Monday, September 21, 2015

Jim Westover

I have just received notice that Wisconsin trapshooters hall of fame member Jim Westover passed away during the night.

Jim was one hell of a doubles shooter.  I know he held the record for high doubles average ever in Wisconsin.  I had the pleasure of shooting with Jim many times.  He was a lot of fun to shoot with. He always spoke his mind but he would always listen to the other side of the story also.  I don't think I ever saw Jim when he didn't have a joke to tell.  He was passionate about shooting in Wisconsin and the homegrounds.

He will be missed by a lot of shooters around the country and especially here in Wisconsin me being one of them.

I will get the obituary posted when it is available.  We do have a section on this web site for completed carriers

Our deepest condolences to his family.


Don

Friday, September 18, 2015

Ray Moser

It is with great sadness that I pass along the news of Rays passing this morning at approximately 3AM.

According to his wishes there will be no services.  At this point I have been told there will be a celebration of life at the Chandelier Ball Room in Hartford on March 13th 2016.  If I recieve any more information I will post it here.

I do believe that the WTA will be doing something in the future.  When any plans are made I will pass them along.

Our deepest condolences to the Family.  Ray was a wonderful, generous man.  His up beat attitude will be missed greatly.

Keep on dancing Ray.




Don

Monday, August 24, 2015

The Wisconsin night at the 2015 Grand


Here is the picture of some of the smiling faces that attended the 2015 Wisconsin night at the Grand.  A light meal was served and a donation was taken to pay for the food.  After the donation the remaining cost was generously covered by Jeff Mainland.  He is back left looking somewhere other than everyone else.  I think he was looking at the crowd and thinking "who doesn't have a Kolar."
Thank you Jeff.  Remember we will try to have this gathering again next year.  See you then.


Don

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

WTA Board meeting this Saturday

There will be a Board of Directors meeting this Saturday in Rome at 9:00AM.  It will be held at the Sherwood lodge.  It is right behind the Shermolot Motel right on Hwy 13.

These meetings are open to the membership.

Wisconsin night at the Grand

Last week Wednesday at the Grand some of the shooters from Wisconsin got together for the second year.  The wonderful people at Shamrock leather let us use their tent for the gathering.

The weather was spectacular.

Fritz Thistle ordered some food which was nice.  A collection was taken to cover the cost of the food. We ended up quite a bit short.  Jeff Mailand picked up the remainder of the cost for the food.  A big thanks to Jeff.  Jeff and the Kolar people have been extremely generous to the shooters of Wis again this year.  Thanks again Jeff.

I believe the water was provided again by the Keeley's.  Thanks Steve and Carol.

I don't have a picture to post this year.  If someone has one and would scan it and send it to me I will try to post it here.


Don

Friday, August 7, 2015

2015 Wisconsin State shoot. MY thoughts.

Well it looks like no one from the WTA Board wanted to write anything so I will again.  As most of you all know I did not run for reelection this year and am stepping back a bit from the BOD.  I'm old and need the rest.

Ok.  Anyways.  For the most part I would give the complete shoot either a A- or B+.  I see things that a lot of shooters don't and some shooters see things I don't .

Here are some of the things that I saw as a problem.

We, and when I say we I mean the shooters of Wisconsin, are in need of a couple of things.  First we need a sound system to reach more people on the grounds.  This year I rented a big sound system to make the morning announcements and play the National anthem.  It worked fairly well but we need something better.  I think a system like the one at the Grand with speakers mounted on the shade shelters would be wonderful.

Golf carts are still a problem.  The dust wasn't a issue but there needs to be some kind of cart path installed.  There was discussion about one from wood chips.  I really think that would help.  Then there is the issue of to many people on the sidewalk.  Most were people that could be there but.  I personally don't understand why people have to just drive up and down the side walk.  They all carry radio's.  Why not just sit and wait until there is a problem.  Most of the time if you are just joy riding you will be on one end and the problem is on the other side.  So with three line supervisors why not split the fields in thirds and wait for a problem to arise.  Don't just drive around to look important.

Dust in the parking lot.  It wasn't real bad I didn't think.  Someone arranged for a water truck mid week and that helped out.  And the rain helped with that too.

Water in water jugs.  Had a few complaints about no water the first day or two.  My thoughts.  First it wasn't that hot that anyone dropped over.  Second we had tried something new this year.  We had some nice young ladies driving up and down the main sidewalk with bottled water and other soft drinks.  Priced fairly and they split the profits with the WTA 50/50.  They also doubled as score sheet runners so the WTA saved some more due to not needing to hire someone to pick up the score sheets.

Some people complained that we started the next events to soon.  That is a lose, lose situation.  If we don't start as soon as most traps are ready or clear then people complain we wasted to much time in between events.  If when we call people to their traps then would go to their traps that would help a lot.  But it normally take shooters 15 - 20 minutes to arrive after they are called.  So we tried to be somewhere in the middle.  Some traps weren't quite ready but most were when we called the next events.  Another part of the problem is when people presquad on the last squads of the first event and first squad of the next event.  Not smart.

There are a few other things that need to be taken care of differently next year but I won't go into all of them.

Now for the positives.

WOW did the new building work out great.  I really came in handy when the tents blew down for the second time in 5 days.  We put them up on Sunday,  They blew down on Sunday night.  Put them back up on Monday and they blew down again on Friday night.  Mother nature was testing us.  Thanks to John Madson and the guys for the tents and for helping put them up again this year.  The new building held up perfectly.  It was used during the day to meet and eat.  It was used Thursday night for the meet and greet, Friday morning for the annual meeting, Friday night for the fish fry and fund raiser, Sat night for the special event, Sunday for the gathering of the youth shooters and families.  Thank you Recob's.

And yes the Friday Perch fry and fund raiser put together really quickly by Paul Becker.  Fantastic job Paul.  The number I heard was they raised somewhere around, now get this, $25,000.  Thanks to all that donated.  I am not going to put the names out there because I will miss some and I don't want to do that, but Kolar Arms donated a Kolar single, Mark Zauhar (even though he is from Mn and a Vikqueens fan) for a pistol, Bill Simonar for a pistol, all the people and clubs that donated over 70 flats of shells, the Oconto Falls High school group (I think it was the FFA) they had raffles going all week and we selling food and drinks.  They were splitting the profits 50/50 with the WTA.  And Paul who put this whole thing together.  He came to the WTA with the idea about three weeks before the shoot.  Unbelievable.  He said he will do it again next year.  So anyone that wants to help please contact Paul.  Also if you have something you would like to donate contact him also.  I heard from a little bird that Melinda Mittag has another one of a kind quilt in the works.  In the past she has raised over $6000 for the WTA with her quilts.  And to all the people that did all the bidding.  It was amazing to watch.  ( I have no money to bid) Especially, Sam, Rick, Jeff Mainland and Recob, Mark and a lot of others that were so generous.  THANK YOU.

Then there was the Kolar Raffle.  Not sure exactly how much was raised but I know it was a lot. Thanks Kolar.  I heard something is in the works for next year already.  Watch for more information coming up.

Well this may very well be my last blog post unless we can't get a volunteer to take over.  As I said I am not a WTA Director anymore.  But in closing I just want to add something that isn't said offen enough.  Thank you to all the volunteers that make this event happen.  And yes the vast majority of things that make YOUR state shoot happen are done by people that put in hundreds of hours, before, during and after the shoot.  Think about it.  People are there several days before the shoot to get it ready.  During the shoot the average Director puts in 8-10 hours a day and then tries to shoot to.  After the shoot is over you shooters just go home.  Well some of us are there to take things down.  Return things.  Clean things like the campgrounds.  Empty a couple hundred trash cans.  And the list goes on.  So I will say it.  Thanks Bruce Stiteley, Bill Simonar, Glenn Hamerly, Adam LePine, Dave Wehmeier, Dewey Farnsworth, Kevin Doerring, Dwight Paulin, Gary Fechter, Theresa Howland Jim Kroeplien and Fritz Thistle for all your hours of dedication.  I know I have probably forgotten a few people that have volunteered and donated their time, money and efforts again this year.

Wisconsin Night at the Grand

Remember that Wednesday evening is Wisconsin night at the Grand and we hope to see you there.  Not the day.  It was originally said it would be Thursday.  It will be under the tent near the target shed on the west end of the vendor row on the lower level.  The tent is donated by Shamrock leather so please thank them and stop in at there spot on vendor row. There will be food but you will need to bring your own libations.  I heard the Keeley's will again be supplying water.  

We will again be asking for donations to cover the food.  Last year the Recob's picked up the remainder of the tab.  And we do not want them to do that again.  They have been way past generous this year again at the Homegrounds.  We thought we had a sponsor but that didn't come together this year.  So if you know of someone or you would like to help out that would be wonderful.  The way it works is we deduct the donations recieved at dinner from the bill and if there is a amount remaining that is the amount that a wonderful sponsor would be responsible for.  The estimate is around $500 to $600.  So if you are will to help out please contact Fritz Thistle.  Or contact me through the WTA comments on the web site.

See you there.

Going to the Grand? DETOUR

If you are going to the Grand and take I-55 I was told that the Hwy 4 exit is closed.  Just go to the next exit which I believe is Hwy 140.  Turn left and in just a few miles you will be back on Hwy 4.  They are working on the bridge on Hwy 4 over the freeway.



Don

Monday, July 6, 2015

We need a couple of things for the State Shoot

On Sunday we need some volunteers to help set up a couple of large tents.  These are the tents that one of wonderful gun clubs donate each year but we need help with setting them up so please come out and help us out Sunday Morning I would guess around ten or so.

Also we are in need of a water truck to water the parking lots and driveways.  If you know of one or someone that you think would let us use one for the week please let us know.  Contact either Bruce, Bill myself or Dennis.

Bruce  715 612 5271
Bill  920 655 4759
Don  262 470 2708
Denny  715 310 0380

Thanks and see you at the Wisconsin State Shoot.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Thursday, June 25, 2015

New Zone Directors

The NEW zone director for the SW Zone is Dan Horkan.

For the NE zone the new director is Pat Schutte.

If the information that I have gotten is not correct please forgive me.  If the spelling is incorrect also forgive me and give me a call and I will correct it.

Thanks for volunteering your time and efforts.  The shooters of Wisconsin really do appreciate it.


Don

Raffle tickets

I you have not already turned you raffle ticket stubs and money in to Jim would you please send them in before Saturday June 27th.  If you can't get them in the mail by then please bring them to the State shoot and give them either to Jim Kroeplien or to Theresa Howland in the cashiers office.

Thank you for helping raise funds for the WTA.



Don

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Sound System

As you may have noticed in the past we had a sound system to make the morning announcements and play the National Anthem.  We will not be able to get that system this year.  So we are in need of another one.  If anyone has access to one and would be able to loan it to the WTA for a week we would be very appreciative?  Contact me at 262 470 2708.

We have one for use at the events in the new structure like the annual meeting and the Perch fry and such.  This one needs to be loud for announcements.  Thanks

Oh Oh what's this a new structure?????

The start of our new building

Monday, June 22, 2015

Now HEAR this

The Homegrounds is in the need of a sound system.  Does anyone know a shooter or close personal friend that works with sound?  If so give any director a call.  We would like to keep this within the organization if possible.  


Don Mittag
262 470 2708

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Pink at Weston Trap club this weekend.

  Weston Hit and Miss trap club will be throwing Pink targets at their Registered shoot this weekend so bring your shooting glasses for pink targets.  I for one don't know what color that would be but if you know and have a set bring them along.  See you all there.





Don



Monday, June 15, 2015

Oh What a Night It is going to be.

Wisconsin State Trap Shoot 2015

Temporary Event Center
July 17, 2015 Friday Night Fish Fry Fund Raiser


Well we have all heard the stories that our home grounds is doomed and broke. However there is a group of us who have ran companies and say there are good and bad times.

We are here to make good times happen! Through the kindness of several friends of the Home Grounds we now have a 45 x80 building on a concrete pad.

Friday night I will be the chef for a good old fashion perch lunch. Seeing we will all be gathered for a good time and camaraderie we are holding a fund raiser.

We are having an Oral auction (Guest auctioneer Dave Dressler)

Items so far.                                            Credit cards accepted for fund raiser!
Kimber 45 donated by Mark Zauhar
Easy Pull voice release system   donated by Bob Schultz
Lake Michigan ½ day charter for 4 donated by Paul Becker
Remington 700 VTR 308 Winchester with bi pod
by Bill, Ann, Jeff, & Karen Recob

We will also have a silent auction, 50/50 raffle. Possible more??!!

Any donations would be appreciated. We also need people to come and spend for this great cause!

So let us all set aside our differences, and get all the arrows going the same direction and get this building paid for!!!

The above letter was as of 6/12/15.

This event taking on a life of its own and shows the nay sayers there are a lot of people who care.
At our NorthEast zone shoot I spoke to people.

We had 5 flats of ammo and 5 guns donated by Chops
Framed matted prints, gift baskets and more.

Mr Jeff Mainland of Kolar has gifted us a Kolar Trap single.

Let us make Our Wisconsin State Shoot something to be proud of.

More to follow.

Any Questions?? To help, donate, questions please call or email Paul Becker.


Day’s 800-678-4511 X118 cell 920-323-2836   pbecker@riversidefoods.com


Monday, June 8, 2015

SE Zone shoot at Beaver Dam

  I would like to thank the Beaver Dam Conservationist for hosting the SE Zone shoot this past week end.  I thought things went quite well dispite a couple of minor machine glitches.  They also said that next year they will have the Pat traps for all the houses.  They were supposed to have them this year but the shipment was delayed.  Other wise they had some good help and plenty of it.  They had some good food and drink.  Thanks and see you next year.


Don

Elections held this weekend.

  I would like to congratulate Jerry Kaszynski of Sussex for being elected SE Zone Director at the SE Zone shoot held this week at Beaver Dam Conservationist club this past week end.

  I would also like to congratulate Glenn Hammerly for being reelected up in the NW Zone at The Heart of Wisconsin this past week end.

  Next time you see either of these fine gentlemen THANK THEM.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Zone shoots this week end

Remember the SE and NW Zones will be held this weekend at Beaver Dam and The Heart of Wis. respectively.

The next weekend the SW and the NE zone shoots will be held at Janesville and Brown County gun clubs respectively.

Election of WTA Directors will be held at each of the clubs.  In three of the zones the current Director will not be running again.  Those zones are the SW zone, the SE zone and the NE zone.  So if you are a resident of these zones and would like to run for director just tell the current director not running and he will put you on the ballot.

Remember that this is your association.  If you don't like the way thing are going this is your chance to make a difference.  WE need new blood and new ideas.  So PLEASE if you are even considering running and have questions about what is involved just ask any director.  NOW is the time to get involved.  Donate some of your time and talents.


Don


Bill McCredie



  1. Bill McCredie Celebration of Life June 6,2015. The Celebration will be held at Portage Rod and Gun Club, Portage Wisconsin from 1pm to 3 pm. Come and enjoy the celebration for Bill. Their will be open shooting. Hope to see you their. Andy

Friday, May 8, 2015

50 for $50 youth shooting fundraiser




Attention Coaches, Parents and Adult Shooters!
Please join us on the WTA International Bunker Trap
for our 50 for $50 youth shooting fundraiser
We’re celebrating our second annual USA Shooting Junior Olympic Qualifier on the International bunker trap field at the WTA Homegrounds with a special Coach/Parent/Adult charity shoot that will be held on Friday, May 8th from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. Registration is open to the first 24 adults to sign up. Cost is $50 for two 25-target rounds of International bunker trap. We will use International rules, two shots per target allowed. International ammo is available on-site from the WTA.
Proceeds will be used to promote International shooting in Wisconsin. Last year we raised enough funds to send two athletes to the SCTP August Junior Olympic Development Camp (JODC) camp in Colorado Springs.
The complete weekend schedule is as follows:
Friday, May 8th – Open training on the bunker 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Friday, May 8th – 50 for $50 Coaches/Parents/Adult charity shoot on the bunker 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Saturday, May 9th – USA Shooting WI Junior Olympic Championship (first 75 targets) 9:00 am to approx. 3:00 pm.
Saturday, May 9th – BratFest at the Hintz Minnie Winnie. Brats, buns and condiments provided. (Please bring a dish to pass) 5:00 pm.  All athletes, coaches, parents and families are invited to attend!
Sunday, May 10th – USA Shooting WI Junior Olympic Championship (last 50 targets + finals) 9:00 am to approx. 3:00 pm with awards immediately following finals.
The WTA Shooting Complex Address: 1312 Akron Drive, Nekoosa, WI 54457 (Town of Rome)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
50 for $50 Youth Shooting Fundraiser Entry Form
Coach/Parent/Adult __________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________     State ____________
Team Name _______________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________    E-mail ____________________________________
If you have questions please contact Perry Hintz at phintz36@wi.rr.com or 262-930-9708 if you are interested in the challenge of Olympic bunker trap and shooting in this fun fundraising event!

To guarantee your spot, please mail this form with $50.00 to: Perry A. Hintz, 425 Stonewall Ct., Burlington, WI 53015. We will fill to range capacity of 24 entrants up until date of event.

Paul Hass

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Paul Hass.  More information will be made available when I receive it.  Watch for it in the Members- Memorials on this web site.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Reg. Shoot this weekend at the homegrounds

Remember there will be a registered shoot this week end at the Homegrounds in Rome.  100, 100, 100.

There will be food available for purchase on the grounds.

Don

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

WTA gun clubs

  This is for all the gun clubs through out the state.  If you would like the results from your shoot published on our website just send them in to us.  Also if you have a couple of pictures of your shoot send them along.  We will do our best to get them on the site.  If you don't send them we can't list the results.  I have people asking why were the results from shoot XYZ posted.  I could just make up some scores and people.  I gave up my mind reading job when I became a Director.  So if the clubs don't send them to us we will never know who the winners were.

Our Website.

  If any of you have had problems with our website like I have when using a cell phone and trying to click a button and not everything shows up.  Well Elizabeth has added a site map at the bottom of the home page.  This will allow you to get to everything on the site.
 
  Also watch for some new updates coming in the near future.



Don


Thursday, April 16, 2015

2015 WTA Homeground Trapshoot Program
Shoot Format is the same (All Dates)
100 Targets Each: Singles, Handicap, & Doubles

Dates: Sat. May 2 & Sun. May 3 and Sat. July 3 & Sun. July 4
New target year (2016) = Sat Oct 10 and Sun. Oct 11

Targets for ALL Events: $27/ 100 With $3 per shooter payback in
Each Class or Yardage Group (60/40 high gun)

ATA/WTA Daily Fees:  $6 ($3 each - ATA/WTA)
$1 Homegrounds Maintenance Fee

 Options:  Lewis Purse $5 (3 Classes - 60/40 High Gun)

Ties for Class/Yardage Payback Shot Off , unless otherwise agreed to by participants


16 yard: 5 classes AA - (97% & over),  A - (94% - 96.99%), B - (91% - 93.99%)
C - (88%% -90.99%), D - (Under 88%)

Handicap: 3 Yardage Groups (18 -21, 22-24, 25-27)
Doubles: 4 classes A - (90% & over), B - (85% - 89.99%)
C - (78% - 84.99%), D - (Under 78%)



This Club reserves the right to change this program in event of conditions beyond its control

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Remember the work day.

Please remember there is a work day at the home grounds this Saturday April 11.  There is plenty of work to be done.  There is some needs in the landscaping area.  So rakes, shovels, chainsaws, pruners, axes, and the like.  Also there is some work to be done on the Pat trap stands.  I am going to cut and paste what Denny is suggesting for tools.

 "Tools required are drills, wrenches, root hammers. There are nine 3/8" holes to drill in the concrete at each trap house and nine holes to drill thru the trap stand and wall mounting bracket. If you would email me at dengtay@me.com and tell me what you are bringing for tools that would be a great help. There is plenty to do. All help will be greatly appreciated by us."

So if you can't help out with a donation please help out with your time.  Or both.


Don

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Golf carts and Camping.

As of last Saturday Bill Simonar said he had only 20 camping spots left.  If you have not reserved yours yet please do so soon.

Also we will again have a limited supply of golf carts to rent at the state shoot.  Cost is $250 for the week.  For the golf carts please contact Bill also.

Bill Simonar  920 655 4759 or wjsshoot@aol.com

Shooting hours.

The Hours of operation for the Homegrounds are  Wednesday thru Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.  Other hours by appointment.  That is for the bunker and American trap.  Hopefully skeet will be soon to follow.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

The Homegrounds on TV

Folks: We have finally scheduled the four segments we shot with you and the youth trapshooters last June at the new WTA complex. The first date listed for each is a Thursday and the second is a Saturday. Milwaukee Public TV airs Outdoor Wisconsin Thursday night at 9 and Saturday morning at 9 on Channel 10.1. Wisconsin Public TV airs the show ONLY on Saturday morning at 11:30 on the Wisconsin Digital Channel (21.2, 38.2, etc.). The shows will also be posted online shortly after each air date at www.mptv.org. Simply click on "Watch Episodes," then scroll down to "Outdoor Wisconsin" and look for the show by number.

As always, please check local listings to be sure, but here is the schedule:

Show 3111 April 2 and 4: Scholastic Clay Target Competition

Show 3116 May 14 and 16: WTA Bunker Trap Grand Opening

Show 3121 June 25 and 27: Jr. Olympic Tryouts and Dan's Bunker Trap lesson with Meredith Bernau


I will have several copies of each program made when the programs are edited and share them with you. Please tell others who were at the event that this is the schedule. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer them.

Thanks to all for your help in producing these segments and for your patience as we worked on getting them edited and scheduled.


Dan

Dan Small Outdoors, LLC

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Why we are asking for help.

There seems to be some confusion on the other web site regarding WTA activities, so I thought I would try to explain what the WTA is trying to do.

Here is the situation.   During this time of the year, we do not have much income.  Let’s face it, there isn’t much shooting going on and we don’t have a building that we can work out of during cold weather.  Last year our campgrounds weren’t open so we had little income other than the state shoot.  Without the campgrounds making money we fall short of our business plan projected profit.  But bills keep coming in -  Like property taxes, salaries, loan payments and $6000+ for workman’s comp. ins.  I believe, as of March 1st , all but one of our bills have been paid.  But now we have depleted the small profits made last year. 

The next step in our long range plan is to put up a building.  We plan to start with a small storage building.  It will be built to accommodate additions when we need more space.  The current plan is for a 40X80 building.  The building addition presents opportunities for both revenue generation and cost avoidance.  If we build in some office space, the manager can use it to run both campground and shooting events for the rest of the year and forward.  We have several organizations that want to use the Homegrounds, but they require a building.  Without the building we won’t get their business – a missed revenue opportunity.  During the state shoot the building would be used instead of renting pods for classifying, squading and cashiering - saving the WTA more than a thousand dollars.  

Now a couple of naysayers on the other web site might ask “how can you afford a building if you are out of money?”  It’s a valid question and honestly, we are in a difficult position.   So, we are asking for the help of shooters from around the state and even around the country.  The building will cost approx. $40,000.   No, it’s not a small amount, but the building is essential to keep the development/growth plan moving forward. 

As of right now we have 10 different shooting events scheduled – spanning almost every weekend between the first weekend of May until the state shoot and at least two different events after the state shoot.  These events will generate not only shooting revenue, but camping revenue as well.  You can go to the Homegrounds website calendar and see which events are already scheduled.   I will also post them here.
                                                                                           
Events scheduled for WTA Homegrounds 2015
                                                                            
May 2-3 WTA Registered Shoot
May 8-10 USAS Wisconsin Junior Olympic Championship
May 16 Kettle Moraine Youth Conference State Shoot
May 24 SCTP Midwest High School Regional
May 29-31 USAS Wisconsin SCTP International Trap State Championship
June 6 Wisconsin State High School Clay Target League State Shoot
June 27-28 Wisconsin SCTP State Trap Championship
July 4-5 WTA Registered Shoot
July 14-19 Wisconsin State Trapshoot 116th Annual
Oct 10-11 WTA Registered National Trapshooting Day Weekend

For all of you that have asked if we will be hosting any events besides the state shoot, as you can see answer is YES!  And the list will grow.  Plus, the campgrounds will be opening in April this year, so there will be added income from camping unlike last year.  If you have any ideas for an event please let a Director know and then get involved to make it happen.  Talk is cheap.  We all have ideas about things that could be held there at the Homegrounds but we also need people to run them.  The Manager and the BOD cannot do all the work.  GET INVOLVED.

So, this is why we need the building and your help.  We have about $10k that people have donated towards the building now.  We also have a shooter from out of state that said they would donate another $5k - A non resident!  We have someone that said they would make a low interest loan of $25k.  All this gives us a good start.  But we need more cash for operating expenses and cover over runs for the building (which always happen no matter how well you plan the project).  I think  it takes about $22k a month this time of the year for the basics plus other things that come up from time to time .

In closing I have tried to explain both our current needs and some of our future plans.  If it still doesn’t make sense call me or any director and we will try to explain things better.  If there is anything you can do to help out your organization and your home grounds please, please contact a director or our Treasurer Jim Kroeplien and we will be happy to accept your donation.    Think about ways you personally or as a shooting club can raise money – hold a fundraiser, pass the hat, heck – have a bakesale!  Even if it is $50 it will help.  There is a donation form on our website that you can print out.  And yes, we are working on updating the donation list that is on the web site now.  You can ask that your donation go toward things like traps, shelters benches, gun racks and so on.  But please help any way you can and soon.  Spring is coming and we need to quickly get started on the building.

Don  

    

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Now is the time to step up

As most of you should know in June at the zone shoots your Directors are elected.  This year there will be 3 Directors that will NOT be running for that position.  In the NE Dave Wehmeier will not be running, in the SW Adam LePine will not be running and in the SE I will not be running.  So that means we will need new people in the SW, NE and the SE zones to run for director.  The Board hears continually about how things should be done differently.  Well now is the time for you to change things.  Make a difference.  Put some effort into making a difference.  It is your organization.  It is your Homegrounds.

I have heard the complaints about asking for money.  Well.   I'm not asking for money this time.  I am asking for some of your time and knowledge.  New ideas and views are great.  I have heard all the reasons for people not to run.  The one I hear the most is "I don't know how to run a shoot"  You don't need to.  Most of the people on the BOD never had any experience with the ATA or WTA other than shooting.  But they learned.  There are still several very experienced people that will be on the WTA board.  They will help you with any questions you may have.  I'm not moving to my desert island yet.  I will be more that happy to help anyone that wishes to run with anything they need.  I am sure Adam and Dave feel the same.

We don't need a answer right now.  But think about it.  If you have any questions give me a call.  262 470 2708.  If you would like to run let me know and we will have your name printed on the ballots for your zone.

So again.  Please help.  Questions?  Call me.


Don Mittag

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Homegrounds work day

There will be a homegrounds work day on April 11th.  Starting at around 8AM.  Hope to see a lot of smiling faces there.

We need some help again

Dear Member,
The Wisconsin Trapshooting Association is currently trying to raise funds to add onto our complex. We’re facing some hard times and are in need of help. The WTA was organized in 1899 to support the growing sport of trapshooting and hold the Wisconsin State Championships. Our organization strives to promote the sport of trapshooting and insure a future for our sport. We need your help to raise funds to continue to build our organization and ensure its future.
We need your help to make the strides forward that are necessary to continue to bring new shoots and events to the home grounds. Living in Wisconsin is tough for trapshooting when we cannot shoot year round like other states. As we approach the end of February, we have no money to pay monthly bills. We incur overhead costs during these winter months with next to no income coming in from trapshooting or camping since the seasons do not start until April. With our main event of the year being the State Shoot, we hope that with the expansion of the grounds we will be able to go after other large shoots and events throughout the year. With your contribution we will be improving the grounds by building a storage shed and event center to attract more customers and businesses to enhance the relations with the community and our members. We have trap fields, shelters, walkways and patio sections that are also available to donate towards.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would consider giving a donation towards our organization and to help us offset these expenses. Your generous donation will be publicly acknowledged in our promotions and advertising. To learn more about our group or our events please contact one of our members on the board of directors.
Thank you for your consideration of our request and we look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely 

President   N/W Zone                                 1st Vice President N/E Zone                                                            Director Southwest Zone                                   Director Southeast Zone
(715) 453-5271                                                    (920) 655-4759                                                    (262) 745-5209                                                    (262)483-0648

 
Bruce Stiteley                                   Bill Simonar                                       Jerry Farnsworth                              Gary Fechter   


Director Northwest Zone                                   Director Northeast Zone                                    Director Southwest Zone                                   2nd Vice President S/W Zone
(715) 432-3808                                                    (920) 627-3283                                                    (262) 364-7829                                                    (262) 470-2708

 
Glenn Hamerly                                 Dave Wehmeier                Adam LePine                                     Don Mittag   


Rick Tesker
ATA Delegate
(262) 424-0444
 
                                             

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Wisconsin trapshooters Assoc. would like to congratulate Virgil Bomkamp for being inducted into the Wisconsin trapshooters Hall of Fame.  The induction will take place at the fund raising banquette during the State shoot this year.  More information on the banquette to follow.


Don