2023 NEWSLETTER
THE BOSS’ COLUMN
2022 was a tough year for everyone and Whittecar Range did not escape
unscathed. Price increases such as fuel and supply shortages drove up our
operating costs for everything. All of our vehicles required major repairs. The
unavailability of ammunition and reloading components resulted in fewer match
and class participants which in turn reduced our income. Several major
improvements such as replacing a fence and welding the target stands all came into
play. Even an increase in membership fees did not offset our financial expenses.
This is all reflected in our annual financial audit. Financially speaking, I say good
riddance to 2022.
On a personal note, we lost a good friend and range patron with the passing of
Larry Tucker. Always the gentleman with a smile for all, Larry will be missed.
Jim McCormack
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Total income for the 2022 year $82,506.50. Total expenses $110,163.30 for a loss
of $27,656.80. We had an $18,594.00 grant expense on range improvements of
which we will get almost half back from the FWP grant. We purchased a snow
plow for the range $3,800.00. Total income was down from last year, plus the
grant expense and one time equipment purchases. Rick Royer
RIMFIRE RANGE RULES
These rules are now on a video that is available for review in the front office.
Everyone will be required to view this video ANNUALLY prior to using this
range. We have been experiencing significant damage to the overhead baffles
because individuals are not properly aligning their target backers so that all rounds
impact the steel plate at the rear of the range. Failing to align your backers
properly is a violation of our range rules. Range violations will result in significant
consequences.
FEEDBACK FROM OUR ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting was conducted on January 12, 2023. Elections were held and
there were no changes to the Board of Directors. The names of all Board
Members are posted in the office.
The results of our annual financial audit were presented at the meeting. A copy of
the final report is posted in the office for review by the membership.
We approved all previously submitted special events for 2023. To date, there are
118 scheduled special event days for this year. Please check the schedule located
on the web site or check the office calendar for days when events will occur. We
also place our special events notices on our bulletin boards. People can still
request a date for special events by submitting a special event form 30 days prior to
their event.
In 2022, we logged 11,820 individual visitor days. This was down approximately
1,100 individuals from the previous year. We also scheduled approximately 143
special event days such as matches and classes. This doesn’t take into account the
substantial use by our local law enforcement organizations. Our income and
expenses for 2022 were presented to the membership at our annual meeting and are
posted on the office bulletin board.
JIM McCORMACK
SAFETY
It is now a requirement for everyone who enters our facility to ANNUALLY view
a short safety video prior to issuing either any membership or allowing day use.
This means everyone, no exceptions. Our Caretaker will make this video available
upon checking in at the office.
You will notice that we now have safety rules posted on the open bays and the
Rimfire Range as well as the covered rifle & pistol bays. Please review and follow
them.
As range members, you have a responsibility to identify range safety violations and
to bring these violations to the immediate attention of range personnel. Whether or
not you personally confront someone for a rule infraction is a personal choice. Just
remember that sometimes people make honest mistakes & yelling at them doesn't
accomplish anything except making them angry. It is however, very important that
you notify us with the information that we need to follow-up. All too often we
don't find out about a safety issue until it is too late to take action.
You will notice that Board members will be wearing their Range Safety Officer hat
while present on the range. Their instructions must be complied with immediately.
There is no room for error here! SAFETY is our major priority. Serious or
repeated violations WILL RESULT IN EXPULSION!
Jim McCormack
Bitterroot Buckaroos Old West Shooting & Social Club
The Buckaroos had a great year as a SASS affiliated cowboy action club. We are
grateful to Whittecar for supporting our events. Our low-key matches are usually
on the first Saturday of the month. Please check the Range calendar for any
schedule changes. Visitors are always welcome. You just need to have eye and
hearing protection. We start at 10AM and shoot until we are done just after noon.
Each year we host an annual competition the third weekend in September bringing
in shooters from surrounding states and across Montana. We select a new theme
each year. This year we will celebrate our tenth anniversary. We set up props and
building fronts to set the stage for our shooters.
What is Cowboy Action shooting? We celebrate the history and mythology of the
old west in a competitive shooting sport. No need to buy a horse because all our
gunfights take place with both feet firmly planted on the ground. All you need are
two single action pistols, (with appropriate holsters), a pistol caliber lever action
rifle and an older model shotgun. We shoot at steel targets using lead ammunition.
Each contestant adopts a shooting persona, a cowboy alias and dresses
appropriately adding a fun aspect to the shooting matches. Cowboy action is a
family sport with aged based categories ranging from under 13 to over 90.
We shoot Wild Bunch events based on the movie. For Wild Bunch, we shoot
1911’s, a large pistol caliber rifle and model 12 or 1897 shotguns.
We do our best to help new shooters to get started in the sport. We strongly advise
that you come to a shoot and talk with us about equipment before you buy. We
welcome recreational shooters or those geared to be top competitors. Come see
what its all about.
Our club includes memberships for non-shooting members. We are, after all, a
shooting and social club and have dinners and potlucks during the year. Check out
our website www.BitterrootBuckaroos.com or call May B. Shecann for
information. 406-531-4116. Kathy Loucks
Women & Guns 2023
Women Only - Introduction to Defensive Handguns, a 2 day class, will be
offered three times at the Whittecar Range in Hamilton. Class 1 will be
March 18 and April 8, 2023. Class 2 will be May 13 and June 10, 2023.
Class 3 will be August 26 and September 23 2023.
The first day is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun for
you. There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of
revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type
of handgun.
Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the different types and
models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session on the
range. A self-defense book (specifically for women), will also be provided.
We will also address, in a general manner, the legal aspects of the use of
deadly force.
There will be a lapse of two to three weeks in order to allow the student to
purchase a firearm and become familiar with its operation for the
conclusion of training on the second day. Students must provide their own
ammunition for day two.
The second day will consist of live fire training. The emphasis will be on
safe gun handling. All exercises will consist of basic defensive shooting
drills and training techniques. We will discuss the different types of
ammunition available and their uses.
We will conclude the discussion on the legal aspects of the use of deadly
force.
Upon successful completion of the second day, this training will suffice as
the required safety class for application to the state for a concealed carry
permit.
The class is limited to 10 participants.
For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or
Jim at 360-8392 or write Box 159, Victor Mt 59875.
Whittecar Bench-rest 2023
We will be holding 4 matches again this year:
April 2, 2023 100-200 Hunter class memorial and annual Easter Egg Shoot
May 5, 2023 100 & 200 Yd. Mt. State Varmint for score
May 6, 2023 300Yd. Mt. State Varmint for score
June 3, 2023 100 & 200Yd. Mt. State Hunter class
June 4. 2023 300 Mt. State Hunter class
July 2, 2023 100 & 200 Varmint for score money shoot
The public is always invited to come and shoot or watch these matches !
In April we will have a memorial 100, 200 Yd. Hunter class shoot for our longtime shooters that
have passed away. Followed by the annual 300 yd. Easter Egg shoot with no sighters or wind
flags, and no mirage boards, every shot counts and fewest number of shots wins.
We will be shooting NBRSA rules for Hunter Class & Varmint for Score. Classes will Separate but
will be fired at the same time. The course of fire will be 1 warm up and then 5 record targets
with app. 1/2 hour between relays at each yardage. The targets are the red 6 bull targets that
can be purchased at the Range Office. The backer system worked very good last year so that we
will use the new stile 6 bull 300 yard targets again this year.
Bench rest is one of the best ways to learn how to shoot this range and will answer your
questions why "this rifle shot great last time, but won't hit anything today" Whittecar is a very
difficult range to shoot on, there are almost always wind, mirage, and light changes to deal
with. Each WILL cause the bullet to hit a different place. Another thing that WILL cause a
change in bullet impact point is how the rifle is held. These are things that many shooters think
little about but are an important part of bench rest shooting. The guys are always interested in
helping new shooters get started and learn precision shooting, just ask them.
For those who would like to do some competitive shooting without many formal rules, Dave
Heddich will be shooting a form of varmint for score match again this year. Dave has included
his info in the news letter too. Also the Darby "one shot" group is still shooting on the 3 rd
Wednesday and is open to anyone that wishes to shoot with a light barreled hunting rifle.
Monty Montague (406)270-6663 has taken over these shoots after Larry Tucker passed away.
For bench rest information call Harvey Uttinger (530)541-7306
TUCKER SHOOT LOOKING FOR SHOOTERS
Third Wednesday of Each Month
Formally Darby One Shot
Match Starts @ 0900
Any 6mm to 30 cal rifle that doesn’t have a heavy varmint barrel
Any rest
Scope to 6 ½ power
Distance 100 yards
Where: Whittecar Range 200 yard range
Requires a minimum of 32 shots plus sighters. We shoot at a total of 30 targets with the
last target being a three shot group
Each target is worth $0.50 for a total outlay of $15.00 if one doesn’t win a target. If you
win a target, each shooter pays you $0.50. here is also an $8.00 range fee.
If interested or have questions, call Dave Hedditch, 406-360-3283
VARMINT SHOOT
First and third Thursday of each month
LOOKING FOR SHOOTERS
FIRST THURSDAY Varmint shoot is for 22 centerfire rifles
We shoot 100 yards, 5 shots plus sighters and 200 yards, 5 shots plus sighters, four relays and a 3
shot group target at each distance on the last relay. Total shots required for this shoot is 46 plus
sighters. Any rifle that can be shot from your shoulder qualifies though we shoot from the
bench. Any scope. Any rest. Cost is $14 plus $1.00 per target and each person shoots 8 targets
plus a 3 shot group at each distance. The winner of each target is paid $1.00 per shooter. All
money is paid out except for the $8.00 range fee which is included in the $14.00. The winner of
the aggregate score at each distance is paid $3.00 per person.
THIRD THURSDAY Varmint Shoot is any caliber.
We shoot at 1, 2 and 300 yards. Each target at each range is scored and the winner at each range
is paid $1.00 by each shooter. We have a total of three relays. 15 per relay plus sighters. The
last relay includes a 3 shot group target at each distance which requires 21 shots total plus
sighters, (15 shots plus 6 shots for group). Any caliber rifle. Any rifle that can be shot from the
shoulder though we shoot from the bench. Any scope. Any rest. Cost is $14.00 plus$1.00 per
target. The max this would cost if one lost every target & group would be $26.00 which would
include the $8.00 range fee. All money less the $8.00 range fee is paid out. He winner of the
aggregate score at each distance is paid $2.00 per person. If all this sounds confusing call or e-
mail me. Dave Hedditch, 406-360-3283; [email protected].
SCHEUTZEN
For those that are interested in historical offhand rifle competition and are history
buffs, join the Bitterroot Schuetzen Society for a period correct Schuetzen match.
Schuetzen is the sport of offhand rifle target shooting using antique or replica
single-shot rifles. Competitors typically use Ballard, Sharps, Remington rolling-
block, Stevens 44 or Winchester high- or low-wall rifles — or modern-made
replicas of these designs equipped with magnified tube or Iron tang sights.
Pat Bowland is hosting monthly matches featuring these great old single shot rifles
every 4th Saturday March through July with the Montana State Championship held
on the 4th weekend in August. Most matches are shot offhand at 200 yards with
some bench-rest thrown in for us old guys. We shoot some 100 and 200 yard .22
shot matches also. There is a Bitterroot Schuetzen Society page on facebook where
match schedules and winners are posted along with some great photos. The
Whittecar Range calendar also posts the Schuetzen schedule. For more
information, Pat can be reached @ 406-550-0293 or message us on the FB site.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers: President: Jim McCormack, Vice President: Dave Hedditch
Secretary/Treasurer: Rick Royer
Directors one year: Kathy Love, John Marshall, Tim Thomas, Jeff Jetter
Directors two years: Lee Riffel, Paul Henstridge, Harvey Uttinger,
???????? Frequently asked questions
How do I schedule an event for my group? Pick up an Event Form in the office
or off of the web site. Submit it to the Range no later than the Board meeting
immediately prior to your event. We recommend at least one month ahead in the
event there is a conflict.
When does the Board hold their meetings? The annual meeting is the second
Thursday of January. The annual meeting is for all members. Monthly Board of
Director meetings are the second Thursday of each month. The vast majority of
meetings are conducted at 7PM in the Range meeting room. Although we
encourage members to attend the monthly Board meetings, these meetings are
administrative in nature and only elected Board members can make motions or
vote on those motions.
How come Range X, Y or Z is closed to the public today? Usually, a range is
closed because a match or class is in progress. These events are scheduled in
advance and subject to the approval of the Board. As a matter of policy, we will
not close ALL rifle ranges or ALL pistol ranges. One rifle range and one pistol
range must remain open to the public during normal business hours. The schedule
is posted on our website and on several Range Bulletin Boards. Please call the
range at 363-7078 if you have questions.
Is it ok to shoot my new whiz bang firearm on this facility? We do not prohibit
the use of any firearms at Whittecar. However, we ask that if you are going to
shoot full auto or practice with a 50 caliber that you bring your own backers.
Please do not shoot our steel targets with your 50. Shotguns are allowed but you
cannot shoot aerial targets. We are not set up for trap, skeet or sporting clays.
Rapid fire is restricted to the Franklin, (200 yard) Range.
Can my child shoot at this range? Children under the age of 18 MUST be
DIRECTLY supervised by an adult at all times.
When is the range open? We are open to the general public on Wednesdays
through Sundays all year except for holidays. We open for business at 8AM but
closing time varies depending upon the time of year and the available light.
Seasonal hours are posted as seasons change.
Can I volunteer to help with range activities? We maintain a list of people who
wish to help us in the range office. Please speak to Doug and he will get your
name & phone number and ask about which activities that you are willing to help.
We sometimes need people for a work detail, cleanup or to fill in at the office.
What’s your web address? www.whittecarrange.com
