Governor's Twenty Tab: Advice for a first time competitor?

Hey Jason, congrats on being selected to shoot a competitive event.

Regardless of the type of shooting event (I assume the "Governors Twenty" will mirror the "Presidents Hundred") here are 3 recommendations that will serve you well:

1. Buy read and live Lanny Basshams book "With Winning in Mind" (http://bit.ly/LB_WWIM). Follow his instructions religiously. I took this advice from shooter and instructor extraordinaire Gene Rucks, and it served me well.

2. Master the basics. No kidding, there are no advanced "secret" techniques or equipment that will get you into the winning brackets as surely as mastering the basics.

3. Practice properly, practice properly, and practice properly... (see Lanny's book)

When you master the three points above your competitive shooting career will shine.

Seek out your BN/BDE Master Gunner. Typically he is involved or has shot the course many times (in addition to advanced training).

Having competed in Arizona's Governor's Dozen event multiple times, placing at least in the top twenty each time and ninth on my last attempt, the best advice I could give mirrors what others have already said, practice, practice, practice. Get a copy of the event standards, and practice to those standards religiously. Don't cut yourself any slack, your fellow competitors and the range officers certainly won't.
Aim Small / Miss Small. Good Luck.