Mud Springs Plinkers

aka Rio Vaqueros February 2005 Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank you for renewing your membership with the Rio Vaqueros. We want to welcome new members John Sullivan, Gary Briggs (Pappy), James Crawford (Step 1/2) and Mark Aguirre (Fast Hammer) to the club and want to thank Joe Groves, and Tom Dahlen for supporting our club with their yearly dues (even though they don't shoot with us.)

Gila Rangers President Chico Cheech asked if we would help with the State Championship in Silver
City, by running the Man on Man side Match April 13-17. Proceeds will be split among clubs participating which means a chance to earn some extra money. So I agreed to do it. I would appreciate help from any volunteers. Contact me at 744-4488, or in Silver City at camp or the side match. Special thanks goes to Mike Ormand of the Elephant Butte State Park for servicing the out-houses. Please see the minutes later in this newsletter for word from the city recreation department.

   SUNDAY's MATCH

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect early spring day - the weather was perfect. Buz and Linda set part of the stages up on Saturday and the final portions were set up Sunday morning, making things a lot easier and faster - both the match and the day. As they say in France - le bon soupe - the good life.

Thirteen shooters competed and reveled in the warm calm day, showing high spirits with much jocularity. There didn't appear to be any curmudgeoning anywhere in the posse. Scores were low and misses were few. Fast Hammer was the top shooter of the day AND three shooters shot clean matches - Gabby, Salty and Four Square. Congratulations to all of you. It was good to see some of the old faces. Those who didn't make it missed a nice, relaxing, humorous event. Lots of action, smiles and camaraderie.

Minutes of Meeting of February 22 :

The meeting was called to order by President Buz Baird (J W Brockey) at Hodge's Restaurant in Elephant Butte.

The Club welcomed the new members.

Minutes were read by Secretary Jim Anton (Dusty Star) and approved.

Treasurer Linda Baird (Anna Paulova) read the treasurer's report and it was also approved.

Old Business:

     The city sent a response letter to the club that was positive in every way except they don't have posession of the range yet and would make no commitments until BLM handed the range over to the city and all titles were clear. And of course, the city doesn't want to make any commitments for anything, including monetary pledges until this happens. The city did say that the range turn-over was imminent.
    Parks and Recreation Director Leon Gorrel has asked the club to honor their request to park all vehicles on the north side of the wash, leaving the berm area free of vehicles. Unloading may be done in the berm area, but vehicles may not remain there

    The club was the recipient of a culvert donated anonymously. Buz said he hopes there are more in the offering.

    The Gila Rangers say there was still room in the State Championship if anyone was interested. The shoot takes place April 14-17 (Victorio's Run) in Silver City. There are lots of things going on, side matches, mounted stages, with Saturday and Sunday being the big match. You must be a SASS member to enter this match. There lots of events to keep everyone busy and happy. So get your application in now if you want to compete.

    The Gila Rangers also are sponsoring, along with the Tombstone Buscaderos, the first annual Arizona-New Mexico Border Dispute Cowboy Shoot, July 1-4, 2005. The ad says you don't need to be a SASS member to shoot in this match.

    Included in this newsletter are the Gila Rangers , the Picacho Gun Club and the Magdalena Traildrivers scores.

If you would like to see more, please notify Jim Anton for inclusion in the next newsletter.