In the Crosshairs

MON 10/13
Gunning down a moving target isn't easy -- whether it's a living creature or not. But the sport of shooting is fun, especially if you're doing it for more than glory and trophies. At this year's ninth annual "Shoot to Cure" Sporting Clays Classic, which benefits the American Diabetes Association, trigger-happy marksmen can shoot guns for a good cause: wiping out one of the country's deadliest and most prevalent diseases. At the trap shoot, teams of five will try to hit as many clay discs (or "birds") as possible, moving through ten stations positioned around a rural course. The angle of flight of each disc will simulate a different critter's pattern of movement, zipping over trees or darting out from hills and barriers. "I won't lie. We have some pretty good shooters," says Frances Lauzon, area manager for the American Diabetes Association. "But we absolutely encourage novice and intermediate levels to participate." The tournament, held on the beginners course, features 75 targets, awards, catering by Truluck's and a silent auction. Flights (that is, start times) kick off at 10 a.m. and noon on Monday, October 13. American Shooting Centers, 16500 Westheimer Parkway. For information, call 713-977-7706, extension 6086. $125. -- Bliss Foster

White-Water Wine
The Guadalupe River in New Braunfels has seen better days. The only white water to be seen in the river's slow, butt-dragging currents is the foamy head of beer cans balanced atop the bellies of sunburned inner-tubers. Legit rafting aficionados have to head out to Big Bend to find anything resembling roaring rapids, and now they can also find some reprieve from the beer-and-chili diet of most camping outings. Crumpets Restaurant has teamed up with Far Flung Adventures in Big Bend to put together a gourmet raft trip, in which rafters will end each day at a riverside kitchen serving pâté, marinated shrimp, peppercorn steak and fine wine. 9 a.m. Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12. For information and directions, call 210-821-5600 or visit www.crumpetsa.com. -- Keith Plocek