Raton Championship

[Don McDowell]

Kevin, just to echo what Cody said, if it fits your schedule then go. They will squad you with someone, it might be a former champion or contender , or it may just be a normal shooter that is there by his/herself. Either way it's a grand learning experience.
Yes it's best to go with someone that you've shot with and sort of speak the same language. If your are married, would your wife want to be your spotter, she can do that without being entered to shoot. (of course as a wise man once told me, it can sure complicate things when your sleeping with your spotter and the wind and mirage aren't treating you well...)
Of course attending your close by shoots and cultivating a shooting pardner is always a good thing, and the more you go the better you'll get at being able to pick up the subtle stuff in the wind and mirage. You being able to do a good job of spotting will go along way toward folks welcoming you and shooting with you.