After more than a month of chatter, it’s finally time to turn up the heat in Texas. The Grapevine Regional is not only the first up, but very well may prove to be the toughest competition of the four. Look at who’s coming from the Qualifiers and their scores, combined with the automatic-bid-receiving finalist from last year who choose the Lone Star State, and we have us a pretty stiff competition.

Tom Cooprider, Drew Simon, and Brian Cramer (who, combined, have a 3rd, two 4th, and a 5th places finishes in past TOC Finals) will attempt to two-step their way back to Dogwood. These fellas have been through it, with success, and shouldn’t be surprised at anything the organizers throw at ’em. All three will wish fellow competitors the best and mean it, but when it’s go time they’re gonna try to kick your teeth in.

The archery and air rifle scores of competitors coming from the Quals are outstanding. The games are different and more difficult. But, Bubba, a 50 is a 50, no matter where you shot it. Someone will smoke both of these courses and put a big ole bear hug on winning this deal.

Predictions before you actually see someone compete aren’t wise—there are just too may variables. I have seen a bunch of talented outdoorsmen just fold up like lawn chairs under the pressure, but I have no doubt that there will be some new blood in the finals from this Regional. And anyone advancing from this crowd will be a little bit of worry for the Soul Patch Warrior (a.k.a. Paul Thompson).

—John Davis

Blend a prairie dog shoot and a “whack-a-mole” arcade game and you got the new air rifle course. The target system was made to imitate a varmint hunt with .22’s at the TOC Finals. For the Regionals, we have adapted the game to not only test a competitor’s accuracy, but their ability to be accurate under pressure.

A brief course description: Start with a loaded rifle, safety on, and pointed down range. Judge counts down and Target 1 pops-up and stands for 10 seconds. Shoot, reload, and wait for Target 2. Repeat for Targets 3-10.

I spent an afternoon with event staffer Ron McElroy (who treated me like a piece of rented equipment on the course), testing the system and we agreed that it’s a lot of fun if you can stay ahead of the targets. It will cause some to panic and is challenging enough to give scoring separation. Any slip will cause you to have to rush at least one shot, which is enough to lose at the Regional level.

From first hand experience, getting behind the targets is like going to buddy’s house and having to put up with his wife’s Chihuahua dog. It growls and makes you a little edgy at first, but you’re a guest so you don’t ear-pinch the thing. Then it starts nipping at your ankles, and you all but forget about everything else that is happening.

Eventually, the sound of those little devil paws on the hardwood cause sheer terror. You try to relax, but you know it’s only a matter of time until that thing is going to bite you somewhere that hurts. Buddy’s wife comes in, calls the demon “Sweetie”, and takes him into the other room. The panic is over, but you missed all of the gar fishing video you came over to watch.

—John

Whether you snuck in at the cut-off line or scored in the 140’s, you’re just one step away from some serious glory time on the Outdoor Channel. Through the first two stages, survival is the game, and it’s just plain tough to do in the Regionals. Pressure, intensity, and competition all rise and so should your preparations.

It’s a safe bet that everyone who advanced is flinging arrows and casting to buckets, but are you using the last month of training time to the maximum benefit? Going through the Quals was the “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough,” self-assurance portion of preparation for the Regionals. Now look in that mirror and ask three questions to see what you need to work on to be competitive.

Will competition day be easier than my standard practice? Broadside and in the open is not raising training intensity. Neither is known distance.

Does the weather determine practice schedule? Bluebird days and no wind may give you confidence, but it’s not gonna help when the wind blows 30 mph in Independence. Competition day is not going to change if it’s raining, neither should your practice.

Do I have a game plan? The scoring system changes, so do you change how you attack a course? Do you go for the maximum score on every shot or do you try and place consistently throughout the four disciplines? Shooting a ten is great, but if you have five 0’s to go with it, you’re not going to like where you rank in the fifty.

So use these last few weeks to find shelter and build a fire so you can survive to the Finals.

—John Davis

Burned it down at the Quals and all that’s left is deciding which Regional site fits? Well, enjoy that feeling, choose wisely, and start preparing for June. Here’s a short run through the four disciplines at each Regional:

Baitcasting: Three casts at each of three targets made from three concentric circles. Two minutes to complete from any casting style. One will have an obstacle. We have added a small twist, but I’m not letting that cat out of the bag. Relax. It’s in your skill set.

Archery: All equipment is provided, but you can use your own release. Two shots at three 3-D targets for six shots total in less than two minutes. Expect quartering to, away, and facing. Diamond Ice Man bows and Red Head arrows.

Air Rifle: The game has completely changed: Five stations with dual targets (two competitors at a time) that randomly cycle through. All five will “pop up” twice for a total of 10 shots. Targets will “stand” for 10 seconds and distance will vary according to venue.

Skills: Think Endurance discipline on the TV show, but in a very condensed area. Four skills that average about 30 seconds to complete and will vary at each Regional site. Think along the lines of pitching a tent, starting a fire, Carolina or Texas rigging, or any skill that a Total Outdoorsman or -woman has on call if needed.

—John Davis