2016 NOSA Activities or Events (New Ontario Shooters Association)

Here find details of the 2016 shooting activities and related events at NOSA, the family-friendly Thunder Bay rifle and pistol shooting club. Events or subjects are in approximate date order (usually based on the earliest date if an activity is spread out).

This page is also intended to show some of our members' photos in club and related activities in and about Thunder Bay, Ontario -- or wherever our members travel for competitions or sport. We also feature some of their favourite wildlife photos. (See near bottom of this page.)

At the end of each calendar year, a particular year's activities and photos will still be available on its own NOSA page. For other years, see the top of the current Recent Activities webpage using the link at left.

If you have an objection to a particular image of yourself or your family member, send an email to the Webmaster and that image or the complete photo will be removed from the website.

Click on any individual images here to see a larger view.

NOSA Indoor Shooting at Arnone Range -- 18 Sep 2015 through 13 May 2016

The fall to spring indoor shooting schedule began at Arnone Range:
--- on Friday, 18 Sep 2015 for Adult Shooters;
--- on Wednesday, 23 Sep 2015 for Junior Shooters.

In May there was an extension of two Fridays for the Adults. Junior Shooters who were going to their Dryden Shoot also had more practice sessions in May.

NOSA Gun Show in Murillo -- Saturday and Sunday, 12 & 13 March 2016

This annual NOSA Spring Gun Show featured the opportunity for the public to buy, sell, or trade: Guns, Knives, Ammunition, Collectors' Cartridges, Reloading Supplies, Optics, and Accessories. A food concession was also run by NOSA.

Location: Oliver Paipoonge Township Community Centre, 4569 Oliver Road, Murillo, Ontario.

Show Hours for the Public were Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission was $4.00 each day, and free for those under 12 when accompanied by an adult.

NOSA had an information display about our Club, and our activities promoting the shooting sports including our Junior Shooters Program. This show provides some of the annual funding for the Juniors.

We appreciate the many NOSA volunteers who made this show a success. Trevor B. organized the event and Bob M. ran the kitchen with the assistance of Don K., Charlene K., Warren W. and Bob's grandson, Kaleb M. Helping with setup and admittance and teardown were most of the usual suspects including Trapper-John A., Merv A., Steve B. (who also took the pix here), Eddy B., Rick B., Dana C., Barry E., John Gi., George H., Bob J., Dave L., Jo-Anne L., Ray M., Tony M., Larry P., John Sa., and Gord S. The club information table was organized by Dave L. and Jo-Anne L. and capably staffed on both days by Juniors Cassandra C., Cassidy J., Kayla L., Aryanna M., and Mae W-G. -- and on Sunday with further assistance from Brenton T., Mliss T., Sasha T., and Victoria T.

On Friday afternoon we gathered to bring out the folding tables and chairs, arrange them, and then help the exhibitors haul in their weighty fare. George H. provided some extra folding tables. Saturday and Sunday mornings started with Bob's crew and their hearty and most welcome breakfasts. Saturday morning found a large rush from the public and 560 adults visited that day, breaking our record. Sunday morning's crowd was lighter (as often happens because of the time change) but eventually 208 adults came in. A very good weekend's attendance.

C.F.O. representatives Deb Bissonnette from Thunder Bay Police and April McKnight from the O.P.P. were there to capably advise the public about firearms legislation and licensing procedures. Their helpful information was greatly appreciated, and it was a credit to the C.F.O. having these friendly and totally professional ladies present. April was joined on Sunday by her charming daughters Ava and Lilly.

Of course this show could not have succeeded without the tremendous support of the vendors and exhibitors, most of whom have been with us for many years. Thank you all very much indeed.

Friday afternoon folks lay out tables & chairs	while Bob & crew prep the kitchen	All hands on deck to help now as
vendors set up their sales displays	Saturday A.M. breakfast is on our minds	as Kaleb & Bob & Don cook quickly
while Warren & Charlene serve folks	Warren is quick on the pour	and then has time to visit Spencer
Stan & Wayne prepare for the opening	Susan & Wes are always all smiles	Roy is helped by daughter Easton
while Terry's son Jerry looks on	Knifesmith Tim confers with pal Danny	C.F.O. Rep Deb B. is in fine humour
Rick G. (center) is with Bob J. & Chris C.	Jeff B. is our resident B.P. historian	Jerry & Terry soon after the show opens
Tim R. points out features from his art	It's getting busier now, for a record	Mae helps out a young visitor
Li wolfs down one of Bob's prize burgers	Dale checks out a fine hammer-double	Mae & Aryanna & Cassidy with muffins & trinkets
Albert is always there to help John	Bud & Fred assisted by Gord S.	Jo-Anne with Cassidy & Kayla & Mae
Chatting between customers	Dana & Bob confer as Warren watches	Charlene is smiling throughout
C.F.O. Rep April M. on Sunday is	later joined by daughters April & Ava	The NOSA table has some new additions
with Victoria & Mliss & Sasha & Brenton	Dan G. demo's T. Roosevelt theme	Gary B. from Great Northern Gun Works
Tim Ross makes a very good point	Sunday's end John & Albert pack up	Our volunteers are almost finished now
but for a final sweep by Kayla & Cassidy

NOSA Annual General Meeting -- Sunday, 20 March 2016

Location. NOSA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held from 1:00 p.m. at the West Arthur Community Centre (located on Arthur St. W., on the south side of the street near the intersection with Mapleward Road). Refreshments were available.

This AGM's agenda included presentation of the annual budget and discussion of club business.

A number of dates were announced for future club activities and they have now been posted on our Upcoming Activities webpage. [More information will be added as some event dates and details are finalized, so check back sometime.]

Warren reported that 21 new members had passed the club safety course this past year, with scores ranging from 89 to 98 percent.

Range Matters. Three members will be attending Range and Safety Officer courses. Safety vests will be available in the club sign-in box at Nolalu that should be worn by members while proceeding downrange on the 200, or particularly the 300, metre ranges to enhance their visibility. Nolalu safety flags will be updated also, and when the flags are acquired that information will be added here to the Range Rules webpage.

A working group has been formed to update the NOSA Constitution. Member input also will be solicited through a future News Update email.

Volunteers at all the club activities over this past year were thanked by a grateful Executive.

NOSA Junior Shooters Easter Shoot -- Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Report by Dave L. The Easter Shoot for 2016 was a great success for the Juniors with 12 participants total. The Juniors would like to thank the Executive and Membership for their support and funding the Event as well as Gerry K. for providing refreshments for the after shoot party. Special thanks to the volunteers George H., Dave L, & Don M. running and organizing the Event and Don M. also taking these pictures for the website. Another special thanks to Jo-Anne L. & Kayla L. for baking and decorating cupcakes and organizing prizes. Happy Easter to Everyone.

NOSA Junior Shooters End of Year Indoor Shoot -- Wednesday, 04 May 2016

A great turnout for the end of season shoot with 16 participants total. Hard to believe the season is already over. The Juniors would like to thank the Executive and Members for their support throughout the year. The Executives have provided great snacks, pizza, prizes, etc. Special thanks to Gerry K. for always providing the refreshments. Another thanks to all the great Volunteers who made every week a great couple of hours of fun shooting: George H, Don M, Dave V, Bob J, Chris C, Jo-Anne L, and Kayla L.

Thank you all for your support and I am already looking forward to the 2016-2017 Season. Please have a safe summer. Dave L.

10 & Under:
Competition Target: Courage 89xxx, River 82xx, Carly 82x
Competition Shoot-the-Ground-Hog Target: River 67, Xander 63, Courage 38

Senior Group:
Competition Target: Kayla 90xxxx, Cassidy 88xx, Brenton 84xx
Competition Shoot-the-Ground-Hog Target: Cassidy 76, Sasha 70x, Kayla 56

NOSA Outdoor Shooting at Nolalu Range -- 05 May Through 30 Oct 2016

The Nolalu Range is available to all members between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on four days of the week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) during these months.

During many of these NOSA hours you might be shooting alone. But there are certain periods when you are more likely to enjoy the shooting company of your fellows. Typically there are more folks present during the day on Sundays, or during the evening on Thursdays. Save some gas and car pool out there with fellow members.

The Thursday evening gathering is informal and known as the Thursday Night Irregulars, but all NOSA members are welcome. Folks tend to brew coffee there and bring home-baked goods to share. Don't be shy about your hardware. There are lots of neat guns to admire, and sometimes shoot, but also lots of practical iron. Looks like great fun, and NOSA members are encouraged to come out.

Safety Note: Remember that only the 25 metre pistol range is approved for handguns.

NOSA Junior Shooters Dryden Shoot -- Saturday & Sunday, 28 & 29 May 2016

Dave L. reports: Where to begin ... Congratulations to all Junior Shooters who competed over the weekend. I was greatly impressed with the dedication of all the Juniors from both Clubs; you all truly made this a memorable and joyful event. For many of the Shooters there were some first time personal bests, which were definitely noticed in the results. A grateful thank you to The Dryden Rifle & Pistol Club Executive, Volunteers and Coaches who helped to make this event possible, as well as to our NOSA Volunteers. I would also like to express a thank you to all the parents who have supported both Clubs and encouraged their children to be involved in such a great sport. Looking forward to planning future events!

The Dryden Rifle & Pistol Club Junior Shooters in this event were: Ben, Brita, Colby, Colton, Ian, Kiegan, Lori, Mark, Owen, Paige, Seth, and Tiffany.

The NOSA Junior Shooters in this event were: Aryanna, Austin, Austyn, Brenton, Cassandra, Kayla, Mae, Mliss, Sasha, and Victoria.

Overall Score Age 11-15 (6 Targets total 3-Standing, 3-Prone)
1st Mark, Dryden Score 575; 2nd Sasha, Thunder Bay Score 569; 3rd Paige, Dryden Score 568.

Overall Score Age 16-18 (6 Targets total 3-Standing, 3-Prone)
1st Kiegan, Dryden Score 568; 2nd Ian, Dryden Score 567; 3rd Brita, Dryden Score 541.

Top 3 Prone Shooters (3 Targets total)
1st Paige, Dryden Score 300; 2nd Victoria, Thunder Bay Score 297; 3rd Ben, Dryden Score 296.

Top 3 Standing Shooters (3 Targets total)
1st Mark, Dryden Score 284; 2nd Sasha, Thunder Bay Score 275; 3rd Kiegan, Dryden Score 273.

Click on the individual images here (taken by Cheryl M.) to see a larger view.

Nolalu Range Workparty -- Saturday, 16 July

Terry D., our Properties Chairperson, scheduled some Nolalu range maintenance for this Saturday.

Kakabeka Falls Gun Show -- Saturday, 20 August 2016

This annual one day event was held by NOSA at the Kakabeka Falls Legion. Show Hours for the Public were 09:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission was $4.00, and free for those under 12 when accompanied by an adult. An excellent kitchen was run by the always helpful Legion staff.

NOSA had an information display at the show about the NOSA Club, and our activities promoting the shooting sports including our Junior Shooters Program.

We appreciate the many NOSA volunteers who made this show a success. Glenn H. organized the event, ably assisted by Trevor B. Helping with setup and admittance and teardown were Trapper-John A. (who also provided overnight security), Merv A., Steve B. (who also took the pix here), Dana C., George H., Dave L., Jo-Anne L., Kayla L., Bob M., Ray M., Tony M., and Warren W.

Vendors who exhibited are thanked for their enthusiastic participation and good humour. It was gratifying to watch them carefully demonstrate their goods and patiently provide technical and historical information. Besides helping to make sales, such actions are beneficial towards educating the public and encouraging our sport.

Vendors are also thanked for diligently following show rules. There were a couple of exceptions who packed up much too early and will not be returning.

Attendance from the public was good, with 361 adults. While it has sometimes been higher, this year there were a number of competing fairs and activities around Thunder Bay. Our events are booked a full year in advance, so there is no practical way to completely avoid potential conflicting events, during our all too short summer.

The Kakabeka Falls Farmers' Market was on Saturday Morning, giving us an opportunity to buy fresh vegetables and many other goodies from the fine folks who set up outside the Legion hall. The baked goods were delicious.

On Friday our volunteers set up	and John S. is first vendor here	Stan & Wayne K. have finished their setup
Early Saturday, Legion Staff prep breakfast	and good folks soon enjoy the repast	Jamie Black does really fine work
Jo-Anne L. and Dana C. at our NOSA Table	Public is arriving now	Outside the Farmers' Market soon begins
Fred J. is always ready to serve	John S. is a fount of knowledge	John A. and Albert H. know their stuff
Lots more folks are arriving	Rick G. is always very interesting	Tim R. with extensive edged tools
Wayne S. and Joe C. with their militaria	Wes W. & Susan C. are always smiling	Bud M. has a very nice selection
Fish & Game display aerial photo of ranges	Gary B. from Great Northern Gun Works	4 P.M. and Spencer starts to pack
Time to go and we all fade away

Nolalu Range Workparty -- Sunday, 21 Aug 2016

Terry D., our Properties Chairperson, completed some Nolalu range work -- mounting all the aluminium roof fascia, with the capable assistance of Dana C., John Gi., and Brian R. Terry took these pix of the work and crew.

Aluminium fascia was mounted all around

Dana C. with John Gi. and Brian R.

Trappers Association Turkey Shoot at Nolalu Shooting Range -- Sunday, 11 Sep 2016

This Northwestern Fur Trappers Association Shoot was be held at the Nolalu Range from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There were good prizes.

Trapper-John A. officiated and reported that attendance was quite low this year.

NOSA Indoor Shooting at Arnone Range -- 21 Sep 2016 through 28 Apr 2017

The fall to spring indoor shooting schedule began at Arnone Range:
--- on Wednesday, 21 Sep 2016 for Junior Shooters;
--- on Friday, 23 Sep 2016 for Adult Shooters.

NOSA Club Appreciation Shoot and BBQ at Nolalu Range -- Sunday, 25 Sep 2016

This traditional shoot for all NOSA club members, Adults and Junior Shooters, included a BBQ with food and beverages provided free by NOSA.

This annual event is in appreciation of the volunteerism and support shown by all members, whether at special events or just in the day to day help provided to others.

Don M. later reported: "It was a good day, even with the few rain drops. Bob M. did an excellent job of BBQing as usual, and John A. had things organized so things ran smoothly. Bob J. and Cassidy cleaned up on the 25 yard range along with a couple on the 100 yard as well. All in all it was an excellent outing."

Moose (or Deer) Sight-In Session at Nolalu Shooting Range -- Sunday, 02 Oct 2016

This service for the public was held on Sunday, 02 October at the Nolalu Range from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is jointly hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and NOSA.

Members of the public who shot paid $5.00 for use of the range (this fee is used to cover the cost of insurance).

Bill K. reported: "You couldn't ask for a nicer day for the Sight-in! Lots of volunteers and shooters." And Bill kindly provided the following photos.

Junior Shooters Halloween Shoot -- Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Here is the Shoot Report thanks to Dave L.
"The Halloween Shoot for 2016 was a great success for the Juniors with 12 Participants total. The Juniors would like to thank the Executive and Membership for their support and funding the Event as well as Gerry K. for providing refreshments for the after shoot party. Special thanks to the volunteers George H., Dave L, and Don M. running and organizing the Event; Don M. taking pictures for the website; Jo-Anne L. and Sarah F. for scoring targets. Another special thanks to Jo-Anne L. and Kayla L. for baking and decorating cupcakes and organizing prizes. Have a Happy and Safe Halloween to Everyone."

Each shooting category and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place results follow:
Competition Target 10 and Under: Courage 84XX, Carly 80XXX, Xander 70X
Competition Target Senior Group: Mliss 87XXX, Sasha 75X, Logan 72XX
Bingo Target 10 and Under: Courage 39, AJ 32, Carly 17
Bingo Target Senior Group: Logan 41, Victoria 26, Austin 21
Mystery Pumpkin Prizes: Julia, Aiden, Brady

NOSA Juniors Christmas Indoor Shoot -- Wednesday, 14 Dec 2016

Report thanks to Dave L.: "The Christmas Shoot for 2016 was a great success for the Juniors with 14 Participants total. The Juniors would like to thank the Executive and Membership for their support and funding the Event as well as Gerry K. for providing refreshments for the after-shoot party. Special thanks to the volunteers George H., Dave L., and Don M. running and organizing the Event; Don M. taking pictures for the website; Jo-Anne L. and Sarah F. for scoring targets. Another special thanks to Jo-Anne L. and Kayla L. for baking and organizing prizes. Personally I would like to thank all the countless volunteers who have helped over the past year to make The Juniors Shooters a great learning experience for a sport we all seem to enjoy! To the NOSA Executives, Members and Families -- to everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Looking forward to starting up again with Juniors on January 11, 2017 with a BANG."

Each shooting category and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place results follow:
Competition Target 10 and Under: Carly 79xxx, Courage 75X, River 74x
Competition Target Senior Group: Sasha 88xx, Cassidy 84, Mliss 82xxx
Bingo Target 10 and Under: River 38, Xander 30, Courage 30 (coin toss for tie)
Bingo Target Senior Group: Cassidy 44, Logan 42, Mliss 39
Reindeer Target Mystery Prize: Avery, Brady, Kayla

NOSA Adult Christmas Indoor Shoot -- Friday, 16 Dec 2016

Trapper-John A. ran and scored this annual Adult Shoot which included events for CF handguns, .22 RF handguns, and .22 RF rifles.

One specified target (free) was provided for each competition category entered. There were prizes for first through third place in each event, plus a grand aggragate winner, plus two mystery prizes (which give a chance to all participants).

CF Handgun Bullseye: Tom S., Wes W., Sue C.
RF Handgun Bullseye: Tom S., Bob J., Vince M.
RF Handgun Bingo: Shane M., Tom S., Wes W.
RF Rifle Bullseye: Dave L., Chris L., Bob J.
RF Rifle Bingo: Wes W., Dave L., Mark W.
Grand Aggragate: Tom S.
Mystery Prizes: Brendan K. and Shane M.

NOSA Members' Adventures and Hunts -- 2016

Our members are encouraged to submit their 2016 pix, including memorable wildlife photographs.

Barry E. has befriended a female Red Fox. In Mid May, Don M. took some fine pix of this mother and her young kits. He took this later photo at end July of one of the nearly grown kits. [Canadian "red" foxes can come in any range of colours from the typical mostly red, to black or silver or a mixture.]

Don K. sent us this photo of a fine male Turkey, taken on his 2016 annual spring hunt for this wily bird. Don passed up an older Tom, to preserve the flock's breeding pool. His grandson, and future hunting partner, Declan is with Don on his daughter's land near Renfrew.

Wayne Sm. always records the wildlife frequenting his mountain home. Here we have a young Black Bear Cub and at another time a Whitetail Deer that is transitioning to its summer coat. A curious Raven circles overhead.

Wayne Sm. on 20 June 2016 captured this, once every 70 years on solstice, Strawberry Moon with a 300mm Nikon (rested, no tripod). Later his hilltop is visited by a hawk and crowned with a rainbow.

On 24 August Don M. took this photo of a Whitetail Deer doe and her two fawns in his yard.

Jodi G. sent this photo of John-Bryan G. with his Whitetail Buck. It has small antlers but is a good sized animal.

Scott E.S. was photographed with his late September Bull Moose from area 16C north of Armstrong. This 51-inch bull was taken with his Sako 85 Grey Wolf .300 WSM.

Don M.'s photo of Barry E.'s pal, a female Red Fox	who is here feeding some of the kits
and we see two peeking out at Don M.	The kits are getting more red and curious
and mom is ever watchful over them	By end of July the kits have really grown
Don K. & grandson Declan with a fine Tom Turkey	Wayne Sm. has a Black Bear Cub near his home
Later this Deer is changing to its summer coat	Then a curious Raven circles overhead
Bill K. got a great photo of a Yellow Warbler	Wayne Sm.'s 20 June 2016 Strawberry Moon
Here's a hawk resting near Wayne's hilltop	which is often graced with a rainbow
Whitetail doe and her fawns in Don M.'s yard	Bob M. took a fine Bull Moose
John-Bryan G. and his Whitetail Buck	Scott E.S. with his huge Bull Moose
Andre P. with his Whitetail Buck

Warning and Disclaimer. Only the most current printed Shooting Rules and Range Standing Orders and Match Standing Orders as issued by the N.O.S.A. Executive are official and they should be read, understood, and followed. If there is any question as to interpretation of a rule, or safety of a practice, immediately ask a member of the Executive or a Range Safety Officer before placing yourself or anyone or anything else at risk. Any activity involving firearms has inherent dangers. Some contents on this website may include personal opinions and experiences or practices that should not be emulated. Everyone viewing this website, or any other website or book or magazine or pamphlet or media source, is cautioned to seek professional advice first about anything written or implied or inferred. Your safety is your personal responsibility.

Copyright © 2010 - 2017 New Ontario Shooters Association. This site is copyrighted and no content may be reproduced by any means, including electronic, without written permission except for strictly personal use. Other websites wishing to post a link to this site are welcome to do so.

New Ontario Shooters Association (NOSA)2016 Activities or Events and Pictures