2017 was a unique year for TX COWDOC and family. We decided that we would split up our family vacation. Girls were going to NYC and guys were going to Wyoming and participating in Robb Wiley's (Non-Typical Outfitters) Shooting School. NTO offers 3 classes at the end of July and early August. Len and Andy Backus of Long Range Hunting website joined our group. They are really knowledgeable and fun to be around.
Obligatory stop in Bosque Redondo:
"PALS"
Stopped off in New Mexico and did some fishing with my folks in Tres Ritos, NM.
After 1600 miles of driving, we arrived in the Bridger National Forest where NTO has a camp.
Camp:
After breakfast, we spent a couple of hours going over the course and reviewing the gear (rests, shooting sticks, etc) we would be using.
We then moved to the 100 yard range to make sure everyone had their zero.
Jake was shooting a 6.5mm Creedmoor and I had my 7mm STW.
Next, we began shooting at targets up to 700 yards to verify range estimation and hold over.
Once each shooter was calibrated out to 700 yards, Robb proceeded to provide instruction on basics of field shooting positions. We practiced various techinques at moderate distances of a few hundred yards from seated positions using shooting sticks.
The next morning, we split into 2 groups. One group began practicing various shooting positions using sticks, posts, and later standing out to ranges up to 300 yards.
Robb demonstrating "bone on bone" shooting rest while seated
Jake using shooting sticks....
Taking a break..
Later that afternoon, we headed out to the shooting course for various mountainside scenarios shooting steel silhouettes out to 600 yards.
Robb coaching Jake ..
Jake connecting on a deer target at 483 yards.
The grand finale was shooting at a 30" plate at 1291 yards. I watched carefully as the 1st 2 shooters walked their shots in to get on the steel. There was a 1MOA wind correction. I ranged the plate with a G7BR2 range finder and it quickly calculated my 7mm STW (160 grn Accubond) @ 32.75 MOA of correction using the pre-determined 1 MOA of wind. I was pretty proud to hit the plate on my 1st shot. Jake followed a few shooters later and used 3 shots and 36MOA to punch the plate at 3/4 of a mile. The group, which had been extremely supportive of Jake's participation, erupted in shouts as the 12 year hit the target.
Robb (and his family) provide a great environment for this awesome summer activity. The meals, facilities, and staff were top notch. Overall, the NTO course, fellow participants and the beautiful Wyoming scenery made for a heckuva trip for my son and I.