Gents:
Teh Alaska double shoots have seen their last days, I am sorry to say. The Birchwood range will not allow us there any longer. Other ranges will have us but the covered space is so small there is not room for all the shooters and rifles to be under cover. (You may recall a few years ago many fo us had to lay out our rifles on the beds of pickup trucks--glad it didn't rain or snow).

The range close to my house is a long drive from Anchorage. I used to host shoots at my home but it is a long drive and was limited in size. There are many areas we could use but there is no cover.
So, sadly, the shoots have come to an end. It has been a pleasure.
Cheers,
Cal

Thanks for the note.
Possibly someone with a private range will offer to carry on the shoot.

Possibly a DR enthusiast in Texas?
Lots of lodges and shooting ranges there and large ranches.

Damn!

Dave

How about a BIGGGGG Tent ?

Hip

I have some friends with some of the facilities, but maybe not all.
Hidden lakes is a birdhunting preserve east of Dallas with nice lodge and many cabins and a skeet range, BUT not sure of the rifle facility.
Then I have a neighbor with a range on his farm, bur no cabins or lodge. Another place that would have been perfect was an exotic ranch with all facilities and game, but the owner recently passed and the place is being sold.
Something should turn up.

Cal, Sterling Cook, owner of Arctic Ammo in Wasilla is seriously working on a range complex in the valley.
You might get in touch with him as your event was always a highlight for serious shooters and collectors

I never had a privilege of this event but that is a severe bummer. I am sorry to hear this.

Good Luck Cal.

Would love to have gone to one of your shoots Cal.

Hopefully something will come up.

When we can travel again......

According to the Political Forum, this must be Trump's fault.....

What a shame...this event was so much fun. My wife and I turned it into a mini-vacation, flying up to Anchorage from Chicago, and staying at a very nice resort in Alyeska. I was hoping to get back up there again over the next few years, but understand the circumstances. We attended the 2018 version of the shoot, and, as Cal referenced above, I remember viewing a bunch of high-dollar doubles laying neatly in the back of a pickup, on top of a blanket of course!

Sorry to hear this, Cal. Thanks for all the energy and time you put into this over the years.

A sad time for doublegunners. Something will come out of the woodwork. Be Well, Packy.

Cal you quit so easily.

quote:

Originally posted by Ready Aim Shoot:
Cal you quit so easily.

George:
It's not an issue of quitting. There is only one range that can accommodate all of us. While there are other ranges there is not enough cover for the rifles or the shooters and guests. 7-8 years ago it rained and snowed on the shoot day. Three years ago it was sunny and we were at a small range. The rifles were laying in pickup beds (on a blanket). If it rained that day there would have been major problems. And, with our backs to he rifles when shooting theft was a concern as so many unknown to us stop by the shoot. Last of all, due the number of folks who travel here from the Lower 48 states and a few from overseas I can't cancel or postpone the date as so many would lose their tickets.

If you have any solutions I am open to suggestions. Or, if you wish to hold the shoot in your area feel free to do so. You could hold a Searcy only shoot with no garbage from teh UK allowed in (or perhaps with an extra fee) LOL

Cheers,
Cal

Because I'm 2500 miles from Montana!

George???

Cal I am not good at organizing things besides no one would want to come here for a shoot.Why don't you relocate the shoot in another state?

quote:

Originally posted by Ready Aim Shoot:
George???

Cal I am not good at organizing things besides no one would want to come here for a shoot.Why don't you relocate the shoot in another state?

Because Montana is a 2500-mile drive!

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:

quote:

Originally posted by Ready Aim Shoot:
George???

Cal I am not good at organizing things besides no one would want to come here for a shoot.Why don't you relocate the shoot in another state?

Because Montana is a 2500-mile drive!

There is already a major shoot in Montana.How about one in Texas? You can co-host it with someone who lives there. I am sure you can afford a plane ticket.Anyways that is just an idea.

Why did Birchwood put an end to it? They were always super accommodating when I was a member.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
Why did Birchwood put an end to it? They were always super accommodating when I was a member.

Something happened at Birchwood. Membeship fees increased 2-3x, non-members are not welcome (so no double shoot), they ran the cowboy action shooters off so they are not welcome, etc. Why? I don't know. I just know they told me the double shoot is not longer welcome at their range and refunded my deposit.

quote:

Originally posted by Ready Aim Shoot:

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:

quote:

Originally posted by Ready Aim Shoot:
George???

Cal I am not good at organizing things besides no one would want to come here for a shoot.Why don't you relocate the shoot in another state?

Because Montana is a 2500-mile drive!

There is already a major shoot in Montana.How about one in Texas? You can co-host it with someone who lives there. I am sure you can afford a plane ticket.Anyways that is just an idea.

Too far and too many details to work on from 4000+ miles away. You are closer than I to Texas so here you go...

Cal, your event was one many of us looked forward to. Let's keep trying to find a place and hope Sterling Cook can get is plan for a range here in the valley approved.

A couple easy ups and folding tables would solve that id think

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
A couple easy ups and folding tables would solve that id think

Thought of. Nearly 100 people, cooking and lunch, 50-70 firearms...

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
Cal, Sterling Cook, owner of Arctic Ammo in Wasilla is seriously working on a range complex in the valley.
You might get in touch with him as your event was always a highlight for serious shooters and collectors

Don't tell Cal but everyone came to shoot Rob's full auto toys and I heard the food was really good.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
Why did Birchwood put an end to it? They were always super accommodating when I was a member.

Members only now. It was getting out of hand being open to the public without a range master.

Here is the official reply that came today in my email. Rob was a respected member there and this reply came at his request for an explanation. When I asked, nothing came through.
Cal

Rob & Cal,

Here’s the straight scoop!…..

COVID has had a major impact on how BRSP operates. Especially where scheduling events and range rental is concerned.

In allowing BRSP to remain open, MOA has limited our range rentals to members only events. MOA has no firm date on when this will change. They keep extending the mandates. That’s why Cal’s range rental request was cancelled and his rental fees refunded.

Given the advance planning required for those travelling from outside Alaska , BRSP could not in good conscience take his money, and then have potentially have to cancel him at the last moment. It would be a disaster for Cal and those travelling to attend.

“. The Municipality of Anchorage emergency mandates are still in effect, so we continue to be limited to member's-only events, social distancing on the ranges, and masks in the clubhouse”.

Also, BRSP will not consider range rental requests until the summer competitive event schedules have been solidified. That happens in early January, annually. Those, and member sponsored requests have priority. Because of this, BRSP will not accept range requests for the following year prior to December of the current year..

Non-member range requests are allowed. (In compliance with Covid mandates) However, they have last priority, and are based on range availability

Given the above, I truly believe the Upper Susitna Shooters Association Range in Willow would be your best bet for a future double rifle shoot. I’ve attended several shoots there. It’s a decent facility, with excellent covered shooters area on the 200yard range Yes, it’s a drive from Anchorage. But I believe they could easily accommodate your needs, with a minimum of hassle.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Here is the official reply that came today in my email. Rob was a respected member there and this reply came at his request for an explanation. When I asked, nothing came through.
Cal

Rob & Cal,

Here’s the straight scoop!…..

COVID has had a major impact on how BRSP operates. Especially where scheduling events and range rental is concerned.

In allowing BRSP to remain open, MOA has limited our range rentals to members only events. MOA has no firm date on when this will change. They keep extending the mandates. That’s why Cal’s range rental request was cancelled and his rental fees refunded.

Given the advance planning required for those travelling from outside Alaska , BRSP could not in good conscience take his money, and then have potentially have to cancel him at the last moment. It would be a disaster for Cal and those travelling to attend.

“. The Municipality of Anchorage emergency mandates are still in effect, so we continue to be limited to member's-only events, social distancing on the ranges, and masks in the clubhouse”.

Also, BRSP will not consider range rental requests until the summer competitive event schedules have been solidified. That happens in early January, annually. Those, and member sponsored requests have priority. Because of this, BRSP will not accept range requests for the following year prior to December of the current year..

Non-member range requests are allowed. (In compliance with Covid mandates) However, they have last priority, and are based on range availability

Given the above, I truly believe the Upper Susitna Shooters Association Range in Willow would be your best bet for a future double rifle shoot. I’ve attended several shoots there. It’s a decent facility, with excellent covered shooters area on the 200yard range Yes, it’s a drive from Anchorage. But I believe they could easily accommodate your needs, with a minimum of hassle.

Cal,

All poking and joking aside you know Joyce and I love attending these events and supplying the food. Other than Joyce shooting up 50% of Rob's ammo we generally don't even shoot many doubles during the event because we love seeing other do so.

Perhaps, and I am not volunteering, we could organize a "shuttle service" from anchorage out to this range and still pull this off.

I've offered lodging at my house in the past and would continue that offer.

The shuttle I could not do or arrange secondary to J&J, with the help of the esteemed ORKA truck camper, being the main culinary delivery vehicle, would need to provide game meat sustenance for the event (Mostly killed by Joyce, Just sayin').

Screw COVID, let's make this happen.

J&J

for lower 48 types as myself -
what do the MOA and BRSP acronyms represent in this
setting-
EDIT:
deciphered MOA, partially BRSP, still working on the SP

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Here is the official reply that came today in my email. Rob was a respected member there and this reply came at his request for an explanation. When I asked, nothing came through.
Cal

Rob & Cal,

Here’s the straight scoop!…..

COVID has had a major impact on how BRSP operates. Especially where scheduling events and range rental is concerned.

In allowing BRSP to remain open, MOA has limited our range rentals to members only events. MOA has no firm date on when this will change. They keep extending the mandates. That’s why Cal’s range rental request was cancelled and his rental fees refunded.

Given the advance planning required for those travelling from outside Alaska , BRSP could not in good conscience take his money, and then have potentially have to cancel him at the last moment. It would be a disaster for Cal and those travelling to attend.

“. The Municipality of Anchorage emergency mandates are still in effect, so we continue to be limited to member's-only events, social distancing on the ranges, and masks in the clubhouse”.

Also, BRSP will not consider range rental requests until the summer competitive event schedules have been solidified. That happens in early January, annually. Those, and member sponsored requests have priority. Because of this, BRSP will not accept range requests for the following year prior to December of the current year..

Non-member range requests are allowed. (In compliance with Covid mandates) However, they have last priority, and are based on range availability

Given the above, I truly believe the Upper Susitna Shooters Association Range in Willow would be your best bet for a future double rifle shoot. I’ve attended several shoots there. It’s a decent facility, with excellent covered shooters area on the 200yard range Yes, it’s a drive from Anchorage. But I believe they could easily accommodate your needs, with a minimum of hassle.

Cal,

All poking and joking aside you know Joyce and I love attending these events and supplying the food. Other than Joyce shooting up 50% of Rob's ammo we generally don't even shoot many doubles during the event because we love seeing other do so.

Perhaps, and I am not volunteering, we could organize a "shuttle service" from anchorage out to this range and still pull this off.

I've offered lodging at my house in the past and would continue that offer.

The shuttle I could not do or arrange secondary to J&J, with the help of the esteemed ORKA truck camper, being the main culinary delivery vehicle, would need to provide game meat sustenance for the event (Mostly killed by Joyce, Just sayin').

Screw COVID, let's make this happen.

J&J

J&J:
Thanks for your suggestions. Really, I don't know. Transporting folks 100+ miles could be opening a nightmare of logistics. If folks wish to be a taxi and then one has to drop out...well, you get the picture. Too many come from the Lower 48 to chance the 'what ifs". With COVID and the airlines withi potential issues of flying, perhaps it is time to let it die. Maybe next year if all smooths out.
Cal

First of all, Cal I sincerely appreciate your generosity in planning and hosting these very fun and interesting shoots!! I have thoroughly enjoyed the events I have attended, the incredible doubles, and Rob's special entertainment.... J&J's great food, great people...and coordination for attending the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.... and the Valdez STOL event on the other end!! Thank you!!
I am pleased to learn that Birchwood range is simply following good COVID protocol and Anchorage guidelines, and has NOT permanently locked out events in the future!! I admire their action to protect the membership... as ridiculous as it might seem to onlookers!!
I think you are extremely wise in leaning on the side of caution and not tempting fate... this is a very deadly disease, and it ain't over yet!!
Many of the very generous Alaska gang that generously bring their double treasures for us to enjoy, and many who attend, including myself, are in the vulnerable group by age... and some may have additional underlying/contributing factors putting them at higher risk by participating. It isn't worth the risk!!
I have already lost a great friend to COVID, over 80 and still flying with a 1st class medical, Alaskan and one of very few PBY Instructors, retired NWA Captain and #1 on the seniority list when he retired. He joined the group of 40 pilots who loaded warbirds on a Navy carrier in San Diego, then flew over and flew the warbird airshows commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing the Armistice on the USS MISSOURI. 4 of the 40 pilots contracted COVID... both Fred and his son, a 60+ Delta Captain got it!! ...very healthy pilots...Fred died!! A devastating loss to family and friends, and the aviation community.
We are a group of dangerous game hunters who intentionally temp fate by choice... and excitement!! I would rather be able to do this again than tempting fate and dieing a miserable death from this Chinese scourge that we can't see and avoid or kill it with our DOUBLES!!
I had been thinking that after receiving our 2 vaccines and a couple of months to generate antibodies... we might come up for the aviation events, regardless... my highly experienced Nurse Practioner wife says - NOPE!!... flying, hotels, restaurants.... still too risky!!
I look forward to another year!!
Wishing you well!!
We are planning Buff in the SELOUS, October 21, probably 22??
CheerZ,

quote:

e are a group of dangerous game hunters who intentionally temp fate by choice... and excitement!! I would rather be able to do this again than tempting fate and dieing a miserable death from this Chinese scourge that we can't see and avoid or kill it with our DOUBLES!!
I had been thinking that after receiving our 2 vaccines and a couple of months to generate antibodies... we might come up for the aviation events, regardless... my highly experienced Nurse Practioner wife says - NOPE!!... flying, hotels, restaurants.... still too risky!!
I look forward to another yea

I disagree.

quote:

Originally posted by DuggaBoye:
for lower 48 types as myself -
what do the MOA and BRSP acronyms represent in this
setting-
EDIT:
deciphered MOA, partially BRSP, still working on the SP

For DuggaBoye-
MOA- Municipality of Anchorage
BRSP- BIRCHWOOD RECREATION AND SHOOTING PARK- the great shooting range that has hosted the Double Shoot...

For Ready Aim Shoot-
I have recently lost 3 friends and a relative to serious NON-COVID lung failures.... I have witnessed these fellows on a ventilator grasping for life!! This is an indelible sight to watch a friend suffering....
Two real estate agents handling a lease for us in Arizona contracted COVID while carrying out their business... mostly remote. They survived but offered that they have never suffered a more painful and miserable 10 days of their life!!...to close for comfort!!
It's your choice.... I'll go Buffalo hunting, later...
I just bought Yukon Moose Raffle tickets with the airfare I didn't spend!!...maybe more on the upcoming SCI,DSC,and Sheep auctions>>>??
Life is all about OPTIONS....

SEE YOU IN 22 CAL!! THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR GREAT EVENTS!!

Thank you ,Sir