The Mission Frontier Shootists....a brief History
November 2003

 The Mission Frontier Shootists was organized and founded by Jason 'Joe Burr' Drader in early 1999. Joe Burr had been involved in the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting for many years. Most of his participation in Cowboy Action Shooting events in the early years required travel to different locations such as Vancouver Island, Kamloops and Washington State. As he could not partake in a shooting sport that he truly loved on a regular basis, out of frustration and his love of the sport, he approached the executive of the Mission and District Rod and Gun Club with the idea of starting a new discipline at the club. 

The concept of Cowboy Action Shooting was well received by the Mission executive and the Mission Frontier Shootists were born. 

In the Summer of 1999, Joe Burr began running evening practice shoots to introduce people to the sport. The practice nights were initially scheduled around Joe Burr's work hours, but quickly developed into a weekly occurrence. Starting out with a handful of fellow western enthusiasts, the group quickly grew in numbers. The practice sessions, held Wednesday nights, attracted anywhere from 3 to 15 shooters!  

Throughout the remainder of 1999 and 2000, the Mission Frontier Shootists enjoyed steady growth and continued support of the Mission club. But, it was time grow again, the Shootist's wanted more. On July, 29th 2001, the first annual 'Shootout at the Ridge' was held, encompassing a full day of Cowboy Action Shooting fun. The support and participation in this event was enormous. The message was clear; Cowboy Action Shooting was here to stay.

 In January of 2002, Joe Burr handed over the director reigns to the very capable and dedicated Gary 'Gifford Gringo' Fossum. Gifford Gringo, through his dedication and hard work, brought regular monthly fun shoots in addition to the regular Wednesday practice nights. Gifford Gringo also has brought the Mission Frontier Shootists through two more annual matches. 'Shootout at the Ridge' has grown into a two day world class Cowboy Action Shooting event! Gifford Gringo, with an eye on the future in mind, also managed to have the Mission Frontier Shootists become a SASS affiliated club. SASS, or the Single Action Shooting Society, is the founding and governing body of Cowboy Action Shooting, that proudly has a membership of over 50, 000 worldwide.

 What started out as a dream has become a reality. Not only for one, but for many. Cowboy Action Shooting and the Mission Frontier Shootists are here to stay. 

By Jason 'Joe Burr' Drader (November 2003)

UPDATE January 2007

  Garry "Gifford Gringo" along with Peter "Rusty Wood" Riedel carried on the work started by Jason "Joe Burr" Drader and took it to new levels. These two cowpokes took "the show on the road" starting with a staged shootout at the annual BCWF Convention held at the Heritage Center, Chilliwack, BC in early 2003 show and then over the next few years attended several sportsman shows in full cowboy gear with irons to show and talk to people not yet familiar with the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting.  

  These two wild cards expanded the Cowboy Action program to include regular monthly one day shoots and put Mission on the Cowboy Action map by making the SHOOTOUT AT THE RIDGE three day shoot a shoot not to be missed. With expanded props and fabulous facades, more varied and challenging targets and creative stage designs, it quickly became a shoot everyone wanted to attend. 

  In early 2006 a name change was made and the new name of RED MOUNTAIN RENEGADES was adopted to better represent the club and it's home range located at the base of Red Mountain north of Mission, BC. In 2006 all their hard work culminated into a year that saw the RED MOUNTAIN RENEGADES host not one but two three day shoots, the 6th annual SHOOTOUT AT THE RIDGE and the 4th annual SASS Canadian Regional Championships in Mission, BC.

  Now in early 2007 the reins have been passed over to very capable Bob "41 Colt Bob" Hjorthoy, Kevin "Judge Roy Spinks" and Greg "BC Bear" Kowal. With their fresh ideas and excited commitment these fellows will undoubtedly take the Red Mountain Renegades to new highs and accolades. With the 7th annual SHOOTOUT AT THE RIDGE and the 5th annual SASS Canadian Regional Championships scheduled for 2007 along with monthly one day matches, it will be a busy and fun time for all.

The future is still bright for the RED MOUNTAIN RENEGADES, good on ya' boys !

By Peter "Rusty Wood" Riedel (January 2007)