On April 19, eighty-five Travelers sprouted up like daffodils in spring showers for the trip out to Charlie Marino's Suffolk Trap and Skeet Club. We were greeted by light rain, but the famous Long Island wind held its breath. It really wasn't much of a test for the rain gear and those who still believe in Gortex did not have to face the truth. The Suffolk course had sixteen stations, mostly in the woods and all on the flat sandy land that the island is known for. Lack of varied terrain limits the options of any course designer, but Charlie and our old friend Eric Kramer certainly maximized the possibilities.
Every course has a personality.
Suffolk's was the quartering, soft, high looper. This shot may have been dictated by the necessity of tossing targets above the scrub pine, but it was presented in many different ways. Sometimes the trap was elevated, some times the shooter was. Station Seven stood out. It featured report battues starting well behind the shooter and to his left.