Cowboy mounted shooters competed in the Duel in Dumore over the weekend / Photo: CHAT News Today

By Meghan Cobb

‘Duel in Dunmore’ welcomes cowboy mounted shooters

Aug 14, 2022 | 4:16 PM

DUNMORE, AB – The Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association held its most recent competition in Dunmore over the weekend.

Cowboy mounted shooting consists of riding a horse while shooting balloon targets in pre-set patterns. It’s a timed event where every missed balloon or dropped gun adds a penalty.

“It’s rated as the fastest growing equine sport in North American,” said Cyrl Shock, host of the Duel in Dunmore. “It’s a fast paced skill of marksmanship and horsemanship.”

“It’s my way to pretend I’m John Wayne for the day,” laughed Shock.

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Black powder blanks are shot out of Colt 45 handguns so there is no projectile. The black powder embers pops the balloons.

Shooters must be over the age of 18 and have their restricted firearms license to participate. Younger riders compete with fake guns to get the feel for the sport and be able to participate in a safe way.

“Anybody can participate,” said Darren Stoneman, president of the Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association (CCMSA). “We have different levels so whether you are a beginner or advanced shooter, everybody can win some money.”

Cowboy mounted shooting was developed in the United States and came to Canada in the early 2000s. There are roughly 100 riders across the country with clubs in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

While the sport has steadily grown in popularity, new federal gun restrictions might start to stunt that growth.

“We pick up people all the time but that’s going to get a little tougher with the new restrictions on hand guns,” said Stoneman.

The federal government plans to fast-track a ban on the import of handguns without the approval of Parliament; effectively preventing all individuals and businesses from importing handguns into Canada.

“It’s going to really hurt our sport because they are real guns that we use,” added Stoneman.

Stoneman says gun safety is at the centre of every shoot and even the young riders are taught the proper way of handling and using the guns.

Despite the potential hurdle to growing the sport, CCMSA hopes people will continue to show interest in the sport by participating or watching local shoots.

“It’s fun, and once you get started, it’s very addicting,” laughed Stoneman, but he adds that it is the community that is the real draw.

“That’s the biggest thing, you always have good visits after the shoots are done, that’s one of the big things in keeping the western lifestyle alive.”