There was a US National Cowboy Fast Draw Competition in Deadwood, S.D., on June 16-18, where Alliance’s own Steve Henkel placed 17th out of 162 men.
A total of 162 men, five youth and 101 women were in attendance. Among those participating was Henkel or Jailhouse Kid, which is Henkel’s gun handle name.
Henkel has been participating in cowboy fast draw for about 12 years, where he has competed in 30 different competitions. In 2013 Henkel was the fastest gun in Nebraska in a competition that took place in Valentine.
“I placed a lot in other competitions. I have a few firsts, seconds and thirds, but in a national competition with that many people, except for the fastest gun in Nebraska, this is the best I have ever done,” said Henkel.
The cowboy fast draw was founded by Brad and Susan Hemmah in 2002. Their motto is “Safety First, Fun Second and Competition Third.”
Cowboy fast draw works like this: there are 17-inch and 24-inch targets that people shoot from 15 feet to 21 feet. Six to eight contestants line up and wait for the words, “shooters on the line, shooters ready, shooters set,” and when the announcer says, “shooters set,” the gunslinger can not move until a light comes on in the center of the target. Only then can a person fire, and it is timed.
There is also a dress code that is enforced in cowboy fast draw. Shooters must dress for the time period, they can wear blue jeans, western shirts and boots.
“You can’t wear shorts, tank tops, ball caps, short sleeve shirts and tennis shoes,” said Henkel.
There is a banquet the day before the end of each competition, where participants dress up and socialize with one another.
“People really go out and dress up. They got some fabulous outfits for the ladies. They have corsets. The whole ten yards. It’s kinda fun to dress up,” said Henkel.
The cowboy fast draw can be a great way to meet new people, whether a person is pursuing a new hobby, role playing, or just out to compete.
“It’s a fun sport. You meet a lot of people, and it’s something everyone can do,” said Henkel.
(Photos Courtesy of Steve Henkel)