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STOPPING RIFLE CLINIC
A high-caliber weekend retreat in Idaho

Idaho’s Flying B Ranch hosted the first-ever Stopping Rifle Clinic from March 30 to April 1, 2007. A collaboration between Chris Goll, Alaska bear hunting legend, and Butch Searcy of Searcy Custom Rifles, the event featured seminars and field-shooting experience geared to big-game hunters. Butch Searcy discussed double rifles, Chris Goll covered Alaskan big game, outdoor writer Tom Turpin discussed bolt-action rifles, and the NRA’s Steve Tursley gave a presentation on antique 2-bore and 4-bore rifles. Keith and Niki Atcheson were on hand with a presentation on the anatomy of a Cape buffalo attack as well as tips for hunting and international travel.

In addition to the seminars, participants got plenty of field-shooting experience with big-bore double and bolt-action rifles. Shooting opportunities were on pop-up targets ranging from leopards and rhino to grizzly bears, as well as a charging Cape buffalo target on rails, leopards in trees, and life-size elephant targets at appropriate heights. 

The inaugural event hosted ten paying clients with a range of experience levels from beginners to experienced double-rifle aficionados. Future classes are expected to be capped at eighteen students. E-mail Dan at the Flying B for information on next year’s seminar: danb@flyingbranch.com --Keith and Niki Atcheson