View full article PDF here.Recap: 2023 Missouri Fall Handicap – Linn Creek, Missouri
The Missouri Fall Handicap took place September 18–24, 2023 at the Missouri Trapshooters Association (MTA) Homegrounds in Linn Creek, Missouri. With the Ozark hills as a backdrop and crisp autumn skies, shooters battled for golden buckles and cash while enjoying the family atmosphere this shoot is known for.
Prelim Events
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Event 1 Singles: Johnny Picone was Junior Champion with the only 100 straight. David Swigart claimed Class AA titles in Events 1 & 3.
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Event 2 Handicap: Kaelen Schaub (MO) topped the field with a 96, while short-yardage winners decided their group by coin toss.
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Event 3 Doubles: Class champions included Swigart (AA, 94), Boone Butler (B, 91), and Lloyd Tucker (D, 86).
Midweek Highlights
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Wenig HOA Lewis (Event 7): Keith Ditto survived 300 rounds of carryovers to claim Singles Champion. He followed up with a 99 in Handicap for another win.
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Doubles (Event 9): Mason Bartlow shot 98 for Champion, adding to his growing resume.
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Lake Ozark Singles (Thursday): Ditto again prevailed—this time after a coin toss over Rodney Johnson.
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Bagnell Dam Handicap: William Cochran ran 99 from the 27 to take the buckle.
Weekend Championships
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Robert Berg Memorial Singles (Saturday): Aidan Master posted 200 straight for Champion. Ditto and Rodney Johnson followed with 200s of their own, earning runner-up and Sub Vet. A special highlight came from AIM program shooters, with handcrafted awards going to young champions like Coltyn Schutte (Sub Junior) and Evan Peterson (Pre-Sub).
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White Flyer Handicap (Saturday): Hughie Coleman (MO) claimed Champion after a coin toss between three tied at 98.
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Missouri Doubles Championship (Sunday): Jordan Ziercher and Justin Cavett each ran 100, with Ziercher winning after shootoffs.
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Wenig Handicap Championship (Sunday): Leah Tedrick shot a personal-best 99 to win her first-ever major title, two birds clear of the field.
High Awards
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High Over All (HOA): Keith Ditto – 1176×1200.
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High All Around (HAA): Keith Ditto – 394×400.
Category highlights included Sandra Jo Jack (Lady II) and Coltyn Schutte (Sub Junior), each claiming HOA and HAA honors. Mason Bartlow (Junior) and Michael Gooch (Sub Vet) also doubled up on both lists.
Final Take
From Ditto’s domination to Tedrick’s breakthrough, the 2023 Missouri Fall Handicap mixed high scores with family-friendly fun. Whether it was roasted hot dogs after Pump’em Doubles, the 500,000-target milestone for Tom Romback, or the excitement of AIM youth champions, Linn Creek once again showed why it’s a fall tradition for shooters across the Midwest.
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