With toy cap gun in hand, he was romanced by the cowboy way of life as he watched old western films with legendary actors like Roy Rogers. Evans still lives that childhood dream as he participates and promotes cowboy action shooting from his property located just three miles outside of Tombstone.

Evans, 60, and his wife Terri are the owners of the Tombstone Livery Stable, home of the upcoming Fourth Annual High Noon at the Tombstone Livery. The event, which is sponsored by the Tombstone Ghost Rider Outlaws, runs Feb. 10-14.

"Our mission at this facility is preserving our western heritage," said Evans, whose property also lends itself to trail rides, old-fashioned chuck wagon dinners and mounted shooting.

"My wife and I have both been in the western industry and the horse industry for a lot of years, training horses and trying to help people enjoy the western lifestyle," said Evans.

The two have been involved with dude ranches, covered wagon trips, and sleigh rides in Montana before moving to Tombstone about seven years ago to escape the cold weather. This is the fourth year that they will be hosting this shooting match at the Livery Stable.

The event this weekend will feature cowboy action shooting in association with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), an international organization with a
mission of preserving and promoting the cowboy action shooting sport,according to their web site.

These shootists can be found dressed in the appropriate 19th century apparel with their single action guns, lever action rifles and perhaps even their Winchester pump shotgun, a popular pick according to Evans.

A unique aspect of the club is the alias that members must take on, with names such as members "Turquoise Jake" or "Mean Rayleen," who were found practicing for upcoming matches at the stable. Their names must be appropriate in that they are modeled after a late 19th century figure, fictional character, or Hollywood star. No duplicate names are allowed, according to the SASS web site.

The matches are organized in a series of stages where contestants shoot at steel targets and are scored based on their speed and accuracy.

Shooting categories vary from gunfighter to duelist, allowing shootists to participate in a category of their choice.

Around the stable, Evans is known primarily by his alias "Cowboy Doug." He and wife "Tequila Terry" will be busy running errands ensuring operations run smoothly this coming weekend.

Self-proclaimed snowbird Marilyn Pierce, better known as "Granny Annie" around the property, has been involved with the sport for 12 years.

Pierce traveled from Iowa and has spent time shooting in many places but is in Tombstone in preparation for the National Championships at the Ben Avery Shooting Range in Phoenix.

"I really like it here," said Pierce, "This is an awesome facility, and 'Cowboy Doug' that runs the property is just top notch."

Pierce is a member of the Old Pueblo Shootists, one of three shooting clubs that shoot at the Tombstone Livery Stable.

Evans takes pride in making sure his facilities are run successfully and that business keeps growing.

"The shooters advertise for us," said Evans, "If they go to a shoot or a facility and it is organized and they have fun, a successfully run event really kind of advertises itself."

John Van Pelt, alias "Omaha John," has traveled from Texas to this site regularly as a result of his pleasing experiences.

"We love this run out here because we see friends that we only see when we are out here," said Van Pelt.

The close-knit bond that is formed from the club members in one of many reasons they enjoy this sport.

"Everybody is so helpful and so friendly, that they just want you to succeed," said Pistol "Packin' Lainee," aka Elaine Hein from Canada.

Although the sport is competitive in nature, people are supportive and helpful toward each other, she explained.

This sport is the fastest growing shooting sport, according to Stephanie "Buttercup" Ellis, spokeswoman for SASS. She said her organization has 91,112 members.

The event has not only brought business for Evans, but for the city of Tombstone as many of the shooters go into to town to buy western style clothing, souvenirs, food and lodging.

Evans estimates that 130-140 shooters will be present next weekend for the event.

"We like to send them in to spend money. They can eat at the different places and have a beer in the different saloons, and I remind them, that it was 130 years ago or so that Doc and Wyatt were sitting in those saloons," said Evans.

Evans remains a firm supporter of western heritage and hobbies and believes Tombstone is the perfect place for it.

"If you want to go have fun and ride roller coasters, you go to an amusement park, but if you want to experience the Old West, the best known town you can go to is Tombstone," said Evans.

"It really is neat that people are so enthusiastic about the heritage that we have here, and we like keeping that alive."