that works even better under stress with wet or sweaty hands. Made in the USA exclusively by Brooks Tactical Systems, AGrip! is nonabrasive, is not “grabby,” and is incredibly tough and durable. AGrip! is super easy on the hands, skin and clothing, making it perfect for concealed carry. AGrip! conforms to any shape and texture you put under it, so it is ideal to wrap over custom stippling, patterns and designs, or to inlay into them. AGrip! prevents recoil shifting of the gun in your hand during firing and positively secures traction for retention. Get AGrip! and find out what all the fuzz is about!

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

HANDLEITGRIPS handleitgrips.com The new Edge Series of grips are cut from a grip material like no other and will give you the aggressive grip of sandpaper without the harsh abrasiveness. The Edge Series is perfect for everything from competition shooting to even conceal carry. It takes a big step in innovation and versatility. The Edge Series is the solution for shooters who love the feel of sandpaper but dislike the wear and tear on your skin and clothing. It offers complete control with a comfort you’re not expecting. See and feel the difference.

FROM SACKS TO SUCCESSFUL SHOTS Former NFL defensive end standout Jared Allen talks hunting, food, family and giving back.

STORY BY CHRIS COCOLES • PHOTOS BY JARED ALLEN

ared Allen, who made quite the impression on the football field chasing down quarterbacks, still can’t seem to sit still living the good life in retirement. Allen, who has a legitimate chance to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a 12-year career as a dominating defensive end, is as active as ever these days. He’s dabbled in curling, forming a team with fellow ex-football players who tried to qualify for the Winter Olympics in the sport. He, his wife and their daughters own a restaurant in Tempe, Arizona (he also wrote a wild game-themed cookbook during his playing days). He once violently sacked Johnny Knoxville during a stunt as part of Knoxville’s and buddies’ Jackass film franchise. He loves horses and riding enough that when he announced his retirement in 2016 via Instagram, shortly after he and the Carolina Panthers – he also played for Kansas City, Minnesota and Chicago – came up short in Super Bowl 50, he literally rode off into the sunset on his mount. And he’s tirelessly dedicated himself to helping wounded veterans purchase accessible homes after returning from combat. “You realize how much we take for granted and how much we don’t understand what’s going on, and just the sacrifices our men and women make while we sit back here and have our opinions,” says Allen, who recently turned 40. And one of Allen’s biggest post-football passions? He’s a dedicated sportsman whose hunting skills are outstanding. (Fishing? We’ll get to those mishaps later.) We caught up with the four-time All-Pro from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, where Allen dished about his love of the outdoors, his family and those troops his foundation has helped achieve their dream of home ownership.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Jared Allen has always had a love for the outdoors, and the now-retired star NFL defensive end who turned 40 last month has become a passionate hunter. americanshootingjournal.com 37

Allen (right) and his dad Ron recently hunted elk and whitetails in Montana. While Ron harvested a buck, Jared plans to take his pop back to Big Sky country to get him a bull.

Chris Cocoles You’ve had some pretty great hunting adventures lately, including a recent Montana elk trip. What was that experience like? Jared Allen It was amazing. It was such a cool trip and I took my dad (Ron) out as a birthday gift along with his best friend and his son, who I haven’t seen since we were kids. We got to do some elk and whitetail hunting. It was fan-tastic! We had a great outfitter and they were great guides. It was so much fun. It’s all spot-and-stalk, which adds a special element to it; you’re just out there getting up early and staying out there late. Fortunately, I was successful. My dad missed multiple elk [laughs], but he got his whitetail! I’m going to take him back out there this year so hopefully he can get his elk. It was an absolute blast and I love Montana. Just to be out here and hunting elk, which are such cool animals and so tough. They’re hard (to hunt); they’re down in the open land and in the sagebrush. You’re trying to get close enough for a shot. You really test your shooting because you have to be able to be comfortable to shoot 400, 450, 500 yards if you need them, and obviously you’re trying to get them in. Most of our shots were right around that 300-yard range. So it’s not for the faint of heart, as far as some of these guys aren’t as comfortable shooting over 150 or 200 yards. So it’s definitely a different element, right? Those things are tough as nails. You have to have a well-placed shot and often well-placed multiple shots. CC Is Montana now one of your favorite places to hunt? JA Yeah, it’s probably my favorite place to hunt here in the United States. I got to hunt in New Zealand years ago and that was absolutely just breathtaking. My wife just got me a bird hunt down in Argentina for my birthday, so I’m excited to check that out. That’s one of the hunting meccas of the world as well. But I’d have to say that Montana elk hunt is one of the best. I’ve hunted bears up in Idaho and that’s very beautiful countryside as well. So those two are probably comparable. But northern Idaho and Montana are two

of my favorite places to hunt in the country for sure. CC Was the New Zealand hunt for red stag? JA Absolutely, it was a stag hunt. It was sort of a whim. I met a guy while I was eating at a place in Queenstown (on New Zealand’s South Island) and we were talking hunting. He was telling me about New Zealand hunting. He just happened to know a guy who owned a farm on the other side of the lake (Wakatipu). So I hopped on a helicopter, went over to the other side of the lake, was there for about four days and got myself a beautiful stag. CC You grew up in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and spent a lot of time on horse farms your family owned in the area. Were you always a big outdoors lover as a kid? JA We did a lot of fishing when I was younger, and honestly while I know how to fish, I just have the worst luck. It’s a running joke with my friends and my family that we can be out on the trout farm and everybody will catch fish but me. If I go fishing with you, you’ll probably limit out and I won’t catch anything fishing the same bait in the same hole. But my grandfather had a little ranch up there in Rio Dell, California (in the northern part of the state close to the Oregon border), and that’s where I grew up and got the love for the outdoors. And obviously horses were a big part of my life growing up. But I really didn’t get into hunting until I could afford it. I did hunt with my grandpa sometimes. But I really didn’t get into it until I got to Kansas City (playing for his first NFL team, the Chiefs) and (teammate) Jordan Black and a couple of the guys there were really into hunting. So I started going hunting with them. And of course I could afford the guns and the equipment. And then I got into bowhunting and met Tim Wells through (his outdoor TV show) Relentless Pursuit. I absolutely fell in love with bowhunting and started predator hunting with him. And then I had kids and took a bit of a lull. But americanshootingjournal.com 39

Allen’s best years in the NFL came in Minnesota, where from 2008 to 2013 he was one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league for the Vikings. He also played in Super Bowl 50 for the Carolina Panthers in his final season (2015). (ICON SPORTS MEDIA)

now living out here in Tennessee, we’ve got turkey season about to open up here soon. It’s coming back around for me. CC I was figuring where you played college football (Idaho State University in Pocatello), you would have done a lot of hunting and fishing, given what an outdoor paradise that region is. JA I was able to go out and do some fishing with some friends from there. I did have buddies who hunted. But back then I couldn’t afford an out-ofstate license; I couldn’t afford a rifle. And during the breaks I was coming back home to California. But I had a buddy (in Pocatello) who’d I help process deer. So that part was fun. With another teammate I’d do some steelhead fishing up there on the Salmon River. But the outdoors have always been part of my life. 40

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

CC You’ve done a lot of different types of hunts, including with a spear. But do you have a preference of bowhunting or using a rifle? JA I really do prefer bowhunting,

especially for whitetails. I’ll also try to bowhunt turkeys this year. The timing didn’t work to do an elk bowhunt this past year. But that’s probably the next one I want to go to. If I’m going

JARED ALLEN’S FOOTBALL CAREER BY THE NUMBERS Here’s a look at Jared Allen’s NFL career (he played 12 seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers after a stellar college career at Idaho State University): 187 136 648 171 32 5 4 2

Total games played Career sacks Total tackles (503 solo stops) Tackles for loss Forced fumbles Pro Bowl appearances All-Pro seasons (2011 The Sporting News defensive player of the year) Receiving touchdowns scored on two catches during the 2007 season with the Chiefs. He also scored two defensive touchdowns with the Vikings, a 52-yard fumble return in 2009 and a 36-yard interception return in 2010.

DESTINATION HUNTS

Moose Creek Outfitters Ltd. ALBERTA, CANADA

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• Moose Creek offers moose, whitetail and waterfowl hunts. • ATVs are used for transportation during hunts. • Deer hunts are conducted on agricultural land as well as wilderness areas. • Moose hunts are conducted in widerness areas. • Accommodations depend upon on what hunt you’re on. In remote tent camps, lodge, or ranch house.

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“Enjoy the Great Alberta Outdoors”

Whether harvesting animals with a gun or bow – he admittedly prefers the latter to hunt with – Allen has embraced the organic diet aspect of filling the freezer with wild game meat. “I’m not a trophy hunter,” he says. “You show respect by eating what you harvest.”

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

to rifle hunt, I want it to be either in Idaho or somewhere like that. I like spot-stalking with a rifle. I like it to where I’m tested as a hunter and as a marksman as well. I think that kind of levels the playing field – put something between your crosshairs and 100 yards. Yeah, it puts meat in the freezer, but I like that challenge of spot-stalk hunting, trying to get as close as you can but being confident as I can get as a marksman to know that within 500 and 600 yards I’m pretty comfortable. But that’s the point of the rifle. And I guess that’s my point: I don’t like to rifle hunt unless bowhunting really isn’t even an option. If I’m pretty adamant my shot’s going to be within 100 yards, I would prefer to take it with a bow. CC Are there bucket list hunts for you that you haven’t been to? JA You know what? I think I’d like to go to Colorado. It’d be very similar to Wyoming, Idaho. But I wouldn’t mind doing a bear or elk hunt in Colorado. But I’d go to Montana every single day. But I really want to get into either Alaska or British Columbia to hunt. And I would absolutely love to do a plains game hunt in Africa. I have no desire to shoot a lion, a giraffe or elephant, but the game over there is so delicious. It’s amazing. So I would like to hunt everything from a Cape buffalo to wildebeest or any of those game animals over there. That would be super fun and Africa is beautiful. But I think my next adventure I’d love to do is fill my freezer with moose. That’s so delicious. You would need a week just to process that dang thing! CC You have two daughters (Brinley, 10, and Noel, 7). Are you getting them into the outdoors as well? JA They love to fish and they’re going to start riding horses. They’re not quite old enough but my parents are going to start teaching them. They also love skiing. (In terms of eating wild game), I had to kind of trick them at first, but now they know and eat venison burgers. I haven’t gotten them into venison steaks yet. They still draw the line on that. Eventually, as they get older I can get them to start shooting; they’re a little

young. Although my grandpa taught me to shoot when I was 5. CC Speaking of food, you wrote a cookbook back in your playing days with a great title – The Quarterback Killer’s Cookbook – and it looks like both you and your wife Amy are really good cooks. Tell me about your culinary skills. JA I absolutely love to cook and I man the grill. My wife is Italian and we’re very into food – organic food. We’ve been on a pretty hardcore organic (diet) during the last five years or so. We’re conscious of putting quality food into our bodies. We’ve really gone down the rabbit hole in organic eating. I love to garden and love to grow as many vegetables as I can. So having that hunting lifestyle just adds the ability of knowing where your food’s going. … Food is a big thing for us. We own a restaurant out in Arizona and there were multiple chefs who helped me put that hunting cookbook together. I think it’s important that I’m an avid kill-what-you-eat hunter. I’m not a sport hunter, though I love the sport of hunting, although I don’t really call it that. I love the activity of hunting. I don’t necessarily have to harvest something. For me, just being in the woods and the anticipation; trying to put a plan together and executing it on an animal. You show respect by eating what you harvest. I know trophy hunting has a big market, and if I can get a trophy while putting (the meat) in your freezer, more power to it. … I’ve even experienced (eating) mountain lion loins. CC How was that to eat? JA It was good. But definitely if you put cream cheese, jalapeños and bacon on anything, it will taste good. CC Do you miss playing football? You went all out throughout your career, and even though you seem happily retired now, the most recent NFL postseason was so compelling, is it hard to be away these days or are you content in retirement? JA One-hundred-percent content. I knew for me that football was a means to an end. I played it for 25

years, from 8 years old to the time I retired (after the 2015 season at age 33). I loved every minute of it and I cherished this game. I think it’s a phenomenal game. It’s a part of who I am, but it wasn’t who I was, if you know what I mean. For me, I never found my value in football. I found my value in Christ; I found my value in my family. Obviously I did well enough financially to be able to retire and live a comfortable life. For me it’s been about, what’s the next challenge? What can we do now? It’s raising kids; being the best father and husband I can be. It’s getting into other stuff. I took up curling and was trying to make the Olympics. CC And horses too. Have you been into rodeoing too with your horse background? JA I only rodeoed as a kid and did some roping. But really I haven’t had horses for the last 10 years since we’ve been moving around so much with football. So now that we’re settled into a farmhouse I can get the horses back. But I really haven’t been able to rope since I got back to Tennessee because I rope at a buddy’s place in Arizona. But life is all about seasons, right? I love it. I think the good Lord puts you where you need to be when you need to be there. So I am absolutely content with my life. There’s nothing really better, to be honest with you. At the end of the day my job is to raise healthy, successful kids, and if I can have fun along the way, I’ll do that. CC Are you pretty satisfied with how your career went? After all, you were a bit of a longshot to have a great career that is now close to getting you into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You played college ball at Idaho State, a lower-division school, and you weren’t a high draft pick (fourth round selection by the Chiefs in 2004). JA Absolutely. I would have loved to get 150 sacks (he finished with 136), but I had some injuries later on in my career. I was a first-ballot Hall of Fame finalist my first year and was a finalist again last year. Tell you what: If you would have told me when I was 18 that I’d play for 12 years and be considered americanshootingjournal.com 43

really have any character and they’ve never learned anything. Me, I would love to take away those hiccups in my life. I would love to be able to learn lessons without having to break the law to do it. But again, I’d tell myself to grow up and learn responsibility sooner than later, but would I be the same man if I didn’t take those lumps? I don’t know. Would I have the same humility if everything was easier in life? Would I be able to pass on things to my kids? Would I be able to be more empathetic towards other people and understand the true meaning of a second chance or a third chance, and the true meaning of success and significance if you don’t fail? I don’t think I would.

“I love the activity of hunting. I don’t necessarily have to harvest something,” Allen says. “For me, it’s just being in the woods and the anticipation; trying to put a plan together and executing it on an animal.”

for the Hall of Fame, I’d have signed on that dotted line many times over. So I can’t complain about a thing; my career was great; life was great; I got to do it my way and it is what it is. I left on my terms and every time I went to a new team it was on my terms. I really was blessed and couldn’t have asked for anything better. CC And what impresses me is that you overcame some issues earlier in your life to become who you are now. (Allen lost a scholarship offer from the University of Washington over allegations he faced in a high school yearbook theft incident, and he was 44

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

charged with multiple DUIs in his early 20s.) What would you tell your younger self now? JA Any time you can avoid hiccups along the way would be great. But it’s the same thing I tell my kids: It’s only failure if you don’t learn from it. I’d probably tell my younger self to grow up faster. It took me until I was 26 to grow up. But I think life is about lessons; you become who you are based on the lessons that you learn. I think we’ve all known people in life who have had these things handed to them – those silver spoons and trustfund babies who have never had to do anything for themselves. They don’t

CC And on the subject of empathy, can you mention what you’re doing for veterans with your Homes for Wounded Warriors project and how important it is for you to give back to our servicemen and -women? JA We started the foundation in 2009 and that’s been absolutely amazing. For me, the military has always played such a huge role in life. My grandfather and whole family has (been involved) in the military, so I just knew we had to do something to repay that. When I came back from a USO tour, that’s what I knew my mission was going to be (to remodel injury-specific, accessible, and mortgage-free homes for wounded service members). For me, I’ve taken so much from this country and been blessed so much from the freedoms that we’ve had and what we’ve been able to do, I felt like it was my obligation as a patriot to give back and make sure that when our men and women come home, that they’re taken care of. No one deserves the American dream more than them. To be able to provide that for them has been a dream come true. And we’ve gotten so much more than we’ve given out to it.  Editor’s note: For more on Jared Allen’s charity, Homes For Wounded Warriors, go to homesforwoundedwarriors.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram (@JaredAllen69).

DESTINATION HUNTS

There Are No Easy Mountain Goats — But Some Are Much Harder Than Others Norwegian husband and wife looking for a 'hardcore hunting adventure' in the wilds of British Columbia get that and much more.

Hunting mountain goats late in the year is a big gamble and upon returning to their pickup point as a winter storm moved through, a British Columbia guide and her two Norwegian clients found their lake iced-up, meaning the float plane couldn’t fly in to extract them from the wilderness.

American Shooting Journal // April 2022

ch s

Author Cass Caron and hunter Trygve use makeshift ropes to make a dangerous ascent to retrieve a billy perfectly dropped with one shot by Trygve’s wife Nina.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CASSIDY CARON

t was an icy morning sunrise. Frigid air was swirling through the airplane cabin as we left the float plane dock. The de Havilland Beaver might be reliable, but air-tight? Not so much. The heater, approximately five decades old, tried to keep up. The pungent fumes of oil and aviation gas stuck to the wisps of air in a losing battle to keep the inside of the old airplane warm. The thundering of the engine on takeoff was deafening. Propeller blades sliced through the freezing November sky, as we surged toward British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, looming on the horizon. As the first jagged, impassable – and completely snow-encased – peaks came into plain view, I felt something close to absolute panic rising in me. Late-season mountain goat hunting is always a gamble. It is a game suited only to those looking for an insane challenge, and it is guaranteed to be plagued by horrible weather and very difficult access conditions. But, from the plane, this was already looking even more extreme than usual. Trygve and his wife Nina sat shoulder to shoulder in the backseat of the Beaver. Glancing back, all I could see were teeth, their smiles were so enormous. They had traveled from Norway and were pumped for a “hardcore” hunting adventure. I had more trepidation. This was the last hunt of a mountain guiding season that had begun in mid-July. I was feeling burnout from more than 100 days of grueling backpack hunting for sheep and goats. To make the current situation even more difficult, a terrible storm had rolled in while Tryg and Nina were enroute to Canada. It had hammered the area we were planning on hunting. As the airplane rattled and roared its way into the heart of the Coast Range, the true enormity of the recent snowfall was quickly made apparent. The pilot glanced over at me doubtfully, asking, without saying a single word, if I was going to go through with this. I stared with grim determination through the frosty windscreen at the intended landing lake. The water looked ominous and black against the snowamericanshootingjournal.com 47

Cliffed-out again by the province’s glacier-gouged Coast Mountains and unable to continue their stalk, the team takes a moment to admire the beautiful and yet deadly environment.

blanketed slopes. There was no going back. Trygve and Nina had specifically requested an epic, hard hunt. They wanted an experience that pushed their limits – and they were going to get every single dollar’s worth of that!

THE ENGINE NOISE of the Beaver faded in the distance as we hauled our gear off the lake shore. Luckily, we were just below the snowline, but I was not feeling reassured as I gazed up at the formidable peaks surrounding us. They towered thousands of feet. Their deadly cliffs and crevasses were concealed by 2 feet of new snow. A sinking feeling in my gut told me that there was a good possibility we were too late for this area. The goats had likely moved out with the dump of snow. We set up a camp and spent the rest of the day glassing every inch of visible slopes. While I had held out some hope that my theory was wrong, the fresh snow did not lie. We didn’t spot a single animal, or even an animal track. My original plan had been to hunt from the lake. It was high elevation, and just the week before would have been prime goat habitat. I was trying not to rain on the Norwegian parade, but I knew the backup plan was going to be tough. Off the opposite end of the lake were south-facing slopes that looked like they could be goat wintering grounds. The problem was they were far away. Very far. And since I had never hunted that particular area, I had no idea what to expect. The next day we scouted around and found an old, extremely overgrown trail going in the direction I thought we should try. Without other options, we broke camp and headed off on it, carrying six days’ worth of provisions and all of our camp gear. It took all morning just to battle our way to the other end of the lake with heavy backpacks. Trygve and Nina were all smiles, seemingly enjoying the grueling 4-mile trek. I was somewhat less impressed by the situation. Had I known the conditions we would find, I would have had the pilot drop us off at the

far end of the lake. The Norwegians, however, seemed to be having the time of their lives! The old trail continued toward the south slopes, but got worse and worse. It was completely choked with alders, making it horrible to navigate as we ducked and dove through tangled branches with our big packs. As we finally turned into the southfacing valley, the trail began to drop in elevation rapidly. The descent made the hike easier, but in the back of my mind I was already picturing having to haul our camp – and potentially two goats – back up through these miles of hellish

brush. My sense of knowing and dread returned. After nine solid hours of hiking, we finally glimpsed parts of mountains that looked “goaty.” We dropped our packs and set up a spike camp. Sure enough, the first “goaty” spot had a goat on it! We wolfed down some freeze-dried dinner and made a move to get a closer look. The goat turned out to be a young, immature billy. He was an easy pass. Still, I crawled into my sleeping bag that night exhausted, but feeling a little at ease that my big gamble might work out. We were seeing goats – well, one anyway.

Caron admits defeat as the terrain becomes too steep and dangerous to continue a stalk.

americanshootingjournal.com 49

Trygve poses with Nina’s beautiful billy, nicknamed “Stove Pipes,” after making a heart-stopping climb to retrieve him – and which was soon followed by a sphincter-clenching descent through a snowstorm.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

THE NEXT DAY we packed up camp

again and trekked even further down the old path. The more elevation we lost, the more goats we saw. It seemed we had hit a jackpot! We saw over 20 goats that second day. Still, the Coast Mountains guard their treasures ferociously and the sheer cliffs, ancient twisted deadfall and thorncrusted underbrush blocked us from making a move on any of the good billies we had spotted. On day three, we spotted a big billy sniffing around a few nannies. He was midway up the mountain at the top of a ring of cliffs. From where we sat, it looked “doable.” But after six murderous hours of trying – and failing – to get up to the cliff ring, we had to admit defeat for that day. It was imperative to get safely off the deadly

cliffs before dark descended. All three of us were exhausted and shaken by the extreme difficulty of the terrain we were encountering. The next morning, I was only a few sips into my precious morning coffee ration, when I saw the group of goats from the previous day. They were below the cliff ring! It takes a lot for me to toss aside my morning coffee – particularly after 100 straight days of mountain guiding – but toss it, I did! “Let’s go!” I shouted at Tryg and Nina, who were in the middle of breakfast. I could see the goats were already moving higher, headed to their safe perch above that impregnable line of cliffs. We hustled hard, but the herd was moving fast. I realized the only way we were going to have a chance was to come up right below them,

Rare sunlight and a hot cup of coffee in spike camp make for a peaceful moment for the hunters after getting completely soaked the day before.

under the cover of the ancient forest. It was still early enough in the morning that we had the benefit of the downdraft. As the thick trees thinned near the base of the sheer rocks, we darted carefully from one huge rainforest tree to another, using their massive trunks for cover. Finally, some of the goats were directly above us. I was on edge, as I could see that a few of them were already too high on the cliff. Even though we still had the shot, it would not have been ethical, as the goat would have either been impossible to recover or could fall 500 feet and smash to bits. A waterfall cascaded through the middle of the sheer rock face. I watched a nanny deftly splash across it, the vertical, slippery rocks and highpressure water having no effect on her. I couldn’t see the big billy anywhere. Trygve and Nina are excellent, experienced hunters and without having to tell them, they set up in a good position to shoot. Suddenly, the big billy appeared by the waterfall, where the nanny had just crossed. I pounded my fist on Tryg’s shoulder. “Him! Him!” I hissed. I was not sure if he could hear me over the roar of the waterfall, but Trygve knew what I meant. Booom! The billy faltered and collapsed. Before I could even congratulate Tryg on his perfect shot, I watched horrified as the billy fell, wedging himself right in the most powerful stream of the waterfall! It was a dangerous and very cold task to pluck him from the waterfall. With extreme caution and incredible teamwork, we finally dragged Trygve’s beautiful goat from the waterfall. We got completely soaked in the process, but it was worth it. I’m not sure I have ever guided a harder-earned trophy – until two days later, that is!

WE SPENT THE next morning properly dressing Tryg’s billy and drying our soaked clothes, a monumental task because of the miserable coastal humidity. Coffee – and goat tenderloin on a smoky fire – eased away the stress of the past days.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Then, in the afternoon, I spotted an absolute monster billy in the second tier of cliffs above our camp. We were tired, bruised and still wet. But one glance through the spotting scope at the billy we named “Stove Pipes,” and our enjoyable lazy day was cut short. Nina was determined to get her goat. As usual, the climb was much harder than expected. The thick forest hid so many more obstacles than could be predicted when observed from below. We were finally close to where we had last seen the lone giant, but the cliffs were so steep it was terrifying to look back at the way we had come up. One slip could easily be fatal. But with predatory singleness of focus, we continued the stalk. It finally became so steep that it was impossible to keep going up. It was also apparent that there was no way we could safely navigate this terrain in the dark. Dejectedly, we knew we had to stop. Finding our way back down the cliffs was absolutely hair-raising. We used a 100-foot climbing rope and took turns lowering each other down. Fear had to be ignored in favor of intensity of focus: one foot here, one hand there, until finally we all got back to the forest floor. The weather was threatening to turn very bad again soon. We had a very long, challenging hike ahead of us, with the added weight of Tryg’s goat meat and the heavy late-season hide. It would be very difficult to go that far uphill through the overgrowth if it snowed. That night, around the campfire, we discussed that the smartest option would be for us to start for the lake the next day. I woke up in the morning and started to break camp in preparation for the long day ahead. But I couldn’t help stealing looks up at the cliffs where most of the action had been. Then I saw him. Stove Pipes had moved into a spot that looked “doable.” Once again, we stopped everything and made a very fast move to try to intercept the goat before he ascended into unreachable terrain. I wanted so badly for Nina to get her goat. Her positive attitude and hard work had never wavered. We

The author and Nina flash thumbs up and victory signs despite getting soaked to the bone pulling Trygve’s goat from its final resting place: the cascading waterfall in the background.

found ourselves practically running up through the old-growth timber to get to the open rocks where the billy had been spotted. Finally slowing, we crept to the edge of the trees and could see the whole clearing. It was obvious he was gone. We had done our best, but everyone knew the hunt was over. We still had a huge hike ahead of us.

I STARTED BACK down the mountain,

when suddenly behind me I heard excited Norwegian chatter! I looked up and the billy had appeared at the top of the first cliff, feet planted, staring down at us. It was an easy shot but he was going to take a big fall. “Should she?” Tryg asked excitedly, as Nina took aim. “No!” I exclaimed, looking in dismay at the 200-foot freefall the goat would take. Then I saw that if he moved maybe 30 yards to his right, he would land on some dense bushes that would break the fall and probably preserve the meat and horns. “Wait until he gets there,” I pointed. It was a slim chance that the goat would go that direction. It seemed more likely he would spook and go straight up into the sheer cliff, giving no chance. But luck struck again and he slowly walked right to the perfect spot. “Boom!” Nina’s shot was so good that the goat died on the spot. Literally. He didn’t move. We all stared up the cliff. He didn’t fall down. Oh no. This was a huge problem. It was finally decided that Trygve and I would attempt to use ropes to recover the billy. Nina would wait to make sure we were OK and respond in the event of a bad emergency. She had the InReach to signal SOS if one of us fell. As Tryg and I started onto the cliff, I knew that one little mistake would cost us our lives. There was zero room for error. It was, by far, the most dangerous thing I have ever attempted while guiding. If Trygve had not been as competent and skilled a mountain person as he is, we would not have attempted it.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

We precariously made our way, inch by slow inch, to the dead goat. Despite being one slip from certain death, when we reached him, we took a few seconds to enjoy Stove Pipe’s incredible beauty and heavy horns. The formidable, spectacular Coast Mountains that had been his kingdom towered around us. And then it began to snow. Trying not to panic, Tryg and I skinned as fast as we could. (I hope their taxidermist can sew, is all I can say about that!) We knew we had to get off the cliff or it would soon be impassable. We stuffed Stove Pipes into the one backpack we had managed to drag up with us, and kicked it off the edge. Then, trying not to rush or slip as the snowfall became a full-on blizzard, we inched our way down. The sheer cliff became slippery and treacherous with the skiff of fresh snow. My adrenaline was surging, but I was able to hyperfocus on the next inch forward instead of focusing on certain death below. Finally, our boots touched the bottom. But our ordeal was far from over! By the time we reached the camp with the goat, it was snowing so hard that visibility was less than 50 yards. We all knew that there was no time to rest or celebrate. If it snowed like this all night, over 3 feet could accumulate, making it impossible to hike back up to the lake. We ate a rushed dinner, loaded all of our camp gear and both goats, and started hiking. We hiked all night, fighting with 100-pound packs, going uphill through the thick, overgrown trail. The snow kept falling and as we got higher, it got deeper. As the night wore on, the snow did not stop, but the temperatures plummeted from 0 to a shocking -25 degrees Celsius.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, Trygve and Nina

were the toughest clients I had ever hunted with. We had fought every single day against every single thing those harsh mountains had to throw at us and still persevered. We had all stayed positive, laughed in the face of difficulty and danger, and formed a great team in the process. Still, it took

everything we had to get out of that valley and back to the lake. We reached the lake at 4:30 a.m. The snow was almost 2 feet deep already. We were soaked, numb and exhausted. We had not stopped all night. It was dangerously cold. As the daylight seeped through the still falling snow, we could see the lake was completely frozen over. There would be no float plane coming to get us. There was a cabin near the lake and we were forced to seek shelter in it. For four days, it remained deadly cold. We stayed warm inside, reliving the most epic hunt of all time. Meanwhile, the pilot tried to figure out how to get us out of there. We could not legally use a helicopter, as the law doesn’t allow for the use of one for transporting hunting trophies in British Columbia. Finally, an elaborate rescue was planned. Two local guys braved the elements, and managed to get a jet boat and an ATV a heck of a long way in dangerous conditions to meet us. We were extremely grateful for the improvised ride home, but the boat trip was the final test. It remained unseasonably cold and none of us had any clothing suited for a five-hour ride in an open boat at -20 degrees. While the two rescuers were wearing full survival suits, we shivered against the steel hull of the boat, the water spray instantly turning to ice as it hit us. At one point, we all had icicles freezing our jacket hoods to our chests, forming bars in front of our faces. I had over an inch of ice built up on my shoulders. We were so cold, I’m not sure any of us clearly remember that final leg of our journey. At last, civilization came into view. The ordeal was over. Trygve and Nina came to the Canadian wilderness as adventure-seeking clients and left as lifetime friends. I hope we have many more mountain adventures together, but I know the story of old Stove Pipes is one that will never get old around a campfire.  Editor’s note: Cassidy Caron is the owner of Compass Mountain Outfitters. For more information, visit compassmountainoutfitters.com.

DESTINATION HUNTS

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estled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of western big game hunting without the costs and hassles. Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, our ranch provides chalchal expelenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but our expe rienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty handed. In addi addition, High Adventure’s hunting season is year-round, allowing ample time to fit the most demanding schedule. While our whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts top our hunter’s most popular lists, hunters from around the world have visited our ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck, fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game. So, whether you desire a 10-point whitetail mount for your trophy room or simply the thrill and challenge of taking down one of our many elusive big game animals, High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unun paralleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.

We are 8,000 miles closer than New Zealand. We are in Missouri and have red stag.

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Adventure/INDUSTRY DETAIL COMPANY ADVENTURES detailcompany.com Detail Company Adventures is an all-inclusive travel advisor that specializes in international hunting and fishing vacations all over the globe. Their world-class destinations offer some of the most luxurious 5-star accommodations, food and wine. Simply choose your destination, pack your bags, and they will do the rest. Airline tickets, license, lodging, meals, gun rentals, travel paperwork, travel insurance and much more. All at no additional cost to you! Act now before the travel floodgates open and the year 2022 is sold out. Mention this ad for a discounted rate on your travel insurance purchase. See us at booth #1757

COMPASS MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS compassmountainoutfitters.com Youths aged 10 to 17 hunt for half-price! Compass Mountain Outfitters strongly supports young people interested in hunting and they are pleased to offer youths accompanying an adult on a spring black bear hunt a 50-percent discount. Spot-and-stalk spring black bear is a fun, highsuccess hunt perfect for new hunters on their first big game pursuit or seasoned veterans seeking an adventure. Experience rustic camps, scenic wilderness, lake fishing and fantastic hunting in May and June at Compass Mountain Outfitters.

americanshootingjournal.com 57

DESTINATION HUNTS

ROAD HUNTER

Western Oregon is home to some of the highest turkey populations in the country, and the hunting here can be spectacular.

TOUTING BEAVER STATE TURKEYS

Well-traveled sportsman makes the case that Oregon is West’s best for gobblers and hunting variety. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

o sooner had the yelps from a diaphragm call passed my lips when multiple toms gobbled back. A few soft calls induced more gobbling and before I knew it, three toms rounded a green, grassy knoll. Their brilliant plumage shimmered in the morning light, pulsing like suits of armor as they quickened their pace in my direction. Instantly my mouth dried up and I

dared not call anymore. When the trio broke into a tiny opening, they stopped, pirouetted and gobbled numerous times. I sat nervously, gun balanced on my knee, heart racing. Then the tom on the left lifted its head and I covered it with the bead of my old shotgun – the one I used in all my bird hunting as a kid – and pulled the trigger. The bird dropped inside 30 yards. Walking up on that stunning tom, its patriotic head at rest amid captivating wild flowers, it was more striking than I even imagined. The year

was 1987, Oregon’s first turkey season, and thus my first turkey; from that day on, I was hooked on hunting these grand birds. THE HISTORY When it comes to wild turkey management, my home state of Oregon is one of the country’s greatest conservation success stories. After multiple attempts, the first wild turkeys were successfully introduced to Oregon in 1961. Merriam’s were the first strain to thrive, followed by Rio Grande birds in 1975. Eastern turkeys americanshootingjournal.com 59

ROAD HUNTER

Not sure what to do with your wild turkey? Look no further than this simple yet flavorful recipe.

CAJUN INSTANT POT TURKEY

ild turkey can be tricky to tame. Separating the breast meat and cooking it hot and fast in a stir-fry or pounding it thin for cutlets is a great approach. The rest of the turkey will always benefit from slow or pressure cooking. If you’re looking for something you can do quickly with any or all of your turkey parts, look no further than this flavorful Instant Pot recipe. 3 pounds wild turkey 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped green bell pepper ½ cup chopped red bell pepper 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 teaspoons paprika

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups chicken broth 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced ¾ cup sour cream If using legs and thighs, separate at the joint. If using turkey breast meat, cut into large chunks, about the size of a fist. Place olive oil in Instant Pot or pressure cooker and sauté onion, bell peppers and garlic until onions are softened. Add seasonings and continue to sauté, one to two minutes. Add turkey pieces and brown on all sides. Add chicken broth and seal the Instant Pot.

Cook on high pressure 25 minutes. When the meat has pressure cooked, use the quick release button and let the pressure off. Once it’s safe to remove the lid, remove all turkey pieces. Add sliced jalapeño peppers and whisk sour cream into the turkey liquid. Let turkey cool slightly and, using a fork, pull all the meat from the remaining bones. Add “pulled” turkey back to the Instant Pot and simmer, allowing the liquid to thicken. Serve in a bun, over biscuits or rice, or stir cooked pasta into the turkey mixture. Editor’s note: For more turkey recipes, as well as tips for serving other game birds, you can purchase a copy of Scott and wife Tiffany Haugen’s Cooking Game Birds at scotthaugen.com.

DESTINATION HUNTS

ROAD HUNTER

For over 30 years, author Scott Haugen has been turkey hunting in his home state of Oregon. He ranks it among the most productive states he’s hunted anywhere in the West, and with good reason.

Not all of eastern Oregon’s prime turkey habitat is as rugged as this section of the Imnaha River Valley, but the region holds the best public land hunting opportunities in the state.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

briefly lived in isolated pockets, but never took root. Today, turkey populations have hybridized in regions where subspecies’ ranges overlap. Since the Rio Grande subspecies adapted better to the state’s diverse habitat and dominated relocation efforts, this is the one the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has focused on managing over the decades. More than 10,000 turkeys have been transplanted from established flocks and relocated to many parts of the state. Thanks to high management success, Oregon offers generous turkey hunting opportunities in the spring and fall. Today, turkeys can be hunted in every county during the spring turkey season, and in a growing number of counties during the fall season. Oregon has many prime habitats that are favorable for the survival and perpetuation of wild turkeys. Southwestern Oregon boasts some of the highest turkey densities in the entire country. In many areas throughout eastern Oregon, wild turkeys continue to grow in number and expand in range, largely on public lands.

DESTINATION HUNTS

ROAD HUNTER

Relocating turkeys to public land is still a big part of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s objective when it comes to managing overpopulated flocks.

WESTERN OREGON TURKEYS In western Oregon, many turkeys have gravitated to private land despite being originally placed on public ground. They’ve moved to private land to escape predators, forage on easily accessible food throughout the year, raise broods, and escape hunters. “I get a lot of frustrated hunters calling to book trips midway through the season,” shares one of Oregon’s most noted turkey guides, Jody Smith (jodysmithguideservice.com, 541-6436258) of Elkton. Smith averages 53 turkey hunts each spring and guides a growing number of fall turkey hunters. Smith lives in the heart of the West’s golden turkey triangle, a region known to hold the highest concentration of the birds west of the Mississippi River. “Being fifth generation in this 64

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

area helps me secure private land on which to hunt,” Smith smiles. “Turkey numbers can get out of control and landowners want them managed, but they don’t let just anyone hunt their property these days.” He has access to over 30,000 acres of prime, private land. Smith notes that some out-of-state hunters will book a spring trip with him in western Oregon, then head to eastern Oregon to hunt public land on their own. “That’s one of the great benefits of having three spring tags, and a lot of hunting options to explore throughout the state,” Smith concludes. Today, relocation efforts find ODFW members – along with volunteers from Oregon Hunters Association and National Wild Turkey Federation chapters – relocating overpopulated turkeys to national forest land near

Tiller and up the Umpqua River drainages in the western slopes of the Cascade Range. Private timber company lands are seeing a growing number of turkeys, but hunting opportunities are limited at this time. If you want to experience some of the most exciting turkey action in the country, private lands are the best option when it comes to hunting western Oregon. EASTERN OREGON TURKEYS The best public land for turkey hunting in Oregon lies east of the Cascades. Birds can be pressured here, meaning you’ll need to cover ground to find toms. Listen for toms gobbling from their roosts right before dark and at daybreak. Search secluded hillsides with quality optics, and don’t overlook

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ROAD HUNTER isolated canyons that require a bit of a hike. The Umatilla National Forest is a great place to hunt, and the lower edge of the Whitman National Forest, from Medical Springs to Halfway, will also find you in birds. The Ochoco and Malheur forests, north of Burns, have some turkeys roaming around, but they can be spread out and are notorious for traveling great distances. If looking to hunt around the southern face of the Wallowa Mountains, spend time in both the Eagle Creek and Pine Creek drainages, where bird numbers remain solid. The land between Halfway and Keating continues to see growth in its turkey numbers, too. Before hunting any public land for turkey in Oregon, call regional ODFW offices to get the latest updates. Ask about bird densities and spring conditions, then choose your best option.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

THE SEASONS Currently, three turkeys can be taken during Oregon’s spring season, which is open statewide. In the fall turkey hunting season, two turkeys can be harvested in multiple counties, and both males and females can be taken. Fall turkey hunters often combine hunts with big game or other birds. Oregon’s spring season began April 15 and runs through the end of May, making it one of the most generous in the country. In addition, youth turkey hunters enjoy a two-day opener on a weekend before the general statewide spring season. Fall turkey hunting season runs even longer than the spring season. This past year, Oregon expanded it to 16 weeks, starting in mid-October and lasting through January of the next calendar year. Dogs can be used to hunt turkeys in the fall, thereby increasing the fun opportunities to pursue these birds. Gun dogs can track,

point, hold and flush turkeys. Dogs can also be used to bust up fall flocks, allowing hunters to move in, set up and call the flock back together with assembly calls and kee-kee sounds. There’s also a controlled fall turkey hunt in Oregon, with the application period running July 1 through September 13. Turkey bag limits can vary in the fall, depending on which game management unit is hunted. I’ve been fortunate to hunt turkeys throughout much of Oregon, and eagerly anticipate the coming of each spring and fall season. While many states throughout the West offer great hunting opportunities, there’s nothing that quite compares to all Oregon has to offer.  Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book, Western Turkey Hunting: Strategies For All Levels, which includes recipes, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.

GEAR

FULL FORGE GEAR

V-LINE INDUSTRIES

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Full Forge Gear bags and packs are designed for everyday life. The Torrent double rifle case, the Hurricane one-day backpack and the Storm range/tool bag are designed to get you on and off the range – or anywhere you need to lug equipment – with ease. The CAT-1 and CAT-2 pistol cases have magazine/accessory loops and padded dividers to separate the pistol and accessory. The CAT-2 also has a large external pocket. All Full Forge Gear bags and packs feature 500-denier polyester fabric, 210-denier polyester lining, nylon monofilament thread stitching, 10-gauge nylon zipper and reinforced carry handle. Every bag is water-resistant and each model is available in black or tan. See us at booth #1947

V-Line’s new in-wall Tactical Closet Vault is finished in a rugged flat black powder coating and is outfitted with an all-steel Molle board on the door. The Tactical Closet Vault has been specifically designed to conveniently store and organize tactical gear. The three-point locking system with the Simplex quickaccess push-button lock provides superior security on the corners of the door. The lock does not require batteries and will always be at the ready. The Tactical Closet Vault provides a unique and space-conscious way to secure firearms and your tactical gear such as magazine clips, ammo pouches, flashlights and optional mounts for your home-defense weapons and other items with the convenience of quick access. The door and frame protrude less than 2 inches from the wall, allowing it to be concealed behind a door or in a closet.

RICKYOUNGOUTDOORS.COM rickyoungoutdoors.com USA-made Steady Stix are designed for shooting support, binocular support and are robust enough to work as a walking staff. The patented design allows the binocular support to turn 90 degrees, opening up your shooting lane for a firearm. The carry sheath utilizes the rip-off clip design to guarantee it won’t fall off your belt or backpack. Heavy wall 7001 aluminum coupled with a robust USA shock cord that holds its tension. Complete setup is 8 ounces. See the demo at their booth. See us at booth #2407 americanshootingjournal.com 71

gear

DAVIS TENT

MOORE SECURITY LLC

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Davis Tents are made right here in the USA, and each canvas tent is crafted to withstand years – even decades – in the field. Their passion is to provide a home away from home that helps carry on the tradition of your hunting and outdoor adventure lifestyle. At Davis Tent, they believe in supporting wildlife and conservation throughout the United States by giving back. Each year they support hunting and wildlife organizations at the grassroots chapter level and commit a minimum of 2 percent of their time and revenue for conservation. When you’re ready to look into a canvas wall tent, give Davis Tent a call.

Total custom safe with UL-rated Level 1 ballistic glass with one-hour fire protection at 1,800 degrees (also UL-rated). Available in custom sizes, paint colors, hand-painted pinstriping or murals. You can display whatever you would like for people to see but not be able to touch or, most importantly, take. Handmade in the USA.

DARA HOLSTERS & GEAR, INC. daraholsters.com Dara Holsters’ Custom Appendix Inside the Waistband is a no-nonsense holster designed to cover all the proverbial bases. Featuring myriad options ranging from optics capability, custom ride heights and individual specific cant angles, this AIWB has understandably risen to the top of the very competitive holster market. Whatever your CCW requirements might be, Dara Holsters has the right piece for you.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

gear SKINNER SIGHTS skinnersights.com

PRESENT ARMS presentarmsinc.com Present Arms offers custom-label barrel bushing wrenches for the classic 1911, a true American legend. The Plug Capture Tool (PCT) is a unique 1911-barrel bushing wrench. The PCT is ergonomically designed to provide full coverage of the recoil plug while unlocking the barrel bushing. Engage the barrel bushing at the 3 o’clock position, then rotate clockwise to 6 o’clock to unlock the barrel bushing while maintaining full coverage of the recoil plug. US Patent 9,194,642 D741,941. Now available in small quantities with free shipping. MSRP is $9.95, but the PCT is available for $4 each in quantities of 25. Perfect for gun shops, manufacturers and 1911 armorers.

WOODMAN’S PAL woodmanspal.com Harkening back to the 1940s, Woodman’s Pal is happy to reintroduce the original style Pal No. 284. The handle is made from stacked leather washers and has a protective steel knuckle guard. This handle is the original style from World War II given to the GIs in the South Pacific theater. Once used in dense jungles, the Pal can make quick work of any outdoor task. American-made quality, built for a lifetime. See us at booth #3405

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

The Skinner Sights HTF bag allows your firepower to be “concealed in plain sight,” yet ready in case of an emergency. Holds up to a 40-inch long gun and two handguns. Room for three rifle and eight pistol magazines. Knife, flashlight and accessory pouches. Cordura construction with heavy-duty stitching. (Firearms and accessories in photo are not included. For illustrative purposes only.)

TRIPLE K MFG. CO. triplek.com Triple K’s No. 485 Space Cowboy holster. We are not talking Star Wars here; we are talking long-range scoped handguns and a “coolness” factor second to none. The Space Cowboy holster is a strong side vertical-carry holster designed for the long-range handgun hunter. This holster can be worn with any waist belt or can be added to Triple K’s popular No. 110 Wyoming drop loop belt. This rig accommodates handguns with or without scopes. Made in the USA since 1946. See us at booth #4333

gear

TAP RACK HOLSTERS taprackholsters.com Tap Rack Holsters is a leading provider of premium, American-made custom gun holsters, but they do not stop at gun holsters. If you want to carry it, then they want to build it. Tap Rack Holsters started with gun and mag holsters and branched out to provide knife sheaths, spear mounts, emergency and first responder tool carriers, mask and bag inserts, wallets, passport, iPad, laptop, cell phone, flashlight, pepper spray, taser gun carriers, RV light mounts and so on. At Tap Rack Holsters they are dedicated to building the best Kydex products possible and ensuring their customers are 100-percent satisfied.

EASY LOADER KENNELS easyloaderkennels.com The outdoor gravity-fed pet watering system is perfect for hunting trips, kennels, recreational travel, everyday backyard use and obedience schools. Features: • Automatically refills the tray as pet drinks; • Holds over 2.5 gallons of water; • One-piece construction; • Durable thick wall polyethylene; and • Built-in handle.

BULLARD LEATHER bullardleather.com Located in Cooper, Texas, Bullard Leather offers holsters, belts, magazine holders, wallets and knife sheaths. All of their holsters and belts are made from Hermann Oak leather, and all holsters are custom fitted to the specific gun. For more information, email bullardleather@gmail.com or visit their online store.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

PROLIX prolixlubricant.com PrOlix is a penetrating solvent/dry lube product that was lab-developed and tested by law enforcement, military and commercial shooters over many years. The citrus-based biodegradable cleaner, pioneered in 1995, is the first successful “all in one” gun care product, now deemed “Bio-Technology.” Their recyclable (strain and reuse) products are made of 89 percent or greater renewable resources, a true commitment to sustainable practices and caring for the environment. As such, the USDA has listed PrOlix as a BioPreferred Product since 2012. The solvent “goes on wet, cleans, bonds, and the lube turns dry to the touch.” It removes carbon, copper, lead, shotgun plastic residues and black powder. PrOlix will not damage wood, freeze or flash off, and it can be used for commercial and industrial applications as well. To complement the PrOlix Cleaner/Lubricant (Dry Tech) line, shooters can use the equally superior “gun-oil and grease replacer” PrOlix Xtra-T Lube for a total care product.

americanshootingjournal.com 77

gear ALFORD DESIGNS LIMITED, LLC etsy.com/shop/AlfordDesignsLTD Alford Designs Limited, LLC, aka Paula Alford brand, is an up-and-coming fine leather accessories company since 2015. All products are made in the USA! Their newest line includes patent-pending cut-resistant straps and embossed leather holster inserts. Alford Designs Limited offers fine cowhide leather concealed carry purses, bags, satchels, briefcases and other accessories. Available in solid or embossed leathers. They sell both retail and wholesale; contact Dr. Alford directly for wholesale pricing. Find their latest creations at their Etsy shop or at alforddesignslimited .com.

MERNICKLE HOLSTERS mernickleholsters.com The PS06 XHR is designed for an extreme high-rise carry. This holster offers the best of both worlds. Not only does it allow you to carry a full-size automatic handgun with a double-stack mag, but it’s totally concealable. Mernickle’s unique design has their patented stabilizer flap that goes behind the belt. This prevents the grip of the gun from tipping away from the body while doing daily activities. The high rise also allows for a quick draw with a lowered sight channel. Product features: • Holster cut below ejection port for faster draw; • High position allows you to sit in chair or vehicle without needing to take gun out of holster; • Rear stabilizer prevents gun from tipping out away from body; • Fully covered trigger guard; • Easily conceals full-size automatic handguns with doublestack mags; • Comfortable carry, even with full-size handguns; and • Proudly made in the USA.

VELVET ANTLER TECHNOLOGIES velvetantlertechnologies.com HideLok is the one and only game hide preservative on the market that is specifically formulated to kill – and stop – bacterial growth on game hides that causes rot, hair slippage and bug infestations! Simply spray on before tanning and ensure your trophy’s hide will stay just like you remember it. Nontoxic and safe to handle – no special tools, needles or harmful chemicals required. Velvet Antler Technologies products were developed by passionate hunters – for the passionate hunter – looking to preserve their memories for a lifetime. See us at booth #1549

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

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BULLET BULLETIN

Federal has a long and successful history of producing some of the world’s finest shotshells.

ON TARGET, AND ON THE PODIUM, FOR A CENTURY

On Federal’s 100th anniversary, a look at the company’s many fine sporting clay, competition shotshell loads.

STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY FEDERAL PREMIUM

am not, by any means, a trap or skeet shooter worthy of mention; however, I do enjoy a day at the range or the sporting clays course. Undoubtedly, I am far more comfortable with a rifle in hand, but when the opportunity to break clays arises, I will dust off the

scattergun and give it my best. Knowing I am already the weak link in the chain, I still want the best gear I can get my hands on, and that includes the ammunition. I’ve shot Federal target shells for years, in addition to their game loads, and as this spring happens to be the 100th anniversary of Federal, I feel it’s worth taking a look at the company’s shotshells over the last century.

THE FEDERAL CARTRIDGE Corporation began in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1922, with Charles Horn at the helm, and shotshells were their main product. The Second World War put all the sporting ammunition on hold, but in the peacetime that followed the conclusion of the European and Pacific theaters, Federal ramped up the product lines, including their target shotshells. Federal’s Monark, Reliable and Dixie americanshootingjournal.com 81

BULLET BULLETIN

An early photo of the Federal Cartridge Corporation plant in Anoka, Minnesota. Early cardboard boxes for Federal’s Monark Trap Shells.

An early advert demonstrating the unique features and systematic performance of the Champion Target Load.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Charles Horn, longtime Federal president.

lines were favorites among shooters. As early as 1940, Federal showed its innovation by introducing features like the “wadless crimp,” using the nowcommon eight-point folded crimp. In 1951, Federal would once again offer the centerfire primers that shotshell reloaders would need to feed their scatterguns. It was Federal that – in the mid-1960s – started the practice of color-coding shotshells, with red for 12-gauge, purple for 16-gauge and yellow for 20-gauge. The mid-’60s also saw the release of Federal’s famed Champion Target Load with its air-cushioned polymer “Pellet Protector” shot cup and wad column. Using an actual cup that enclosed the entire shot column was a new idea and the result was drastically tightened patterns. Federal’s highspeed photography would demonstrate the shot cup in flight at various stages, and was included in their 1965 catalog to convince the masses of the benefits of this design. With a new wad and an improved shot formula that benefited from increasing the antimony levels to produce a harder pellet that resisted deformation to keep patterns tighter, Federal had a winner on their hands. Using the harder shot in both hunting and target loads, a cutaway of their Champion shotshell in the 1968 catalog

he 10MM cartridge is more than 30 years old, but its popularity has not waned. It’s one of the top three self-defense cartridges in America, as well as hunting. But most 10MM loads are designed for personal protection using bullets weighing between 100 and 220 grains. They work well, with a very deep wound and penetration channels. Underwood Ammunition is well-known for innovative ammunition offerings, and for 2022

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BULLET BULLETIN

The paper-hull variant of the Federal Champion Target Load.

The 1989 release of the Top Gun shotshell series offered an affordable option to clay shooters on a budget.

Top Gun remains a solid seller in the Federal Target lineup; this is the modern 20-gauge load.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

saw Federal indicating the primary features of that product, including the drawn plastic hull, hardened shot and proprietary Pellet Protector wad. The performance was so impressive that the majority of champion shooters in the late 1960s were standing on the podium as a result of choosing the Federal shotshells. The early 1970s saw additional engineering improvements to the target shells, including the Triple-Plus wad column, using a two-piece design featuring a polyethylene shot cup and a wad with a plastic pillar. Once the powder was ignited, the plastic pillar would compress to provide a cushion for the shot column as it went through the rigors of its journey down the barrel. This system also helped to maximize the efficiency of the powder charge, resulting in a more consistent velocity and more consistent pattern. IN 1974, THE Federal “Special” Target Load was introduced; it was a paperhulled shell, available in 12-gauge only, using a fiber wad column without any shot sleeve. This simple design – seemingly the opposite of the more intricate designs Federal was embracing – was used in both the Individual and Team divisions at the 1974 National Skeet Shooting Association’s International Championship. In 1976, Federal expanded the Champion line to offer both the original Champion design – using paper hulls – and the new Champion II line, based around their one-piece drawn plastic hulls. At that time, the Federal Champion shells had been used to win more trap and skeet competitions than any other brand on the market, and that continued throughout the 1970s. Federal also realized the importance and popularity of reloading their shotshells, and would include a case of their “Pushin’-Cushion” wads with every case of target loads purchased. In preparation for the 1980 Olympic Games – held in Moscow, Russia, and ultimately boycotted by

BULLET BULLETIN

Federal’s Gold Medal Grand remains a premium choice for the discriminating shooter.

And they say paper hulls are dead? Nonsense! Federal still offers paper hulls in their Gold Medal target line. Gold Medal Grand was released in 2016, and has resulted in many championships.

the United States – Federal introduced the Gold Medal target load. Its durable plastic hull would stand up well to multiple reloads, and the new Super-Plus wad used a center section designed to mitigate felt recoil. The Gold Medal line’s shot would retain the higher antimony levels to resist deformation and deliver uniform patterns, and this line would quickly earn an excellent reputation among trap and skeet shooters alike. By 1985, Federal would offer the Extra-Lite variant, providing a perfect solution for the recoil-sensitive shooter. In 1989, Federal came out with their Top Gun Target Load, giving an Another clay bird’s life cut short, by way of a Federal target load.

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

The High Over All line is new to the market, but has already made quite the impression.

americanshootingjournal.com 87

BULLET BULLETIN

The High Over All shown in section. 1) Brass head, which makes resizing easier. 2) Target shotshell primer. 3) Integral base wad and tapered hull design that allows for more reloads with a wide selection of wads. 4) Onepiece Podium wad, which provides uniform compression to protect the shot and produce the most consistent patterns. 5) Hard, highantimony lead shot that resists deformation and delivers more energy downrange. 6) Eightsegment crimp.

Meet the Podium wad, an important part of the magic of the Federal High Over All target shells.

The plastic hull of the High Over All shotshells; note the thickening wall toward the head, making it perfect for multiple reloads.

Happiness is a day at the range with a few boxes of High Over All!

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

economic choice to those shooters on a tight budget who still wanted the Federal experience. With the huge increase in interest in sporting clays during the 1980s, Federal met demand by rebranding their Special Target line, renaming it “Sporting Clays.” Still using the paper hulls and fiber wads, these shells offered a larger pattern, perfect for the shorter distances. In 1996, Federal introduced their Gold Medal International Paper loads, which satisfied the requirements for international trap and skeet competitions. BRINGING THINGS INTO the new century, we saw Federal-sponsored shooters on the podium of competitions more often than not. The year 2016 was a banner one for the company, with Federal introducing their Premium Gold Medal Grand line of shotshells, produced in both white plastic and white paper hulls. Federal equipped these shells with their “SoftCell” recoil-absorbing two-piece wad. New for 2022, Federal proudly introduced their High Over All shotshell, which they claim is their best target load they’ve ever released. It was an immediate winner, and has already earned some impressive matches. Federal themselves put it best, so I will quote: “At the ATA 2017 Grand American World Trapshooting Championships, Team Federal shooter

BULLET BULLETIN

Federal’s Top Gun in pink; Federal donates a portion of the proceeds to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Sean Hawley hit 2,538 out of 2,600 targets to claim the coveted ATA 2600 High Over All Champion Title. In the summer of 2021, Federal congratulated the USA Shooting shotgun team members who won Olympic medals in Tokyo. Federal-sponsored shooters Vincent Hancock, Kayle Browning and Brian Burrows captured medals in their events against the world’s best on the

To celebrate the company centennial, Federal has some anniversary cartridge boxes; shown here is the Hi-Power Special Trap Load.

biggest stage.” The new High Over All shells might just be the pinnacle of target shotshell designs. Using a brass head allows the hulls to be resized numerous times, and the entire package is sparked by Federal’s target shotshell primer. Within the hull, you’ll see the base tapering to help extend hull life, and the integral base wad works with the Podium wad to cushion and cradle the shot column. Once again, the highantimony lead shot has been employed, and things are held in place with the eight-segment crimp that Federal has relied upon since the 1940s. There are currently seven different loads – all in 12-gauge, and all at 2¾ inches. There is a 24-gram load for international competition, using No. 7½ or No. 9 shot, at 1,335 feet per second; three 1-ounce loads, using No. 7½, No. 8 or No. 8½ shot, at 2¾, 3, or 3¼ dram loads; and there are three 1 1/8-ounce loads, featuring No 7½, No. 8 or No. 9 shot, at 2¾ or 3 dram loads. Where will target shells go next? What new technology will show its face to improve the way we take flying targets out of the air? I cannot say with any certainty, but I’d be willing to bet that Federal will be on the cusp of that technology, and will continue to lead the way, as they have for the last century. Here’s to another 100 years of success. For more information, visit federalpremium.com.  90

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SHOTGUNS MOSSBERG mossberg.com

ADCO SALES adcosales.com Now by popular demand, the American Flag variation of the Best Arms Bull Pup is available to you. Distributors are now receiving this new addition after its introduction at SHOT Show. Dealers from far and wide lined up to take pictures with this exciting model in hand. It is not only pretty, but it is durable too, using a multicoating process known as Cerakoting. Along with looking good, it improves wear and tear over time and provides abrasion-, corrosion- and chemical-resistance. Everything you want in a quality firearm. This model is a 12-gauge that takes 2.75- or 3-inch rounds and is very handy in close-quarters with the 18.5-inch barrel. This Cerakote flag model has a MSRP of $589 vs. the standard black version available for $509.

Mossberg has released the newest member of its 940 Pro family of 12-gauge shotguns: the optic-ready 940 Pro Tactical eight-shot autoloading shotgun. Based on Mossberg’s cleaner-running and redesigned gas-operating system, the 940 Pro Tactical delivers ease of operation, reliability, adjustability, and performance-driven features including optic-ready receiver; oversized controls; M-Lok compatibility; stock adjustability; and an 18.5-inch barrel with interchangeable choke system. And like all 940 Pro shotguns, the 940 Pro Tactical has corrosion-resistant internal parts. Rounding out this 940 are a synthetic stock with adjustable length-of-pull (12.5 to 14.25 inches) with shims for drop and cast, paired with a slim-profile forend; both feature Mossberg’s signature aggressive texturing. See us at booth #2015

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L.E. SPOTLIGHT

‘LAST LINE OF DEFENSE’ SAVES RUNNERS A Florida highway trooper used her patrol vehicle to stop an alleged drunk driver headed toward footracers. STORY BY NICK PERNA PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

n sports it’s called “taking one for the team.” Stepping in front of a pitch in baseball to get a runner on base, or catching a pass across the flat knowing that some linebacker is about to knock the taste out of your mouth. It’s all part of the game. Failing to do so can cause a team to lose, so it’s understood that players need to do these things for the benefit of the rest of the team. In law enforcement, the stakes are higher. The “team” that officers are taking one for can be their fellow cops or it can be the public in general. And the “taking one” aspect can mean taking a punch, a kick, or even a bullet. Not taking one can lead to innocent lives being lost.

Trooper Toni Schuck was heralded as the “last line of defense” for stopping a drunk driver headed toward a major footrace.

Dashcam image of the suspect vehicle about to strike Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Toni Schuck’s patrol vehicle.

ON THE MORNING of Sunday, March 6, 2022, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Toni Schuck was on duty in Manatee County, on the south side of Tampa Bay. This was a special day in the county, as it was the scene of a major footrace, the Skyway 10k. The event had attracted thousands of runners. In support of the event, many of the roads had been closed and blocked off so runners could safely traverse the streets. At around 8:45 a.m., a drunk driver drove through a toll plaza on the Skyway Bridge that had been closed for the event. FHP Sergeant Steve Gaskins observed this and radioed other troopers, advising them of the threat. The vehicle was heading at a high rate of speed toward the runners. Any cop will tell you that a vehicle is a weapon – a large, dangerous one. When a driver operates one recklessly and/or while impaired, they are very hard to stop. That’s when Trooper Schuck took one for the team. Schuck and her vehicle were the last obstacles between the careless drunk driver and the unsuspecting, unprotected runners. She positioned her patrol car in the oncoming path of the rapidly approaching suspect vehicle. The suspect tried at the last second to drive around the patrol car,

but Schuck intentionally drove her vehicle at the suspect’s vehicle so as to stop it from going any further. The suspect vehicle crashed into Schuck’s patrol car. The collision was significant. The suspect’s vehicle was severely damaged and no longer drivable, ending the threat to the runners. The driver, 52-year-old Kristen Watts, allegedly had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. She was charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury, DUI with damage to property or person, and reckless driving with damage to property or a person. Trooper Schuck was pretty badly banged up in the crash and is still recovering. The 47-year-old trooper is a 26-year FHP vet with two daughters. To honor her bravery, Manatee County proclaimed March 22, 2022, “Trooper Toni Schuck Day.” Trooper Schuck’s response: “Thank you for recognizing me for what I did this morning. I’m glad that it was me and nobody else got hurt.” Spoken like a true team player.  Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna is a

sergeant with the Redwood City Police Department in northern California. He is a frequent contributor to print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues. americanshootingjournal.com 95

AMMUNITION BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION black-hills.com Black Hills is introducing the 10mm HoneyBadger for 2022. This bullet has deep flutes designed for optimum terminal performance without reliance on hollowpoints. The bullet penetrates deeply, cutting through bone and muscle to get to vitals. This is important on all hunting rounds, but particularly when you’re relying on your handgun for protection, including the possibility of a bear attack. If you’re relying on a 10mm pistol while trekking, the HoneyBadger is a solid choice for your defense!

SHELL SHOCK TECHNOLOGIES shellshocktech.com If you loved Shell Shock’s lightweight 9mm cases, wait until you try their new calibers coming soon, including 5.56x45mm, .300 BLK, .380 ACP, .40 S&W and others. Shell Shock’s cases are lighter than brass with more powder capacity, greater consistency between rounds, and they can be picked up with a magnet. Satisfies global military mandates to reduce ammunition weight and increase performance. All Shell Shock’s cases are proudly made in the USA. Shell Shock…Shoot it, Love it!

UNDERWOOD AMMUNITION underwoodammo.com The 10mm cartridge is more than 30 years old, but its popularity has not waned. It’s one of the top three self-defense cartridges in America, as well as hunting. But most 10mm loads are designed for personal protection using bullets weighing between 100 and 220 grains. They work well, with very deep wound and penetration channels. Underwood Ammunition is well known for innovative ammunition offerings, and for 2022 they are featuring a lightweight, high-velocity option for the 10mm for hunting. This Xtreme Hunter load features a 150-grain solid-copper bullet that will penetrate to around 23.5 to 25 inches in ordnance gelatin with two layers of denim. The Xtreme Hunter is designed with wider flutes than the Xtreme Penetrator to slow down faster and to perform a massive energy dump faster, close to 700 pounds of energy while hunting. See us at booth #3507

ZERO BULLET COMPANY zerobullets.com Fifty-two years. That’s how long the folks at the Zero Bullet Company have been manufacturing jacketed handgun bullets. And their expertise and craftsmanship show in their impressive competitive championship wins. Team Zero member Kevin Angstadt won the prestigious Bianchi Cup in 2014 using the company’s No. 136 9mm 125-grain jacketed hollowpoint competition bullet. Kim Beckwith has racked up multiple High Senior awards at the Cup with Zero’s .38 Super ammunition. The National Pistol Championship? Zero’s been there and done that. Same with the Pistol 4-Man Team Championships at Ohio’s Camp Perry. An impressive record, for a company with equally as impressive credentials and products. americanshootingjournal.com 97

Self-Defense TRAINING

KDI Instructor AJ Johnson performs a communication team-building stress test. Students are tethered together blindfolded and the team leader directs his team through obstacles, while the other members relay what is being said, which works well in all emergency scenarios.

DIGNITARY PROTECTION COURSE SERVES UP TIE-INS FOR FAMILY SAFETY In-depth Karl de la Guerra, Inc. class a chance to learn tactics, train with top-shelf instructors. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA

f I were to ask each of you individually what your most valuable investment is, many of you would state your house, a vehicle, or property. Of course, all of those are huge expenses and very valuable. The only problem with that response is that it’s the wrong answer. Why? Because who are you buying that home for, that vehicle for, or that property for?

Of course, the answer is your family. Your family will always be your number one valuable investment. And like any other investment out there, you should know how to properly protect it. We have a propensity to go to great lengths to protect our valuables and our property, and yet for our most important valuable, our family, we do very little in the way of protection. Consider this quote (source unknown) for a moment: “Most people don’t want to be part of the process, they just want to be part of the

outcome. But the process is where you figure out who’s worth being part of the outcome.” Could that not be applied to the family? Remember these words when you think about what you and the rest of your family would need to do in the event of a critical crisis situation like an earthquake, tornado, fire or hurricane. What about more personal critical crisis incidents such as an active shooter situation, an armed robbery or a home invasion? In your family, who has which americanshootingjournal.com 99

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

CEO/founder of KDI, Karl L. de la Guerra.

specific jobs, tasks and responsibilities if any of the above scenarios takes place? Is there even a plan? If the answer is no, then why not? It’s time to get prepared and get one. So where can you find the best sources to get the professional information that you need? This information has been discussed before in the pages of American Shooting Journal and the answer has always been, in my opinion, the personal protection specialists, aka the bodyguards. Previously we discussed the overseas contractor who protects government dignitaries and other high-value government assets. Now we will consider the personal protection specialist whose focus is on the corporate world and is responsible for the CEOs of major corporations and their families. For that task, there are few finer organizations than that of Karl de la Guerra, Inc., or KDI for short. DE LA GUERRA is a 41-year veteran of the protective services industry and is the founder and CEO of KDI. Recently I had 100

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Along with Johnson and de la Guerra (far left, far right), fellow KDI instructors include (left to right) Jonathan Wallace, Sydney Cisneros, Robert Bonasia, Mark Oliphant and Joe Yungwirth.

the honor and privilege of attending the Basic KDI 40-Hour Personal Protection Course in Arizona, and what a course! De la Guerra has amassed one of the most impressive cadres of instructors in the business. In our class, we had two retired US Secret Service agents, one retired FBI/Special Forces officer, and the lead instructor was a personal protection officer who specialized in protection in hot spots in Africa. The other KDI instructors who taught were handpicked for their individual specialties and superb professionalism. The course syllabus was rock-solid and included the following subjects: • Team movement and formations; • Bussing and debussing; • Airport and hotel event operations; • Protective driving; • Counter assault team operations; • Auditorium tactics; • Tactical emergency casualty care; • IED (bomb) recognition and sweeps; • Low-visibility operations; • Advanced tactics and considerations; • And practical tactics and

considerations. All of this led up to a practical exercise where you were part of a protection team and bounced all over the place to guard your client. Many readers might think that a course like this would not apply to them because they don’t have the manpower or the budget to do this kind of dignitary protection for their own families. But they would be wrong. One of KDI’s quotes (a different one was written on the board each day) perfectly addressed this issue. “Warriors are not always the fastest or strongest men. Strength and speed can be developed through training. Warriors are those who choose to stand between their enemy and all that he loves or holds sacred.” In the course outline above, every single topic that we covered – with the exception of bussing/debussing – should apply to any family that is serious about working as a protective detail team in the event that a bad situation arises. And how often might that be? According to de la Guerra, 1 out of 15 people in the executive protection

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

Bonasia, a retired Secret Service agent, demonstrates how to take control on a principal (played by Wallace) when a threat presents itself.

business will be in a violent confrontation; for the average civilian, it is 1 out of 300. IF ONE LOOKS at the KDI curriculum and simply turns it into a little modified version to flow with the family’s daily life, we would start with vehicle operations. Consider the vehicle the

mobile command post for all our everyday operations. First, is the vehicle clean inside and out? How is the vehicle’s mechanical condition? Consider oil, tires, power steering fluid, belts, radiator fluid, wipers, brake lights, flashers, headlights and horn. Does everyone on the team know how to fix a flat tire? Do you

A key element for a protective detail – and anyone, really – is being trained and certified in CPR and immediate first aid.

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have a GPS as well as road maps – and does your family know how to read a map? Do you have jumper cables and secondary lighting/road flares? Do you have a bug-out bag with extra food, water and clothing? Next is communication for team movement from point A to point B. Important things to be aware of: the

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

All KDI students went through an intense four-hour Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Course, which was simulated in a vehicle in one of the scenarios.

schedule of departure/arrival times; travel times and distances to and from determined travel sights; conditions that could affect the regular route (have a contingency plan and know secondary routes if going long distances); and nearby hospitals, hotels and any other important areas along your route. Is everyone on the protection team aware of the principal’s health and/or the special needs of the family? Is the protection team trained and certified in CPR and immediate first aid? Is the medical bag up to date with all needed medical supplies? In the KDI course, all these topics were thoroughly addressed 104

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in professional detail because that’s the nature of the business for the protection specialist, but shouldn’t we do the same for our own family with equal vigor? Of course, many people wanted to learn the hand-to-hand and shooting training methodologies of the protection specialists and these were taught by KDI staff with excellent precision. But while those skills are very important, so too are the skills of learning how to avoid threats and dangerous situations altogether, like recognizing a potential threat’s body language or unusual behaviors, noticing any protruding bulges in their clothing

where he/she may have possible weapons, and observing any suspicious bags that could contain weapons. One of the most interesting safety tips I came across in the KDI protection course was from an interview I was doing with an undercover Homeland Security officer, who told me he plays a game with his kids to see if they can spot people who are carrying weapons on their person. It reminded me of how the people in Israel train their children to watch people with backpacks and bags; if someone sets one of their bags down, children are taught to pick it up and hand it right back to the person who

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SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

American Shooting Journal staff writer Paul Pawela was a guest speaker during the recent KDI course he attended.

Abboud Bedro practices closequarter eye gouges during defensive tactics training. Instructor Johnson demonstrates a chokehold ...

... and helps a student improve their firearms grip.

left it because it just might be a bomb. With all the guns in this country, shouldn’t we be teaching our children how to spot people who carry them? We may not be able to plan for everything that is uncertain in our life, but we can increase our levels of awareness and preparedness. With the world’s issues today – all types of wars, a predicted economic collapse, skyrocketing crime – isn’t it about time we start learning how to take personal protection seriously? When it comes to this type of training, there is none better than KDI. For more info, go to teamKDI.com. Rest assured, American Shooting Journal will go into more depth on personal protection matters in future issues. Editor’s note: Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and selfdefense expert.

KDI Personal Protection Class 22-01 graduates and instructors.

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Bedro is one of the most experienced personal protection specialists in the business. Born in Lebanon, he has worked for every major US government agency in one form or another. Look for an entire article on Bedro soon!

HANDGUNS BRG brg-usa.com New in 2022, the BRG9 Elite 9mm pistol delivers incredible value at an MSRP of just $399. The BRG9 Elite boasts 16+1 capacity, a flat-face 5-pound trigger, ambidextrous magazine release, steel dovetail hi-visibility sights, undercut trigger guard, Perfect-Touch slide release, striker status indicator, loaded chamber indicator, grip and trigger safeties, and a deluxe gear pack that includes two magazines, three backstraps, a magazine loader, gun oil and a full cleaning kit, all in a hard plastic case with laser-cut foam. Check it out and see why Guns.com says, “Overall, the BRG9 Elite from BRG is a fantastic pistol for the money.” Available in three finishes.

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UNIQUE-ARS unique-ars.com Looking for an AR pistol that offers more? The Timber Rattler is UniqueARs’ newest take on this popular platform, complete with an unmistakable style and quality components. This pistol is chambered in .300 AAC Blackout and features custom components like the 7-inch Rattler handguard in a twotone Cerakote color scheme with a matching custom buffer tube. Here are some specifications: • Unique-ARs aluminum heat shield and end cap; • 7.5-inch .300 AAC Blackout nitride barrel; • Unique-ARs custom Rattler handguard with custom Cerakote; • Unique-ARs billet receiver set; • Ergo grip; • Nitride bolt carrier group; • Unique-ARs custom Rattler buffer tube with custom Cerakote; and • Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 pistol brace. americanshootingjournal.com 109

HANDGUNS SMART FIREARMS TRAINING GUNS smartfirearms.us Smart Firearms’ newest models feature an industry-first round counter, visible or infrared laser options, and a patented trigger guard sensor that detects fingers in the trigger guard area when not engaged in shooting. This helps strengthen finger discipline in new and seasoned shooters. With live fire training becoming so expensive, getting quality dryfire training with a Smart Firearms Training Gun saves money and allows users to train in any environment, even in their home. It is a great tool for instructors to help enforce good trigger discipline. Their newest feature on their SF-25 and SF-30 training pistols is the round counter. It allows a user to program the gun to “go empty” after a predetermined or a random number of rounds to help train for reloads. See us at booth #457

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The more you plink, the better shot you will become.

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PLINK TO BECOME A BETTER SHOT

Target shooting is not only fun and challenging, but a great way to correct bad habits, become more comfortable with full-size firearms, practice trigger control and more. STORY AND PHOTOS BY JASON BROOKS

tanding at the gun counter in my favorite sporting goods store and looking over the various rifles, I couldn’t help but notice the guy next to me purchasing a new rifle. It was a beautiful piece of art that made me jealous. This rifle not only had a select wood stock but the pencil-thin and blued barrel intrigued me a bit, so I asked him what caliber it was in. I was a bit shocked when he said, “.22 Long Rifle.” I had to ask why he would spend so much money on buying a full-size and beautiful rifle in a “kids’ caliber.” It was his reply that got me thinking: “It’s much cheaper to shoot and I can find ammo; besides, it will teach my kids how to shoot better when they finally get old enough to shoot other rifles.” That made sense and soon afterward I, too, purchased a new rifle in .22 LR. My rifle was the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, as I wanted to get into the “AR world” and teach my boys how to shoot these great rifles, but in a more cost-effective way. At around $500 for a case of 5.56 NATO vs. about $80 for americanshootingjournal.com 113

1,000 rounds of .22 LR, it only made sense to get the 15-22 as a learning tool. This rifle mimicked those same semiauto rifles that shoot the NATO rounds, from the charging handle, forend, stock and even the trigger. The only difference was in the round it fired; the much more economical “plinker” rifle also meant more time at the range. When it comes to accuracy, we can all look back to the very first time we ever shot a firearm, or even a BB gun or pellet gun. It is all the same mechanics. Unfortunately for some, this was also a time when we developed awfully bad habits. Flinching is often an involuntary reaction in our “fight or flight” reflex, something that is extremely hard to overcome without a lot of practice. There are several reasons that cause a shooter to flinch, but once it is deeprooted in our experiences, it can be hard to correct. Shooting a firearm that has too much power for the shooter can cause a flinch, as can loud noises. Another cause of flinching is simply fearing the firearm; often this occurs when we are young or inexperienced.

Place multiple targets, such as clay pigeons, out to shoot at varying distances, which makes plinking more fun and offers a challenge.

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BY SHOOTING, OR better yet “plinking,” you can correct a lot of your bad habits, even flinching. The idea of plinking is to go to the range and just shoot, a lot. Making it fun and enjoyable is the goal of the day, and this is why when we were younger we would take our pellet guns or .22s and shoot at various targets like tin cans and bottles. It was fun and that is still the key, but now it is time to put plinking to practice and become a better shot. Set up the firearm, either a small caliber like a .22 LR or even a pellet gun, to be as similar to your primary firearm as possible. For example, the Remington Model 547 that the guy was buying in the gun store is nearly identical in feel to the Model 700. There are various rifles and handguns that model after their full-size, largercaliber cousins. You can get a BB gun that is identical in weight and feel to a Beretta 92F, or buy a firearm like the

M&P 15-22 to become proficient in working and shooting an AR platform. Back to BB and pellet guns, one of the best benefits they offer is backyard shooting. This means setting up a range in the backyard and plinking all day, without the worry of driving to a range and dealing with those around you who are shooting their own firearms. When it comes to teaching new shooters, the isolation and familiarity of the backyard range is hard to beat. Nobody is staring at you and making their own “expert” comments. Once you pick the firearm you want, the next step is setting it up for success. The idea of plinking to become a better shot means trying to imitate the firearm you plan on primarily shooting. For the hunter, this is often a scoped rifle; for home defense, it might be a handgun with a red-dot sight. Either way, try to set up the practice firearm to those same specifications. Both of my boys have pellet guns that sport scopes. This helped them learn how to shoot with a scope, taking their time and instead of just trying to hit the pop can, trying to hit a specific letter on the logo. It became a competition to them to see who could shoot out the bull’s-eye first, like the old carnival arcade game where you had to shoot out the star to win. Without even knowing it, they were learning how to use a scoped firearm and hold it steady. When it comes to open sights, plinking is a great way to learn and control sight alignment. The more times you practice, the better you will become, and shooting a small caliber means you can see the rounds hit the target as you fire, all the while concentrating on the front sight. One drill to use is to mentally say to yourself, “Front sight, front sight” repeatedly while shooting. Put a small dot on the target and shoot it as many times as you can until you miss it. Then start all over again with another dot. Trigger control is one of the most important factors when it comes to accurate shooting. Plinking is just that: squeezing the trigger and aiming, while trying to hit the target 116

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A Vortex Red Dot sight on an M&P 15-22 makes plinking fun and a great way to learn the AR platform for a fraction of the cost, thanks to the fact the rifle is chambered in .22 LR.

multiple times. If you can find a firearm that has the same or at least a similar trigger to that of your primary weapon, then that is a bonus, but anytime you learn “how” to squeeze a trigger, the better shot you will become. With plinking you can take your time and shoot a lot of rounds. Concentrate on feeling the trigger and ask yourself, “Is there any creep? When will it go bang? Did I pull the trigger straight back or did I push on its side and cause the gun to rotate? Did I push the gun forward and cause the gun to drop?” All of this can be

worked on while plinking. ONCE YOU SPEND a bit of time plinking at various targets and concentrating on the basics, you can increase your skill set by adding in other targets. A moving target is always fun to plink at, so if your range allows it, set one up. Reset targets are also a great way to learn accuracy, as they are designed to reset when you hit the last gong so you can do it all over again. A cheap and fun way to plink is to use balloons. You can blow them up to various sizes and put them on

Plinking is also more than just shooting tin cans or punching paper; it’s about learning to group your shots.

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cheap wooden dowels and place them at different distances. This also works for the air gun shooter in the backyard. If a breeze starts to blow, then it adds to the challenge. Of course there are the old standby targets like water jugs and tin cans. You can also buy a case of clay pigeons for a few dollars and place them at various distances. The best part of using clay pigeons is that they break down and are biodegradable, so at the end of the day it is easier to clean up the range. A few years ago, my youngest son was working at a pumpkin farm and at the end of the season they had a bunch of leftover pumpkins. We loaded up the truck and headed to the woods, where we set up a makeshift target range. Shooting pumpkins is a lot of fun and, again, they are biodegradable. You get the idea – make a range that is fun to shoot, not just a piece of paper with various circles on it. The more you plink, the better shot you will become. 

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BLACK POWDER

Members of the Evergreen Troublemakers team pose for a moment during an annual multi-club muzzleloading competition held in Washington state.

4-CLUB MATCH 'SIMPLY A LOT OF FUN' Annual muzzleloading competition a chance to win unique trophy, enjoy black powder camaraderie. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

he Quad-Club Match is an annual muzzleloading competition between four western Washington clubs: the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen, the Lynch Creek Longhunters, the Bremerton Brigade, and my club, the Evergreen Muzzleloaders. The structure of the Quad-Club Match is as follows. Each of the four

clubs sends a team of at least five shooters, and each club must bring a paper target of their choice. The only stipulation about those targets is that they have scoring rings or areas so that shooters can get a maximum of 50 points (plus X’s) with five shots. With those parameters, it is easy to see where a lot of variety can be expected. So let me review each target that we used in this edition of the match. THE FOUR TARGETS are all posted at just

25 yards. That reduces the walking and perhaps the necessity to change powder charges, but it doesn’t reduce the level of skill needed at all. For one thing, all shooting is done offhand and there are no technicalities such as rifle caliber or weight or perfections in the load that can really overcome the human element of shooting while standing on your hind legs. The target that the Evergreen Muzzleloaders brought to this match is one you’ve seen before in this magazine, americanshootingjournal.com 123

BLACK POWDER

Author Mike Nesbitt’s .50-caliber Kunz-style rifle was his choice during the match.

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American Shooting Journal // May 2022

in pictures from my previous stories. This is simply a small bull’s-eye target with a black bull’s-eye measuring just 2½ inches in diameter. The X, 10 and 9 rings are within the black and we commonly print this on yellow or even orange paper, which sometimes enhances our ability to see it. It is similar to some other bull’s-eye targets and really does not fit into the novelty target class, but we like it anyway. Let me add, this was the target that I did my best on during the match, getting a score of 46 with my five shots. Yes, all five shots scored and I can’t say that about a couple of the other targets. The spider target was supplied by the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen and it is somewhat unusual because it has two areas of scoring rings. The spider’s head is the “10” area, while the abdomen has a possible high score of 8. This is an interesting target, for sure. I found this target difficult to aim at and perhaps that is reflective of my “not quite like new” eyesight. While looking over the rifle’s sights at this target, the two scoring areas became indistinct. That did add to the challenge and I’m really not complaining. My own score at this target was only 28 points with my five shots; one of those shots was a miss. That was my lowest scoring target. Scores across the board were lower on this target in general. The third target, discussed in the order that I shot them, was the bigfoot from the Lynch Creek Longhunters. This was our largest target of the day but that didn’t make it any easier. The scoring areas were “here and there,” almost like a luck target. That’s no problem; that’s just the way it was. My shooting on this target gave me a pretty nice group, but not centered where I wish it might have been. I hit toward the lower left of the large 9 ring, getting two 9s and three 5s, for a score of 33. Across the scoreboard, scores ran from a high of 45 all the way to zero, so I can’t complain at all about my score. For the fourth target, from Bremerton Brigade, we had an outline of

a woodchuck with various scoring areas within it. If I was to complain about any of the targets, it would be this one; it was very hard to see, even at 25 yards. However, no complaints are really given because it was just as hard to see for all shooters and no one had any particular advantage. It was like simply aiming at the center of the paper. My last shot at this target, which was my last shot in the match, was outstanding enough to be remembered. I was aiming and squeezing the set trigger on my .50-caliber Kunz-style rifle, when I realized that I was aiming almost at the left edge of the paper. “Not there!” I said to myself and had just started to move the sights toward the center, when the rifle fired. I was lucky that the shot was not a complete miss; it barely “crawled inside” the left edge of the woodchuck and scored a 7. My total score on that target was 32 and I did have one missed shot. TEAMS WITH MORE than five shooters have a slight advantage, simply in having more scores to pick from, but only five of each target is scored per team. In other words, if a team has more than five shooters, they will receive credit only for their top five scores on each target. That gives each team a total possible of 1,000 points for the match, counting all four of the targets brought by the various clubs. If a team does not have five shooters, then some volunteers might “change sides” to bring the low-manned team up to the required number. Or, if one team only has four shooters, just counting the top four scoring targets from each club would make things equal. However it is done, each team is equal in number for the competition. The winning club gets to take a totem pole trophy back to their own clubhouse, and add a small brass plaque to the base of the trophy indicating their club’s name and the year of their win. The following year, the trophy is brought back to the match, where it is awarded to the next winning club’s team.

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BLACK POWDER

The Lynch Creek Longhunters celebrate their win.

At this particular go-around, the trophy was won again by the Lynch Creek Longhunters, with a score of 749-9X points out of the possible 1,000. The win was a very close one. There were only two points between them and the second place team, the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen. After those two teams, the points did spread out a bit, but as you can see, the competition for the Quad-Club trophy is rather tight. In other words, the shooters and the teams were really doing their best. While the Quad-Club trophy goes to the winning team’s club until they must defend it again, each shooter is awarded with something from the prize table based on individual scores. There were 27 shooters at this event and I placed in the number 12 spot. The prize I picked was a set of four beeswax candles, also a worthy prize. 126

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

The Quad-Club trophy which is shot for each year.

If I haven’t made it clear, this edition of the Quad-Club Match was some doin’s! My club didn’t win the trophy but we certainly did try. And yet winning the trophy really isn’t the reason for going and joining in this friendly competition. The real reason is to rub shoulders with like-minded shooters, to share the friendship, and to help each other with shooting, whether that be technical assistance like loading or aligning flints or just in personal hold, stance and technique. In addition to all of that, there is the hot lunch, which adds to the comfort for these doin’s. The Quad-Club Match is worthy of being attended again, maybe with more shooters next time. I’m already counting on it. In other words, the Quad-Club Match is simply a lot of fun – too much fun to miss. 

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American Shooting Journal - May 2022

Articles inside

Reloading

BLACK POWDER: QUADCLUB MATCH ‘SIMPLY A LOT OF FUN’

Rifles

PLINK TO BECOME A BETTER SHOT

Knives

Handguns

Ammunition

SELFDEFENSE TRAINING: DIGNITARY PROTECTION COURSE SERVES UP TIEINS FOR FAMILY SAFETY

LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: ‘LAST LINE OF DEFENSE’ SAVES RUNNERS

Adventure/Industry

PRS PROFILE: A LATE, FAST BLOOMER

Shotguns

American Shooting Journal // May 2022

Gear

BULLET BULLETIN: ON TARGET, AND ON THE PODIUM, FOR A CENTURY

THERE ARE NO EASY MOUNTAIN GOATS  BUT SOME ARE MUCH HARDER THAN OTHERS

ROADHUNTER: TOUTING BEAVER STATE TURKEYS