24G 
FOREST AND STREAM 
Aug. 24, 1912 
Western Handicap. 
Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 17.—Just about three hours 
before^ the sun went down on a beautiful August day 
(the 16th), the event, that will go down in history as one 
of the best in this line of amusements was closed at the 
famous Blue River Shooting Park, located at Kansas 
City, Mo. 
The program for this shoot has in its introduction 
the following remarks, viz.: 
-“It was a wise choice when Kansas City was chosen 
as the logical point to hold the Western Handicap 
tournament in 1912. Located as it is in the geographical 
center of the United States, with its vast net of rail¬ 
ways, radiating to every_ habitable point of the Middle 
West territory, it is an ideal city to reach quickly and 
conveniently from all points in the vast scope of country 
which has such a large following of sportsmen, who have 
the pleasure of trapshooting.” 
The Kansas City Gun Club is the oldest organiza¬ 
tion of the kind in "the State of Missouri, and for thirty 
years has kept the ball rolling. The club was fortunate 
in having the family of Elliott brothers to keep the 
park going, and when J. A. R. dropped the management 
R. S. took it up, and he is ably assisted by Jack and 
young Robert. Oh, yes, there is Dave; he is usually 
around when big events are being pulled off, and just 
ask all those present at this shoot if he did not handle 
the office to perfection. 
As a matter of policy, these Interstate shoots are 
held at different cities of the West each year, but when 
the time again comes to hold this event at Kansas 
City, all will agree that all roads lead to Kansas City, 
and Elmer Shaner and J. T. Skelly will be the first to 
say, Amen. 
The perfection of ammunition and guns was brought 
to the front during this shoot; coupled with this was 
shown what practice will accomplish along the line of 
perfection. For instance, here is a partial list of con¬ 
secutive “breaks” made during the shoot: William 
Ridley ran 124 straight; R. W. Clancy, 156; W. R. 
Crosby, 100 and 113; H. Dixon, 153 and 100; Ed. O’Brien, 
127; H. E. Snyder, 155; C. B. Eaton, 171; C. Spencer, 
100; W. IT. Heer. 127; and this list does not include the 
last day. 
Three times during the second day the squad com¬ 
posed of Mrs. Topperwein, Dixon, Campbell, Hoon and 
Freeman made straight scores. 
You should have seen the smile that came over 
Bob’s countenance as he kept passing out the shells to 
the happy shooters, who were busting Charles North’s 
saucers. 
Practice Day, Aug. 13. 
In the program we find this announcement: “Kansas 
City has the shooting ground and local management, 
and will overlook no chance to make memorable the 
seventh Western Handicap tournament.” The old-time 
shooters have long been accustomed to these things, 
and the new ones were on hand to see if the Missour¬ 
ians were equal to their boast of “show me.” 
A prominent figure about the old park for the past 
two weeks has been one Bob Elliott, stripped for the 
work of putting the park in order. He has even moved 
his family into and resides in the park, so as to be there 
day and night. The shooters are glad for this move, as 
it insures some of those good old dinners for which 
Mrs. Bob has long been famous. I must say that we 
old-timers will miss the “pigeon pot-pies” that were so 
delicious in “ye olden times,” but the yellow legged 
chicken stews look good to all. 
On Monday and Tuesday one Robert was assisted by 
Elmer and Charles North, and when 1 P. M. came on 
with the heavens threatening rain, there were five Ideal 
Leggett traps in position and the trap houses full of the 
old reliable bluerock targets—no others go as a rule at 
the Blue River Shooting Park—ready for the opening 
gun. 
When the first squad toed the mark, it was noticed 
that W. H. Clay, the good shot from East St. Louis, was 
on No. 1 peg, and that the veteran. Tramp Irwin, who 
has not entirely quit the shooting game, was at the 
score board to signal, “Broke.” “Lost,” etc. 
The shoot progressed without much interruption from 
the downpour, save an occasional sprinkle, but the boys 
were “up against” dark, lowering clouds, interspersed 
with streaks of smoke and a naturally dark background. 
The improvement made by the Chamberlin people in the 
kind and quantity of paint used of late on the targets 
was much appreciated by those who have not the most 
perfect eye, and though some of the new trappers and 
pullers were not quite on to their jobs, yet many of the 
scores were excellent. 
One T. Bill Crosby lost one at trap one and then 
smashed the others to dust, and was high professional. 
Close after him came Bill Heer, Lester German and 
IT. D. Freeman, with 98; George Maxwell and H. C. 
Kirkwood made 97, while C. G. Spencer and Mrs. Topp 
with F. Gilbert made 96. 
The amateurs were in fine form, as Harvey Dixon, 
the 1911 G. A. H. winner, duplicated the score of “T. 
Bill,” 99, with F. Campbell 98, Tom Clay 96, I. C. 
Davidson, W. S. Hoon, S. Hoyne, H. E. Whitney and 
W. Ridley 95. The scores of practice day follow: 
W H Clay ... 
*A Killam ... 
*Guy Ward . 
A C Connor. 
W T Jordon. 
S O’Brien ... 
H O Snyder. 
Guy Cooper . 
*W H Heer. 
90 
93 
87 
89 
83 
G I Toews... 
W L Goeller. 
S Hoyne . 
*H Clark .... 
H Allen . 
*L S German. 
I C Davidson. 
*Mrs Topperwein 
F Campbell . 
W S Hoon . 
*H D Freeman.. 
IT Dixon . 
*H C Kirkwood... 
*F Gilbert . 
Wm Wetleaf . 
98 
Joe Gray . 
... 84 
95 
Wm Howe . 
96 
II N Kirby . 
... 84 
98 
Tom Clay . 
... 96 
95 
*.T R Taylor. 
... 95 
98 
*J M Hawkins. 
... 93 
99 
W Clegg . 
... 79 
97 
*J T Skelly. 
... 95 
96 
*L Erhart . 
... 85 
91 
R W Clancy. 
... 92 
85 
83 
95 
94 
93 
First Day, Aug. 14. 
\\ hen the appointed hour arrived and Manager 
Shaner was keyed up fcr the opening address, 9 A. M., 
the shooters were filling up the park and crowding the 
gun room, yet there were some tardy ones owing to the 
delay from late trains and the transfer to the surfaco 
lines, which make the connections for the park. This 
n a on Sec i_ mana g emen f f° postpone the opening until 
9:o0, but the contestants were informed that 9 A. M. 
meant 9 A. M. for the following day. 
It is worth the outlay and time spent to the new 
shooter who is present at these Interstate handicap 
shoots to get the benefit of the Secretary-Manager’s re 
marks. During all these years that Shaner has managed 
tournaments a very prominent feature has been that of 
a strict enforcement of the rules in all their details. Sort 
of an educational institution from which officers of gun 
clubs could see and learn how to enforce rules on their 
own grounds when tournaments are being held Mr 
Shaner calls his talks “heart-to-heart.” And that is 
what they are, for while he enforces all rules with an 
iron hand, ’ at the same time, he is kind and consid¬ 
erate, and no one could feel it more deeply than he 
when a shooter loses out through negligence in comply¬ 
ing vvith the rules. 
First, he called attention to the tournament at Den¬ 
ver, to be held Sept. 10, which should be the largest in 
the West, owing to the large amount of added money. 
Just think of it, 300 shooters means $5,000 added money 
—some attraction for the scatter gun men. 
Second, the sixth annual Midwinter Handicap target 
tournament at Pinehurst, N. C.. Jan. 22 to 25, 1913. Of 
course, this is some distance ahead, but then those of 
you who want to get away from cold winter’s blasts, 
there is $500 to the winner and $2500 added money 
The “Boss” then became a little more oratorical, and 
called to mind that we were now at the very spot 
where the world’s greatest shooting tournament was held, 
the G. A. H. at live birds in 1902, and he could see 
nothing to prevent this shoot from being “pulled off” 
with the same result as the former big one, as here we 
have practically the same management, grounds, etc. 
He called particular attention to the decision of the 
referee being final, and that the shooter must make it his 
business to see that the results of his every shot are 
properly made on the score sheet, same not being 
changeable after two shots have been fired by the con¬ 
testants. 
The rule as to not shooting at pieces (broken targets) 
was fully explained, also the rule applying to “no tar¬ 
get” if the shooter shoots out of time. 
With a wave of the hand toward trap No. 1 and a 
hope that all will feel satisfied when the shoot closes, 
that the best men have won, the opening gun was fired 
at 9:30. 
The weather could not have been improved upon, as 
the clouds obscured the sun for a part of the day, and 
the wind, coming in facing, was a handicap. Everything 
moved off like clock-work from start to finish. Those 
coming in late were permitted to enter and shoot. 
Some of the 1912 leaders were not quite up to the 
front at the close. One Fred Bills, the well-known 
Chicago professional, and L. S. German, of Maryland, 
were at the top. each losing but 2 in the 150-program. 
H. C. Kirkwood, of Baltimore; W. H. Heer. formerly 
of Kansas, but now from Oklahoma, with C. G. Spencer, 
of St. Louis, were only one to the bad. Hawkins and 
Clancy close up with 146. 
The cream of the Western amateurs were present, yet 
they were not quite up to their best form, though Wm. 
Ridley, from Iowa, made 146, and incidentally made a 
run of 100 straight. C. E. Orr, of Illinois, and W. E. 
Hoon, of Iowa, “blew up” 145, with H. E. Snyder, of 
Kansas City, and Max Kneusel, of Ottawa, Ill., close 
with 144. For detailed score of your shooting friends 
we refer you to the scores herewith. 
DOUBLES. 
This being more of a novelty, was the attraction for 
the afternoon. There were a number of the shooters’ 
lady friends out, and they were interested in the skill 
that was exhibited by Mrs. Topp, when she blew the 
saucers into dust. Some of the best shots fell down a 
bit, and yet the way the second barrel reached out and 
“found” that second target was an “eye-opener.” The 
Kansas City lad, Harry Snyder, “came to the wire” first 
with 45. Harvey Dixon and H. E. Whitney “busted” 42, 
and others followed, as per scores. 
Only about half the amateurs present took part in 
this double event, as it appears from scores made, and 
new faces present, that members of many new clubs were 
taking part, being attracted by the Squier money-back 
system adopted for this shoot. 
The traveling experts had a race for supremacy, and 
when the official announcement was posted, there was 
one IT. A. Freeman with 47, Fred Bills 46. J. M. Hawkins 
and J. R. Taylor 45. The scores of the first day follow: 
*D D Gross... 
*C G Spencer. 
Wm Peck .... 
H Grindle ... 
*Ed O’Brien 
*F Bills . 
*W Crosby ... 
Bart Lewis ... 
90 
IT E Whitney. 
.... 95 
Sgls. 
Dbls. 
Sgls. 
90 
Dan Bovee . 
.... 81 
G I Toews.... 
134 
Wm Peck . 
. 141 
86 
G Nowell . 
.... 92 
*Guv Ward ... 
. 135 
35 
W B Cosby.... 
. 134 
98 
R W King. 
.... 84 
W T. Goeller... 
. 125 
S O’Brien .... 
. 122 
97 
I 7 I -uther . 
.... 89 
*H C Kirkwood 
. 147 
43 
W T Jordan.... 
. 128 
91 
*T A Marshall. 
.... 89 
*T T Skelly.... 
. 144 
33 
*W R Crosbv.. 
. 142 
96 
T F Caldwell. 
.... 92 
H E Snyder.... 
. 144 
45 
*J R Taylor... 
. 143 
91 
R Crane . 
.... 86 
Guy Cooper ... 
. 139 
H Grindle . 
. 133 
85 
W H Tones. 
.... 78 
*W H Heer... 
. 147 
44 
*H E Sherman 
. 140 
95 
E M Congdon. 
.... 79 
*G Maxwell ... 
. 144 
41 
T A Oram. 
. 118 
95 
Fd Jenkins . 
.... 74 
*D D Gross_ 
. 140 
40 
T Palmer . 
. 118 
99 
Wm Ridley . 
.... 95 
*C G Spencer.. 
. 147 
44 
II Hicks . 
. 138 
91 
T B Hayden. 
.... 81 
Geo Nicholai .. 
. 138 
35 
R Hamilton.... 
. 130 
33 
39 
45 
25 
35 
Ed Jenkins .... 
120 
28 
F E Miller. 
138 
f . 
V II Green. 
128 
34 
N Muncey. 
138 
Fred Bills .... 
148 
46 
H T McDaniel.. 
124 
Ed Varner . 
140 
A Williams .... 
119 
Bart Lewis . 
138 
37 
T S Williamson. 
121 
•L S German... 
148 
43 
F P Bender. 
114 
I C Davidson.. 
132 
27 
G R Mackie.... 
140 
*Mrs. Topperweinl42 
35 
W Wilson . 
140 
F Campbell ... 
145 
A Gillespie . 
139 
W S Hoon. 
141 
F Brand . 
137 
*H D Freeman. 
139 
47 
C B Eaton. 
143 
43 
H Dixon . 
143 
42 
*Dan Bovee .. 
136 
36 
*F Gilbert . 
143 
45 
T M Ehler. 
135 
37 
*H Clark . 
142 
44 
M Kneussell... 
144 
33 
H W Clay. 
133 
34 
R Thompson 
135 
41 
A C Connors.... 
128 
40 
S Rosson . 
104 
. „ 
Wm Wettleaf... 
142 
37 
*L Erhardt ... 
124 
G Hoyne . 
138 
30 
T S Thomas. 
132 
35 
Tom Clay . 
131 
35 
W A Smith.... 
132 
33 
IT Allen . 
136 
C Mossburg. 
109 
, , 
H E Whitney... 
136 
42 
R Crane . 
121 
30 
*H N Kirby... 
113 
30 
D I Parsons.... 
110 
F Luther . 
130 
30 
W H Clegg. 
108 
A M Mastin.... 
143 
38 
C E Orr. 
145 
*A W Killam... 
136 
34 
T Bell . 
133 
*T A Marshall.. 
138 
39 
Ed Harriman... 
125 
J F Caldwell.. 
136 
36 
lay Graham.... 
143 
43 
J Fullerton . 
111 
Dan Dahlene... 
139 
W II Tones.... 
111 
M L Holliday.. 
123 
*T M Hawkins. 
145 
45 
Toe Appleman.. 
125 
Wm Ridley . 
146 
41 
P D Watson.... 
128 
J B Hayden.... 
116 
G W Tenkins.. 
118 
32 
Joe Gray . 
138 
32 
Ed Mitchell.... 
104 
R W King. 
125 
T K Bovd. 
121 
A E Thomas... 
119 
A L Williams.. 
116 
G Yowell . 
120 
Dr E C Hill... 
107 
*Ed O’Brien ... 
143 
To 
Tohn Williams. 
116 
W C Williams.. 
139 
*R W Clancy.. 
146 
42 
C T Rankin... 
134 
Second Day, Aug. 15. 
This proved to be the “show me” and smiling day. 
When the last result had been chalked up on the score- 
board, there the shooters lingered and wondered as to 
the future possibilities cf this shooting game. It was 
regretted that a photographer was not present to preserve 
that wonderful high mark. 
Pat O’Connor, the weather man, was considerate and 
“shied” away the threatening forenoon clouds and set 
the wind to blow away out in Kansas, but not up nor 
down ihe Blue River Valley. The reader, an old-time 
shooter, like the writer, will readily see by the scores 
that all conditions of weather, traps, grounds, etc., were 
perfect, and the contestants entered into the spirit with 
congeniality, and a concentration of the one thought of 
making and breaking records with the scatter gun. 
There has long been a rivalry between Iowa and 
Missouri as to the number of top-notchers. Many times 
Nebraska men come in for a good share of the honors, 
but this year these good ones seem to be “laying” for 
the Denver shoot, and have deserted this Blue River 
Handicap. 
In glancing at the scores you will discover that 
there are three perfect ones — 150 straight. Well, well, 
Talk about your “show me,” I guess yes. Lend me 
your ear. C. B Eaton, Fayette, Mo.; H. E. Snvder, 
Kansas City, Mo.; Harvey Dixon, Oronogo, Mo. There 
you are shown, and what a grand showing it was. Don’t 
you wish you had been there? Bob could have easily 
taken care of one hundred more shooters. Don't miss 
this opportunity next shoot. You have heard of Eaton 
and Dixon before, but this man Snyder is a compara¬ 
tively' new man. Keep your eye on him. Other good 
scores were, made, viz.: Bart Lewis 144, F. Campbell 
144. W. S. Hoon 142, W. II. Clay 141. Tom Clay 140, 
Caldwell 141, William Ridley 145. William Peck 141, 
W. H. Hick 141, Max Kneuss! 141, R. Thompson 143, 
J S. Thomas 143, J. Graham 146, Don Morley 145. 
These for the amateurs. 
For the representatives, we find Clancy 147, Kirk¬ 
wood 144. Skelly 141. Heer 149, Maxwell 144, C. G. 
Spencer 145, Bills 146. German 147, Mrs. Topp 146, 
Freeman 143, Gilbert 146. H Clark 147, Killam 141, 
Marshall 143. Hawkins, 145, O’Brien 148, Crosby 14S, 
Taylor 143. There you are; take your choice. Not one 
cf them lost over seven; some c.ne and two. 
DOUBLES. 
Some good scores were made on this style of shoot¬ 
ing. There were some reversals of form shown from 
the previous day. Some very poor, some very high. 
In this, as well as Ihe singles, the amateur was lead¬ 
ing at the finish. When Fred Gilbert lost but one at 
one trap, and two at another, he was warmly congratu¬ 
lated by his friends, and had a smile for himself; but 
along came one Ridley and held up the Iowa end j)f the 
game with 48. See. Others right there, not to be 
gainsaid were Clancy 46, Dixon 46, H. Clark 45, J. 
Graham 45, R. Thompson 44. J. R. Taylor 43, Guy Ward 
42, Fred Bills 42, Whitney 42, Mastin 43, etc. 
The scores 
of the 
second 
day follow: 
Sgls. 
Dbls 
Sgls. 
Dbls, 
*R W Clancy. 
.. 147 
46 
W B Cosby.... 
.. 136 
G I Toews.... 
.. 123 
28 
W r l Tordan.... 
.. 131 
. . 
*Guy Ward .. 
.. 138 
42 
*W R Crosby.. 
. 148 
35 
W L Goeller.. 
.. 116 
31 
*T R Taylor.... 
.. 143 
43 
*H C Kirkwood. 144 
38 
IT Grindle . 
.. 139 
*J T Skelly... 
.. 141 
36 
*H E Sherman. 
. 136 
H E Snyder.. 
.. 150 
40 
T A Oram. 
.. 130 
Guy Cooper . 
.. 135 
32 
T D Watson.... 
.. 133 
*W H Heer... 
.. 149 
41 
W H Flicks.... 
.. 141 
*G Maxwell . 
.. 144 
40 
R Hamilton.... 
.. 138 
*D D Gross... 
.. 138 
37 
F E Miller ... 
,. 135 
*C G Spencer. 
.. 140 
40 
N Muncey .... 
.. 137 
Geo Nicholai . 
.. 143 
H T McDaniel. 
.. 133 
Ed Jenkins .. 
.. 126 
28 
A Williams .. 
.. 141 
33 
V H Green.... 
.. 136 
33 
T S Williams. 
.. 130 
*Fred Bills ... 
.. 146 
42 
F P Bender.. 
.. 115 
Ed Varner ... 
.. 143 
Tohn Bauer... 
.. 129 
34 
Bart Lewis ... 
... 144 
W Wilson .... 
.. 138 
*L German ... 
... 147 
38 
A Gillespie.... 
.. 132 
