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MARCH MADNESS

This shoot had everything: a little sun, a little rain, a rogue buffalo, and a Gatling gun.  Cowboys got to play cards, duel it out with the Red Sash Gang and other various ne’er-do-wells, and did we mention the Gatling Gun? It made for a memorable re-enactment of the battle of San Jacinto.  All the darksiders didn’t mind the rain – just made it that much easier to clean up after the match!    

The Indian River Regulators would like to say howdy to new shooter Cowboy Tim (who will do his best to have a REAL alias by next time). Welcome to our pistol packin’ friends from across the state-you folks came a far piece to try your hand at this gunfight-hope y’all come back soon!  It was nice to see all the spectators-hope we have some future cowboys out there!

As always, thanks to Quicksdraw Connie for her all around yummy brownies.   A big muchas gracias to posse marshals Bad Hombre, Quicksdraw Connie, and Utah.  Tip of the Stetson goes to Utah and Burt Blade for setting up and and to Patty Oakley, Broken Barrel, Windrunner, El Concho, Quicksdraw Connie and Bad Hombre for tearing down.  A most special thank you to Miss Ruth for helping with the computer, and to Charlie S. Auld for bringing Hurty-Gerdy.

COWBOY BIRTHDAYS

March maddened cowboys:  Andale Kid, Colonel Dan, Gun Dawg, Patty Oakley, Ruby Sue, Turkey Creek Red, and Weewahootee.

COWBOY PARTINGS

The Big Trail Boss has called Oklahoma Slim into the sunset, to ride with the immortals.  He entrusts Lady Robin to our care, to comfort and cherish.  Slim, ‘till we meet again, ride free.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Turkey Creek Red and I would like to thank everyone for the beautiful Remington bronze bestowed upon us by our dearest cowboy friends at this month’s match.  As some of you know, we are stepping down as match directors at Port Malabar in May.  We are looking forward to spending more time with all of you and promoting this wonderful sport of ours.  Cowboy Action Shooting truly makes a family of all of us, and Red and I cannot think of anyone we would rather spend our time with than all of you.

We would like to introduce you to new match director Burt Blade, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Indian River Regulators Cowboy Council: Utah, El Concho, Quicksdraw Connie, Bad Hombre, Lawdog, Still Young, Virg Barber, Blue Grass, Turkey Creek Red and Night Train Kate.  It is our pleasure to welcome you to the range each month, and we strive to provide the best possible shoot for your enjoyment.

From Red and I, thanks again from our hearts, and remember: it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s the lovin’ of the game! Happy Trails!  -N.T.K.

COWBOY CLASS & R/O CLASS

We have resumed the monthly cowboy classes on the first Saturday of the month. If you have never done action shooting cowboy style, and would like to give it a try, these are the folks to talk to.  If you need a little practice, or polishing of those very important shooting skills, this is a good time!  Please contact Utah at (321)951-1223 or Burt Blade at (321)242-8163. 

The next Level I R/O class will be in June.  Level II R/O class to be announced.

SUNSHINE STATE GAMES

Yep, it’s almost that time.  Some of you may have gotten your booklet from the Florida Sports Foundation.  If not, Night Train Kate will have some applications at the registration desk.  The cost is $15, payable to FSF and you must pre-register (just write your class next to the “Cowboy Match” box). The Cowboy event will be at the Orlando gun range on Sunday, May 11, 2003.  There is a slight typo in the book.  This WILL NOT be a two day event.  There will be six stages on Sunday and you get a swanky T-shirt!

FROM THE PONY EXPRESS

Safety is always first and foremost.  Please remember Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club is a private range, and we have a lot of people shooting in areas you can’t always see.  Please do not handle your guns unnecessarily at your vehicle when transferring them to gun carts.  Be mindful of your muzzle direction.  Resist the urge to show off that new fancy rig until you are inside the action area in a designated safe area.  Observe the 10mph speed limit.  Please park in the open lot across from the registration area and NOT along the bullseye line.  Additional parking is available in the pistol practice area just south of Bay 1.  Parking inside the action area is limited to handicapped vehicles without trailers and Indian River Regulator Cowboy Council members.  Your support and consideration in these areas will make us better neighbors with out other shooting disciplines.

You know, it takes a lot of work for a fun, safe shooting day.  Everyone has something they can contribute.  Don’t let your posse marshal be the only one running the timer all day.  They are out here to have fun, too.  If you don’t know how to run a timer, we’d be happy to show you how they work.  The loading and unloading tables need attendance, times and scores need to be recorded, there is always brass to pick up, and there needs to be at least three spotters for each shooter.  Pitch in! It’s the cowboy way!

Visit us at our NEW website at http://www.indianriverregulators.com.  You’ll find scores, directions to the club, the monthly newsletter and exciting pictures to entertain you between matches.  Web Master Burt Blade has been instrumental in ramroding this enterprise and we hope it has made things a little more convenient for you.

Remember, at the Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club, all juniors shoot free of charge.  This is an excellent way to get more young people involved in our wonderful sport.  If you know someone who might be interested in cowboy action shooting, please encourage them to attend the cowboy class and come join the fun!

Need cowboy stuff? Bullets, clothes, hats, reloading equipment?  John’s Precision Bullets and Byrd's Western Wear have the solution to your problem!  By supporting them and other cowboy vendors, you support cowboy action shooting locally.

Got comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Got an idea for a stage?  WE WANT YOUR INPUT!  This is YOUR shoot and we feel this truly is an interactive sport!  You can write us, call us at (321)242-8163, or e-mail us at mcollins6314@cfl.rr.com – even if you want to remain a “Ghost Writer”.  We members of the press know how to protect our sources.  And now you can visit us on the web at http://www.indianriverregulators.com.

GOD BLESS AMERICA  &  HAPPY TRAILS

Next Shoot:                   April 26, 2003 – April Fools

                                    May 24, 2003 – Alligator Camp

                                    June 28, 2003 – Tombstone

                                    July 26, 2003 – Revenge of the Stealth Bullets

Registration opens at 9:00am, mandatory shooter’s meeting at 9:30am, shooting starts at 10:00am.  Cost is $10.00 per person.  All first time shooters with the Indian River Regulators must check in with safety officers prior to the shooter’s meeting (please register early so you can join your posse on time).

                   Visit our NEW website at http://www.indianriverregulators.com

Ghost Writers of the Purple Sage

P O Box 100861

Palm Bay   FL   32910