Hi everyone. Not much shooting is going on in Illinois right now so I thought I would give my yearly plea. Please support your local small clubs. I know big shoots are exciting, you get to meet new people, and you can shoot a lot of targets in a short period of time. I want to remind you that small clubs have their own charm. Sitting under a shade tree with some friends and shooting some targets isn't a bad way to go either. We must keep small clubs active. They are the breeding grounds of future registered shooting. So please show up there and have some fun.
I am very excited to tell you about a new shooting program here in Illinois. Blackburn College, my Alma Mater, has created a shotgun shooting program that will begin competing this fall. I went over to look at the facilities they are putting together and was very impressed. They are coached by Lauren Dunn, a many time All-American, All Stater and a member of the ISTA Hall of Fame. Blackburn is a small liberal arts institution with a friendly, homey atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to shoot and get an education, check out Blackburn. I think you will be impressed. You can reach Lauren at
I am sad to report that Illinois has lost another trap shooter. Tom Hoffman, a central zone shooter, has passed after a battle with cancer. Tom was a great guy and a great shooter and will be missed at the clubs where he competed. I know I sound like a broken record, but I hate it when we lose people like him. Rest well, Tom.
Shoot well and support your local club.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate