Course of Fire and Bonus Stage 2021 (Past Event)
Valued Sponsors,
We are grateful for your previous support at the level you were able to offer and fully understand if you require a break.
Potential Sponsor,
Run and Gunners form a unique community. We relish the opportunity to test our shooting skills under pressure and push our physical boundaries. Many of us compete for the sake of personal growth and self-improvement rather than for the overall competition standings. We are a tight-knit and devoted collective of outlaw match enthusiasts. I would contend with anyone that we represent the finest community in the realm of shooting sports.
We embrace adversity, treat everyone with respect, and assist those in need. This is evidenced by the fact that all our events take place on private property, where we foster relationships with landowners for access. Without being an exemplary group, securing repeat access would be challenging. Although our personalities ensure we are invited back, significant financial responsibilities remain.
In Texas, land access is highly restricted and often commercialized. Landowners are compensated generously through match registration fees for allowing us and over a hundred friends to use their land and make noise. Approximately a third of the registration fees are allocated to our hosts for each match, which is justifiable. The remaining funds cover insurance, t-shirts, food, fuel, equipment, incidental expenses, and future investments. Additionally, we organize a fundraiser for veterans at every event.
The remaining funds to reward our weary range officers and competitors are scarce. Hence, we seek sponsors' assistance through donations to the prize table. While we appreciate receiving tangible and valuable rewards, we recognize they are not owed to us. Such entitlement does not last at our events. The majority of us cherish and utilize our prize table winnings with great pride.
We kindly request the donation of goods or services in any amount you are comfortable with. Should you be interested and capable, we offer various promotional opportunities in return. These include social media announcements, displaying logos on our website and t-shirts, banners at events, stage mentions on YouTube, and traditional word-of-mouth advertising. We are open to any other promotional ideas you may have.
Besides the standard post-match awards, we are introducing two additional methods of recognition. The first is an exclusive prize table for range officers, featuring items of higher average value, acknowledging that our operations rely on their contributions. The second is a yearlong competition known as "Top Ops," where the top twenty-five contenders will receive additional rewards as a testament to their consistent pursuit of excellence.
This year, we've already completed one event consisting of two matches and have two more events consisting of three matches planned. We're in the process of organizing an additional event with two matches. Aiming for a total four events with seven matches for the year. The addendum includes details on the events, matches, and my contact information. Typically, donors contribute goods before each match. However, considering the increased number of matches, it might be more practical to provide the annual contribution, which we can distribute across the matches. Should the supplies run out before the year ends, that's acceptable; we're grateful for the support.
We aspire to be competitors of a caliber worthy of your support and to reciprocate in kind. Our priority lies in forging mutually advantageous relationships rather than merely acquiring complimentary items. On behalf of myself and the entire Mystery Operations team, we extend our gratitude for your time. We are eager to gain your support and anticipate further communication.
Sincerely,
Eric Wilmarth
Match Director
www.mysteryops.com
Addendum
Donations can include physical items, services, certificates, and discounts. Should sponsored shooters wish to attend, we can offer waived registration fees provided the donations are of equivalent value. Vendor spaces are available, and banners are encouraged. Please inform me of your requirements.
Please send physical goods to Eric Wilmarth, Mystery Operations, 1805 Golf Course Road - PO Box 201, Marfa Texas 79843.
2024 Match Information
Detailed match info at www.mysteryops.com
On March 2nd, 2024, the Rio Bravo Run and Gun took place at the Rio Bravo Ranch in Presidio, Texas. The Day Operation, consisting of 9 stages and 8 miles, had 98 competitors, while the Night Operation, with 4 stages and 2 miles, had 24 competitors. This marked the second annual occurrence, with plans already underway for the event in 2025.
On June 8th, 2024, the H.W. Lewis Ranch in Leakey, Texas, will host the inaugural Bailout Biathlon. This event is expected to attract around 110 competitors who will tackle three distinct 2-mile courses, each designed for a specific firearm: pistol/PCC, carbine, and long-range rifle.
To be determined in August 2024 – A short course for youth and beginners, accompanied by an extensive night course.
On October 26th and 27th, 2024, the H.W. Lewis Ranch in Leakey, Texas, will host Jade Helm 24. This second annual event is expected to draw around 160 competitors. The Saturday event will feature team and solo categories, spanning 8 stages and 7 miles. Sunday's event will be a modified short course with 6 stages covering 4 miles.
Since 2021, Mystery Operations has organized seven matches with a total of 524 participants. Additionally, 351 unique customers have registered for these matches.
Top Ops 2024
The suggested amounts are subject to change. This list will be publicized, with donors recognized as Top Sponsors. Please inform us if you have any specific requests in exchange for your donations. We aim to ensure that this is a mutually beneficial arrangement.
About Me:
I served in the Missouri Army National Guard for nine years (2003-2012) as a Military Police Officer. I achieved the rank of Sergeant and was a Team Leader. My service included stateside mobilization for disaster response and deployments to Guatemala, Kosovo, Macedonia, Haiti, and Germany for various missions.
Since 2010, I have been crafting leather, focusing mainly on custom holsters and accessories. Visit my website at www.munclesleatherworks.com.
In 2012, I relocated to Texas to attend the Texas Game Warden Academy. Upon graduating, I was assigned to Presidio County, where I continue to live and serve as a Texas Game Warden. Presently, I hold the titles of Master Peace Officer, TCOLE Instructor, and Firearms Instructor. Over the years, I've organized numerous hunts for youth and veterans, as well as a 3-gun competition designed to recruit, retain, and reactivate competitive shooters.
I embarked on my competitive shooting journey in 2013, starting with local 3-Gun matches before progressing to Run and Gun competitions. To date, I have participated in 27 Run and Gun matches across Texas and Oklahoma. Additionally, I compete in the Texas 3-Gun Championship.
Important Notes:
All personnel will restrict their movement within the marked designated course, staging areas, and roads to staging areas during competition. If a competitor cannot see course flagging while between stages, immediately return to last flagging observed. While competitors are running, pistol may be loaded and holstered, rifles will be unloaded. Upon arriving at a stage, a clear rifle will be shown to the Range Officers, the rifle should not have been loaded anyway. Slings are mandatory, as rifle will have to be managed by shooter during some stages. While unslinging, care must be taken not to flag anyone. Shooters must top off magazines and prepare gear before arriving at a stage. Once shooter is up to shoot, no time will be given to prepare, including manipulation/loading of the pistol. If you do not wish to carry a loaded pistol, loading will be on the clock. If the shooter arrives at a stage and there is someone shooting, after a clear rifle is shown, the shooter may start their wait time. Wait time may or may not be kept track of by the RO, it behooves the shooter to keep their own wait time as a back up. During the stage, all steel targets must be hit in accordance with stage requirements. Cardboard targets must be shot twice on all stages. A cardboard miss will result in a 10 second penalty to stage time for each miss. Failure to hit all the steel targets on all stages in 3 minutes or less will result in an did not finish (DNF) and zero points for the stage. If the shooter finishes the stage in 3 minutes or less, but misses a cardboard target, the stage time may show over 3 minutes.
Stage 1: Pistol Only
Shooter in start area and told to begin. Engage one 8x12” alien with one hit at 10 yards. Knock down six 10” plates on a rack at 15 yards. Then advance to the next shooting area and engage three large silhouette targets at 20, 35, and 50 yards with one hit each. After targets are hit, time will stop, and shooter will safely holster pistol. Rifle must be slung unloaded with shooter. 10 pistol hits.
Stage 2: Pistol and Rifle
Shooter in start area with rifle loaded but with empty chamber and slung. On the command of begin, the shooter will advance along the marked shooting lane. While advancing, engage the four pistol targets (10”) with one hit each as they become visible. If the shooter goes past a target without shooting it, the RO will notify the shooter. The shooter may safely go back while keeping pistol pointed in a safe direction to pick up the hit. Once the four pistol targets are hit, the shooter will safely and deliberately holster their pistol. After holstering, the shooter will advance to the end of the marked shooting lane while carefully unslinging their rifle. Once at the end, the shooter will chamber a round and engage five rifle targets (8x16”) with one hit each at 100-150 yards. After targets are hit, time will stop, shooter will unload, and show a clear rifle. 4 pistol hits, 5 rifle hits.
Stage 3: Rifle Only
Shooter will load and make ready their rifle upon command from the RO. When told to begin, the shooter will engage three groups of three targets from near to far, one hit each target. Groups of targets will be at 100 (7x11”), 150 (8x16”), and 250 (12x20”) yards each. After targets are hit, time will stop, shooter will unload, and show a clear rifle. 9 rifle hits.
Stage 4: Rifle Only
Shooter will load and make ready their rifle upon command from the RO. When told to begin, the shooter will engage all targets with a part of their body contacting a dog house. First the shooter must engage two IDPA cardboard targets with 2 hits each. Then hit two aliens (12x24”) descending down from their space ship, with one hit each at 100 yards. Shooter will then engage three more targets with one hit each. Two at 250 (12x20”), and one at 350 (18x30”) yards. After targets are hit, time will stop, shooter will unload, and show a clear rifle. 9 rifle hits.
Stage 5: Pistol Only
From the start area the shooter will be told to begin. The shooter will then charge the tank dam. Once on top of the dam, the shooter will draw and engage three targets (8”) with one hit each at 15 to 20 yards. Then while traversing the dam from right to left, the shooter will engage an IDPA cardboard target with two hits. Then engage a blue start plate with one hit and a moving IDPA cardboard target with two hits at 10 yards. Next, another IDPA cardboard target with two hits, and three more targets (8”) with one hit each at 15 to 20 yards. After targets are hit, time will stop, and shooter will safely holster pistol. Rifle must be slung unloaded and carried with shooter. 13 pistol hits.
Stage 6: Rifle Only
Shooter will load and make ready their rifle upon command from the RO. When told to begin, the shooter will engage six targets at ranges of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. In the shooting area there will be a square structure with an X inside of it. From top of the structure labeled 1, the 1st target (12x24” alien) at 100 yards will be engaged with one hit. From the triangle labeled 2, at the top of the X, the two targets (12x36”) at 200 yards will be engaged with one hit. From the triangle labeled 3, on the left side of the X, the 3rd target (12x36”) at 300 yards will be engaged with one hit. From the triangle labeled 4, on the right side of the X, the 4th target (18x30”) at 400 yards will be engaged with one hit. From the triangle labeled 5, at the bottom of the X, the 5th target (30”) at 500 yards will be engaged with one hit. The barrel of the rifle must be extended through the structure for the hits to count. After targets are hit, time will stop, shooter will unload, and show a clear rifle. 6 rifle hits.
Stage 7: Rifle and Pistol
Shooter will load and make ready their rifle upon command from the RO. When told to begin, from the shooting area, the shooter will engage five rifle targets (12”) at around 150 yards with one hit each. The shooter will then simulate that their rifle has run completely out of ammunition by placing the rifle on safe and ground it on the provided area, barrel downrange. Slinging the rifle is prohibited. The shooter must then draw their pistol and engage five targets (8-10”) from 10 to 20 yards with one hit each. After targets are hit, time will stop, and shooter will safely holster pistol. Shooter will then unload and show a clear rifle. 5 rifle hits, 5 pistol hits.
Stage 8: Pistol Only
Rifle will be grounded at the staging area. RO will assure verbally and visually that creek is clear from bystanders down range due to limited visibility from brush. From the start area and told to begin, the shooter will engage one alien (8x12”) with one hit at 15 yards. Once that target has been hit, the shooter will advance into the creek and go to the left. While advancing down the creek, engage five IDPA cardboard targets with two hits each. Without advancing further than the final/fifth cardboard target, the shooter will engage a alien (8x12”) at 10 yards with one hit. After targets are hit, time will stop, and shooter will safely holster pistol. Shooter and RO(s) will only enter and exit the creek from the start area for safety reasons. 12 pistol hits.
Overall Round Count: 34 Rifle, 44 Pistol
Bonus Stage: Bring Extra Ammo!
This stage is completely optional, and may be shot at any time or multiple times before or after the competition course. Competitors will be running past this stage on their way back to the Start/Stop area. Do not shoot this stage during your competition course! If driving down to shoot this course please keep the road clear for runners.
This is a fundraising stage with its own awards and prizes. The cost is $10 each run. Proceeds will be split 50/50 between Tier 1, a special operations veterans group, and a college fund for two daughters who’s father, a Shurley Ranch family member, passed away. Donations for both will be accepted without participation in this stage as well. This stage may also be shot by spectators/non-competitors as long as they have a safe holster for their pistol.
Shooter will load and make ready their rifle upon command from the RO. From the start area, shooter will engage one 12x24” alien at 150 yards with one hit while their body is in contact with the rickety picnic table. After hitting the target, the shooter will place the rifle on safe and ground it on the picnic table with the barrel pointing to the right perpendicular of down range. Nobody will touch the rifle until the runner returns. Then the shooter will advance 75 yards down range to engage four 8” gongs at 10 yards with their pistol. After hitting each target once, the shooter will safely and deliberately holster their pistol, and return to their rifle. Again, while contacting the rickety picnic table with their body, engage the 12” gong again with one hit. After targets are hit, time will stop, shooter will unload, and show a clear rifle. 2 rifle hits, 4 pistol hits.
A bonus to the bonus stage. If the shooter wishes, they may use guns other than they used in the competition course. If the shooter uses a manually operated rifle (bolt, lever, or pump action), iron sights (no electronics or optics), or a revolver (single or double action). Ten seconds will be deducted from their stage time for each of the criteria their weapon choices met. Up to 30 seconds off stage time total.
