View full article PDF here.Recap: 2023 Heartland Grand – Ackley, Iowa
The 16th Annual Heartland Grand was held August 21–27, 2023 at the Stockdale Gun Club in Ackley, Iowa. Known for its unmatched hospitality and fun “cruise ship” atmosphere, the event drew record numbers of out-of-state shooters and wrapped up the ATA target year with style.
Stars of the Show
This year’s Heartland Grand was marked by three Iowa-based ATA All-American captains: Dale Stockdale (Veteran), Raylee Bishop (Lady 1), and Cole Henning (Junior). All had standout seasons, with Henning adding multiple Grand American and Autumn Grand titles, Bishop logging nearly 15,000 targets in 2023, and Stockdale capping off the year as both Veteran Captain and newly inducted Hall of Famer.
Off the Line: Hospitality & Fun
True to its reputation, the Stockdale family made sure the week was about more than just shooting:
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Nightly cookouts with pork loins, BBQ chicken, fish fries, and ribeye steak dinners.
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Entertainment and games including wobble doubles, a TV miss-and-out shoot-off, a pizza party, live music by Choosy Muthas, and even a cowboy hat contest.
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A special event auction wrapped up Saturday evening.
On the Line: Prelim & Championship Action
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Hall of Fame Singles (Prelims): Zach Nannini claimed AAA with a 100, while Nels Johnson won Sub Vet with the only perfect score in his category.
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Hall of Fame Handicap: Chuck Schulte prevailed after a shootoff of 98s.
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Hall of Fame Doubles: Jason Krause posted the only 100 to win AAA.
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Fiocchi Doubles (Friday): Rick Marshall (NE) claimed Champion with 100; Dean Townsend earned Sub Vet with his own perfect score.
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Caesar Guerini Handicap: Sub-Junior Kahne Packer stole the show with a 100 from the back fence.
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Browning Singles Championship (Saturday): Jack Knaus, Herbert Lewis, and Rick Marshall all broke 200, with Knaus taking Champion after a coin toss.
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Winchester Handicap Championship (Sunday): Herbert Lewis topped the field with a 99.
High Awards
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High All Around (HAA): Herbert Lewis – 396×400.
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High Over All (HOA): Jason Krause – 1077×1100 (won on a tiebreaker over Ryan Glow).
Final Take
The 2023 Heartland Grand once again proved why shooters nationwide circle it on their calendars. Between outstanding scores, nightly hospitality, and the Stockdale family’s signature “trapshooting cruise” atmosphere, this event has cemented itself as one of the ATA’s most enjoyable and competitive satellite grands.
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