The sun had set, the lights were on and the wind had died down…the perfect conditions for shooting.

The Tri-Star had put up a pretty decent round an hour before. Now the decision had to be made. Should the next round be registered? A good portion of the whole team had shown up tonight and there was magic in the air. All the tea leaves said yes, count it.

The line was started on station 2. The birds were flying consistent and seemed to draw the Tri-Star‘s barrel into the perfect point of break. It felt so right…it was automatic. Station 3 and 4, same scenario. The Tri-Star was doing all the work and grinding up bird after bird. Could this be the night? Station 5 loomed. The heart was starting to pound. The first bird on five was a hard right, the Tri-Star came off the hold point, led the bird by a foot, fired…followed through and a solid break. Another one ground up.

Number 1 station was all that was left. The temperature was cold, every breath was visible. Steady, keep concentrating, control the breathing, stay into the gun, follow through, feet placement. Come on heart, slow down a bit. 24 straight so far. Could this be the night? The final bird, a straight away…no excuses, it’s the easiest shot and it wasn’t a hard left. Could this be the night? The Tri-Star pulled into position. Floated the bird 35 yards out. Just got to break this last bird. Squeeze the trigger, don’t flinch.

Yes, tonight was the night.