A few did. Most did not and received an additional 1-minute penalty.
The title came down to four seasoned guides, last year’s runner-up, Greg “Hodge” Hodson, last year’s second-place finisher, Travis Wilcox, newcomer Jameson Parker and last year’s champion, Alan Brackett.
Parker was the first of the four to take on the course. His time, 4:53, was among the fastest, but three penalties knocked him to third place when the competition ended.
Hodge was next. He covered the course in a stellar 4:45, had his hunting license with him, but missed one clay, making him nervous watching the remaining guides.
“I can’t believe I missed it,” he said. “I put in my improved choke for this. Most of us use full chokes because we only shoot when getting a cripple.”
Wilcox followed Hodge and finished the course four seconds slower in 4:49, but went three for three in the shooting and had no other penalties.
Last year’s champ drew the final slot, but last year’s luck wasn’t with Alan Brackett. Boat trouble and missing all three shots, he coasted into the dock at 5:41 with three penalties.
“I knew when I missed the shot it was over,” he said.
Wilcox, happy everything went smoothly for the win, and especially for the prize, a Weatherby PA-08 Synthetic Waterfowler 12-gauge, celebrated with a cannonball into the cold bay water as the crowd cheered.
Look for more photos from the event, including the face-painting contest and Wilcox’s celebration, soon at lsonews.com.
