The 31st annual Bass Pro Shops Sportsman’s Team Challenge National Championship offered a first this year, as the event was held at a new venue—Big Cedar Shooting Academy in Ridgedale, Mo. Fifty two- and three-person teams, representing 14 states and three countries competed in the event, which offers shooting challenges with rifles, pistols and shotguns.
“What continues to amaze me is the level of camaraderie that exists among all of the competitors to support one another, yet they exhibit a fierce competitive spirit between each team,” Match Director Doug Koenig said. Koenig, a competitive shooter himself, stayed on the sidelines this year.
The three-day event, held July 19-21, serves as a good way to introduce youngsters to the shooting sports, as children as young as 8 years old are welcome to compete in the Sub-Junior and Junior divisions. As part of that objective, the event uses reactive targets so shooters can clearly see their results from the shooting line.
The NRA, one of the Gold-level sponsors, was on hand as it continued to push toward its goal of signing up 100,000 new members as part of the NRA 100,000 Member Challenge, a 100-day drive that ended July 22.
As for the new location, Koenig said it exceeded expectations. Big Cedar “did not disappoint with its stunning vistas and close proximity to nearby entertainment capital of Branson, Missouri.”
Here’s a run-down of winning teams from each division: Sportsman’s Open, Team Lapua; Sportsman’s AA, Western Powders; Sportsman’s A, Wildcat Cranes; Sportsman’s B, Tornadoes; and Sportsman’s Lady, Wong & Snow.
