Shooter Spotlight : Fired-Up Fannie Sue (Fannie)

by Moog on November 9, 2020

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Where do you live? (what state or country)

I live in Rose Bud, AR. We like to call this area God's country with friendly neighbors and beautiful country scenery.

When did you start shooting CAS and how did you or who got you into the sport?

My husband and i started shooting a little over 2 years ago. We traveled to the MVSA range in Hot Springs, AR for a 3 gun competition. The competitors shot and went home. My husband and i walked down the hill to see what "the cowboys" were doing. We met alot of really nice people that day. They offered for us to try it out on the spot! We met Velvet Glove who later talked us into joining the range. I told my husband that day, that those were my kind of people. For several months, i shot CAS while my husband did 3 gun.

Who was your mentor, either known to them or not?

How can i only name one? The first to come to mind is Nichols Creek. He just cant help but be that figure to offer help. I must have texted/messaged him 1000s of times the first year with questions about dress code, policy, rules, etc. He has always been a great source of information for me.

Next would be Outrider. I would watch him in awe. He was smooth and could explain things in a way that i didn't take offense to. Constructive criticism and if you asked he offered feedback on what you could improve upon. Female mentors- i love Cooncan and Antelope Ann. Both are exceptional shooters. I love to watch how they transition and how methodical they are on stage when the buzzer goes off.

How much do you practice, how many rounds a month do you send down range?

I dont have the time to practice during the week. I do occasionally dry fire but it has become increasingly less the past few months since covid hit and my work has picked up.

Have you won any state, regional, national or world championships?

Not exactly. Last year was our first visit to EOT. I placed 7th in my category. Had a blast. Hoping to keep improving and maybe one day reach those goals.

Tell us about your most memorable match:

Shootin' for the Brand this year, in OK. I was NOT prepared for the heat that day. By the last 3 stages, i was lucky to finish. Lol. Ended up so nauseated that i missed the awards ceremony. And it ook a few days to recover from being dehydrated.

What is your favorite aspect of CAS?

Shooting of course! Haha...no, honestly, it's the people! I have never met a stranger i couldn't talk to. I'm genuinely interested in other's stories.

Is there a story behind your alias, and what is that story?

Not much of one but yes. When i was younger i sorta had a smart mouth. My mom would tell me that my sarcastic attitude, looks and smart mouth would get me in trouble some day. She would tell me that i was just like my granny, "Fannie Sue". When looking for an alias, i wanted an older name so i took my great-grandmother's and added "Fired-Up" because my she and i both can show a little attitude when necessary to get our point across.

Do you have a travel/shooting buddy? (you know that friend that makes this game what itis)

My husband and i are still fairly new. Or so we think so. We usually ask the ones we shoot with on a regular basis where they are going next and have they visited a certain range. We have several they we enjoy spending time with. Cherokee Gal and Roy Sackett are a few.

Where is your favorite place to shoot? (range or match past or present)

Smoking Guns at Rabbit Ridge has become a favorite of mine. I love the way they honor their military shooters. The range is well kept and the people are great!

Have you tried other categories? What categories have you shot and how did that go?

Only once. It was during a monthly match at Outlaw Camp in Heber Springs,AR. I tried Duelist using my Reugers. They have tall, curved hammers but i made the best of it. SO MUCH FUN that day! I keep hinting to my husband that i may need new pistols so i can play in other categories one day. But my goal is to do better in this one before moving.

What is your posse job of choice?

Brass Picker all the way! I watch the brass fall when the shooter is up so it makes it easier to find. I'm a people watcher too. You can watch how others transition on the stages with no pressure to keep target watching.

What is the time of your fastest clean stage?

19:15 was my personal best so far. It was at Judge Parker Marshall's at Fort Smith, AR this past weekend. And i was proud of it.

What was the best advice you got from a fellow shooter, and who was it?

"Acquire the sight picture on the 1st shot out. Dry Fire!!!!!" Cooncan

What advice can you give to some of the shooters reading this?

Dont be too hard on yourself. Get yourself together and try again on the next stage!

What keeps you playing this game?

The friends we have met along the way. We have met so many kind people in this sport. Goals to make other shoots around the US and ranges to visit.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not on the range or shooting?

Taking care of my family. We are getting ready to be empty nesters and it scares me to death. Guess that means more travel. We also keep busy with Bust'n Head Lead. Making bullets for others, so we can all enjoy the sport. I also belong to a group Q.O.V. (Quilts of Valor). We make quilts all around the US that are presented to military Veterans touched by war. As a Veteran myself, i want to show that their sacrifices were not in vain. People do appreciate them and they all have value to this world.

I served in the US Army for 9 years, as a Signal soldier and paratrooper. My father was a Vietnam soldier (Infantry), with 3 Purple Hearts from his two tours. A few months after 9-11 and my first deployment to Iraq; my father took his own life. I now work for the Department of Veteran Affairs, in the Mental Health clinic. Sharing my story and helping others by letting them know they are not alone. Twenty-two a day is too many. My husband and i have four kids. Two are in college, one senior and one in the 6th grade. When we are not shooting we are usually cherishing our time with them.

Posted in: Cowboy Action Shooting, Shooter Spotlight