The Great Horsethief Shootout

RBC I The Colorado Mule Deer Association is announcing the first annual Great Horsethief Shootout to be held Saturday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area in Fruita. Competitive shooters are invited to enter individual and team competitions, including men’s, women’s and kids’ sporting clay, five-person team sporting clay, and 3D archery.  First, second and third prizes will be awarded to the top competitors.Congressman Scott Tipton and former Congressman Tom Tancredo are scheduled to participate in the clay shooting competition. Department of Natural Resources director Mike King and newly-appointed Colorado Parks and Wildlife director Rick Cables are also scheduled to attend.The event will also feature instructional archery, black powder and trap shooting classes. Kids can enjoy shooting in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife .22 rifle range.“This is going to be a fantastic event,” said CMDA field representative Denny Behrens. “We invite the public to join us and enjoy some great shooting competition.”In addition to providing an opportunity for spirited competition, organizers hope the event will highlight the need for a public shooting facility in the Grand Valley.“With the number of people interested in hunting and shooting in this area, we need a first-class facility that can be used for education and practice and events like this one,” said Ron Velarde, regional manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.Behrens added, “We believe a great turnout and a successful event will help spark interest in a much-needed facility.”Free barbecue and door prizes will be given to attendees and on-site parking will be available.In conjunction with the shooting event, the Colorado Mule Deer Association will hold their annual banquet and live auction at the Two Rivers Convention Center later that evening.The shoot is limited to 300 participants, so register as soon as possible by going to www.coloradomuledeer.org, or by calling Denny Behrens at (970)261-2513, or Lynn Ensley at (970)241-9556.