On a sunny day in September 2000, the New Haven Sportsmen Club hosted an introductory Cowboy Action Shoot. A group of 24 shooters participated. Scenarios and targets were limited but enthusiasm was high. From this inauspicious beginning grew the "Bluffhead Bushwackers". Our name was derived from the Bluffhead, a prominent geological feature in North Guilford, Connecticut not 1/4 mile north of the New Haven Sportsmen's Club and the need for something catchy to go along with "Bluffhead". It did not take long to settle on "Bushwackers". A quick check of "The Chronicle" reveals a few Vigilantes, Regulators, and Shootists, but there's only one "Bushwackers". Within 6 months we had become SASS affiliated and had our 2001 Cowboy Action Shooting schedule in place. On a cold day in April 2001, we held an all day work party to construct props and to prepare our 3 ranges. Thanks to the contributions of Abilene Bill and Doc Red Thumb, our compliment of steel cowboy targets and stands were completed. Our first year of operation kicked off in May 2001. The program was a resounding success right through to the last shoot in November. We managed to host 292 shooters in a friendly, safe, closely monitored shooting environment. As a result of this tremendous participation, the New Haven Sportsmen's Club inducted additional new members who felt that we offered what they wanted in a shooting organization. Our shoots were featured in several newspapers and magazines through out the year. Marlin Firearms, U.S. Firearms, and many local firearms businesses, generously sponsored our annual shoot the "Buzzard Boil" in 2001 and continue to sponsor this match. In 2001 some 51 shooters spent the day being challenged by our six stages including our now famous "critter corner". If you have not experienced our Critter Corner yet you are in for a treat. And finally, to cap the year 2001, we held our 1st Annual Long Range "Buffalo Shoot" in December. Trophies were awarded to the winners in three different categories. As the years progress we continue to grow, have fun and maintain safety for all. In 2005 we moved to The Hartford Gun Club and changed our name to the 'Connecticut Valley Bushwackers'. We had a great time at The Hartford Gun Club, but when they closed down their pistol ranges in 2012 we had to move on and shot with the Snake Meadow Club, Inc. in Moosup, CT before moving on to our current location with the Manchester Sportsmen Club in Coventry, CT.