U. OF t. tJOBAHA-COASiPAlGM 
950 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Dec. it, 1909. 
The Interstate Association’s Annual 
Meeting. 
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Inter¬ 
state Association was held at the Imperial Hotel, Jersey 
City, N. J., Dec. 2, 1909, at 10:30 A. M. The meeting 
was called to order by President T. H. Keller. 
optional as to entrance, that its popularity would be 
enhanced. I think it might be well to consider the 
advisability of establishing a double target championship 
event. Such an event could be scheduled in connection 
with the Grand American Handicap tournament. 
The tournament work for the season is summarized as 
follows: 
THE SOUTHERN HANDICAP. 
The roll call showed the following members present: 
Union Metallic Cartridge Co., by A. F. Hebard; E. I. 
du Pont de Nemours Powder Co., by J. T. Skelly; 
Remington Arms Co., by T. A. Marshall; Hunter Arms 
Co., by John Hunter; Winchester Repeating Arms Co., 
by S. G. Lewis; Parker Bros., by W. F. Parker; The 
Peters Cartridge Co., by T. H. Keller; Chamberlain 
Cartridge & Target Co., by Paul North ; • Lefever Arms 
Co., by A. H. Durston; the American Powder Mills, by 
Murray Ballou; A. H. Fox Gun Co., by A. H. Fox; 
the Western Cartridge Co., by F. W. Olin; J. H. Lau & 
Co., by R. A. Lau; Edward Banks and A. W. Higgins, 
of the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Powder Co.; B. 
Waters and P. Kobbe, of Forest and Stream; H. S. 
Rosenthal and L. Werk, of Sportsmen’s Review, and E. 
C. Stark, of Sporting Life, honorary members .of the 
Association, were also present, as was Elmer E. Shaner, 
secretary-manager of the Association. L. C. Parker, of 
Parker Bros., was present by invitation. 
The minutes of the last annual meeting, those of the 
special meeting held Jan. 27, 1909, and those of the sev¬ 
eral mail votes taken during the year, were read and 
approved. 
Mr. A. H. Durston, treasurer, presented his report for 
the year. The report was received, approved and filed. 
The secretary-manager’s report was also received, ap¬ 
proved and filed. 
The by-laws committee, through its chairman, Mr. 
John Hunter, presented its report, which was received 
and adopted. 
Working under the new by-laws, a board of directors 
was duly elected and the stockholders’ meeting ad¬ 
journed at 12:45 P. M. 
Our spring treat, the Southern Handicap tournament, 
was scheduled for Nashville, Tenn., May 4, 5 and. 6, 
under the auspices of the Cumberland Park Club. Being 
the initial tournament, it partook somewhat of the nature 
of a reunion. Old acquaintances met, shook hands, 
chatted a few minutes, and then repaired to beautiful 
Cumberland Park, where for the next three days they 
secured supreme enjoyment through taking part in one 
of the best tournaments ever given south of the Mason 
and Dixon line. This was the second time that Nash¬ 
ville conducted the Southern Handicap, and the high 
mark made in the first tournament was greatly ex¬ 
celled m the meeting of this year. So pleased .were the 
Cumberland Park Club members over the outcome 
of the competition that at its conclusion they whispered, 
“Why not make a try for the Grand .American Handicap 
tournament in 1910?” This idea is in no way faij 
fetched, as this club has the grounds, equipment and 
other necessary appointments for the holding of Amer¬ 
ica’s blue ribbon event. The Southern Handicap is now 
so well established that several prominent cities in. the 
South are making a bid for it in 1910. Surely this is 
strong evidence of its popularity. 
Directors’ Meeting. 
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the 
Grand Hotel, New York City, Dec. 2, at 2:30 P. M. The 
meeting was called to order by Mr. T. H. Keller with 
Elmer E. Shaner acting as secretary. The following 
officers were elected to serve during the ensuing year: 
President, A. F. Hebard; Vice-President, F. W. Olin; 
Treasurer, A. H. Durston; Secretary-Manager, Elmer E. 
Shaner. 
Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 24, 1909. 
To the President, Officers and Members of the Inter¬ 
state Association: 
Gentlemen—A most pleasant duty again confronts me. It 
is the presentation of the annual report of the transactions 
of the Secretary-Manager’s office for the year just closing. 
For years it has been an agreeable action on my part to 
come before you and give a detailed account of the 
workings of my office. The season now drawing to a 
close has been, in my opinion, the most successful in the 
history of the Association. Again our members are to 
be congratulated on the results directly and indirectly 
achieved, and on the assurance that the efforts of the 
Association to 1 give satisfaction have been abundantly 
crowned with success. I feel safe in saying that for 
downright enthusiasm, trapshooting is to-day second 
only to the wonderful American National game—baseball. 
Looking over the almost two decades of my connec¬ 
tion with your organization, I find that in no instance 
was it ever necessary to record anything but success. 
“Sports may come and sports may go,” but trapshooting 
has ever been in the ascendancy, and to-day numbers 
more followers than at any time in its history. There is 
no doubt that much of this success rests with the sub¬ 
stantial support given the sport by the Interstate Associa¬ 
tion. Our organization, it is conceded, has placed trap¬ 
shooting on a high plane, and standardized it in every 
department. I can say without fear of possible contra¬ 
diction that the advancement and stimulus given to the 
sport in consequence of the Association’s work can 
hardly be pver-estimated. 
REGISTERED TOURNAMENTS. 
THE GRAND AMERICAN HANDICAP. 
America’s classic event, the Grand American Handi¬ 
cap tournament, was held in Chicago, Ill., June 22 to 
25, on the grounds of the Chicago Gun Club. lhe 
Grand American Handicap needs no eulogy. What the 
Olympic games were to Greece, the Turnverem to 
Germany, and the world’s series of baseball games to 
America', such is the Grand American Handicap to the 
world of trapshooting. Renowned from its incipiency, 
the Grand American Handicap has gone on, year in 
and year out, marking a page in the history of trap¬ 
shooting. There is no need to descant further. Har- 
bingers indicating its coming appear weeks before the 
scheduled dates. There is a bustling among men who 
derive so much pleasure from shotgun handling. I his 
year’s Grand American Handicap was like all others—a 
splendid concourse of the most skilled trapshooters 
extant The tournament in number of entries was the 
third largest ever held, the first in this respect being 
held on the same grounds in 1907. I see no reason for 
changing the schedule of events for this particular tour¬ 
nament unless it should be the elimination of the 
double targets from the Preliminary Handicap and the 
Amateur and Professional Championships. 
THE EASTERN HANDICAP. 
Buffalo, N. Y., had the honor of conducting the fourth 
T-T o t-i .J i n fmirnamprit it ItpITIGT tldd UIlQCf thC 
The second year of this departure has demonstrated 
that a coup was made in the adoption of the registered 
tournament idea. No longer is it possible to find a dis¬ 
senter to the plan. Stricter regulations were enforced 
covering registration; but, despite this fact, the records 
show almost as many tournaments registered in 1909 as 
in 1908. Gun club officials are now well posted as to the 
rules and regulations covering registered tournaments, 
and are aware of the fact that said rules and regulations 
are made to be lived up to. They also understand that 
registration gives a tournament importance, permanency 
in the authorized records and the dignity which comes 
from good auspices. The department of records, which 
has been established in my office since the registered 
tournament idea went into force, contains the records of 
more than 8,000 trap shooters in every section of the 
country, from Maine to California and from the Domin¬ 
ion of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The idea is work¬ 
ing so well at the present time that I think it unneces¬ 
sary to make any suggestions looking toward the en¬ 
largement of its field. So few tournaments of note 
were unregistered in 1909, that they were conspicuous by 
reason of this fact. 
affairs in the trapshooting world that it has become an 
indispensability to the sport, which to a large extent 
depends on its existence. Trapshooters throughout the 
country recognize the Association as the parent organi¬ 
zation, and its guiding influence is conceded by them. 
In this connection I would again state that in no way 
can the manufacturer contribute more to the general 
interest of trapshooting than by adding this influence to 
the efforts of the Interstate Association. 
iiuttalo, jn . x ., naa me nonor ui cuuuuu.™ - --' 
Eastern Handicap tournament, it being held under “l® 
auspices of the Audubon Gun Club, July 20, 21 and 22. 
The Audubon Gun Club is one of the oldest and best 
known organizations located in Eastern Handicap terri- 
tory Its selection for the Eastern Handicap met with 
general approval, and the organization bore out every 
expectation. The equipment was strictly up-to-date, the 
club members were hospitable to the highest degree, and 
every visitor was well pleased with the reception he re¬ 
ceived. The records were exceptionally good, and, 
barring inclement weather, there w'as nothing to mar 
the success of the tournament from beginning to end. 
NEXT YEAR’S GRAND AMERICAN HANDICAP. 
It is hardly necessary for me to touch on this feature. 
The recommendation contained in my last, year’s annual 
report was taken up and the Tournament Committee in¬ 
structed to look into the matter of leasing some particu¬ 
lar grounds on which to hold this tournament for a 
period of years. . The Tournament Committee has made 
its recommendation to the members, and action will no 1 
doubt be taken at the annual meeting. 
THE WESTERN HANDICAP. 
The Western Handicap tournament was held in St. 
Paul Minn., Aug. 10, 11 and 12, under the auspices ot 
the St. Paul Rod and Gun Club. For the first time 
since its inception, this event was held in what rnight 
be called “new territory,” the previous Western Handi ; 
cap tournaments being conducted west of the Mississippi 
River. Picturesque grounds, with a charming vista of 
historical spots, and contiguous to the poet’s dream, 
Minnehaha Falls, and noted Fort Snelling, the visit to 
this locality was in itself a treat to the visitors—to say 
nothing of the untiring efforts of the club’s chief execu¬ 
tive who lost no opportunity to make welcome and 
entertain the club’s guests. The enthusiasm manifested 
and renewed interest taken tend to make new devotees 
of trapshooting—one of the prime objects of our Asso¬ 
ciation. The St. Paul tournament yielded these, and 
much more, for our encouragement. It is especially 
pleasing to mention that the number of entries was a 
record creator for the subsidiary handicaps. The results 
will redound to the benefit of our members. 
DOUBLE TARGETS. 
Double target shooting is growing in ‘favor. It is true 
that there was considerable opposition to double target 
shooting at the beginning of the season of 1909, but as 
the season advanced this style of shooting gained de¬ 
cidedly in favor, and it would seem to me that with a 
few changes it could be made one of the most popular 
numbers on our programme. It has been suggested by 
a number of prominent trapshooters in touch with the 
situation that if double target shooting was not com¬ 
bined with single target shooting, but given a place on 
the programme as a distinct event of its own and 
GENERAL AND PARTICULAR. 
The matter of new by-laws, and rules and regulations 
to govern registered tournaments, has been given care¬ 
ful consideration and will come before this year’s meet- 
mg for adoption. Each member of the Association has 
received a copy of the proposed changes in order that he 
may familiarize himself with them and be prepared to act 
accordingly. 
lhe Committee on the Revision of Trap Rules has 
also completed its work, and each member of the Asso¬ 
ciation has been furnished with a copy of the 1909 re¬ 
vision. 
Few members of the Association are familiar with the 
Secretary-Manager’s office, with its complete up-to-date 
equipment, its records, its files and all matters pertain¬ 
ing to the Interstate Association for the past seventeen 
years. The office consists of three rooms well equipped 
with modern cabinets, and a thorough card index system 
in vogue by which the record of any trapshooter can be 
ascertained at a glance. I ■ would respectfully suggest 
that our members pay the Secretary-Manager’s office a 
visit and see for themselves the immense amount of 
detail in connection with the work of the Association. 
An idea of its magnitude can be found in the state¬ 
ment that during’ the trapshooting season the outgoing 
mail exceeds one thousand letters per month. 
THE PACIFIC COAST HANDICAP. 
The Pacific Coast Handicap tournament was held at 
Seattle, Wash., Aug. 24, 25 and 26, under the auspices 
of the West Seattle Gun Club. This was the fourth 
Pacific Coast Handicap, and it is a matter of record that 
it was by far the most successful of the quartet, lhe 
attendance reached three figures, being made up largely 
of contestants from the inland empire with a fair 
sprinkling from Canadian provinces. Good fellows to a 
man, they entered into the sport with genuine fervor, 
and as a result the competition was keen to the echo. 
Each of the principal events required a shoot-off to 
determine the winner of the trophies presented by the In¬ 
terstate Association. The splendid success scored by the 
tournament shows the wisdom of the Association’s action 
in reconsidering its decision to not give a Pacific Coast 
Handicap tournament in 1909. The outcome of the 
tournament justifies the continuation of the Pacific Coast 
Handicap tournament in our circuit. 
IN CONCLUSION. 
THE FUTURE. 
For 1910 I can only repeat what I have said in pre¬ 
vious annual reports. The outlook is most promising, 
and I can see no reason to expect anything but a con¬ 
tinuance of this prospect. The Interstate Association’s 
fame is established and all rules promulgated by it are 
universally accepted. The Association is so firmly rooted 
and grounded, so mixed up in the warp and woof of 
In closing my report for 1909 it is agreeable for me 
to tender thanks to the members of the Association, and 
also to the members of the various committees for their 
kind and generous conduct to me in all transactions 
connected with my department. I would also extend 
thanks to the sportsmen’s journals for the attention 
they have displayed in our organization and its objects, 
and express my gratitude to them for the clever way in 
which they have kept the Association’s doings before 
the public. 
Very respectfully submitted. 
Elmer E. Shaner, Sec’y-Mgr. 
The minutes of the last directors’ meeting and those 
of the mail votes taken during the year were duly ap¬ 
proved. The committee on trap rules presented a thor¬ 
ough revision of the rules, which was received and 
adopted. Every point pertinent to trapshooting com¬ 
petition is covered clearly, fully and free from am¬ 
biguity. Redundancies have been eliminated, the differ¬ 
ent matters have been classified and grouped in their 
proper relations, cross references supplement related 
points and definitions amplify still further every important 
phrase. The revised trap rules will be given to the 
public at an early date. 
The committee on rules and regulations governing 
registered tournaments presented its report, which was 
received and adopted. 
By resolution a vote of thanks from the Association 
was tendered the several committees for their efficient 
work. 
By resolution it was decided that after 1909 the season’s 
averages for professionals shall be computed on 1200 or 
more single targets shot at the Southern Handicap 
tournament, the Grand American Handicap tournament, 
the Eastern Handicap tournament, the Western Handicap 
tournament, the Pacific Coast Handicap tournament, and 
the post series tournament given by the Association. 
By resolution it was decided that a post series tourn- 
nament be given by the Association in September or 
October of 1910. This tournament will be open to only 
such amateurs as have qualified hy shooting at 2000 or 
more single targets, in registered tournaments held 
during the year 1910, previous to the time the post series 
tournament is given, and to such professionals as have 
shot at the qualifying number (1200) and have made an 
average of 90 per cent, or better. 
Upon motion the directors’ meeting adjourned at 
5:30 P. M. to meet the following day at 10 A. M. 
The adjourned meeting of the directors was called to 
order at 10:20 A. M., Dec. 3, with President Hebard in 
the chair. After roll call, new business was at once 
taken up where left off. 
By resolution it was decided that hereafter the Pre¬ 
liminary Handicap at the several tournaments given by 
the Association shall be shot at single targets only. 
By resolution it was decided that an additional event 
of 10 pairs be scheduled at each of the Association’s sub¬ 
sidiary handicaps. 
By resolution the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co., of 
Chicopee Falls, Mass., was duly elected a member of the 
Association. 
The resignation of the Dickey Bird Target & Trap Co. 
was presented, and on motion accepted. 
By resolution the location of the principal office of 
the Association was changed from Oakland, N. J., to be 
in and at the office of the Corporation Trust Co., 15 
Exchange Place, Jersey City, N. J. 
By resolution the sending of a team of trapshooters to 
the Olympic games of 1910 was indorsed. 
Bv resolution it was decided that the sale of liquor 
on the shooting grounds at any tournament given directly 
by the Association be prohibited. 
By resolution it was decided to request gun club sec¬ 
retaries of - registered tournaments to manifold their re- 
