President's Newsletter

August 2026

I hope everyone is managing to survive the heat and smoke we seem to be blessed with as of late. It looks like we’re in for a long, hot stretch and the smoke probably won’t give us much of a break until fall.

If you happen to cross paths with one of the many firefighters working around the area, please give them a special thanks and maybe buy them a cold drink. In my younger days I worked on many fires and it was not pleasant. It’s hard, hot work that earns every bit of our appreciation.

It’s business as usual at the two ranges, but please remember the fire danger is very real. A little extra caution goes a long way.

Vale Range

A few of us spent a couple days at the range last week getting ready to install the new gongs. Everything went well, except for the mosquitoes. They were horrendous! Be sure and take a 5 gallon bucket of spray for your next trip….

Kerry held his Short Range benchrest match on the 4th of July. What a great way to celebrate our 250th year. Six shooters turned out, which I thought was great considering it’s a day filled with family gatherings and barbeques. They shot a 200-yard score match and a 100-yard group match. He should be back to a full house in August.

Judy held her Practical Pistol match and had quite a few shooters by the sounds of the gunfire. Thanks to all of the shooters for your help setting up and tearing down. This is a lot of hard work in the heat with heavy steel and barriers - your help makes these matches possible.

George held his 600-yard match with six shooters on the line. We’d like to see more folks give this one a try. You don’t need a fancy competition rifle - your favorite high power rifle or hunting rifle will do just fine. It is all scored electronically so there is no pit duty and very little setup, so it’s mostly shooting, visiting, and seeing what your rifle can do at 600 yards. Come out and test your skill - you might surprise yourself.

Our .22 Benchrest match continues to grow with some really great people shooting. I held my match and only had one bench left on 2 relays. The July shoot had some tough winds and mosquitos but we toughed it out with plenty of shade.

Casey and his son Vance gave us a lesson on shooting in the wind. Casey was shooting his brand new custom rifle and Vance shot a 457 all tricked out. Both of them put on an impressive performance and made it look like they’d been shooting them for years. A big thanks to everyone who helped out with the match and I hope to see you all next month.

Unfortunately, Dave’s High Power Match didn’t have any shooters in July. Hopefully we’ll get that turned around next month.

Ontario Range

Curtis hosted the July NSCA shoot to celebrate America’s 250th year of independence and it was a fantastic event. While Curtis was tied up with jury duty, Frank stepped in and set an excellent course. Curtis and his wife decorated the club house, provided lunch and cold drinks, and made everyone feel welcome. The whole bunch pulled off a great match with over 100 shooters in attendance. A big thanks to Curtis and his wife, Frank and everyone for showing up to make it a huge success.

Pat is shooting skeet Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. I understand the trap range is also open on Sunday afternoons but call John to confirm before you venture out to shoot trap. Below is an explanation of Pat’s program and events:

The registered Skeet Tournament went well. Each time we have one the shooters increase. We had nine and they did well shooting anything from 12 gauge to 410. Next registered shoot is August 15th.

Many of you would like to try Skeet to improve your Hunting skill. It will definitely help. Here is what Skeet is all about: there are 8 stations in a half circle. A high house 10 ft above the ground and a low house 3 ft above ground. They both throw a target 60 yards and cross the center about the same time. At stations 1,2, 6, and 7 you will shoot a high then low target, then a set of doubles, which is both at the same time. Stations 3, 4, 5, and 8 are two singles. Each station has different leads, just like real Birds. For further information, just ask me as I will be happy to teach you the game. It's a lot of fun.

Coming up this fall we are going to have a little different league for everyone. From experts to basic beginners, they are loads of fun. We will combine Trap with Skeet for 400 targets. Each week will consist of 50 Skeet and 50 Trap. You alternate what you shoot each week or shoot both.

The price is great. Entry fees are $20.00 and $8.00 a round. Two rounds a week for a total of 400 targets. I take All $20 and $1.00 from each round and buy ammo. 100% of the money goes to the raffle prizes. Last league everybody got at least 3 boxes of 12- or 20-gauge shells.

Again, don't worry about not having shot this before. By the end you will have acquired a new skill and have fun too. That's what it is all about, not who is the best shot. You get to make new friends too. I will help you with gun selection and what chokes are the best for Skeet and Trap.

Don't worry if you haven't shot either before I will teach you. Guaranteed fun.

Bring your friends too even if they are not members. They will have fun too.

For more Information, please contact me, Pat Savage at 208-989-8426 or .

Thanks,

Pat

Looking Ahead

I will send out another letter the first part of August pertaining to our membership fees. Like everything else these days, our day-to-day operating costs have gone up right along with all of our personal expenses at home. Standby for that thrilling, edge of your seat reading.

Until then, stay safe, stay cool, watch the fire danger, and enjoy your time at the range. Most importantly, enjoy the freedoms we have in this great country - and if the mosquitoes start shooting back, it may be time to call it a day.

See you on the range.

Bob Smith

President, Snake River Sportsmen