Brett French Memorial
Shooting Sports - .22lr Rifle Benchrest
In fond memory of Brett French, a longtime member and President of the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club, with exceptional dedication, guiding us through a time of change and bringing new life, direction, and purpose to our organization. With his vision, integrity, and deep passion for shooting sports, he revitalized the club and transformed it into the thriving, welcoming, community we are proud of today. His hard work, enthusiasm, and genuine care for our members leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us for years to come.
TIME
2/7 @ 9:00 AM -5 spots left
2/7 @ 11:00 AM - 4 spots left
2/7 @ 1:00 PM - 9 spots left
2/7 @ 3:00 PM - 9 spots left
VENUE INFORMATION
Range:
The Negaunee Rod & Gun Club is located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and offers unparalleled, year-round rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting opportunities. Participants in the .22lr Rifle Benchrest Competition will shoot a series of three (3) American Rimfire Association (ARA) .22lr benchrest targets that are set at a distance of 50 yards while enjoying the comfort of the Club’s enclosed and heated firing points. Each firing point (10 in total) is equipped with its own bench and seat. Participants should plan on providing their own benchrests, sandbags, seat cushions, etc. for use at their assigned firing point shooting station.
The Club’s Skeet, Trap and Compact Sporting Clays ranges will also be open and available for use between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on February 8th and 9th. The cost is $10.00 per round of 25 clay pigeon targets. Participants will need to provide their own shotgun, ammunition and safety gear if they intend to enjoy a round of Skeet, Trap and/or Compact Sporting Clays while visiting the Club.
Clubhouse:
The Negaunee Rod & Gun Club offers a spacious clubhouse that is equipped with tables and chairs, a kitchen, and two restrooms. Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase at a nominal fee (cash and credit cards are accepted).
Targets:
American Rimfire Association (ARA) .22lr benchrest targets will be utilized for the .22lr Rifle Benchrest Competition. The Negaunee Rod & Gun Club utilizes a target scanning scoring system for quick and accurate scoring. Each target will be scored with a perfect score being recorded as 2,500 points.
Safety:
Safety is paramount at the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club! Competitors are expected to review and abide by all Range Safety Requirements before participating. Each participant must abide by all Range Safety Officer instructions at all times and they must sign the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club’s Waiver and Release form (available the day of the event).
The use of eye and hearing protection is mandatory! The use of an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) is also required. Competitors are expected to furnish their own firearms, ammunition, ECI, benchrests, sandbags, seat cushions, and safety equipment. A limited number of eye and hearing protection will be available for use by the competitors the day of the event.
ENTRY FEES
Advanced Registration (through 2/5 at 11:59 PM)
$30 for one relay
Day-of Registration (2/7 )
$35 for one relay
Participants requiring special accommodations, including multiple registrations during a single day, are encouraged to email Ashley Pietro at negauneerodandgun@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION
Advanced registration closes February 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Onsite registration available if space is available
EVENTS
Participants will have the option to either shoot a factory approved rifle or an unlimited rifle. If you are unsure which category you fit in, please visit this link.
Participants will be assigned to one of the event’s two Divisions according to their gender (i.e., male or female).
CLASSES
Participants will compete in their Age Class according to their age as of February 7, 2026. The following Age Classes will be utilized for the event:
Youth: age 12 and under (parent or guardian must be present),
Junior: ages 13 through 17 (parent or guardian must be present),
Adult: ages 18 and over.
COURSE OF FIRE
Participants should plan to arrive at the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club at least one hour ahead of their scheduled shooting time. Participants will shoot a total of 75 shots at three (3) American Rimfire Association (ARA) .22lr Benchrest targets (25 shots per target). The targets will be set at a distance of 50 yards from the shooter’s firing point. Participants will have a total of 20 minutes to shoot each target. A round is expected to take approximately one hour 30 minutes to complete, so shooters are encouraged to plan accordingly.
A final score will be recorded for each participant consisting of the sum total of the scores shot for each of the three (3) targets. A perfect score for the round will be recorded as 7,500 points. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to the top three shooters, respectively, for each Category (male or female), Age Class (Youth, Junior and Adult), and Division (Factory or Unlimited).
AWARDS
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded for each class, division, and male and female categories.
QUESTIONS
For event specific questions, contact Sport Director Ashley Pietro at negauneerodandgun@gmail.com.
For registration help, contact registration@stategamesofmichigan.com.
MERCHANDISE
2026 Winter Games Merchandise
The 2026 Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games merch is here! Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, show off your support with our crewneck, available in youth and adult unisex sizes.
PREPARE FOR THE GAMES
Click each title for more information
OPENING CEREMONY
Join us as we officially kick off the Winter Games in Negaunee on Friday, February 6th at the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival.
All athletes, families, and friends are welcome to attend.
Hotel
Meijer State Games of Michigan athletes receive a discounted rate for the Marquette Winter Games at Staybridge Suites! Click the button below to book your room now.
Staybridge Suites
855 W Washington St
Marquette, MI 49855 (directions)
MARQUETTE VISITOR INFORMATION
Be sure to check out the abundance of activities and attractions that Marquette has to offer when you are not competing! Click here for more information and ideas.
