McAAP Trad Shoot Cancelled
Contributors to this thread:Oklahoma
From: Polar Bear
10-Mar-15
Southern Plains Traditional Shoot at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant CANCELLED As they say, “All good things must come to an end,” and this case is no different. It is with great regret that we must inform you the Southern Plains Traditional Shoot that we host every August at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAAP) has been cancelled. We just learned from Bill Starry that new regulations at McAAP require anyone that enters the Army Base to have a “background check” conducted. We realize that it would be impractical to conduct background checks for 500 shooters during a weekend shoot. Backwoods Bowhunters fully understands and supports McAAP in this decision. We certainly understand the primary function of McAAP, and safety and security is of the utmost importance. This Traditional Shoot was our favorite shoot for many reasons. The wonderful setting at Murphy’s Meadow was second to none. The hospitality offered to us over the years will never be forgotten, nor will the friendships that were made during that time. We cannot emphasize how much we appreciated the support of our fellow traditional archers and vendors—because without all of you, this shoot would have never happened! Thanks also to the Oklahoma Longbowmen for everything that you did for this event before “handing- over the baton” to the folks at Backwoods Bowhunters. And last, but certainly not least, we would like to express our thanks to everyone at the McAAP for allowing us to use the Army Base for this worthwhile family event. Special thanks go out to Bill Starry and his Crew for their untiring efforts to keep this event going throughout the years. We are confident in saying that thousands of people found enjoyment at this event because of their hard work. Bill Starry was the primary force at the Army Base that kept the ball rolling in the forward direction, and enabled this event to happen. Others including Ryan, Eric, and Jeff deserve recognition because they have also played crucial roles in making this traditional shoot a great success! We look forward to seeing each of you again at other shoots throughout the state, hopefully at our Traditional Shoot at the Backwoods Bowhunters Range near El Reno, Oklahoma on 28-29 March 2015. For now, the folks at Backwoods Bowhunters plan to let the dust settle before maybe considering other options for a Traditional Shoot in the latter part of the year. If we decide something, we will be sure to let you know. Sincerely, Backwoods Bowhunters 9 March 2015
From: Quailhunter
10-Mar-15
I wonder if the hunt will follow.....
From: Big Al
11-Mar-15
What a heart breaker... this was what we always considered one of our family vacations. A tradition, and a privilege!
From: John Ryan
14-Mar-15
The base commander also cancelled a long running firefighting school at the base this year. Damn shame that this shoot was cancelled. I have attended the last several years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Polar Bear was being nice, and rightfully so. This commander is full of himself. His base and his rules. Like it or not.
From: Tom Horn
17-Mar-15
This is some sad news to find out. What is the status of the hunts? Have they been cancelled too or is the commander allowing the hunts to proceed.
From: John Ryan
20-Mar-15
Tom, in time past, successful applicants would require a background check. That should not be a problem for the hunts. A background check is already completed before hunters arrive.
From: wild man
12-Apr-15
I hate to hear this I enjoyed the shoot more than the hunt.
