Ft. Stockton

[LOCKHART]

Can anyone tell me why IHMSA quit using this range for the International match? The folks out there were always friendly and accomodating. I had heard that the California shooters said it was too far for them. Seems like where they have it now is a lot further. Just wondering.

[260 Striker]

I have the same question about Tusco in OH. Those matches were some of the best attended in recent memory. I have heard several reasons why the championship moved from Tusco but never anything other than rumors. Sounds like OKC has put on some great matches but wouldn't hurt if the championship match moved around some to make it easier for people to travel from other states. I will admit OKC is probably about central to the lower 48 states.

[LOCKHART]

Why is the membership at large kept in the dark about these decisions? I've been a member of IHMSA for 39 years, and it seems it's always been this way.

[gibar]

Why is the membership at large kept in the dark about these decisions? I've been a member of IHMSA for 39 years, and it seems it's always been this way.

This organization??? IS more secretive than the CIA. Am I right?

[jcunclejoe]

Maybe I can help a little.
Tusco was indeed a great range and the matches were well attended. It takes a huge amount of work to put on the World Championships. At some point the members doing all the work (10% rule, where 10% of the clubs membership does 90% of the work) get burned out and can no longer continue to put on such a large match. Then there are cost considerations. IHMSA has to negotiate with the hosting range to agree or not agree on the amount that IHMSA will pay to the range for the use of the facilities for 8 days. At some point a combination of burnout and disagreement on costs took Tusco out of the running. I'm sure this is the rated G and very simplistic version but it is the best i can do. I believe this to be an accurate description without stepping on toes or getting in the weeds.

As far as Fort Stockton, again several factors came together to make this range go away. First we do not have an active club in Fort Stockton and no people living there to maintain or keep an eye on the range. Chris Dunlap and any help he could round up would travel down there a week in advance to bring the range up to snuff. At the end of the week Chris barely had the energy to shoot. Chris is a great, hard working guy but he is no spring chicken. Then when oil prices went up several years back the cost of hotels in the area went through the roof, everyone was getting into the oil business and even the fast food joints had to start paying $15 or more an hour to get any help at all. So, of course food prices went up too. It made it extremely expensive and difficult to even find a room ($160 per night for a cheap one) , muh less one that didn't smell like a roughneck. Without someone on the ground in the area it was just too much work to put the match on there.

OKC has an outstanding (nearly turnkey) facility and a huge membership, along with Jim Fields leadership, the match is much easier to hold. The costs are in line with what IHMSA can afford. There is still a ton of work that happens but Jim has a handle on it with a crew of excellent volunteers.

IHMSA would love to have another range or ranges that we could switch to every other or every third year. That would ease the pressure on Jim and OKC and provide for a different venue, closer to someone.


From what I know the Californians had no trouble going to Fort Stockton and I saw a large number of them go to Tusco as well back in the day. They just want to shoot and see their friends.

I hope this helps.

Thank you

Joe

[i26963]

Joe,
Thanks for the info.
Re:Tusco
I think someone needs to explain why Tusco stopped holding the World Championships, the full version.
Considering the investment in capital that IHMSA put there, and the fact that they are still benefiting from the auto reset targets, a full explanation would be welcomed, regardless of stepping on toes.i am not suggesting that it is your place to do so, but perhaps the President, or board member should address this matter.
Jim and crew do an excellent job hosting, but just too far to ride for me. I attended every WC held in Tusco , and they were well attended.
Thanks
Melvin

[LOCKHART]

Thanks, Joe. A lot makes sense now. We had two Texas state champ matches at Ft. Stockton and gas prices out there were very high even back then. No refineries close by being the reason. I thank you for taking the time to inform us of some of the reasons that IHMSA does things. Thanks again.

[xp-100]

Joe is right about Tusco, and as far as Ft. Stockton-pretty much the same but add the heat, the wind, price of motels, not much as far as eatery, most of the match or all the match had to be run by the board members the distance and I could go on and on about Ft. Stockton. Most everyone decided not to attend there anymore for the heat and the windy conditions.

[LOCKHART]

One thing about Ft. Stockton, the range was kept up by the county, and target setters were provided by the local high school. Some of the fastest target setting I've ever seen! And the contrast between the black targets and snow white berms was excellent. I ran the matches at New Braunfels, Texas from 1985 until 1995, and I certainty know about the 10% rule. I would never consider doing it now at my age of 73. The match directors have my greatest admiration.

[captainjohn]

In Ft.Stockton we had to sign a contract with the High school band for them to set targets. It was a flat fee for the week, regardless of the number of shooters or entries. We renegotiated our contract with them one time, but even after that we didn’t have the amount of shooters/ entries to “float the boat” With all other expenses that Joe spoke of , along with haveing to make a big increase in registration and shooting fees we decided that we needed to find something cheaper.
I don’t believe that the “board “ has ever tried to keep anything from our membership, other than our pending court case with the Smiths. And that was decided by our legal help.
Hope this helps clear things up . JR