The St. Mary’s Shooters Association

At the suggestion of a neighbour, Molly and I attended a shooting event in Stillwater, Nova Scotia some years ago. We had no idea what we’d find, but it was close to home and we had a free Sunday afternoon. We liked what we found, had a great time, met friendly and helpful people, and we’ve been members of the group ever since. Both young and old can participate, as our photos show. The elderly marksman is the late Honorary Member Harold Scott of Sherbrooke, about 90 years old when the photo was taken. Shooting is also, we discovered, a great activity that entire families can enjoy together.

The club is called the St. Mary’s Shooters Association (SMSA), founded in 2000. Dr. Mike Ackermann, a local Rural Family Physician, was its founding president. Mike said,  “Our motivation was to provide local residents with a safe and fun way to get together in sharing our passion for the shooting sports.”

The Stillwater Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been very supportive from the outset, allowing SMSA to use the range every Sunday all year, plus other times by special arrangement. Their range was little more than a narrow mowed field with a mound of dirt at one end when they started. Currently there is a 4 lane/100 meter rifle range, a 2 lane/20 meter pistol range along with covered firing points, range building, chemical outhouse, access roads and parking lots all built by SMSA using volunteer time and mostly donated money. The group did get a recreation grant one year, and their safety courses are major sources of revenue. As a result of cooperation with DNR, their Stillwater site now has the nicest DNR range in Nova Scotia, as attested to by the various police and COs that have come there to train.

Over the years SMSA has sent shooters to the Canada Winter Games twice, the Canadian Airgun Grand Prix twice, and to various local and provincial competitions. But, as Dr. Ackermann says, “Our club is more about relaxed fun than strict competition.” 

With hunting seasons approaching, it’s a great time to get involved! SMSA’s website, including our event schedule, is at:

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/mikeack/general_information.html

Please stay on the line …