May 3, 2025
A cool and foggy Saturday morning gave way to a spectacular backdrop at Beede outdoors in Syracuse, Nebraska. Through the safety meeting and course instructions, the fog began to lift and more of the course was revealed. The sun peaked over the horizon as the shooters took their positions at their respective stations, as if god himself said "let there be rifle shooting". Through chatter amongst participants and competitors, the course was shooting tough overall. All rifle shooters during this event are participating in a points system that goes toward qualification and participation in the Finale event held in August. There are several Precision Rifle Shooting groups in the Midwest/Nebraska area, but after attending the Nebraska Sportsman's Series' event, I can confidently say that this is the most relaxed, fun, and all-inclusive organization you could participate in while also never having to worry about safety issues. The instructors, the Range Officers, and even the participation are focused on 2 things: Be safe, and have the most fun possible. Certainly there were degrees of seriousness, just like any event. Some did very little talking, dialed on the goal they set out for. Others, however, spent every moment not behind the rifle poking fun, laughing with buddies, and drawing figures on each other's dirty trucks. NSS (Nebraska Sportsman's Series) also incorporates fun "side pot" opportunities during most of their matches. Here in Syracuse, it was yetis. Small Yeti cutouts around the course were to be tagged if you bought into this side pot for an opportunity to win some scratch back should you struggle through the rest of the match. These type of events have absolutely everything I love. A venue led by Matt Beede (Beede Outdoors) with huge contributions to the conservation effort especially dealing with pheasant and chukar, an organization like NSS providing a safe and fun environment for seasoned shooting veterans but new shooters as well, and the overall feel of a community with common views and common goals. It reminds me how much the outdoors means to so many of us. My goal through this site, blog, and through my work in terms of photo and video is to remind everyone of the simple roots we all came from. Remind us of how important it is to have the freedom to do the things we love. Most of all, I hope to inspire others to enter the space whether it be hunting, fishing, rifle shooting, target practice, camping in a WMA, or simply going for more walks in nature with a camera instead of your phone.
A huge thanks to Matt with Beede Outdoors and Darin & company with NSS for having me out to capture some special moments at this event. I really hope to do more work with both parties in the future! Enjoy some pictures from the event below! Prints available to purchase under "Prints and Merch" in the Navigation Bar.
EVENT SPONSORS: Zeiss, Hornady, Vortex Optics, Fatboy Tripods, MDT, Burris Optics, Diligent Defense Suppressors, Thunderbeast Suppressors, Silencer Central, Zermatt Arms, Walcroft Customs, Oz Bar Precision, Hawkins Precision. Check them out for some good gear!
