New Lid Revealed

The United Clay Busters of America offered a sneak peak at a prototype shooting cap this week. "The strong bold lettering may offer a bit of intimidation to opposing teams," says John Krull, the UCB's Director of Communications. "Just putting the cap on gives me the urge to break down a few doors and issue some search warrants," said Krull. "The real test will be wearing the cap on the range to see if it has any shooting luck sewn in."

The Krull Warrior Kings

I'm thinking of resurrecting KWK as a future shooting team name. The boys and I took advantage of the club's open shooting day and hammered some clay targets. Ryan was on his game and could definitely hold is own on league night. Will takes the hunters safety course in a couple of weeks so he'll soon be joining us on the line. Lane is already sorting through the gun safe trying to figure out what he'll be shooting when he's 12.

Lane and Will waiting to search the range for unbroken birds.

Ryan doing work.

AA Shoot Off Report

(L to R) Alex Schmalz, Curt Hanke, Mike Kriefski, John Krull, Shawn Harper

As the late great Dale Earnhardt once said, "Second Place is just the first place loser." Yep, we lost the Oregon Sportsmans Club AA Championship tonight by four birds. We battled the S/S Boys all season long and ended the year tied in total kills after shooting 6,000 rounds between our teams. Simply amazing. The S/S Boys were a class act tonight and we would like to congratulate them on an outstanding season. Nice shooting gentlemen.

A special hats off to Alex who shot his season high score tonight to lead the Local 505. He shot 5 birds over his average which is an outstanding way to finish the year. Keep mounting those guns UCB and we'll make another run at them next year.

Stu Cameron keeps score for the AA Shoot Off. Thanks for running such a fun and competitive league Stu.

AA Shoot Off is Aug. 24 at 6:30pm

I just received the call from Stu. – we are in the shoot off. This historic event is scheduled for Monday, August 24 at 6:30 pm. I forgot to ask Stu who we are shooting against but my guess is the S/S Boys given their high scores in the second half of the season. It doesn't matter who we are against, just bring your AA game and shoot one bird at a time. Individual scores don't matter at this point boys. Clear you heads and knock the #$@!% out of those targets.

Photo of the Day

Kriefski 2009 Top Gun

For a third consecutive year, Mike Kriefski has earned the United Clay Busters of America Top Gun award. He's shown here proudly holding the coveted 1971 L. Wilcox Trophy. Mike was a very consistant shooter again this year, finishing the season just one bird off his 2008 score. The Local 505 congratulate you on a great season Mr. Kriefski and thank you for busting clay.

Week 12 Report

Week twelve signals the end of our 2009 trap league. Mike and John tied for Top Guns this week with a solid night of shooting. The Local 505 won the first half AA Championship and lost in the second half to the S/S Boys. A shoot off between our two teams will decide the overall club championship. The shoot off could be as early as next Monday. Stay tuned for details.

I will write a more formal feature in the coming days but I want to congratulate Mike on winning his third consecutive United Clay Busters of America Top Gun title. Mike is a solid shooter week-in and week-out and as an ol' boy at Stoughton told us, "he's gun savy." Bravo Mike.

Alex and Mike shoot a few extra shells just because it's so damn fun.

Curt gets on the horn as the season ends.

Week 11 Report

Well, the clock continues to tick for Local 505. After a slightly above average performance last night, only one week remains in the second half of the season — meaning that a Club Shootoff for the Ultimate Champion is imminent. (Sigh.) 

Last night, we were down a couple of men. The team started off with a strong first round from the 16, but failed to get 'r done from the 24. 

Given the increasing usage rights costs of Mike's image (Top Gun talent isn't cheap), we featured only Alex in this week's "UCB'er of the Week." Both Alex and Mike led the "live shooters" with a Reggie Jackson (that's a 44, friends). 

So buckle up, gang. It's time to load up on shells, Pabst and Rolaids (not necessarily in that order). Things are about to get pretty darn interesting as the 2009 season draws to a close, with the UCB remaining in contention for "Club Champions" for the first time in its storied history.

Stu Cameron. A friend of the 505.

Stu Cameron was the first man to greet us when we walked up to the Orgeon Sportsmans Club five years ago and has made us feel right at home ever since. Stu is the Godfather of Trap at the club and has helped a ton of shooters improved their averages – including the Local 505. The United Clay Busters of America salute you Stu Cameron for all of your hard work and for being one hell of a good guy.

Week 10 Report

Week 10 is in the books and I will not lie – the UCB shot a little below their average as a team tonight. Mike and Shawn were M.I.A. this week and missed a beautiful night to shoot. John lead the team in scoring and the Hankery lead the team in photography. Curt has three photography awards to his credits and possibly a fourth after tonight.

The Local 505 is beginning to schedule practice dates in preparation for the upcoming shoot off in three weeks. I believe the UCB will need to shoot a 220 team score to even have a chance at the championship.

Meet Cale Severson. A Friend of the 505.

I'm starting a new special feature this week titled "Friends of the 505." We have met a lot of good people in our five years of clay busting and want to start introducing you to our buds. With that said, meet Cale Severson. Cale is currently leading the OSC in the top gun race and is basically a good guy to bullshit with. His latest claim to fame was finding a 12,000 year oldish Mastodon tooth. You can read the full story here:

http://tinyurl.com/kkq87s

Cale has had a lot of interest from archaeologists about acquiring the tooth but he plans on enshrining it in a coffee table. True story.

Living the High Life

Week 9 is in the books which only leaves 3 more weeks in the 2009 season. Mike was the UCB Local 505 Top Gun again this week with a solid night of shooting. We are currently down by 22 birds in the second half championship race so a shoot out with the S/S Boys for overall club champion is looking imminent.

Week 8 Report

An average night shooting for the Local 505. Not too good, not too bad. Stu's team is kicking our ass in terms of team scores - I guess we are lucky he isn't in the AA class this year. Mike had a very solid night on the line and once again paced the team. We drew a few heckles from the Otis Elevator team for taking pictures on the range. They settled down once we explained we have a blog. That's how we roll on Tuesday nights boys.

Photo of the Day

UCB man heaven. It's a backyard trap and skeet field. Well done Sir. Well done indeed.

The Sensei and The Student

The legendary James Breen participate in the United Clay Busters of America's Firearm Training program this afternoon. James was a very good student and did exceptionally well in the Firearm Safety portion of the training. James improved with every shell and is looking forward to more advanced training in the near future. Nice shooting JB.

Week 7 Report

The Pabst can is being featured again because this blogger forgot to take of picture of the Week 7 Top Gun. Mike lead the team with a couple of nice, consistent rounds of shooting. Only 5 short weeks of league shooting left.

Mid season team results were posted. Nice work UCB.

Photo of the Day

The United Clay Busters playground equipment. 

July 7th – Bye Week

July 7th was a bye week due to the 4th of July holiday. That didn't stop the Local 505 from getting out to the club and putting several hundred rounds through their guns. The United Clay Busters were also confirmed as the mid-season AA Champions. This guarantees them a shot at the overall club championship which will be determined in 6-7 weeks.

The Local 505 was honored to have a guest shooter on the line tonight. Mr. Scott Welter joined the team for a few rounds of trap shooting. Scott proved he knows his way around a 12 gauge and did an excellent job with his Remington 1187. Thanks for making the journey to the Oregon Sportsman's Club Scott.

Week 6 – Half Way There

Week 6 was at least 30º cooler than Week 5 which made for a comfortable night on the line. Mike lead the team with a solid night of shooting as he has found his rhythm once again. It hasn't been officially announced but if my math is correct the Local 505 will be the Oregon Sportsman's Club midseason AA Champions. If we can win the next 6 weeks we will be outright AA champs. If we happen to loose the second half of the season there will be a shootout to determine the champions. Let's win it all UCB!

Week 5 Report

Sure. I could show you a picture of Mike and his gun with his fancy 49 from Week Five. Or a picture of John, using his bank of 49. Nice shooting, boys. They call them "Top Guns" for a reason.

Sure. I could tell you how hot it was this week. I could tell you about Mike's request for an oxygen mask, because it was so thick that you just couldn't breathe. True story.

Sure. I could update you on the first half team scoreboard — that the UCB retain a five bird lead over the entire club with just one week to go. 

Sure. I could share my frustrations about this enticing, frustrating mistress called "trap." Of being stuck in the 40-42 average. Of the lonely path of the journeyman shooter on a team of true gunners.

And sure. I could tell you how much fun it is, to get out and put 50 shells through a 12-gauge each week. The cleansing nature of gunpowder and the word, "pull."

But instead, how about a photo of a can of PBR. A toast to the United Claybusters of America on this fine Tuesday. A cold beer on a hot eve. And a celebration of clay busting as it was meant to be.

92 and Sunny

The theme for Week 5  might be Hydrate! There is a Heat Advisory in effect so drink plenty of fluids Local 505. Good luck on the line tonight.

New Work Shirts

You may have noticed from recent blog postings that the United Clay Busters of America are sporting new work shirts in 2009. A big thanks to the good folks at Shine Advertising for providing the Local 505 with the new threads.

The Way Back Machine: June 2007

Two years ago the Local 505 entered the Badger State Games for the first time. It was a picture perfect day for shooting. Mike brought home a gold medal in the "C" class and Curt won a bronze medal in the "D" class.

Photo courtesy of the UCB Archives.

Week 4 Report

Alex earned the Top Gun award for Week 4 and also became the UCB points leader. We are shooting very well as a team and are in the hunt for the club championship. Just keep having fun brothers and remember; Good Mounts – Smooth Guns.

The Local 505 also made up their second bank night tonight – John was the Top Gun. As a team, we shot an amazing 46.4 team average. That's a new UCB record.

In Focus: Shawn Harper

The Local 505 is off to its best start ever and a lot of the credit goes to the improved shooting of 5-year UCB veteran, Shawn Harper. After just three weeks of competition, the Local 505 is 44 birds ahead of our 2008 scores. That's an improvement of 14.6 birds a night and should put us in contention for the club championship. There are only three weeks left until the first half winner is determined. Keep swinging those hammers brothers.

Week 3 Report

The weather was perfect for Week 3 which lead to the highest first round team scores in UCB history. Alex and John tied for Top Guns this week as the Local 505 continue their march for AA domination.

Kriefski class of the field

Week 2 was a challenging night to say the least. Our shooting schedules move back 30 minutes each week to give all the teams equal lighting conditions. Tonight we shot at 8:30 pm and Mother Nature delivered us the most beautiful sunset – a bright pink sky. The challenging part is that our bright orange targets vanished into the sunset and sailed away to the land of "lost." Given the hellish shooting conditions, Mike was only one bird away from perfection and truly the class of the field.

Kriefski is week one top gun.

Hats off to Mike for pacing the field to begin our 5th year of trap shooting. Once again it was a great night at the club. 

And they're off!

The 2009 trap season is officially underway. Tonight was a bank night which means your score is only used if you miss a night of shooting during the season. We have one more bank night and then the real fun begins in two weeks. John was the Top Gun tonight and we shot great as a team and believe me when I say, "The State of the Union is strong!"

Above: Mike Kriefski, Shawn Harper, John Krull, Alex Schmalz, and Curt Hanke.

Gage Earns His Stripes

Gage, the official dog of the UCB, has earned the first of his four AKC Junior Hunter stripes at the Pine Island Testing Grounds in Portage, Wisconsin. Gage is shown here with his owner and two-time UCB Trap Champion, Mike Kriefski. Mike and Gage will represent the Local 505 and earn their next stripe on May 16 & 17 at the Ottawa Testing Grounds. Good luck brothers.

God Bless America

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I better shut up and let this picture do the talking. 

The State of the Union

Fellow Americans. Based on our practice tonight I am pleased to announce the state of our Union is strong. The Clay Busters are united and posed for a strong showing in 2009. If A.S. can  shoot consistently like he shot tonight he may just contend for the UCB Top Gun title. Stu isn't putting any money on him yet but I have a good feeling about his chances.

Spring Training Gets Underway

There has been a Robin sitting on the peak of my roof each morning and I am taking that as a clear sign it's time to head out to the Oregon Sportsman's Club. There were a few early birds dusting the cobwebs off their shotguns tonight. The trap machine was having some serious issues but it was great to get out in the fresh air and clear my head. Nothings spells relief like, Boom, Boom, Boom!

Locked and Reloading

This weekend marked the 2nd annual pilgrimage to Recob's Target Shop for reloading supplies. Business is booming at Recob's and I almost wasn't able to get the Remington 209 primers that I love so dearly. People are so afraid of the current administrations anti-gun policies they are stocking piling ammo at an alarming rate. "All kinds of rumors flying around," exclaimed the woman behind the counter. 

Anyhow, the Official UCB reloading factory is in full operation. We are running on a workforce of three – one reloader and two apprentice box fillers and accountants. 52 boxes and 6 shells complete and counting.

Anonymous TK Revealed

If you are a loyal follower of the UCB of America blog, you may have noticed the occasional blog comment on our postings from an anonymous source known only as TK. An extremely reliable source has shared this photo to which they are certain is the TK commenter. 

This blogger is very fond of how the presumed TK wears their blaze orange stocking cap over a billed cap. Well played TK. Well-played indeed. I know, I know "that's what she said."

Thanks for the comments TK and please keep them coming.

Mount That Gun Boy. Mount It Real Good.

In just about 79 days we are going to walk up to the line and begin our 2009 trap season. To ensure we are ready to give those clay targets some serious hell, I recommend getting down in the basement and start mounting your gun. Practice your stance while smoothly pushing the gun forward and pulling the stock back into your shoulder. It will help build muscle memory and get you reunited with your gun after our long, cold, #@$%! winter.

Braving Ol' Man Winter

 

The temperature warmed to a balmy 14 degrees tonight in Southern Wisconsin which prompted a quick trip out to the Sportsman's Club. Mike brought out his new toy, the Benelli Ultra Lite, and he proceeded to pound the clay. Spring is just around the corner boys and our league starts in a mere 3 months.

UCB Creates Facebook Group

The United Clay Busters of America have thrown their hats into the social networking arena by creating their very own group page. This page will allow fans to upload clay busting photos, videos, and stories. Become a fan today. Search; United Clay Busters at www.Facebook.com

United We Stand. Brothers With Arms.

Getting the Itch…

Now that all of our football teams are officially eliminated from the playoffs and the holidays are over it's time to start planning for UCB Spring Training. We did great by finishing 5th out of 25 teams in the overall league results last season, but we ended the season by saying that we definitely need to practice more next spring. Here's shooting hours at local clubs:

Oregon

Thursday: 6 - 9 pm.

Saturdays: 9:30 am - 2 pm on Jan. 17, Feb. 7 & 21 and March 7 & 21. 

April has open shooting Mon., Tues., and Thurs. nights.

Sauk

Saturdays & Sundays: 11 am - 5 pm.

Millford Hills

Sundays: 8 am - 4 pm

Stoughton

Sunday:  9 - 11 am.

Monday: Open Skeet 5 - 7 pm.

Plan some shooting dates and get those barrels warmed up!