Shooter Spotlight : Polecat Joe

Where do you live? (what state or country)

Stuart, Florida

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

In the winter of 2015, my neighbor asked if I wanted to attend a cowboy match in Okeechobee. I had never heard of SASS before but I went and shortly after, was all in. My neighbor joined first and he is The Belltown Bandit

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

In the beginning I received valuable information on shooting and transitions from Jeremiah Long Knife. Amadualist doesn't know it, but he the one I try to emulate. He exemplifies the cowboy way. He's helped me a lot in stage writing, and is always there when I need advice and an honest critique.

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

On warm months, I dry fire in my shop and on cool months I'm at the practice range at least once a week. I usually shoot three matches every month so I probably fire about 1000 rounds a month.

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

In my category of El Patrone, I've won The Ides of March in 2019 and 2020 and The Florida State Championship in 2020 and 2021

Tell us about your most memorable match:

I vividly remember the 2018 Ides of March because on one stage I dropped a pistol I had just shot. It went downhill from there. I completely lost concentration.

What is your favorite aspect of CAS?

As many have said, it's the people you meet and the lasting friendships you make. I'm competitive so I like that aspect also.

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

Well, I'm 100 percent Polish so I thought Polecat Joe would suit me just fine but then I found out that the original Polecat was also in my club. He frequently reminds me of it.

Do you have a travel/shootin buddy? (you know that friend that makes this game what it is)

I usually travel alone and the person I enjoy shooting matches with is Ace Hanlon. I've known him since I started and enjoy his company.

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

My home range is The OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee but I also enjoy shooting with The Lake County Pistoleros in Eustis. The shaded range is ideal for shooting in the warm months and the people are nice. It's a long ride for me but I try to get there as often as possible.

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

A few months ago I started practicing gunfighter and like it. For me I feel it's easier then dualist. I hope to try it at some monthly matches in the near future.

What is you posse job of choice?

I can do everything and will do what ever is needed although watching the loading and unloading table sure does not tire me out.

What is the time of your fastest clean stage?

19.25 in a monthly match.

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

When I started, Warrdog told me to get the best equipment and you won't have to do it again. I did. He also said "fast is slow and slow is fast" and "always follow the pistol into the holster". I didn't do that in the 2018 Ides.

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

Enjoy the game and shoot to the best of your ability. Make the most of the great people you meet and treasure the memories you are accumulating.

What keeps you playing this game?

I of course love the shooting, but I also enjoy writing stages and setting up matches. It's a lot of work but it keeps me busy.

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

Although I don't do it often as I used to, I am an avid Fly tyer and Fly fisherman.