 |
FIELD and GAME FEDERATION of AUSTRALIA Inc. |
Volume 03
Issue 2
June 2003
From The President
By the time you read this newsletter our Australian team will be competing
in America at the World Championships. Our World Championship team is an
amazing group of shooters who are at the top of their chosen shooting discipline.
FITASC shooting is, arguably, one of the hardest disciplines that one can
compete in and yet Australia produces some of the finest FITASC shooters
in the World. I know they will do their best and make us extremely proud
that they have represented Australia.
Recently the National Secretary Glen Rider attended a meeting of the Australian Shooting Association. For those of you who may not be aware, the ASA provides funds for competition shooting through the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Sports Commission. The ASA has been looking at a structure, which would focus on those shooting sports, which have Commonwealth or Olympic Games status. This has been defined as ‘high performance’. Whilst FITASC does not have Commonwealth or Olympic Games status, it can be, and has been strongly, argued that our competitors, particularly those in the Australian teams, can only be described as ‘high performance’. One look at the results we have achieved over the past few years will confirm that!
Speaking of ‘high performance’, have you considered coming to Tasmania for the Nationals later in the year. I know there are some sensational trophies on offer. Ken Triffitt, the Tasmanian Clay Target Director, and his fellow members at Northern Midlands have been working exceptionally hard to ensure a ground that will be both challenging and enjoyable. Do come and visit - you will be made to feel very welcome.
Till next time…….
Cheryl Arnol
National President
2003 OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS
NEW ZEALAND
This years Oceania returned to New Zealand at a small town in the Central
Otago region of the South Island. From previous experience of New Zealand
we expected the worst from their weather. It was a relief to experience
sunshine & warm days instead of the numbing cold & rain from our
previous visits. The area of Alexandria is in a rain shadow & it was
a surprise to find this area only receives 300mm of rain a year.
The event was combined with the South Island Championships & the New
Zealand Nationals. Now for a little bit of confusion. The event timing was
staged for the South Island Championships to be on the Thursday before Easter,
a one-day event over 75 targets. This event also combined & counted
for the first day of their Nationals. Their Nationals was over two days,
the second & final day (Friday) of their Nationals also formed the first
day of the Oceania. The Oceania consisted of three days shooting. Most competitors
treated the Thursday as an eye opener for the main Oceania event. This worked
out well to allow those shooters who have never been to these grounds to
sample what was in store.
I cannot say I agree in sharing days for events. It tends to water down their importance, both in this instance for the Oceania & the New Zealand Nationals. Both of these events have a prestige in their own standing. Include them in the combined programme if that is the intention, but I do not believe they should be sharing days.
The 3 shooting grounds each had their own unique backdrops & topography to be different from each other. I think everyone's favourite was the "Mountain Goat" middle ground, which overlooked the hills with a mountain back drop showing the first coating of snow for the start of winter. The shooting ground was & still is in parts to a lesser degree, mined for Gold, although from general view you would not think so (apart from the main car park area).
The weather could not have been more perfect, blue skies, sunshine & T shirts (is this really New Zealand?). The targets started relatively easy for the first day of the Oceania & gradually increased in difficulty as the days & event progressed. It is true the Friday did not leave any room for error. You made life hard for yourself if you dropped targets. Considering the viewed simplicity of the first days targets the number of clean rounds were not that common & with only 7 rounds cleaned for the whole competition was the simplicity over stated ?
The front-runners after the first day of competition started with Damien
Birgan who only dropped 3 targets for the day. Two rounds of 25 & 1
round of 22. Closely followed by Colin MacPherson 70, Fred Botica 70, Gordon
McFee (NZ) 69, Darryl Groundwater 69,
the rest of the field followed closely with myself on 67, Rodney Stin, Craig
Brown, Mike Birgan all on 66.Great shooting by Damien who copied Mike Birgan's
50 straight from the previous Oceania 2002 opening day in Noumea.
After a reshuffle of targets & menus that evening we prepared for another
day of competition. The next day started much the same as the previous day.
Blue skies, sunshine & T shirts Although one of the Australian contingent
was a little bit lighter in the wallet after donating some hard earned cash
to the New Zealand Police road fund after a quick run to the ground from
his hotel in Wannaka.
The rest of us proceeded to the ground at a less costly pace & the second
day of competition got under way.
Damien Birgan commenced where he left the previous day dropping only 3 targets
for the day. No clean rounds but 3 x 24, for another 72 . The rest of us
proceeded at a slightly lesser pace with only Anthony Panetta coming close
on 70 (Must have been the weight reduction in the wallet?).Colin MacPherson,
Gordon McFee (NZ) 66, Craig Brown, Darryl Braun (NZ), Chris Brown 65. The
rest of the field were back in the low 60's.
For the final day the 3 grounds were converted into 2, of 5 stands each, with some stands removed from the activity of the previous days. The targets were stepped up in toughness to produce a competitive last day. Some of the competitors could not handle the extra pace & slipped back down the scale while others rose to the occasion. Damien completed the last day as he had started with 47/50 for the day. Chris Brown also finished with the same 47, Colin MacPherson, Mark Webber, Mike Birgan 45, Fred Botica 43, Rohan Lay 42, Rodney Stin 41, Craig Brown 40, and Anthony Panetta 39.
The only shoot off to count was between Anthony Panetta & Fred Botica
for 3rd & 4th place O/A. It was also decided to fill out the squad with
the top 6 open places to produce an entertaining finale to the event for
those who had stayed behind for the presentations.
This worked well with a fine display of shooting from those participating
& resulted in Anthony succeeding Fred in the shoot off.
The event was a success & credit must go to the small band of enthusiastic members of Alexandria Gun Club (who only total 8 active members) Ewin Pirie & the helping hand given by the members from the Mataura club further south.
The only disappointment to the event was the trophies, or rather lack of . This is something that really needs to be addressed for future events. Competitors who excel at events should receive recognition in form, rather than a "thanks for coming" & a hand shake. I am aware of logistics for clubs to make a profit at these events, but the winners should not be forgotten in the flurry of turning a dollar. Otherwise these events will not be attended in numbers for the club to gain or the future of the sport to grow. I am also aware that some members do not believe in paying extra at events to allow a winner to go away with recognition for their efforts in getting a score in a grade or O/A. This type of thinking I cannot agree to. We are all in the sport of competition, whether we are trying to win the event or just better our own personal best.
Competitors who shot clean rounds
Damien Birgan
: two rounds / day one
Colin MacPherson
: one round / day one
Michael Birgan
: one round / day one
Craig Brown
: one round / day two
Rodney Stin
: one round / day one
Darryl Groundwater
: one round / day one
TOP TEN O/A
1st Damien Birgan 191
2nd Colin MacPherson 181
3rd Anthony Panetta 173
4th Fred Botica 173
5th Mark Webber 172
6th Mike Birgan 171
7th Craig Brown 171
8th Bernard Sireuil 169
9th Rodney Stin 167
10th Darryl Braun 166
LADIES
Natasha Lonsdale 165
Maree Birgan 159
Rene Birgan 156
JUNIORS
Chris Brown 176
Rohan Lay 160
James Clancy 156
VETERANS
Gordon MacPhee (NZ) 173
Dick Foster (NZ) 158
Neil Connelly (NZ) 155
TEAMS
OPEN
1st Aust:Total 716: Damien Birgan, Colin MacPherson, Anthony Panetta, Mike
Birgan
2nd NZ : Total 625: Rod Bryant, Tony Truss, John Waterworth, Clark Pirie
3rd NC : Total 596: Pascal Marle, Theodore Teinweiawe, Ronald Darkis, Didier
Louet.
JUNIOR
1st Aust:506 :Chris Brown Rohan Lay James Clancy
2nd NZ : 433 : Clarke Smith, Adam Hanson, Scott Gleeson
LADIES
1st Aust: 424: Maree Birgan, Rene Birgan, Sheryl Brown
2nd NZ : 319: Marion Whyte, Jane Davidson, Neil Connoly
VETERANS
1st NZ :484 : Gordon MacPhee, Dick Foster, Neil Connelly
2nd Aust: 423: Bob Vittori, Warwick Cumberland, Barry Jane
Australia performed well with many individual performances rating high but I believe all praise should go to Damien Birgan for his performance which rated as the highest score ever produced at a Oceania. His O/A lead of 10 targets at the final call is outstanding.
Glen Rider
Australian Team Manager
In the beginning,
God created the heavens and the earth...!
Quickly, God was faced with a class action suit for failure to file an
environmental impact statement. God was granted a temporary permit for the
project, but was stymied with the cease and desist order for the earthly
part.
Then God said, "Let there be light!"
Immediately, the officials demanded to know how the light would be made.
Would there be strip mining? What about thermal pollution? God explained
that the light would come from a large ball of fire. God was granted provisional
permission to make light, assuming that no smoke would result from the ball
of fire, and that he would obtain a building permit and to conserve energy,
He would have the light out half the time. God agreed and offered to call
the light "Day" and the darkness "Night". The officials
replied that they were not interested in semantics.
God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation, plant yielding seed,
and fruit trees bearing fruit."
The EPA agreed, so long as only native seed was used.
Then God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures,
and let birds fly above the earth."
The officials pointed out that this would require approval from the Department
of Game coordinated with the Heavenly Wildlife Federation and the Audobon
Society. Everything was okay until God said the project would be completed
in six days.
The officials said it would take at least two hundred days to review the
applications and the impact statement. After that there would be a public
hearing. Then there would be ten to twelve months before....
At this point God created Hell.
Australian Team FITASC World Championships
2003
Claythorne Lodge Kansas is the venue for the World Champs this year
Competition Dates are 9th – 12th July
The Australian Team Members are:-
Open Team
Damien Birgan, Socrates Pilipasidis, Peter Tobin and Craig McPherson
Junior Team
Chris Brown, Daniel Johnson, James Clancy
Veterans
Bob Vittori, Barry Jane, Warwick Cumberland
Lady Maree Birgan
Team Manager Glen Rider
We wish our Team Members all the best in Kansas
Nationals 2003 Tasmania
Major Sponsors for our National 3 Day carnival have been secured and are
listed below in alphabetical order
Beretta Australia
Highland Sports
International Target Products (Heffer Traps)
Rio/Corsivia
The Outdoor Sportsman
Winchester Australia
The Carnival starts of with the English Sporting Nationals on Friday 14th
November.
The sole sponsor for this event is Rio/Corsivia
Day 2 and day 3 of the Carnival is the Australian Sporting Clay Nationals
Beretta Australia is sponsoring the National Champion
with a
Beretta U/O Shotgun
They are also providing the trophies for Ladies, Veteran and Junior Categories.
Rio/Corsivia are sponsoring all trophies for the Graded Events.
The Outdoor Sportsman is sponsoring the Club Teams event
Winchester Australia are providing the trophies for the Champion State Team
Winchester Australia also wish to provide a new trophy for the National Carnival High Gun.
This trophy will be titled: -
FIELD AND GAME FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA 2003 NATIONALS CARNIVAL
OVERALL HIGH GUN CHAMPION
This will be awarded to the shooter with the highest score over the two
National Championships at the 3 Day Carnival ie. English Sporting and Australian
Sporting Clay Nationals.
The trophy will be a new model
Browning B 525 Citori Sporting U/O Shotgun valued at $5,300-00
We at Federation wish to thank our loyal sponsors for their continued support
of our Nationals Carnival.
Sponsorship of this level is what makes our Nationals a Major Event on the
Australian Shotgun Shooting Calendar.
Ray McFarlane
Noah's Ark...If it happened today
And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In six months I'm going to make
it rain until the whole earth is covered with water and all the evil people
are destroyed. But I want to save a few good people, and two of every kind
of living thing on the planet. I am commanding you to build an Ark."
And in a flash of lightning, He delivered the specifications for an Ark.
"Okay," said Noah, trembling with fear and fumbling with the blueprints
"Six months, and it starts to rain," thundered the Lord. "You'd
better have the Ark completed, or learn to swim for a very long time."
Six months passed, the skies clouded up and rain began to fall. The Lord
saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard, weeping. And there was no Ark.
"Noah," shouted the Lord, "Where is the Ark?"
"Lord, please forgive me!" begged Noah. "I did my best. But
there were big problems. First, I had to get a building permit for the Ark
construction project, and your plans didn't meet code. So I had to hire
an engineer to re-draw the plans.
"Then I got into a big fight over whether or not the Ark needed a fire
sprinkler system.
"Then my neighbour objected, claiming I was violating zoning by building
the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning
commission.
"Then I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there
was a ban on cutting trees to save the Spotted Owl. I had to convince the
U.S. fish and Wildlife that I need the wood to save the Owls. But the wouldn't
let me catch any owls. So, no owls.
"The carpenters formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate
a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would
pick up a saw or hammer. Now we have sixteen carpenters going on the boat,
and still no owls.
"Then I started gathering up the animals, and got sued by an animal
rights group. They objected to me taking only two of each kind. "Just
when I got the suit dismissed, EPA notified me that I couldn't complete
the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed
flood. They didn't take kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction
over the conduct of a Supreme Being.
"Then the Army Corp of Engineers wanted a map of the proposed new flood
plane. I sent them a globe.
"Right now, I'm still trying to resolve a complaint from the equal
Employment Opportunity Commission over how many people I'm supposed to hire.
The IRS has seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to avoid paying taxes
by leaving the country. And I just got a notice from the state about owing
them some kind of use tax. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for
at least another five years," Noah wailed.
The sky began to clear. The sun began to shine. A rainbow arched across
the sky. Noah looked up and smiled
"You mean you're not going to destroy the earth?" Noah asked hopefully.
"No," said the Lord sadly "The government already has."
National Training camp for Ladies and Juniors
Attendees
NSW
Joanne Nicholls, Daniel Baskerville
Qld
Renae Birgan
WA
Jason Gravenall, Andrew Beckett
Vic
Cherie Neilson, Brook Tangey, Sheryl Brown, Sheryl MacPherson
Chris Brown, Daniel Johnson, James Clancy, Brett Kelynack, Blake Nankervis,
Michael Holmes, James McKenzie attended on the Saturday but was unable to
come on the Sunday.
Coaches
Colin MacPherson, Craig MacPherson, Ross Clancy, Craig Hobbs
Gun fit
Rod Haugh from The Outdoor Sportsman
The Training Camp was a full weekend of shooting and instruction for the group. They all competed in a 75 target VSCA State Selection event on the Saturday were they were assessed as to their strengths and weaknesses.
Sunday consisted of the group being placed into different squads and being taken around the range to be coached on shooting the many and varied targets on offer. Full advantage was taken in providing a wide variety of targets including high driven, Battues and Rabbits from both left and right, teal, loopers and targets driven downhill.
After the morning session Rod Haugh then gave a talk on gun fit and checked all shooters and advised on any alterations that were required to their guns.
After a good lunch provided by Jean and June in the canteen they went out
to shoot a thirty target round under competition conditions. The emphasis
on the weekend was,
use of the correct stance when addressing a target.
Reading of the target trajectory and recognising what the target was doing.
Ie rising, dropping or curling.
Where the best spot was to shoot a Battue or a teal.
Correct gun mount etc.
This years group exhibited a definite improvement overall and showed that
in the States represented their programs are now starting to bear fruit.
One interesting aside that shows the determination required from a top competitor,
was a comment I heard from Renae when I called a target lost , “ jeez I
hate that word the most”
I thank both the States that participated and also Federation for their
commitment to the future of our sport.
Thanks also to all those who gave up their weekend to make this camp a success
Ray McFarlane
FITASC Championship of Oceania 2004
Expressions of interest to host this event are now being sought.
Australia is to be the host of this International event in 2004.
Any State interested in hosting this event should apply in writing to
Ray McFarlane
National Director Target Shooting
2 Rolfe Court
Leopold
Vic. 3224
Application should include
- The Branch which is to host the event.
Applicants must be able to provide the minimum requirements listed below
Minimum requirements are
- 3 Ranges to the new FITASC System
- 5 Shooting Stands for each Range
- 3 traps to each Stand
- Total Trap requirements are 45 plus spares
- Traps must be all Automatic Machines in good order
- Pool or practice traps are extra to above
Any further information required is available by phoning 03-52502327
Ray McFarlane
Compak Nationals 2003
Venue:- Sydney Sporting Clays
This years Compak Nationals at the Sydney Sporting Clays Range attracted a very disappointing entry of 40 shooters.
The question is why were the entries so low.
Entries were received from only two states with nine Victorians and the rest from New South Wales.
Sydney Sporting Clays put on four very interesting Compak Layouts that
had targets for every level of shooter. They are to be commended on the
quality of the layouts. All who attended had a very enjoyable two days of
shooting at 200 targets.
The trophies provided by Sydney were of very good value, the targets were
good, so I again ask why the attendance was so low.
I know that there were Federation members who were prepared to attend competitions run by rival organizations on the same weekend rather than travel to Sydney.
Why are they prepared to support them rather than their own Federation?
The question needs to be asked whether we are wasting our time putting on international standard events such as this.
Well enough bitching and on with the results of the event.
Once again John Younger proved the master and added another National Championship to his collection.
Open:- National Champion
John Younger 179/200 +19
2nd
Colin MacPherson 173/200 +19
3rd
Peter Hall 171/200 +2
4th
Fred Botica 167/200 +19
Ladies:- National Champion
Jenny Nicholls 114/200
Juniors:- National Champion
Daniel Baskerville 163/200
Veterans:- National Champion
Ken Moore 152/200
A Grade:-
1st George Brown 164/200
2nd Paul Smidt 158/200
3rd Dean Delaney 149/200
B Grade
1st Charlie Restifa 165/200
2nd Ray McFarlane 150/200
3rd Jim Holt 148/200
C Grade
1st Stewart Leach 117/200
2nd Matt Leighton 114/200
3rd Mal Tilley 94/200
STATE NEWS
Tasmania
Clay Target Director's Report:
Here in downtown Tassy we are well into the target shooing "season" (lucky it's an open one) and with two State Team qualifying shoots under our belt the team positions are starting to fall into place. We still have a long way to go to the State Championships and the final shoot. This year we are conducting 6 qual shoots and each shooter can drop their 2 lowest scores or can miss 2 shoots if they wish, but it is compulsory to attend and shoot the State Championships as the 100 targets on the Saturday is the final qualifying shoot. At the time of putting this article together the Team is as follows:
Open: M Blackwell – K Triffitt – R Groves – R Triffitt
Lady: S Ridgway (not you Steve)
Junior: J Cables
Veteran: T Grodski
As the qual shoots continue there will be changes no doubt.
It is sad to see so little participation from some of the Sporting Clay
branches in this State, it is strange, they want everyone to attend their
branch but are not prepared to reciprocate, oh well one day.
Our newest Sporting Clay branch here in Tassy, Northern Midlands Sporting Clays are also hosting the State Championships on the first weekend in October.
Until next time may all your clays be broken ones
Ken Triffitt
Tasmanian Field & Game
Director Clay Target Shooting
Northern Midlands Sporting Clays
Things are moving along nicely at present, shoots are well attended and the targets are starting to get that mainland tinge to them "I didn't know you had to be that far in front of that battue!" One of the members that has been to Geelong recently and shot the FITASC event set some of the targets at our last shoot and fairly set the fox amongst the chooks (couldn't resist that one ) and at the end of the presentations there was a clamber for guns and ammo as they headed off to the battue to try and work it out, there were some happy faces as they returned, another lesson learned.
The arrangements for the Nationals are starting to fall into place. We still have a fair bit to do but I reckon she will be apples.
I am told that accommodation is filling fast and at some places very scarce. One of the agents we are using, GROUPS Tasmania has quite a few rooms which they pre-booked, still available. They originally booked 100 and have had some of the motels ringing to see if they would release some back, so if you are looking for accommodation give them a ring on 1800 462 827 and it will help us at the same time.
Don't forget to fill out the Declaration form for your firearms if you are travelling by boat, if you missed it in the last edition of the Federation Newsletter and you want to know more give me a ring on (03) 6362 3868 but please after 8.30 pm if possible.
We are also hosting the TF&GA Sporting Clay State Championships on the 4th & 5th of October, 100 tgts on the Saturday and 50 tgts on the Sunday so if you feel inclined why not catch the boat over on the Friday night, arrive in Tassy about 7ish, travel down to Longford, shoot both days and catch the boat home again on Sunday night. A good time is to be had by all. There is good prize value for each grade and category and State Champion.
Our next club shoot should prove an interesting day as we are having the Retrieving Gun Dog Association coming along to have a shot with us then putting on a demonstration for us again. The last one they did was very popular with the members.
Catch ya at a shoot somewhere.
"Stumpy"
South Australia
News from Central Branch
There has been quite a bit of activity within the club of late in anticipation of the up and coming State Championships. We have formed a sub-committee to ensure all is under control and have had generous support and help from Rob Lowe of Southern Branch.
Our grounds have never been in better shape, thanks to Whitey and 8 to 10 dedicated workers.
So mark the 18th & 19th October in your diaries as we can assure you
of a warm welcome, interesting targets and generous prizes.
We have conducted 2 shoots since the last (or was it the 1st) newsletter
and these have both been well attended and lots of favourable comments.
The May shoot was held on Sunday 3rd and sponsored by Sam’s Auto Electric (Angelo Falco.)
AA Richard Dean 60
John Torresan 59
Andrew Winen 58
A Bob David 60
Dave Austin 59
John Gugliandolo 58
B Hayden Brown 50
Dave Gagnon 49
Steve Kelly 49
C Richard Lines 47
Mick Napper 40
Paul Douvos 40
Vets Dean Riddle 44
Peter Quire 44
Sub juniors Ryan Baum 29
Alicia Austin 21
Our June shoot held on Sunday 1st sponsored by Tima Drury who is currently somewhere in the Northern Territory was held in conjunction with the Henry Ruhe Memorial Event. (Highest “B” Grade Score)
The Henry Ruhe Memorial was won by Angelo Falco.
AA John Torresan 63
Garry Fitzgibbons 56
A Grant Baum 58
Sid Guglielmino 57
B Angelo Falco 55
Hayden Brown 54
C Paul Douvos 36
Mike Lane 34
Vets Dean Riddle 38
Eric Ledgard 38
Junior Julian Torresan 48
Sub junior Ryan Baum 35
Luke Deron 27
Renmark, Berri Field and Game
Renmark's two day shoot on the 26th and 27th of April saw Andrew Winen take
High gun honours. Winen shot very well on a tough course to score 126/150.
Chris Ball from Adelaide was the AA Winner followed by Tony Trevorrow from
Glossop on 115/150 with Colin Nunn third after a shoot-off.
Riverland shooters also took out the three top positions in C grade, Alicia
Austin won Ladies with 50/150. and Paringa’s Wes Fenton won the Junior with
80/150 ahead of Graeme Dyer 58/150. Full results Follow:
High Gun
A Winen. (Renmark) 126/150
AA:
C. Ball (Adelaide)120/150
T Trevorrow (Glossop) 115/150.
A:
M Mc Kinnon (Adelaide) 116/150
P Mackie (Victoria) 114/150
C Nunn (Berri) 112/150.
B:
D Axon (Adelaide) 102/150
M Dellazoppa (Adelaide) 106/159
J Smith (Adelaide) 104/159.
C:
A Markeas (Renmark) 86/150
T Dyer (Barmera) 82/150
R Shaw (Berri) 77/150.
Veterans:
L Sharam (Meningie) 106/150
G Tucker (Strathalbyn) 85/150.
Ladies:
Alicia Austin (Renmark) 50/150
Juniors:
W Fenton (Paringa) 80/150
G Dyer (Barmera) 58/150
Handicap Team:
L Cameron, T Trevorrow, C Koutlis, D Gross
589/600.
Off Gun Team:
T Trevorrow. Laurie Sharam, A Winen, R Haywood (Loxton) 445/600
The Southern Branch News
Along with some other shoot format changes we will be providing a separate
flyer at shoots to keep regular shooters informed and post results of the
previous shoot.
The committee in aware of the need for ongoing improvements to our Monarto
facility and along with an on going ground and course projects we are exploring
options for better clubrooms.
We are considering renovations to the building adjacent to the toilet block with windows and sliding doors to the east opening onto a deck with shade or a completely new structure located on the site of the existing house.
Both options will include the eventual demolition of the old house and provision for outside seating and shade
The assistance any member with expertise labour or materials to contribute
to this project will be greatly appreciated. (And you don’t even need to
be a member at Southern to help.) Your comments and suggestions invited.
To improve the conditions for shooters we will be setting courses that allow
vehicle access to stands and encourage the uses of vehicles on the course.
Please consider other shooters and for safety sake observe a 15 km / hr
speed limit.
Where possible arrange your parking to avoid reversing.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
We are getting more small children to shoots.
Sound you horn before moving to alert others who may have small children
in the area of your intentions.
Western Australia
Things are pretty quiet in WA, Our State Team Qualifying Shoots are closely contested and the current Top Ten are listed below. There are about a dozen shooters and their families are planning their trips to the Nationals in Tassie and are all keen to have a look around as well.
WA Top Ten as of 30.05.03
Dave Williams 123
Jon Dyas 116
Vern Godfrey 116
Harry Butler 113
Damon Brown 111
Mick Ellis 111
Mick Thomas 109
Jason Gravenall 107 Junior
Tom Papadopoulos 106
Roy Mayo 105
Two juniors and our new Coaching Director attended the National Training
Camp a couple of weeks ago and the report that I received was very favourable.
The boys learnt a lot and Tony was given a lot of advice from Ray McFarlane
and Colin McPherson. We hope that the Federation can keep up the Training
Camps as they are a great benefit to this State. Thanks very much to Federation
and the Geelong Club for the Opportunity to attend.
Harry B
WA Target Director
WA Field & Game Compak State Championships,
The Shoot was held at Whiteman Park Shooting complex and was run extremely
well, and all credit must go to the organizers for a job well done. A good
variety of targets were thrown over the 3 layouts,
Results;
2003 Champion Jon Dyas
AA Ron Schlottman
A Tom Papadopoulos
B Arthur Page
C Ian Carlile
Lady Michaela Philipp
Junior Andrew Mansfield
Veteran Roy Mayo
More Clay Target News
The State Team Selection Series is progressing well and the Harvey Branch Shoot was held on the 8th of June and all went well. The weather was perfect and the targets that were presented were the best we have seen in quite a while, a terrific mix of fast and slow, long and short, crossing going away, driven, you name it and there was one there somewhere.
Our junior representatives who traveled to Geelong just recently, showed that they got some benefit from the Training camp that they have just attended with both Andrew and Jason both shooting 60/75, only 3 targets off High Gun and beating all but one of the AA graders. Very Well done boys, keep up the good work, and don’t be afraid to tell us old blokes were we are going not so good.
WA Top Ten as of 8th June 2003
Dave Williams 174
Damon Brown 173
Jon Dyas 172
Vern Godfrey 172
Tony Butler 171
Roy Mayo 168
Jason Gravenall 167
Mick Thomas 166
Mick Ellis 164
Tony Trainor 157
Harry B
Queensland
Well here we are, half the year gone already and for me it has been very,
very, busy 6 months. The Queens Birthday holiday being the first public
holiday I’ve taken for the year. This work load has not allow me time to
attend the Selection shoots at Fraser Coast and Gympie but I’m pleased that
the shoots were well attended by members and I wish to thank both clubs
for the effort they put in, to run the events.
There are two selection shoots left in the year, selection shoot in August
– Brisbane and the State Championships, September – Brisbane.
I would take this opportunity to invite all members to compete in these two events.
As you are all aware NO DUCK SEASON this year, which is nearly Australia wide. At present the association through Steve Matthews is working hard on 2004 season. Fingers crossed.
I wish all success to Damien Birgan and Maree Birgan who have made the
Australian Team for the World Championships in the USA, best of luck and
bring home the bacon. Also to Mike Birgan and Glen Rider who will also compete,
Good Luck to all.
GO YOU QUEENSLANDERS!!
When all these World class competitors come back to Brisbane I will be asking them if they will make themselves available at the coaching day on the 31st of August at the Brisbane Range their experiences overseas will make a great coaching day. I hope all our Juniors and novices will attend.
I must remind members that if we as an association didn’t compete at World Championships, National, State and Club Championships our days of owning a shotgun would be numbered. Our strongest argument to own a firearm is that we are active in the Worldwide sport. So lets boost our membership and numbers and lets start shooting in these regular competitions.
See you around the traps.
Mark Farrow
Queensland Target Report
6th April 2003 / 2nd Selection Shoot Fraser Coast
The crew at Fraser Coast club extended their reputation with the course of fire at this selection shoot. The looping tower target was something different & with the trees set in the view line it made for an entertaining target.
The club does not have a vast amount of Automatic traps at their disposal but this did not detract from the course set up.
With the reduced availability of Automatic traps we had to split up the first & last rounds into two stands each. This had an air of the true "Old Style FITASC" where you moved across to another stand to shoot the same traps from different angles. Anyone who has shot true "Old Style FITASC" knows this takes some beating for entertainment value. The only draw back is if large numbers turn up to these events, it makes the going slow for any following squads. This is not a problem in Queensland, we do not get the large numbers that the other states do.
Many thanks to Leo Cao & the Fraser Coast members for the days shooting.
HG : Mike Birgan 63
AA: Denis Dinte 60 Denis Bullimore 54
A: Glen Rider 59
Craig Hume 59
B: Mick Fleming 53
T Cecil 25
C: P Dalton 46
Veterans : Kerrod Kay 57
Ian Clisdell 51
Ladies: Maree Birgan 50
Karen Rider 21
Juniors : Tyrone Power 60 Rene Birgan 58
18th May 2003 / 3rd Selection Shoot Gympie
Another fine day in Queensland. It's true what they say about the state being "perfect" with the weather, although from some of the other views I hear this is not always the case. It made a change to shoot a proper set of Rafale targets. Far to many shoots you go to call a target "Rafale pair" (two targets following each other from the same trap), when in fact they are in reality report pairs. The traps are usually positioned to the side of the shooter & shot going away. This is not how Rafale targets should be presented.
The true representation of Rafale means that BOTH targets should be in the air BEFORE you are able to fire a shot at the first target. This way the targets can be called "no pair" if one of the targets is deemed a no bird before the first shot is fired. Otherwise an unfair advantage or disadvantage can occur to the shooter through no fault of their own, but due to the range setter.
The most outstanding result of the day was the High Gun. This valued position went to one of our states true competitors "Kerrod Kay".
Kerrod was in good company at this shoot & his result is no mean feat. He was on fire after shooting the first round clean & only dropping his second last target of the second round for 49/50.
It is not often someone beats Damien Birgan in Queensland & all credit goes to Kerrod for his first class performance. I only wish I could put up a performance like this now, let alone as a veteran. There is hope for us yet!. To top it all Kerrod donated his High gun prize (cartridges) to the juniors at Gympie. This is the sign of a true sportsman. An example we can all from. I hope I have not embarrassed you too much Kerrod, but credit when it is due.
HG : Kerrod Kay 70
AA :Damien Birgan 69
David Groundwater 67
A: Ian Grant 65
Paul Collingwood 64
B: Stafford Bleeney 53
Wayne Atkins 51
C: Vern Porter 48
Anthony Searle 37
Veterans: Kerrod Kay 70
Ladies: Maree Birgan 63
Queensland Team Points
Mike Birgan 27.5
Damien Birgan 20
David Groundwater 16.5
Paul Collingwood 16
Dennis Dinte 15.5
Glen Rider 15
Craig Hume 12.5
Ian Grant 11.0
Dennis Bullimore 10.5
Les Power 8
Paul McDonald 2.5
Stafford Bleeney 2
Mick Fleming 2
Vern Porter 1
Peter Munro 1
Carl Law 0.5
Ian Collison 0.5
VETERAN
Kerrod Kay 8
Ian Clisdell 5
Rob Jones 1
LADIES
Maree Birgan 9
Karen Rider 6
JUNIORS
Renae Birgan 8
Tyrone Power 5
News South Wales
NSW shooting programme has been going at a steady rate so far this year,
major shoots being held all round the state, including state selection shoots.
One of these which has captured the imagination of many competitors is the
upcoming state shoot at Milparinka, this will be a first for this club ,
which is made up of stalwarts such as our former membership secretary, Debbie
Hotchins and her main helper Ray. There is no doubt that there will be some
outback hospitality at this event.
We have recently been through another state election in NSW and I am pleased
that we managed to retain our Shooters Party seat in the NSW Parliament.
As country area campaign co-ordinator I had the pleasure of organising the
largest team of booth workers we have ever had on the ground in the history
of the party. Offers of help came from many areas, including Field &
Game AUS, who have decided that for shooting to survive it is necessary
to become politically active, and as a result they organised most of the
southern part of the state.
I also attend regular meetings at the police building at Darlinghurst, along
with representatives from all major shooting groups, where advice is given
to ministry representatives on relevant matters pertaining to state firearm
laws. At this point the hand gun confiscation with payment programme, appears
to be in some disarray and I can not see it going ahead for some time.
Jim Pirie
NSW Pres.
Dates for rest of 2003
FIELD & GAME FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA.
July
Wed 9-13 FITASC World Championships 2003
November
Fri 14th Tasmania 6th ENGLISH SPORTING NATIONALS
Sat 15th Tasmania 27th AUST. SPORTING NATIONALS
Sun 16th Tasmania 27th AUST. SPORTING NATIONALS
Mon 17th FGFA Meeting
QUEENSLAND
July
Sun 6th Bris Australian Shooting Games Compak 100 Tgts 9.30am
Sun 13th Bris Australian Shooting Games Sporting 75 Tgts 9.30am
August
Sun 10th Bris 4th SELECTION SHOOT 75 Tgts 9.30pm
Sun 31st Bris Coaching Day 12.30pm
September
Sat/Sun 13-14th Bris State Championships 150 Tgts 9.30pm
October
Sun 13th Bris 20th Anniversary Shoot 9.30pm
December
Fri 26th Bris King of the Quarry 9.30am
NEW SOUTH WALES
August
Sun 6th STATE MEETING Sat 16/17th Milparinka State Selection 150tgt 10am
September
Sat 13/14th Mudgee State Championship 200tgt 10am (BUCKAROO)
October
Sat 4th State AGM Venue to be Advised 10.00AM
VICTORIA
July
Sat 27th Graded Little River STATE SELECTION 75 Targets
August
Sat 24th Graded Little River STATE SELECTION 75 Targets
September
Sat/Sun 6th-7th VSCA State Championships 150 Targets Laang
November
Sat 29th Port Phillip STATE SELECTION 75 Targets
TASMANIA
July
PENGUIN Sun 13th 75T Sporting Clays – 4th Qualifying Shoot Incorporating
Glen Brydon Memorial
September
SOUTH EAST Sun 7th 75T Sporting Clays – 5th Qualifying Shoot
October
NORTHERN MIDLANDS Sat 4th) 150T Sporting Clays Sun 5th) State Championship
(100 T Saturday final Qualifying shoot)
November
PENGUIN Sun 9th 75T Sporting Clays Club C/ship and Nationals Practice Day
NORTHERN MIDLANDS Fri 14th 80T English Sporting National Championships
Sat/Sun 15-16th 150T National Aust. Sporting Clays Championships
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
July
Southern 50 tgt Sporting Graded STATE TEAM QUALIFICATION
August
Sat 24th South East 50 tgt Sporting Graded STATE TEAM QUALIFICATION
September
Sat 14th Waikerie 75 tgt Sporting Graded STATE TEAM QUALIFICATION
October
Sat/Sun 18-19th State Championships
Central Region Branch
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
July
Sat 6th Three Springs 5th State Selection Shoot 9.00am
August
Sun 10th Wannamal 6th State Selection Shoot 9.00am
Sun 31st Wanneroo State Championships 9.00am