“That shooter came back five minutes later to tell me that I was the first person who ever thanked him for shooting at a gun club. “Just like I did in business, I knew I had to develop my own client base with good marketing and incentives-entice people to come and not just expect it-and always let them know how much I appreciated their business.” One big ‘aha’ moment came after Wally thanked an older shooter for coming out. Wally introduced ATA registered shooting in 1989 and realized shortly afterward that, if you put together a good program, people would come and support it.

“It unified the members-everyone pulled together and we were back up and running in three days.

“That fire unified the club,” exclaimed Shelstad. Huge improvements occurred in 2006 when BGC received a MN DNR Shooting Grant-sidewalks were poured and all three trap fields were redone, and again in 2015 when an electrical fire leveled the building. Wally managed to make ends meet and by 1983 had put up a true building, followed by an addition in 1991. With an influx of women shooting, improved facilities were needed and, though cash flow was tight. In 1977 he volunteered to be BGC’s Secretary and has served as BGC’s President ever since 1978.īack then, shooting was more social than competition, with an old fish house serving as the first clubhouse, complete with a little counter, two refrigerators for beer and no rest room, “just some lilac bushes by the North Star gas station!”. Sheri told me I should check it out.” Wally joined a league in 1976, then a couples’ league later that fall and was hooked. “I had only shot trap once, for a groom’s event. It wasn’t until Wally’s wife, Sheri, joined a trap team at her work that Wally became intrigued with the sport. They were hunting buddies until Walter passed in 1979. Wally’s dad, also Walter, lived for hunting and fishing, and included his son as soon as he was old enough to be safe. For Wally Shelstad, creating a strong family bond has fueled his drive for excellence-at home, work, and at the Buffalo Gun Club- and is his secret to overwhelming success.

What Daddy Did Today by Walter Wally