'Pull': Airmen shoot for skeet championship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Aboard Air Force fighter jets, pilots have state-of-the-art targeting systems to help them defeat their opponents. However, shooters in this competition have to rely on their natural senses.

Two Airmen participated in the 2008 Alaska Skeet State Championship at Fort Richardson July 13.

Senior Master Sgt. Mary Bousson and Master Sgt. Kevin Weinand took their best shots at this year's state event.

"It's not easy shooting a pigeon that's less than 5 inches in diameter traveling at nearly 45 miles per hour," said Sergeant Weinand, 354th Medical Operations Squadron. "Being fundamentally sound is a must for these types of shoots."

Sergeant Bousson, Alaskan Command, echoed that statement adding several techniques she keeps in mind while she's shooting.

"It's important that you find your posture," Sergeant Bousson said. "Consistent post position and hold points on the gun, keeping your head on the stock and keeping your eye on the target."

The championship included five events: Doubles, 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge and 410 Bore.

Some strategies are the same for each event, but competitors carefully consider the differences as well.

"Each event is unique from a shooting standpoint," said Sergeant Weinand. "Each field has a different visual background and representation, shooters need to adjust to the differences to shoot well."

This competition was the medical senior NCOs third state skeet shoot and 50th overall. Prior to the state shoot, he earned honorable mention for the All-American Team and was selected to the Zone 7 Military Team, consisting mainly of shooters from Northwestern states to include Alaska and Hawaii.

"Skeet shoots, like this one, can be found pretty much all year round," Sergeant Weinand said. "Obviously, weather can play a pretty big role during some months."

As the ALCOM senior NCO described, gusting wind is the most difficult to shoot in.

"The wind can greatly change the patterns of the pigeons while in the air," she added. With four years of experience and five competitions under her belt, Sergeant Bousson began skeet shooting as an alternative to hunting.

"I really enjoy competing and the other shooters," she added. "The competitors are very social and good sports." 

Sergeant Weinand agrees.

"It's a truly addicting sport," Sergeant Weinand said. "I encourage everyone to try it at least once."

The Fort Richardson skeet shooting range is open Wednesdays 4-9 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, call 384-1480.