Publisher Doug Frey
Editor Debbie Frey
Red Chute
RedRed Chute Chute Gazette Gazette VolumeVolume 12, 12, Issue Issue 1111 Gazette NovemberNovember -- DecemberDecember 2020 2020
Inside this issue:
A Word from the Publisher 2 Milestone Events 3 - 5 Hartmann’s Hints 9 Monthly Targets 12 - 15 Funnies 17 Upcoming Skeet Shoots: Skeeter’s Ponderings 18
Buy Sell or Trade 19 - 23 Most of the Skeet shoots for this year Dining On The Road 26 - 28 are history. Clubs are planning their 2021 shoots and as we get flyers, we Reason For The Season 30 - 31 will post them on our website. Our Recipe of The Month 32 purpose is to promote the sport of Skeet. If we can help you promote Club Contacts 33 - 38 your club’s Skeet shoots send us your Red Chute Gazette Deal 39 flyers.
See flyers on our website: www.redchutegazette.com
Why are your shoots not listed on our website? Send us you flyers and we will help you get the word out! A Word From The Publisher
Wow, what a year. Who would have thought 2020 would be so eventful. When it came time to change our clocks to go off Daylight Savings Time, I did not want to do it. I wanted to wait until 2 AM on New Years Day. Why would we want 2020 to last an extra hour?
We were invaded by the Chinese Origin Viral Infectious Disease aka COVID19 which took lives, destroyed businesses and generally ruined the year for everyone. While it may end up with a death toll lower than a Flu epidemic, losing anyone to a disease is not good. I know we lost relatives, friends and acquaintances that we will miss.
It has been the most contentious election year of my lifetime. As I write this, the Presidential election is still undecided. Thank you Florida for getting your act together! No more hanging chads for you.
Louisiana has been hit by 5 named storms. That is a record we did not need to break. I really do not like being in the area designated as the cone of uncertainty. Come to think of it, this year has been like living in the cone of uncertainty.
All in all, I am glad we are getting to the end of this year. I think we are all looking to 2021 with the hopes that things will be much better. Those of us who plan Skeet shoots are busy doing just that for the 2021 Skeet Year. We are working hard to make next year the best it can be.
The last few days we have had beautiful clear skies with very pleasant temperatures. I have really enjoyed being out there in it. The forecast is for more good weather for the next several days and I am planning to enjoy some of it on the Skeet field.
It has been a great time to reflect on the blessings of life. We do not know how many days we each have left to enjoy here. I am making an effort to be thankful for the ones I have had and not waste those daily gifts. Each day really is a gift. Since it is Thanksgiving Time, I want to thank our readers and our advertisers for their support.
Until I see you again on the Skeet field or in the pages of this publication, I am wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Very Merry Christmas, a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year and, as always, a COVID Free 3@8.
Doug Frey
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 2
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 11 Issue 12, Volume Gazette Chute Red
Page 3 3 Page
546/550 Baldwin Clay 3rd
RU Riley Chaddock 546/550 546/550 Chaddock Riley RU
CH Jacob Moore 547/550 547/550 Moore Jacob CH
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shooter to take take to shooter
Moore the youngest youngest the Moore
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Congratulations to the 2020 World Skeet Main HAA Champions HAA Main Skeet World 2020 the to
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Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 11 Issue 12, Volume Gazette Chute Red Page 4 4 Page
love to share success stories!” stories!” success share to love
please send them to us. We We us. to them send please
Milestone Achievement Achievement Milestone
Hat Shoot Event, or a a or Event, Shoot Hat
“If you have pictures of a a of pictures have you “If
E S H
VENT HOOT AT
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 11 Issue 12, Volume Gazette Chute Red
Page 5 5 Page
Doug Frey Frey Doug
nd them to us. We love to share success stories!” stories!” success share to love We us. to them nd se please Event”, Shoot “Hat a of pictures have you If
8. Don’t forget to turn on the camera! camera! the on turn to forget Don’t 8.
to pitch the hat on my call of “Pull”. “Pull”. of call my on hat the pitch to instructed is shooter celebrating The 7.
d the hat being hit in the background. background. the in hit being hat the d an shooters the include which pictures
d can press the button down to take multiple multiple take to down button the press can d an down crouch and shooters the behind feet
position myself 15 or 20 20 or 15 myself position I setting, fast automatic on camera my with pictures taking am I Since 6.
the shooters. shooters. the
h an arc that places the hat well out in front of of front in out well hat the places that arc an h wit but can, they as high as shooters the of heads
5. The shooter stands behind the line of shoote of line the behind stands shooter The 5. rs and pitches the hat underhanded up and over the the over and up underhanded hat the pitches and rs
bottle and not rocks. rocks. not and bottle
targets or a full plastic water water plastic full a or targets clay using recommend I together. it keep to strap back the under bill
4. The celebrating shooter, who shot their first st first their shot who shooter, celebrating The 4. raight, puts 3 clay targets in their hat and folds the the folds and hat their in targets clay 3 puts raight,
shooting of hats on the ground is allowed. allowed. is ground the on hats of shooting
only shoot the hat in the air when it is thrown. Absolutely no no Absolutely thrown. is it when air the in hat the shoot only to instructed are shooters The 3.
that laying down the pull cord can help with that. that. with help can cord pull the down laying that
have to direct the shooters as to where to stan to where to as shooters the direct to have safety results. I find find I results. safety and photographic best for d
2. The shooters are lined up across the field and ar and field the across up lined are shooters The 2. e instructed to load only two shells. You may may You shells. two only load to instructed e
controlled manner. manner. controlled
shoot-offs end. This allows all who are interest are who all allows This end. shoot-offs watch in a safe and and safe a in watch and/or participate to ed
1. All celebratory hat shoots are held at the the at held are shoots hat celebratory All 1. end of the shooting day after the competition and the the and competition the after day shooting the of end
I use when hosting Skeet shoots. shoots. Skeet hosting when use I
Some clubs have implemented some some implemented have clubs Some common sense safety rules to prot to rules safety sense common ect every one. Here are the rules rules the are Here one. every ect
date. Most of the clubs (if not all) I shoot at in in at shoot I all) not (if clubs the of Most date. Louisiana celebrate shooters successes in this manner. manner. this in successes shooters celebrate Louisiana
rafters. Each hat usually has the name of the shoot the of name the has usually hat Each rafters. er, the number of targets targets of number the er, being celebrated and the the and celebrated being
reasons. Others celebrate it and you will find lots lots find will you and it celebrate Others reasons. of shot up hats hanging on the walls or from the the from or walls the on hanging hats up shot of
shooting friends want to shoot their hat to celebrate. celebrate. to hat their shoot to want friends shooting Some clubs have prohibited this practice for safety safety for practice this prohibited have clubs Some
For those who do not know, the first time a shooter sh shooter a time first the know, not do who those For oots 25 straight or 50 or or 50 or straight 25 oots 100 straight, his or her her or his straight, 100
not yet determined the origin of this tradition. If you know, please enlighten me. me. enlighten please know, you If tradition. this of origin the determined yet not
Clays, most of them know about this tradition. It It tradition. this about know them of most Clays, started long before I starte I before long started d shooting Skeet and I have have I and Skeet shooting d
Shoot Event”. Since most of our readers shoot clay ta clay shoot readers our of most Since Event”. Shoot rgets and many compete in in compete many and rgets Skeet, Trap or Sporting Sporting or Trap Skeet,
The shooting sports have a tradition that does not not does that tradition a have sports shooting The appear to be replicated anywhere else, “The Hat Hat “The else, anywhere replicated be to appear
E S H
VENT HOOT AT
Please join us for the 2021 Briley Louisiana Open at the Lafayette Skeet Academy April 30 - May 2, 2021!
The shoot flyer can be found at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html If you have not already, please send your pre-registration and deposits in by March 1st to guarantee your spot as a returning shooter.
Please take note of our new date!
April 30 - May 3, 2021
We look forward to seeing you this year.
See the flyer at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 6 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
Club Hours Come shoot with us! Yo u mu s t
visit New Shot Noon to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana the club to Reclaimed Shot Dusk on AA & STS Shells get our low Tu e s d ay, Rio & Estate Ammo prices. Thursday & Steel Shot Shells Sunday Call Paul Williamson at (318) 453-0991 Come shoot to order Reloading Supplies. with us and 9 AM to [email protected] save big $ Dusk on Notice: Shooters must now enter the North Gate, on supplies. Saturday the Bodcau Gate or the West Gate (Main Gate). The Contractors Gate from Exit 23 is closed to Shooters.
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 7 D.C. Pawn & Gun 516 Sibley Road, Minden, LA 71055 Phone: (318) 371-9606 Open Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:30 AM to 430 PM
Come see our huge selection of new and used guns, bows, and crossbows. We sell ammunition, archery supplies, holsters, scopes, lasers, magazines, rings, mounts, powder, primers and a large selection of jewelry for the ladies. We special order and do gun transfers. Brands include:
Benelli DPMS Ruger Taurus Beretta Glock Savage TriStar Browning Henry Smith & Wesson Walther Diamond Bows Martin Stoeger Winchester
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 8 Hartmann’s Hints with Barry Hartmann - NSSA Master Instructor
Rushing One of the errors that newer and some experienced shooters make is rushing their shots. An experienced shooter I shot with last weekend had that problem; you could see that he wasn’t ready when he called for low 8 in the last round of the 28GA. He missed it.
You see young people rushing their shots a lot. At station 1, they load two shells, shoot the high house single and almost as fast as they can, they call for the low house. They miss the low house more frequently than they would if they just slowed down a little.
An experienced gentleman I trained to be a NSSA Certified Level 1 instructor last year was in such a rush in shooting the outer skeet stations (3, 4 & 5) that he missed the high house a lot. This was because he was in a hurry to get his gun barrel pointed at his break point for his next shot, the low house.
While pointing your gun at your break point before going to your hold point is a good system, he was making the next shot break point more important than hitting his high house target. Because of his rushing, he had little or no follow-through, and it cost him a lot of targets.
We need to keep our shots completely separate, ‘one shot at a time,’ or we may clutter our minds with too many thoughts and start missing.
One of the methods of slowing down when shooting singles is to only load the shells you’ll need for the shot you’re shooting. One shell for each single shot, two for doubles.
I’ve had young students that have gone from loading two shells to loading only one start to hit their second shot better and then they regress to loading two shells and start missing again. One reason they go back to loading two shells for singles is that they see more experienced shooters doing it and they want to be one of them.
If you take the time to watch good shooters you will see them take a little more time in setting up for their targets. They make sure they are ready and looking for the target as it emerges from the house. They seldom, if ever, rush their shots.
Shoot often, shoot well and stay safe, Barry Hartmann Barry Hartmann is an NSSA Master Level and NRA Certified shotgun instructor who can help you improve your skills at American Skeet and wingshooting. To contact Barry, email him at [email protected] or give him a call at (918) 803-2393.
Page 9 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
.
We now have 3 Skeet fields.
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 10
You are invited to shoot Skeet in Alabama Don’t miss out on the fun! This ad was FREE! Yours can be too. See the last page of this issue
See the 2021 Alabama Skeet Shoot Schedule Coming Soon @ http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html
Page 11 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
Monthly Targets
Is your club taking advantage of the NSSA Monthly Targets program? Do you know what Monthly Targets are? Monthly Targets are registered targets shot for the purpose of acquiring lifetime targets, fulfilling annual minimum requirements, classification purposes and for fun. Some clubs offer Monthly Targets to help their members who need more registered targets. Monthly Targets shoots are not competitions and there are no winners.
Monthly Targets are shot on the day or days in the month designated by the club’s Skeet Management. While Monthly Targets are not a competition, NSSA rules apply and the sponsoring club is responsible to ensure that the results reported are properly tabulated and that NSSA and State Skeet organization fees are collected and remitted the same as they would be for a registered shoot. Having a referee helps, but a squad of shooters could pull and score for themselves.
The sponsoring club will need to have its own process and procedure in place to ensure the integrity of the results and that the targets get reported to the NSSA and the State organization as appropriate.
While doing research for this article, I found a Monthly Targets report for Skeet on the NSSA website which shows that for the months of November and December 2020 there are 47 clubs located over 24 states which are offering or have scheduled Monthly Targets. As far as I can tell, only two clubs in Louisiana have been doing Monthly Targets, but I know of another that plans to start.
If you are interested in implementing a Monthly Targets program at your club, here are some things you need to know:
1. The club registering Monthly Targets must obtain an NSSA Shoot Number for each month targets will be reported. These numbers are obtained through an application process with the NSSA. It is the same process used for regular Registered Shoots. You don’t have to specify a day with the NSSA, just a range of days for each month (for example January 1-31, 2021). The club may request numbers for each month in which they may want to offer Monthly Targets. Monthly Targets not reported within the 15-day timeframe after month’s end will automatically be cancelled by the NSSA. This process eliminates the need for clubs to notify the NSSA when Monthly Targets have not been shot.
2. Monthly Target scores will be accumulated and reported by the club within 15 days after the end of the month. Special E-Shoot Report 2021 forms which can be used for reporting Monthly Targets are available on the NSSA website at: http://mynssa.nssa-nsca.org/club-forms-3/
Page 12 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Monthly Targets
3. The club will determine the fees for shooting Monthly Targets, as it does for regular registered Skeet events. The fees charged will include the NSSA target fees as well as the applicable State Skeet organization target fees which must be submitted to those organizations along with the Monthly Shoot reports within 15 days after the end of the month. Those fees may include amounts needed to pay for the cost of a referee, targets thrown, lunch (if provided) and any administrative expenses.
4. Monthly targets are shot for the purpose of acquiring NSSA lifetime targets, fulfilling NSSA annual minimum requirements, NSSA classification purposes and for fun. For State level Annual Minimums check with your State Skeet organization to determine how Monthly Targets are treated. For example, in Louisiana, no more than 100 Monthly Targets or League Targets may be counted toward the minimum requirement in each gauge for LSSA All-State Teams. Other states may or may not have similar restrictions.
5. Monthly Targets must be shot in 50 or 100-target increments, and will be recorded on the shooter’s classification card and used for classification on the day and order shot. If shot on multiple days, Monthly targets will be accumulated and reported by the club within 15 days after the end of the month. The forms have a column for date shot.
6. The shooter must record the targets on his/her classification card on the date and in the order shot. All targets shot in a specific gauge and on the same date will be treated as one event. Shooters must reclassify after each event. If Monthly Targets are shot on more than one day in a month, they will be treated as separate events for classification purposes, even though they will be reported at the end of the month to the NSSA and the State organization under one shoot number.
7. The shooter must be a member in good standing of both the NSSA and the applicable State organization for the current Skeet Year. The shooter must show his/her Membership Cards to the Referee or Club Management at the time of registration.
8. All regular NSSA rules apply.
Page 13 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Monthly Targets
The rules are fairly straight forward, if you know where to look. The NSSA Skeet Rule Book Section V NSSA Classification, B.,1., f. Monthly Targets was the source most of the information provided above. The Monthly Target Report form also has some instructions. This article should help you with the process.
On November 7, 2020 we shot Monthly Targets at Red Chute Shotgun Sports Club on Barksdale AFB. Some of our newer shooters needed registered targets with their new sub-gauge shotguns. Some of us older guys just needed an excuse to shoot some more registered targets in this Pandemic Year which robbed us of some shooting opportunities. Pictured below from left to right are Charles “Bull” Burgess, “Browning Bill” McIntyre, Doug Frey, Sean Miller and Austin Foy.
Page 14 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Monthly Targets
The paperwork to report Monthly Targets is fairly easy. It includes the NSSA Fee Transmittal Form, the State Fee Transmittal Form and a Monthly Target Report that looks like the following:
Monthly Targets are a great way to pick up more registered targets and to practice like you are in a tournament during the off season. If this interest you and your club is not offering Monthly Targets, I encourage you to get with Shoot Management at your club and investigate this opportunity. While you are at it, volunteer to help put it on! Your proposal might be more warmly received. Have fun! Wishing you 3@8, I am
Doug Frey
Page 15 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Help Wanted
We have immediate openings for the following positions:
Chef – Chef needed to prepare plan and prepare food for special events with 5 to 150 participants. Must be able to work on a tight budget with less than optimal facilities and equipment.
Sous Chef – Needed to assist the Chef in preparation and serving food at special events for 5 to 150 participants. Good dishwashing skills a plus.
Marketing Manager – Needed to promote participation in special events (Skeet shoots) and to solicit corporate sponsorship (prizes). Must be a skilled communicator with the ability to maximize results through social networking, Internet and other means with virtually no budget for expenses.
Skeet Czar (aka Skeet Chairman, Manager or MIC (Man in Charge) – Needed to oversee the management functions of a registered Skeet program. Those functions are Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Controlling. Qualified candidates may be male or female. In the event of the later, she would be the Czarina, Manager or FIC (Female in Charge).
Registrar- Responsible for registering contestants and collecting the appropriate fees and dues. Candidate should be familiar with NSSA Classification systems and shoot management software (if lucky). Candidate needs to be able to do simple math (addition, subtraction and averaging).
Scheduler – Responsible for squadding shooters. Qualified candidates must be a master at coordinating, placating, and diplomacy. A PhD in Psychology would be helpful.
Referee – Must be knowledgeable of the rules of the game of American Skeet, a fast thinker and have the ability to take command of the Skeet field to which he or she is assigned. Candidates should have good eyesight and be physically able to stand in the hot sun for hours. Experience dealing with difficult people a plus.
Scorekeeper – The scorekeeper manages the scoreboard, evaluating the results, determining the winners in accordance to NSSA rules and posting those results for all to see.
Mentor/Coach/Recruiter – Encourages, teaches and recruits new shooters to the sport.
Helper – The person selected for this position must be able to help or fill in for any of the individuals listed above on a moments noticed. There are many opening for this position.
Pay – None of these positions pay monetary wages. If you are feeling charitable and think you would like to experience the gratification of helping others enjoy the sport of skeet, please contact one of the Club Representatives at one of the Clubs listed in the back of this publication today. They would love to hear from you.
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 16 Funnies
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently., and there was concern that they might have died from Avian Flu. A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
During the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of pains appeared on the crow’s beaks and claws. Further analysis of these paint residues indicated that 98% of the crows had been killed by impacts with trucks and 2% were killed by impacts with cars.
The MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was an explanation for the disproportionate percentage of truck kills vs. cars. He quickly determined that when crows eat road kill, they always post a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn those eating of any impending danger.
They discovered that while a lookout crow could shout “Cah”, not a single one could shout “Truck.”
If you thought mythology was boring, just remember that Cerberus, was name of the three headed, serpent tailed with a main of snakes and lion clawed hell-hound and guard dog of the Underworld.
The name comes from the root-European word ḱerberos, which evolved into the Greek word kerberos, which got changed to Cerberus when it was translated from Greek to Latin. The word ḱerberos means” spotted”. That’s right, Hades, Lord of the dead, literally named his dog Spot.
Page 17 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
SKEETER’S PONDERINGS
“During the Middle Ages the end of a plague was celebrated with wine and orgies. Does anyone know if they have anything planned when this one ends? Asking for a friend.”
Skeeter’s Word of the Month
Airgasm: (n.)
The intense pleasure of leaving a public place an taking off your mask.
Page 18 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Buy, Sell or Trade If you have something shooting related that you want to buy, sell or trade, advertise it here in the Red Chute Gazette Personal Want Ads. Send us an E-mail with the details and your contact information. Digital pictures (jpeg) help, but are not required. If you own a business, we invite you to contact us about our reasonable rates.
Trade once fired Wanted
Remington STS/Nitro Good used over/under hulls for Remington Skeet guns for STS/Nitro Discard hulls beginners looking to 1 for 3 deal. get into Skeet. David Warren Have one? (337) 739-1990 Cell Sell it here!
Got something to sell? Advertise it here. We do not For Sale charge for these want ads. WAA 28 Ga & .410 However, if we help you sell something and you feel led Once fired hulls
to make a donation to help $.18 each plus shipping cover our cost of publishing
and producing this Doug Frey magazine, we will put it to (318) 635-6218 H good use. [email protected]
Page 19 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
For Sale 25 pound sacks #4 lead shot. 1-4 sacks $25 each. Buy 15 or more for $20/sack.
Bill Schodlatz (318) 251-9429
For Sale
MEC 9000G 28 Gauge
MEC 9000G 20 Gauge MEC 650 20 Gauge Hornady .410 Automatic Pacific 12 Gauge Automatic
You pick up from Saline, LA
Cell (318) 245-5123 Shop (318) 576-8710 Pat Scallion
Page 20 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
For Sale Ponsness/Warren 800 Plus Reloader with .410 dies, aluminum top plate, cover, in excellent condition, 4500 Clay Buster .410 wads (CB5050-410HS), 4 boxes Factory AA 410 #9 shot, 250 reloads,100 once fired 410 AA HS hulls, 1.5 pounds Winchester 296 powder $650.00
Mike Thompson Huntsville, AL (540) 220-3206 [email protected]
Page 21 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
For Sale Beretta DT10 Trident with 32" barrels for sale. Has excellent condition Beautiful wood, factory 2-barrel case, 10 Beretta extended chokes. Asking $4,500. Also have extra new not fitted stock and fore end for additional cost.
Contact: Bryan Shelton
Phone: (504) 914-0432
E-Mail: [email protected]
Page 22 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
$ Buy, Sell or Trade $
Wanted
Field Reporters for the Red Chute Gazette. Applicants must have a digital camera or a friend who will loan them one.
Must also have a desire to promote their gun club and be willing to work for free.
To volunteer send an E-Mail to: [email protected]
We are always looking for articles of interest to Skeet shooters. If you have something that would be of interest to our readers, we invite you to share your information, writings, photos, and experiences with us.
Please send your contributions to [email protected] .
Please feel free to call me at (318) 635- 6218 to talk about how we can help you promote the sport we love and your Club’s efforts to do so.
Doug Frey - Publisher
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 23
Don’t miss the target!
If your marketing strategy includes targeting consumers of high end competition shooting products you should be advertising in the Red Chute Gazette. Promote your products and services and support the sport of American Skeet at the same time.
Contact: Douglas F. Frey, Publisher Red Chute Gazette Phone: (318) 625-6218 E-Mail: [email protected]
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 24
Come shoot with us in 2020.
See the flyers at: http://redchutegazette.com/shoot-flyers.html
Our shoots fill up fast. Pre-registration is required.
Page 25 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Dining on The Road
One of my favorite places to eat is Middendorf’s in Manchac, Louisiana. This restaurant was opened in 1934, long before I was born. The first 21 years of my life were spent in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. I lived just outside the city limits of Amite City. When I left there in December of 1973 to move to Shreveport the population of Amite City was about 4,000. The population today is still not 5,000. It seems to be a good place to be from. Being a small town, there were not a lot of restaurant choices when I lived there.
On occasion, my family would take a trip down Highway 51 to “the Lake” to eat fish. That meant a trip to Middendorf’s Restaurant which is located in Akers, Louisiana on Pass Manchac. Pass Manchac connects Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain. While Akers is the official name of the community, I have never seen that until researching this article. We always referred to this place as Manchac.
As I remember it, there was a fish market near the restaurant with a small alligator that lived on the floor of the fish market eating the fish heads the men working there would throw him. There was also an old liquor store and a few other buildings. There was the old Highway 51 wooden bridge that went half-way across the Pass and stopped. It served then as an excellent pier for fishing and catching blue crabs. The water in Lake Maurepas is what we called mesh water. It was not quite as salty as the Gulf and was populated with saltwater and freshwater species. I remember catching Blue crabs there and fishing off the pier. The big draw in Manchac was Middendorf’s Restaurant. The old bridge is gone, victim of a fire when some fisherman built a fire in a bucket to keep warm. Middendorf’s is still there busier than ever.
Middendorf’s original Manchac location is 34 miles South of Amite, Louisiana. It took about 50 minutes to drive it on Highway 51 from Amite. In later years, I-55 shortened that trip to about 39 minutes. Just long enough to help you work up an appetite for what I believe is the best fried catfish on planet Earth.
Now, before you get all worked up, thinking you have a favorite restaurant that has better catfish, understand that this is not just my opinion. Admittedly, I have not eaten at every catfish restaurant around. But, I have eaten at many and I believe the thin fried catfish filets at Middendorf’s are the best. Southern Living magazine said “Quite possibly the best fried fish in the world-yes, the world.” and they have received kudos from numerous food critics and writers.
The secret is in the recipe. I don’t know all the secrets, but the filets are cut thin which makes a big difference. The batter is also light in color. The recipe used today is the same one used by Josie Middendorf when she and her husband Louis opened the restaurant in 1934.
Page 26 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Dining on The Road
According to the Middendorf’s website, Louis Middendorf lost his job in the1929 stock market crash. Louis and his wife Josie moved to Manchac where Josie’s family lived and survived by hunting and fishing for a living in the Cypress swamp around Lake Maurepas. It is reported that Louis was not particularly good at hunting and fishing. Fortunately, in 1934 he received a $500 bonus from the U.S. Government for service in World War I. That and a loan for the same amount provided the capital for Louis and Josie to open a café in Manchac.
Josie was a good cook and her family recipe for fried catfish and her special thin cut of catfish had customers coming back for more. Louis and Josie’s family ran the restaurant for many years. They added on and remodeled over the years building up a good clientele. The restaurant was bought from the daughter of the founders, Suzy Middendorf Lamonte by Horst and Karen Pfeifer who operate it today. The Pfeifers previously operated Bella Luna in the New Orleans French Quarter. That restaurant closed after hurricane Katrina. The Pfeifers continue to use Mama Josie Middendorf’s recipes.
Take my word for it, the fish is every bit as good as I remember. The gumbo is good also. Sometimes, if I am really hungry or if Debbie will share my plate with me, I will go for the Seafood Platter which has fried shrimp, oysters, catfish and stuffed crab. They also have combo plates with shrimp and oysters or fish and shrimp or fish and oysters. The menu has a wide variety of seafood items including oyster stew, turtle soup, boiled shrimp, boiled crabs and broiled flounder.
They start the meal with crusty French bread and Large Order Thin Fried Catfish (5 Pieces) all seafood dinners come with French fries, Cole slaw and hush puppies.
If you have members of your party who don’t eat seafood, Middendorf’s has chicken dishes, steaks and burgers. I cannot attest to the chicken, burgers and steaks. My personal experience has been limited to the seafood dishes and I have had most of them. I remember eating boiled crabs there many years ago.
On our way home from an October 2020 family vacation in Orange Beach, AL, we had the pleasant opportunity to visit the long awaited second location of Middendorf’s in Slidell, LA. The new location was opened in 2019 in a new building designed to look much like the old location in Manchac. I had heard about this new location several years before it actually was completed and I was excited to try it. While the Slidell location does offer a porch dining option, we opted to eat indoors.
Page 27 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Dining on The Road
The menu at this location appears to be the same and I had planned my order long before we had arrived. Debbie and I split the Large Thin Fried Catfish meal. She had 2 pieces of fish and I had 3. We shared the french-fries and hush puppies and I let her eat the Cole slaw. I opted for a cup of shrimp gumbo as an appetizer to go with the crusty French bread they are known for. The fish was excellent. The gumbo was good and represented the New Orleans style gumbo which has tomatoes in it. I prefer the Cajun style with no tomatoes, but I don’t think I have ever met a cup of gumbo I did not like.
My grandkids enjoyed the delicious cheese burgers and the opportunity to play outside after lunch in the sand play area with fountains, palm trees and Tikki huts. We were very pleased with the experience at this new location.
For years people have come from New Orleans and Baton Rouge to eat at Middendorf’s Manchac location, so you know the food has to be good. If you find yourself within driving distance of either location, check Middendorf’s out for yourself. You will be glad you did. Middendorf’s is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Do not go on Monday or Tuesday or you will be disappointed.
Doug Frey
Original Manchac Physical address: On I-55, North of Laplace and South of Ponchatoula, take Manchac Exit 15 just North of the Manchac Pass bridge. 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers, LA 70421 Phone : (985) 386-6666
By Boat To the Deck at Middendorf’s: N 30° 17.337’ W 90° 24.087’
Middendorf’s Slidell Address: 1951 Oak Harbor BLVD Slidell, LA 70461 Take Exit 261 off I-10
Page 28 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
“Don’t miss out on FREE advertising!”
Notice to All Gun Clubs
Please send your Skeet shoot flyers when they are ready. We will post them on our website so our readers can plan their shoot itineraries.
Be sure to take advantage of the Red Chute Gazette Deal described on the last page of this issue.
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 29
THE REASON FOR T HE SEASON
Luke 2:1-21 KJV
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Page 30 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.
Page 31 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Recipe of the Month
Campfire Stew
Colder weather will be here soon. Presidential hopeful Joe Biden has predicted a cold dark Winter. What better dish to warm you up on a cold night than Campfire Stew. This recipe comes from the Frey Family Cookbook. It came from Debbie’s Mother and we have enjoyed it for years.
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground meat ½ cup chopped onion 1 can condensed beef broth 1 1-lb. can cream style corn 3 large potatoes, pared & diced 1 tsp. salt dash of pepper
Instructions: 1. In a skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion. 2. Add beef broth, corn, potatoes, salt and pepper and mix well. 3. Cover and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pierre says “Enjoy my friends”.
Page 32 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Club Contacts
To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact:
Alabama Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Roy Jorgensen, Alabama Skeet Shooting (256) 924-0683 President [email protected] http://www.alabama-skeet.org Association
Ft. Rucker Skeet Club Ralph P. Aaron, (334) 347-8363 [email protected] Ft. Rucker, AL President
Headland Skeet & Gun Bob Jenkins. Pres. [email protected] (334) 677-6131 www.headlandskeetgunclub.com Club, Dothan, AL Earl Beamon, Sec.-Tr. [email protected]
Madison Co, Shooting Ralph Applebaum (256) 379-2716 [email protected] www.mcssa-al.org Sports, New Market, AL Bill Zupko (256) 509-3412 [email protected] Mars Skeet Range Larry Krutsinger (256) 450-9329 [email protected] Redstone Arsenal, AL
Muscle Shoals Skeet & (205) 757-1481 Club Charles Irwin, Trap, Florence, AL Secretary, Treasurer (256) 740-7005
Red Eagle Skeet & Trap, Scott Roberson (256) 872-1625 [email protected] www.redeaglegunclub.com Childersburg, AL President
Arkansas
Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Arkansas Skeet Shooting Rick Hall Association (870) 723-5022 www.arkskeet.com [email protected] North Little Rock, AR
Bella Vista Skeet Club Gary Greenhaw (479) 756-1189 Springdale, AR [email protected]
Blue Rock Sportsman Hal Matthews, Club, Inc. Shoot Chairman (501) 771-1997 [email protected] http://www.bluerocksc.com/ North Little Rock, AR
If you see something that needs to be updated, let us know.
Page 33
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Club Contacts
To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact:
Arkansas Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Dirty Creek Skeet & Gun Club Rick Weaver (479) 754-2512 Coal Hill, AR Duncan Farms Shotgun Sports & Game Birds John Duncan (501) 865-3459 [email protected] www.Duncanfarms.net Bismarck, AR Malloy Sportsman Club Chris Crawford (870) 881-6178 El Dorado, AR Mountain Valley Tom Sackett, (501) 922-9060 Sportsman’s Association [email protected] www.mvsaonline.com Chairman Hot Springs, AR Pajaro Gun Club Wendall Holmes (479) 646-4331 [email protected] Fort Smith, AR President [email protected] Twin Lakes Gun Club Floyd Lee (870) 481-5599 [email protected] www.twinlakesgunclub.com Mountain Home, AR President West Poinsett Gun Club Wayne Black (870) 910-6969 [email protected] Weiner, AR Chairman
Louisiana Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Raymond Haik (318) 537-0856 Louisiana Skeet Shooting President [email protected] www.redchutegazette.com Association Roland Thibodeaux Secretary/Treasurer (318) 518-8778 [email protected] Cottonland Skeet & Trap, Glynn P. Kiper (318) 366-2194 [email protected] Inc., West Monroe, LA Bayou Boeuf Gun Club Phil Carney (318) 201-9655 [email protected] LeCompte, LA
Bridge View Gun Club Eddie Baker, Mgr. (225) 223-6245 [email protected] www.bridgeviewgunclub.com Port Allen, LA Dave O’Quinn, Skeet (225) 278-9921 [email protected]
Lafayette Skeet Academy Gordon Benoit (337) 962-5334 [email protected] Kaplan, LA
Red Chute Shotgun Sports Doug Frey (318) 635-6218 [email protected] www.redchutegazette.com Club, Barksdale AFB Skeet Chairman
Toby Bancroft Memorial Gun Club Raymond Haik, M.D. (318) 537-0856 [email protected] West Monroe, LA
Page 34 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact:
Louisiana, cont. Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Young Shooter’s Gun Club Jacob Young (318) 953-2721 [email protected] Sterlington, LA Manager
Mississippi Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Mississippi Skeet Shooting (662) 324-5353 Clark Hartness [email protected] www.msskeet.org Association Starkville, MS (662) 341-2462
(601) 506-6052 Capitol Gun Club Judy L. Stewart- [email protected] www.capitalgunclub.com Jackson, MS Boyd, Manager Club Phone (601) 362-6053
Coast Rifle & Pistol Club William McKeon (760) 707-4261 [email protected] www.gcrpc.com Biloxi, MS Skeet Chairman
Starkville Gun Club Clark Hartness (662) 324-5353 [email protected] Www.starkvillegunclub.org Starkville, MS President
Whitetail Ridge Outdoors Richard Holloway (662) 869-2925 [email protected] www.whiteridgeoutdoors.com Blue Springs, MS President
Missouri Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Missouri State Skeet Assn. Jeff Smith (636) 262-9200 [email protected] www.moskeet.org O’Fallon, MO
Gateway Gun Club Club Www.gatewaygunclub-stl.com Bridgeton, MO (314) 344-1050 [email protected]
Joplin Skeet & Trap Club Roger Brown Club
Joplin, MO Manager (417) 781-1101
Page 35 Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact: Missouri, Continued Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Lead Belt Gun Club Dave Bahr (573) 760-5669 Bonne Terre, MO Manager J L Costin, Mgr. Poplar Bluff Gun Club [email protected] Mike Galloway, (573) 785-8405 Www.pbgunclub.com Poplar Bluff, MO [email protected] President
Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports Matt Riddell SHOOTING@PRAIRIEGROVESH (573) 387-4747 www.prairiegroveshotgunsports.com Club, Columbia, MO Manager OTGUNSPORTS.COM
Rolla Shooting Club D. C. Look (573) 341-7510 www.rollashootingclub.org Rolla, MO Chairman [email protected]
Rover Gun Club Lester Jett (417) 293-9020 [email protected] West Plains, MO Owner
Springfield Rod and Gun Club (417) 833-2199 SHOOTING@PRAIRIEGROVE Bud Wood [email protected] Springfield, MO W (417) 862-2701 SHOTGUNSPORTS.COM
St. Louis Skeet & Trap Club Rex Powers (636) 271-4210 [email protected] WWW.SKEETRAP.COM Pacific, MO
Oklahoma Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Pete Garcia (918) 495-3774 [email protected] Oklahoma State Skeet Assn. President www.okskeet.com Broken Arrow, OK Ray Vaslavsky [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer (918) 455-2133
Jim Bevers (405) 755-3359 Ada Skeet & Trap Club [email protected] Wade Drennan Cb(580) 332-5286 [email protected] Ada, OK Chairman H (580) 436-7699 L M Winkler, Bartlesville Sportsmen’s Club [email protected] Chairman (918) 333-2583 bartlesvillesportsmensclub.org [email protected] Bartlesville, OK Joe Simon, Sec.
Oil Capital Rod & Gun Club Michael Brewer (918) 266-3866 [email protected]
Broken Arrow, OK Sec/Treasurer (918) 486-1113
Oklahoma City Gun Club Craig Wasson (405) 840-9398 [email protected] www.okcgunclub.org Arcadia, OK
Sand Springs Sportsman Club Harold Hockett (918) 214-4881 [email protected] sssportsmanclub.com Sand Springs, OK President
Matt Riggin, President Tulsa Gun Club [email protected] Paul Clayton, Skeet Club (918) 272-2062 www.tulsagunclub.com [email protected] Tulsa, OK Chairperson
69 Clays Jean Lasiter (918) 540-0733 [email protected] Miami, OK Manager
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 36 To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact:
Oklahoma, cont. Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Comanche Skeet & Trap Bob Wolf (580) 248-3427 Fort Sill, OK Manager
Te x a s Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site
Texas Skeet Shooters Assoc. Woody Anderson (214) 808-3721 [email protected] www.mytssa.com Rockwall, TX President Aerial Targeting Systems Tomm Hupp (830) 591-7860 [email protected] Uvalde, TX Manager
American Shooting Centers Ed Arrighi www.amshootcenters (281) 556-8199 [email protected] Houston, TX President .com
Arlington Sportsman Club Ernest Blocker (817) 295-0657 [email protected] Mansfield, TX Manager
Bandera Gun Club J. M. Clements (830) 796-4610 [email protected] Bandera, TX Manager Bexar Community Shooting Jennifer Range Winkelmann (830) 914-2182 [email protected] Marion, TX Manager Callahan Co. Shooting Assoc. Kevin Meier (325) 672-9521 Clyde, TX Chairman
Capitol City Trap & Skeet Henry Wurzburg www.capitolclays.com (512) 423-3479 [email protected] Austin, TX Skeet Chairman
Cen-TX Skeet Club Henry Wurzburg (512) 423-3479 [email protected] www.centxskeet.com
Comal County Shooting Sports John Van Ausdall (210)573-5361 [email protected] www.comalskeet.com Spring Branch, TX Corpus Christi Gun Club Bud Colwell (361)696-3335 [email protected] Corpus Christi, TX Skeet Chairman Woody Dallas Gun Club Anderson (972) 462-0043 [email protected] www.dallasgunclub.com Dallas, TX Skeet Chairman Ellis County Sportsman Club Charlie Beard (469) 371-9882 [email protected] Waxahachie, TX Skeet Chairman
El Paso Skeet & Trap Club John Braddock (915) 629-7386 [email protected] El Paso, TX Skeet Chairman
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 37 To pre-register for a shoot or find out more information about a club contact:
Texas, cont. Club Contact Phone E-Mail Web Site Walter Van Fayette County Gun Club Wart (979) 242-3389 [email protected] West Point, TX Skeet Chairman Fort Hood Skeet & Trap Club Henry Wurzburg (512) 423-3479 [email protected] www.fthoodskeet.com Belton, TX Skeet Director Fort Worth Trap & clubmanager@fortwortht Tracy Ragle www.fortworthtrapands Skeet Club (817) 244-9878 rapandskeet.com Skeet Chairman keet.com Ft. Worth, TX Graham Skeet Club Bob Manskey (940) 328-1400 Graham, TX Skeet Chairman
Grand Prairie Gun Club Robert Nicholas (214) 325-9653 [email protected] www.gpgc.net Grand Prairie, Texas
Greater Houston Gun Club Kevin Doughtery manager@ (281) 437-6025 www.greaterhoustongun Missouri City, Texas Manager greaterhoustongunclub club.com
Hot Wells Skeet Range Josh Vacek (281) 373-0232 www.hotwellsshootin Cypress, TX Manager (832) 603-1777 [email protected] grange.com
Gun Emporium Mike Scambray (936) 760-2323 [email protected] wwwgunemporium.net Conroe, TX Skeet Chairman Madison County Gun & Dave Radenz Archery (936) 348-6423 [email protected] www.missionskeetandtrap.com President Madisonville, TX Maud Gun Club Larry Oxford, (903) 280-0482 [email protected] Texarkana, TX Skeet Chairman
Mission Skeet & Trap Club Richard Kotzur (956) 279-4594 [email protected] Mission, TX Skeet Director Rose City Flying Clays Chris Dorsey (903) 597-3345 chris@rosecityflyingclays rosecityflyingclays.com Tyler, TX Owner
San Antonio Gun Club P. D. Parker (210) 828-9860 [email protected] San Antonio, TX Manager
Sheppard AFB Skeet Rick Davis [email protected] (940) 224-8165 Wichita Falls, TX James Schmehl [email protected] Terrell Rifle and Pistol Club David Bell (903) 454-6334 [email protected] Terrell, TX President Waco Trap & Skeet Club Greg Surber (254) 753-2651 [email protected] wacoskeet.com Waco, TX Manager
Be sure to send changes to your organization’s contacts to
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue [email protected]. Page 38 THE RED CHUTE GAZETTE DEAL
Mission Statement
The goal of the Red Chute Gazette is to promote the game of American Skeet. Our target market includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
Our goal is accomplished through publication and distribution an Internet only magazine containing items of interest to those individuals participating in, promoting and supporting registered skeet shoots. Subject matter includes calendars of upcoming events, shoot flyers, shoot reports and pictures. Also included are articles and stories about bird hunting, travel and food.
The Deal
The Red Chute Gazette will publish flyers advertising registered skeet shoots for your gun club at no cost to your club. Simply send us your flyer in Microsoft Word or PDF format via E-Mail. That’s FREE!
The Catch
If we agree to publish your shoot flyers, you agree to provide us with a shoot report, write-up or article suitable for printing in the Red Chute Gazette. Include pictures (jpeg or gif files) if possible. It doesn’t have to be lengthy and it doesn’t have be worthy of a Pulitzer. Just tell or show our readers about the fun you had.
What about Sporting Clays and Trap or other events?
The mission of the Red Chute Gazette is to promote interest and participation in registered Skeet. Sporting Clays and Trap are not subjects we focus on. We recognize that many gun clubs offer events other than Skeet. We are happy to provide commercial advertising space for clubs that wish to promote other shooting related events.
Please contact us for our very reasonable rates for commercial advertisers
To take advantage of this service contact Doug Frey by phone at (318) 635-6218 or via E-Mail at [email protected]. . .
© 2020 All Rights Reserved Douglas F. Frey, Publisher, Red Chute Gazette, 6600 Gahagan Circle, Shreveport, LA 71119-3402
Red Chute Gazette Volume 12, Issue 11 Page 39