Lack of interest?

[35isit]

I recieved my newest edition of the IHMSA News yesterday. In the Nancy's report she said there were 140 or so guns and 31 people signed up. Is it a lack of interest of where the matches are held? Is it totally because of the economy and gas prices? Is it that championship matches no longer have luster for shooters? Is the cost of shooting at the Internationals prohibitive? (Signing up for one gun was in the $115.00 range.)

[AtomicDogg]

35isit,
Shouldn't that be 80isit by now ???
I think there is still interest, but I think all of the factors you identified play a part in the turnout. It would also be interesting to know how many shooters chose to attend the West Coast Championships instead of the IHMSA World Championships, and what was the difference in the two venues.
Personally, I did not want to drive 24 Hrs and the Southwest Texas dry heat presents an additional health issue for me; and my shooting partner "will not" consider flying; so there you have it; A Silhouette Standoff.

Regards,

[braud357]

We talked about this subject today at our match in Gonzales LA. The only shooter that I know that was considering going to Texas was Allen Gaskin, and he drove down and shot with us today. He decided a couple of weeks ago to not make the trip - citing the heat out there. I know how brutal it can be out there, and honestly don't know how I would deal with it either. Seems the older I get, the less heat I can stand ! I think it is a combination of many factors - declining participation, gas prices, and apathy. Travel is expensive !

[19 Turkeys]

AtomicDogg,

We had 290 entries at the West Coast Championship, and it was profitable. It was not our largest match, but it was also far from our smallest. What is the success of this match? I give much of the credit for that to the shooters. There is a party every night at the campground with food & "adult beverages" galore! It is a party atmosphere. Also, we have an excellent venue with moderate heat, low humidity, and work our tails off prior to the match to ensure the range conditions are as good as we can make them.

Yours,

Steve W.

[19 Turkeys]

Greg,

I sent you a PM that addresses your question in detail.

Yours,

Steve W.

[AtomicDogg]

Thanks Steve W.,
It sounds like a wonderful match [party, low heat and lowwwww humidity]. Appreciate the response concerning the venues. Maybe we need to adopt some of these principals for our World Championship.
Regards,

[ouraydog]

I grew up in West Texas and cannot understand why anyone would want to go there for any reason other than a job. It is a miserable place, especially in the summer.

Bill Barton

[braud357]

I grew up in West Texas and cannot understand why anyone would want to go there for any reason other than a job. It is a miserable place, especially in the summer.

Bill Barton

Now there is a positive response!

Yes, quite pleasant - I have attended 4 Fort Stockton Internationals. In 2000 I remember it being 107 degrees, with a steady 20 MPH wind. Imagine standing in front of a blow dryer all day !! But. the range is fantastic, and the people there are great !

[Jayaretea]

As of this afternoon there are 62 registered shooters and close to 500 entries scheduled. I've been told that there is a new air conditioned stat house this year. I wonder if stat house volunteer work up this year.

[35isit]

Has there ever been a survey of what the rank and file shooters want at the Internationals? Change of venues, dates, number of targets, prize structure, parties or anything else that could be thought of. Has the industry been asked what they would be willing to sponsor at the internationals? We may be surprised what the shooters and industry may or may not want. It seems to me that the internationals as a viable match for all shooters is slowly slipping away.