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FIELD and GAME FEDERATION of AUSTRALIA Inc. |
Volume 4
Issue 1
March 2004
FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Recently I was invited by the South Australian Field and Game Association
to attend their Annual General Meeting. The purpose was to listen to the
concerns that their membership had in relation to the way the Federation
operates both at an administrative level and financial level. The meeting
did give me the opportunity to address those concerns. At the end of the
day, the members were happy with the outcome. Certainly from the Federation’s
point of view, I was delighted to have the chance to speak with so many
South Australian members.
The situation in relation to the Australian Shooting Association hasn’t changed much since the last time I made mention of it in this column.
Unfortunately there appears to be some difficulties in the affiliates of the ASA agreeing with the Australian Sport Commission in relation to an acceptable (to the ASC at least) constitution. It is very important that we do so in the very near future as funding for our own high performance people rests with the ASA. As I have stated in the past, our sporting clay competitors are amongst the best in the world and we need to be in a position to support them.
Early in my married life my mother gave me a little plaque, which says, “We interrupt this marriage to bring you the hunting season”. I am sure there are a lot of ladies out there who can relate to that! Seriously though I know there are a large number of hunters who are looking forward to duck season in their respective State. I think it is important to note that, whilst the perception may be that we are essentially a competition shooting organization, many hours are spent by members of the Federation lobbying the respective State Parliaments for hunting seasons, increased bag limits and the like. Hunting seasons are, of course, a State issue and anything that hunters can do to assist in that lobbying process would be appreciated by the State Executives. As you are aware, politicians work on numbers. There is little value in stopping your membership of the Federation (or indeed any other organization) when no season is declared for your State. We need to keep our membership numbers up, particularly of hunters, to put a sustainable argument to the politicians.
Whether you are a competition shooter or a hunter, good luck and good shooting over the coming weeks.
Till next time…
Cheryl Arnol
FITASC GRAND PRIX 2004 GEELONG REPORT
After the long lay off over the Christmas break, this much anticipated
second Australian FITASC Grand Prix event is the first major Competition
of 2004. From its conception last year, the word is out about the Australian
FITASC Grand Prix. This popularity is obvious with every State body in attendance
& also a member from New Caledonia travelling over to be entertained.
The field was in full attendance (128 Competitors) with no vacant spaces
left & members who left their bookings too late could not be accommodated.
It is unusual to turn members away in Australia, but with the traditional
Old Style FITASC you are restricted in the numbers that can be put through
before the sun goes down. Those who know the "Old style" system
appreciate it as the pinnacle of sporting clay shooting & jump at the
chance to participate. With eight separate Parcours (grounds) to participate
in, you know you will not be returning to shoot any of the Parcours again.
What a way to spend the weekend!!!!!
This event is an internationally recognised Competition as much as the
Oceania, with the scores forming part of the "World Cup". This
is a separate world event & is finalised at the World FITASC Championships,
which this year will occur at Signes, in France over the period 17 - 20
June 2004. The World Cup event is similar in concept to our own Selection
shoots here in Australia. You receive points from your final position &
to be eligible you are required to attend three events. One Grand Prix (in
any country), one Region Championship (the Oceania for our region), &
the World Championships.
Last year Australia had considerable success in achieving positions in all
categories at the 2003 World cup.
Damien Birgan 3rd in Open, Chris Brown 2nd in juniors, Maree Birgan 3rd
Ladies & Warwick Cumberland 3rd Veterans. Hopefully this year will be
no different.
This event is also used by Federation to select the Australian team that
will represent us at the World Titles.
The usual Geelong weather expectation of cold wind & rain or even colder wind & rain did not eventuate. The weekend produced fine weather with only minor winds. This did have an effect on a few of the targets, but on the whole the target lines remained as expected (not usual for Geelong). I had the distinction to be squadded & Referee the contingent competing for the placing’s in the Australian Junior team. Junior in name only, these competitors shoot with a maturity that is on a higher level than many of us Open competitors, not only in their professional attitude to the sport, but the way they destroy Clay targets.
The juniors, squad No.5, started on layout 5, with seven other squads sent
out at the same time the first shots were fired. Obviously it is hard to
follow the events unfolding & sometimes unravelling, with the other
members & you only pick up scratchy information when you return to the
clubhouse about who has performed & who has found his nemesis. Then
it only leaves enough time to refuel & rearm ready for the next round.
Many are not concerned about anyone’s performance other than their own.
Which in reality is correct, why fill you thoughts with something you have
no control over. It is better to keep your energy for the things you can
control, like your own game not another competitor. Sometimes we are our
own worst enemy.
At the close of business on the Saturday evening a look at the scoreboard
indicated the shape of things to come. Leading the way -
Chris Brown on 94 /100 (with two rounds shot clean),
Craig MacPherson 92/100 (part of the quartet from last years successful
open senior team),
John Younger 91/100
Brenton Irons 91/100 (one round shot clean)
Damien Birgan 89/100
Sox Pilipasidis 87/100
Peter Tobin 86/100
Fred Botica 85/100
The Ladies on day one.
Natasha Lonsdale 77/100
Maree Birgan 74/100
Renae Birgan 74/100
Cherie Neilson 72/100
All to close to call
The Veterans
John Torresan 78/100
Rod Brain 77/100
George Brown 76/100
Rod Evans 74/100
Barry Jane 70/100.
The Super Veterans,
Ray McFarlane 65/100
Kerrod Kay 64/100,
Gerard Berger 61/100
(New Caledonia)
Frank Schultz 61/100
With Old Style FITASC it is hard to get a true position in the league table, due to the fact that you are not all shooting the same grounds & you can get a false reading if you happen to draw the easier Parcours.
The second day resumed with the first eight squads kicking off at 8:30am & pulling the first shots. Nerves hit a few members, most notably was Craig MacPherson who after running well on the Saturday faltered on two rounds that caused him to loose contact with the leaders.
Chris Brown also hit a bad round on the considered hard ground No:3. The 16/25 on this ground for Chris opened the way for Brenton Irons who scored a very credible 23/25. The only one to equal this score on this Parcour was from John Younger. This Parcour made or broke a winning run & set the pace for the final round.
Ground No:4 was an easier , or should we say user friendly Parcour to finish on. Not overly distant targets as the previous Parcour No: 3, but a few angles made it interesting.
Chris & Brenton shot head to head until the D trap up hill on the 3
peg in the pair eluded Brenton & opened the door again for Chris Brown.
Brenton finished the round 23/25 while Chris held onto a fine 24/25, bringing
the scores to 176/200 for both competitors at the final shot.
The scene was set for a final 25 bird round shoot off. Ground No: 5 had
traps & stands reformatted for the shoot off & along with John &
Damien (shooting off for 3rd & 4th O/A) and Sox & Peter (5th &
6th O/A).
The shoot off was indeed a show of skills with each member involved showing
why they are the best shots in Australia & the World. Chris also indicated
he will be a force to contend with in the future with a tremendous 24/25,
to win the O/A High Gun from Brenton 20/25, John 23/25 Damien 23/25, Sox
20/25, Peter 18/25. A final show of sudden death (not a very well phrased
term) between Damien & John, left John the Winner for 3rd O/A.
What a show put on by the juniors. Again the term Junior is no indication
of prowess, when they shoot better than the seniors in the O/A rankings.
Well done to Chris for a well-deserved O/A High gun win.
The other Juniors showed themselves more than capable with James McKenzie (who will make up the 3rd member of the Junior team for France this year) 157/200, Daniel Baskerville ( NSW) 146/200, Rohan Lay 144/200, Renae Birgan 135/200 & James Clancy 131/200.The name of the present batch of Juniors are well worth noting. Their names will easily transfer over into the Open section.
The Grand Prix 2004 event was a worthy event for the title & one of
the best events I have competed in for target variation, hard but highly
entertaining. Anyone who missed out this year should not procrastinate for
next years event, get in early, it doesn't get much better.
This article unfortunately does not have enough room to detail all of the
winning places at this event but all of the winners & positions are
available for viewing on the Federation Website,
www.sportingclays.org.au
With this event selecting the final team members for the Australian National team. Subject to final notices & acceptance the likely candidates for Signes, France 2004 should be…
Open:
John Younger
Damien Birgan
Sox Pilipasidis
Peter Tobin
Juniors:
Chris Brown
Brenton Irons
James McKenzie
Ladies:
Maree Birgan
Cherie Nielsen
Renae Birgan
Veterans:
John Torreson
Barry Jane
Warwick Cumberland
As usual the task of setting the targets falls onto a small section of our community. In this case Ray McFarlane. Our Thanks go out to Ray & the Geelong Crew. I know how much work it takes to put on an event such as this & we usually have more helpers than you had access to.
Please remember that as from January 2005 all FITASC events will be restricted to 28grm loads & it is compulsory now (as from January 2004) to wear ear & eye protection at FITASC events. Take note on ear & eye protection if you intend to participate in this years Oceania at Little River.
Glen Rider
WEBSITE
www.sportingclays.com.au
has been updated regularly and the most recent being the results of the
FITASC Grand Prix 2004.
The FITASC Rules and the Australian Sporting Clays Rules have been added
and update to January 2004. So if you want a up to date copy of these rules
than just go to the site and print them out.
For the first time the Australian Team Selection guidelines have been added
for all those competition shooters who are interested in completing for
team selection you must read these guidelines.
There is lots of other information that is available these included:
• Major shoot information
• Nominations forms
• State shoot calendars
• Club contacts
• Club locations
• State association contacts
• Duck & Quail Seasons
• Major shoot results
• Photos
• Newsletter
and lots more check it out.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
As form 15th January 2004 every member of the Federation in covered by
a new Personal Accident Insurance.
The policy covers;
The Executive, State Associations, Members, Range Staff, Voluntary Workers
and authorised visitors participating in or working for or on behalf of
the Federation, State Association or Club. It also covers the Association
Executive, Branches, Committees, Members participating in or working for
or on behalf of the Association, including travelling to and from ranges/meetings.
The policy does not cover the first 7 days of a claim.
Benefits:
Any one member $50 000
Members under 16 years & over 75 years or do not receive an income $10
000
Aggregate limit any one claim $2 000 000
Weekly benefits:
Any one member $500
Out of pocket expenses:
Any one member $1000
Benefit scale to be released in up and coming newsletters.
Compensation payable under this policy shall be reduced should the member
be entitled to receive benefits under any Workers Compensation Act or any
legislation having a similar effect.
Authorised visitors are not covered whilst hunting.
For more information on this cover or if you wish to lodge a claim please
contact
Glen Rider
Federation Secretary
PHIL'S FAVOURITE DUCK RECIPE.
Ingredients:
3 ducks, 1/2 bottle dry red wine (best quality, best results) 1/2 cup olive
oil (virgin is best) fresh ground black pepper large bunch fresh tarragon
(washed) 500 grams shallots (peeled and halved)
Method:
Wash and dry ducks, put 6 shallots and a handful of tarragon in cavity of
each duck.
Place in baking dish. Shake together the oil and wine, sprinkle liberally with black pepper. Pour over ducks, add remainder of shallots to marinade, cover with lid and leave minimum 12 hours before cooking.
Bake slowly 2-3 hours or until tender.
If liked you can add vegetables - carrot, parsnip, potato to the baking
dish for the last 3/4 hour.
The marinade will have reduced, this can be used for base of gravy, add salt to taste and thicken as desired.
Remove lid for last half hour to crisp skin if desired.
Gravy variation - add cream and brandy and thinly sliced mushrooms to pan juices and remainder of marinade. Simmer for 10 minutes until reduced.
Taken from Field & Game Federation of Australia Game Cookbook
ADVERTISING IN THIS NEWSLETTER
If there are members, clubs or companies out there that wish to advertise
in this newsletter here are the rates:
Single column width less than 100mm deep $50 per issue 4 issues $185.
Double column width less than 100mm deep $75 per issue 4 issues $285
Three column width less than 100mm deep $125 per issue 4 issues $485.
Full page $300 per issue 4 issues $1000.
Any other size or advertising on the colour please contact Glen Rider
Shoot advertising will be limited to be included with the text of each state or club report unless the state or club wants to pay for an
advertising at the above rates.
The planned issue are March, June, September and December.
For information or you wish to place an advertisement please contact Glen
Rider
07 559440900
STATE NEWS
South Australian Field and Game News
This is your newsletter and we are constantly looking for interesting articles
and input from members.
If you have something to say, something to sell or any item you think will
interest like-minded members, we want your contribution.
Steve Ragless
FULL HOUSE AT THE A.G.M.
South Australia has had an interesting start to the year with a record attendance at our AGM in response to a motion questioning our association with Federation.
The Federation President Cheryl Arnold was invited and offered the case for continuing as well as answering individual members questions on certain Federation issues and concerns. (Thanks for your attendance Cheryl)
The 75 members in attendance voted overwhelmingly to remain with Federation.
The future of our organization is in the hands of the members who took time to attend the A.G.M. and cast a vote.
Case Closed
Renmark/ Berri Field & Game
“Happy New Year to you all.”
Duck season 2004 has opened, and after no season in ‘03, members were very keen to have a shot.
The 14Th. Feb. dawned fine, and a bit warm, with the top temperature for the day being 47 Deg. C! The birds were still around in reasonable numbers, with our members getting enough ducks for a feed. Later in the day it was a case of sitting in the creek in water up to your neck, an esky by your side, with plenty of shrimps trying to eat you
Renmark/Berri will be having a couple of big shoots this year.
Our Anzac shoot is being held on the 24th and 25th of April. There will
be 100 targets on the Saturday, and 50 targets on Sunday. This will be fully
graded, and will feature team shoots.
The Riverland/Sunraysia 200 Sporting Clay Championships
This shoot will be held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June.
(The Riverland Country Music Festival is on this weekend as well why not
bring the family?)
This shoot will be unique in that the Sunraysia branch of Field & Game Australia will be co-hosting the first 75 targets on the 12th of June.
Renmark/Berri will host the Sunday75 target competition
while Loxton has a 50-target event on the Monday. There will be trophies
and sashes for all graded and team events over the 200 targets.
“Come one, come all, and have a ball. We don’t care on which side of the border you live. Come on and give it a go- we have targets to shoot, and trophies to give.”
Paul Hansen
Enquires to:
Paul Hansen 03) 50278241
Dave Austin 08) 85864035
ROAST DUCK ON THE WING.
We have a season with the bag reduced to eight ducks. Opening day was a forecast at 40 deg plus statewide.
One bloke on the lakes shot a blackie that high up it was cooked by the time it hit the ground.
We had a scorcher but that did not stop about 700 shooters in the southeast
and good numbers around the lakes and riverland getting their share of shooting.
There were quite a few Vic number plates sighted and with their two plus
three Wood-duck limit we are sure to see them back through the year.
Okay so I wimped out and spent the day in air-conditioned comfort, cleaning
and greasing the fishing reels and will have a go when it gets a little
cooler.
On the subject of fishing I satisfied a thirty-five year ambition to catch
a mulloway on the Friday before the opening.
My next trick is to get one large enough to keep.
Steve Ragless
HUNTING and HABITAT
By Peter A Teakle
(Incorporating Hunting, Fishing, Conservation & Research)
Wondering if there are any other states in Australia (apart from Tassie) as there’s no feedback of what’s happening on the Conservation, Hunting & Habitat (CHH) scene since the last Federation meeting.
Now that the issue between SAFGA and Federation is settled, I can devote more time into setting up an information flow network of what is happening in Oz and overseas. The Internet is most valuable for transfer of info for those who have it; however, there is a lot of informative conservation and environmental glossaries that are complimentary to CHH, so if you receive information glossaries in the post, I have arranged for the appropriate info to be forwarded direct to save on double handling.
All state Federation CHH officers will be on the mailing list as well as
those who compile newsletters.
FGFA will appear along side your name.
The SA 2004 duck season opening went well with one of the hottest duck openings
recorded, the night before (in the Riverland) didn’t get below 30 degrees
and by midday it was 46.9, although the bag had been reduced to eight birds,
it’s better than the ridiculous Victorian bag limit of two - an absolute
insult to shooters. (Fire two shots and go home!). The economic gain to
South Australia from the large number of visiting Victorian shooters on
the opening weekend was considerable.
Satellite Tracking: This satellite tracking project of ducks is creating a lot of interest for those with the net, there’s been noticeable and recorded movement with these birds, to date recent heavy rain events in southern Qld and NSW (Darling & Paroo etc) indicate some late movement up to several hundred klms.
Website:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/sciagr/sst/pers/droshier/default.html
Murray Darling Basin River Fishery.
Presently, the lower Darling system is a ‘River of Death’ for our native
fish.
The three major fish kills over recent times has been in the – Broken Creek
– Goulburn River and last week in lower Darling above Pooncarie, all events
have seen hundreds of cod perish (many around the 35kilo). Surely the breeding
stocks of this basin icon is heading into a situation where its very survival
is under threat from inept flow management practices, not recreational take.
Murray Cod is ‘vulnerably’ listed!
Newsletter material required CHH information from all states, any Branches with conservation Projects in hand lets know, we all want to know.
FGFA Website – all states CHH officers, please send details of your states hunting seasons through to Mark Farrow as well as any other suitable news from Branches.
Lets build up the CHH website.
TASMANIA
The Annual General Meeting of the Tasmanian Field & Game was held on Friday night 20th February at Ross. There was a good representation from branches.
The President from the North West Hound Owners Association, Burnie Branch
attended the meeting and put forward an application for their organization
to become affiliated with the Tasmanian Field & Game. From the unanimous
vote, they were welcomed into the Field & Game, bringing with them a
membership of approximately 40 people.
Election of the office bearers and directors are:
President: Peter Darke
Northern Vice-President: Craig Britton
Southern Vice-President: Robert Anders
Secretary: Kevin Preece
Treasurer: Kevin Preece
Public Officer: Kevin Preece
Director of Hunting & Conservation: Peter Darke
Director of Coaching: Raymond Groves
All other positions remain vacant.
President’s / Hunting and Conservation Report
Both divisions of Field & Game will see changes this year, both groups will be affected, hopefully for the better by proposed changes to gun laws. The Environment Minister Judy Jackson will now deal with hunting issues. Following an incident at Arthur’s Lake recently, gun owners need to be aware of firearm storage. A breach of storage conditions means automatic forfeiture of firearms.
The new shoot calendar is now available; clay target shooters should make sure they have a copy. Ken Triffitt is to be complimented on yet another well-presented calendar.
Northern Midlands has offered the use of some of their traps to other clubs
for elimination shoots. Gestures like this can only foster harmony between
our clubs, well done.
A lot has already been said about the Nationals, held at Northern Midlands
last year, all of it true. The Nationals were well run, well supported,
and well shot. Congratulations to all involved.
This year will be the first for a long time that wood ducks are part of
the game bag, this is yet another example of the value of the G.M.U. Liaison
Committee, farmers, hunters and the Department working together to resolve
issues. The Interlaken area, namely Lakes Sorell & Crescent will be
available for duck hunting this year. The area known as Interlaken Lakeside
reserve at the northern end of Crescent is the exception to this. The area
between Dago Point and Diamond Beach Point should also be avoided. Duck
ID tests are now underway; hunters have been slow to apply to sit the course.
This has caused the tests to be later than they should be. Bill Edwards,
Guy Nicholson and Andrew Palfreyman have again given their time to conduct
these courses, our sincere thanks to them.
The Big Den project is now entering its third season. A lot of progress has been made and boundaries are now better signed. The end of season barbeque will be held on May 2nd at Silver Plains.
Finally I would like to thank our Secretary Kevin Preece, the Executive and Directors for their invaluable support over the last three years.
Peter Darke,
BRANCH NEWS
Bagdad Field & Game
Work on Shene has been quiet over the summer break, with a number of members
spending time with their families, or off following other pursuits. Work
is steadily progressing on the roads, which now have a layer of base metal.
From all accounts the annual Cray Fishing trip on the long weekend down
to Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula went well, with a better that average
catch reported.
Hunters on Soldiers Marsh, Jinx’s Tier, and other private properties are gearing up for the annual Fallow Deer Season. This one-month season opens on Saturday 28th February. The three months Wild Duck Season opens one week later on Saturday 6th March.
Members are wishing Bill a speedy recovery from his operation and are looking forward to seeing him back in the field and on the range soon.
Robert Anders
Secretary
Northern Midlands News
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year and did not drink too much! We have finally recovered from the Nationals and everything is back on track again. The club benefited greatly financially from the Nationals and was able to purchase four automatic traps. These are working very well, making setting the range much easier and reducing our requirement to employ trappers or for shooters to have to trap for themselves.
Our latest project to put a 6-metre verandah on the front of the clubhouse is now well underway and hopefully will be completed in the next few weeks and will be much appreciated in the winter months. The other project we are undertaking is to get a few towers up so we can get some variation on the ranges.
We conducted the first State Team qualifying shoot for the year on February
22nd and it was a well-attended and successful day. Richard Triffitt shot
90/100 and Brett Groves shot a perfect round of 25, no mean fete considering
the targets, which were presented.
(Still shooting National quality targets).
The state team after the first qualification shoot is as follows:
Open: R Triffitt, M Burling, R Groves and P Spinks
Junior: B Groves
Lady: S Ridgway
Veteran: K Howells
As we will be having a total of 7 qualifying shoots this year, shooters
are allowed to drop 3 shoots to still be in the running but must attend
the whole weekend of the State Championships at Derwent Valley in August.
So folks, don’t despair, you haven’t missed out, jump in and attend the
next qualifying shoot (Penguin 14 March).
To those attending the Grand Prix at Geelong and Oceania at Little River, all the best.
STUMPY
Spring Bay Field & Game
Our branch has been doing fairly well. We really only concentrate on down the line shooting. We are averaging 28 shooters every month over a 12-month period.
We do have a number of hunters who wish to remain members but we do not do much in this line as most of them have regular weekend hunting companions and trips organised.
We have a strong membership base, which is growing steadily each year.
We wish all other branches a successful year and look forward to continuing to work with the Tasmanian Field and Game Association and the Federation.
Cheryl Arnol
Secretary
NEW SOUTH WALES
The shooting season in NSW has begun for 2004 with most clubs looking for
shelter from the sun with temperatures consistently in the 40’s it makes
shooting a bit uncomfortable to say the least.
The state selection series has also kicked of for 2004 with the first event
being held at Dubbo on 14/15th February.
Peter Kay Gun Shop sponsored the Saturday club event.
A fantastic range was set-up including a large mobile crane; there was only one slight problem, which was beyond anyone’s control the temperature was well in to the 40’s in the shade, Try 44 degrees at 7.30pm. This was too much for most shooters with a few smart ones even retiring after 2 rounds. Saturday evening saw a massive lightening storm around the city. We passed through one storm on the way to Gilgandra (40 mins out of Dubbo) which flooded the road, at least 4 inches of water was covering the bitumen, but 5ks further on the road was bone dry. Sunday was once again hot with the mercury still in the 40’s. For the first round of the NSW F & G State Selection series, which is proudly sponsored by NSW F&G, NSW Shooting Association and the Firearms Safety and Training Council for 2004, around 50 shooters were in attendance with plenty of travellers from Sydney, Mudgee, Cobar, Temora and QLD. The targets were quite challenging, yet all still shootable, with a good mix from the towers and the mobile crane adding interest. A problem arose during the first round with the breeze picking up a target on stand 5 which carried it onto stand 4, this target was altered by the range officer on completion of the first round.
Unfortunately a shooter on arrival at stand 5 for round 2 decided to remove a swing pole, this now created a safety problem which he would have been responsible for in event of an accident.
Under no circumstance should any shooter alter the range, if you feel something is unsafe report it immediately to the range committee, jury member or target coordinator.
Daniel Baskerville shot consistently to take HG under trying conditions, well done.
RESULTS:
HG
Daniel Baskerville 81
AA
Darren Ball 80
Lee Cuningham 77
Laurie Redfern 75
A
John Sidoti 77
Craig Kurts 75
Dean Delany 72
B
Reno Morganti 64
Tas Touvaras 58
J Dickey 36
C
R Murray 55 S/off
G Bloink 55
R Eagles 45
Vets
Ken Moore 71 S/off
Kerrod Kay 71
Denis Coaker 67
Ladies
Jenny Nichols 65
Jo Nichols 63
Juniors
Chris Evert 79
Sub juniors
D Sutcliffe 66
Emma Neil 51
J Cross 24
Congratulations to all those who helped with this event, its hard work staging a major shoot under normal circumstances but these were extreme conditions. See you at Cooma 9th April 20g state championship and 12th side by side state championship followed by the 2nd round of state selections at Milparinka 17/18th April. The 3rd and 4th rounds will be held at Windamere on 8/9th May.
Sydney Branch has already started work on ranges for the state championship. We hope to have new storage facilities around the ground in by midyear, along with some new seating and shelters. The new PA system has now been installed thanks to Stephen Short and Bill Davey. Working bees are being planned along with trap safety courses, referee exams and still hope of erecting a tower or two. Sydney branch has amalgamated its two entities under the Federation banner as of 2004, hopefully this will be of benefit to all our members.
VICTORIA
On 11 January Daylesford once again hosted the 2004 VSCA “FITASC Old Style
Sporting Clay Championships”
This event is held over four separate Old Style FITASC Layouts (Parcours).
A maximum of 64 shooters are accepted and this year as in all other years
it was again oversubscribed.
The days shooting started off well with the weather whilst hot, there was no wind and this lead to some fantastic scores being posted.
The event was conducted using all Auto Traps. Additional Auto’s were sourced from the Geelong and Little River Clubs.
Fred Botica led from the outset and continued it on throughout the day
finishing with 95/100.
Veteran Max Kavanagh also had a great day posting a score of 94/100 and
Chris Brown came in with 93/100 in the Junior Section.
A total of $1,800-00 in cash prizes was handed out to the trophy winners
RESULTS
Open:
1st Fred Botica 95/100,
2nd Peter Hall 94/100,
3rd Colin Johns 94/100
Juniors:
Chris Brown 93/100
Veterans:
Max Kavanagh 94/100
Ladies:
Cherie Neilson89/100
A Grade:
1st Max Kavanagh 94/100
2nd Matt Harris/Spencer 93/100,
3rd Rod Evans 91/100
B Grade:
1st Socrates Pilipasidis 82/100,
2nd Kelvin Tardrew 79/100
3rd Ray McFarlane 78/100
The event was a great success and thanks go to Daylesford for a well-run event.
2nd Australian FITASC Grand Prix 29th and 29th February. Venue Geelong Sporting Clays report on page 1
16th FITASC Championship of Oceania. 10th-12 April, Venue Little River Sporting
Clays
Entries are now being accepted for this the most prestigious event to be
held in Australia for the year 2004.
New Zealand, New Caledonia and Tahitian shooters are showing strong interest.
Teams to represent Australia at the Oceania Championships are:
Open: Damien Birgan, Craig MacPherson, John Younger, Peter Tobin
Juniors: Brenton Irons, Chris Brown, Daniel Baskerville
Ladies: Maree Birgan, Cherie Neilson, Renae Birgan
Veterans: Barry Jane, Bob Vittori, Warwick Cumberland.
It is suggested that you get your entry in early so as to avoid disappointment.
The event will be held over six different ranges for the first 150 targets,
for the last 50 targets, two Five Stand Layouts will be constructed from
the six layouts.
Compak Nationals info and nominations
forms
This is a 200 target event and will be conducted at the Geelong sporting
Clay Range on 29th and 30th May.
Entry Forms are available on the Federation website
www.sportingclays.org.au
Click on Field and Game Federation of Australia.
Federation is expanding the website and Mark Farrow is to be complimented
on a great site.
Membership is growing steadily, a number of new members are joining so that they are eligible to compete in the FITASC International Events.
Hunting
The Victorian Government has finally gazetted the hunting seasons.
Duck Season
20th March to 16th May
Bag Limits are severely restricted and the length of season is reduced.
A limit of two ducks per day of the following species may be taken, ie Black
Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pink Ear and Mountain Duck.
In addition to the above three Wood Duck may be taken each day.
Blue Wing Shoveller has been placed on the protected list for season 2004
Quail Season
The response from the Government regarding Stubble Quail is a little more
enlightened with a bag limit of twenty per day allowed.
Ray McFarlane
President
QUEENSLAND
Welcome to 2004 especially the new members to the association as well as the members that renewed for another year. I know that the hike in the fees was a shock for some but I’m please with the widespread acceptance across all the members these fees will give the association the money to achieve there goals in 2004.
This year will see the Nationals coming to Brisbane and I wish the Brisbane Club all the best in the preparation for and the staging of this event. I know Brisbane cannot run the event by itself and will be calling on the Gympie and Fraser Coast clubs for support and help. I would hope that all the members get behind Brisbane and help out with what ever they can do. October is not that far away.
March will see the first selection shoot at Brisbane, so lets have a good attendance this year, the year of a Queensland Nationals. The second selection, Fraser Coast Sunday 4th April, third selection, Brisbane Sunday 13th June, fourth selection, Gympie Sun 18th July leaving the State Titles, Brisbane Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September a month before the Nationals. This competition will be the best Queensland has ever seen so be part of it.
Over the next 12 months the state has put plans in place for three main challenges. The first is to put a total of 10 members through a first aid course. The second is to create and maintain a website to give our members more access to information about the association and the third is to increase our membership.
So I asked all of you to give a hand in these challengers for 2004
Mark Farrow
Clay Target Report
Queensland has just finished enduring some of the hottest weather on record & it tends to put the breaks on anything remotely resembling physical exertion, you build up a sweat (or glow, depending on your gender) standing still. This has not stopped preparations moving ahead for the upcoming National Championships being held at the Brisbane branch over the period 8-9-10 October. Time to start planning your trip, you will not be disappointed, even the weather is civilised at this time of year.
Shot loads…….. I made a few comments regarding the new 28grm maximum (Jeeze you have to look at the first two words of this sentence carefully). As you know, or soon will, as from January 2005, FITASC have made the ruling that at all of their events, they will be shot with 28grm loads MAXIMUM. This means NO 36 grm, NO 32grm Loads for any of their events after this date apart from Helices (ZZ) where the 36grm loading will remain.
The question remains for Australia/Federation to follow this lead ?
I raised this initially in the last Newsletter. From the response most members
are in favour with many using this load as normal anyway, preferring the
lighter recoil & are not noticing any loss to their scores. It will
not mean any target being watered down from what is being presented &
shot at present. The Europeans have been using this loading for many years,
even participating at the World FITASC titles using solely 28grm loads.
They also are not suffering with lower scores than those of us using 36
& 32grm shot loads.
My question again to Queensland (& I suppose members from the other States if they read this) do we also reduce our loading down to 28grms???
If members do not voice an opinion either way do we assume they agree with
this ruling coming into Australian Federation events ????
This topic will be coming up at the next Target Shooting Committee meeting
at the AGM in October 2004.
The first selection shoot at Brisbane saw eight squads compete. The results are:
High Gun: Damien Birgan
AA Grade:
Mike Birgan
Craig Brown
Denis Bullimore
A Grade:
Glen Rider
Greg Mitchell
Denis Dinte
B Grade:
Rob Jones
Leo Cao
Bob Whiting
C Grade:
Ian Kirkwood
Vern Porter
Clayton Petersen
Veterans:
Kerrod Kay
Ian Clisdell
Jim Hollands
Ladies:
Renae Birgan
Junior:
Tyron Power
Until the next time
Glen Rider
Queensland Duck Season
Hello all
Contrary to popular belief I am still resident in Aust (although the gun
is getting pretty rusty)!
Today (11/03/04) I attended the Duck and Quail Advisory Committee Meeting and the following is a brief summary of the outcomes.
1. The new Minister attended the first 20 minutes of the meeting and requested
a verbal agenda from each representative. The Minister stated he doesn't
have a science background, but would support the committee
recommendations only if they were based on fact and science!.
The Minister then addressed the RSPCA representative and stated, "The RSPCA have a number of agenda's, none of which will be considered unless backed by fact and science".
2.Birds Queensland have stated their policy that "They will not support recreational harvesting of ducks or quail, because of welfare issues, and they believe it is not sustainable".
3.Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland stated their policy that
"They will not support recreational harvesting of ducks or quail, because
of welfare issues". They will however support the Government's decision
to allow a season only if recommendation is made by the QNPWS in line with
the
management plan. (Contradicts their first statement).
4. Considerable debate over:
(a) Summary Rainfall and water storage data
(b) Drought Situation, as 66.5% of Queenslands land area is still drought
declared. These declarations are due for review in April 2004, eg Esk Shire
is still drought declared, but has had 17 inches of rain in the past 10
weeks, with feed 3 feet high and water storages full!
(c)Long range weather forecast.
(d)Eastern Australia Waterbird Survey. Which in fact shows significantly lower numbers of birds in QLD contributed to their migration to the southern states where rain had fallen in late October/November. Birds in all parts of QLD have shown a widespread distribution since widespread rain throughout QLD in the past 10 weeks, hence no distinct concentration of birds when there is a lack of abundant water.
5. QNPWS Regional reports support a recreational harvest season in 2004.
6. Duck and Quail Advisory Committee today made recommendation to the Minister to declare a recreational harvest season in 2004, with the following detail:
Northern Region
Ducks: 26-6-04 to 19-9-04
Quail: Nil
Duration: 12 weeks
Bag limit: 12 ducks/ 24 hour period, with max. of 30 in possession at a
place other than usual residence.
Central Region
Ducks: 26-6-04 to 19-9-04
Quail: Nil
Duration: 12 weeks
Bag limit: 12 ducks/ 24 hour period, with maximum of 30 in possession at
a place other than usual residence.
Southern Region
Ducks: 29-5-04 to 22-8-04
Duration: 12 weeks
Bag limit: 12 ducks/ 24 hour period, with maximum of 30 in possession at
a place other than usual residence.
Quail: 8-5-04 to 1-8-04
Duration: 12 weeks
Bag Limit: 25 quail/24 hour period, with maximum of 30 in possession at
a place other than usual residence.
7. ALL DUCKS TAKEN IN QLD MUST BE DONE USING APPROVED NON-TOXIC SHOT.
8. Lead shot can be used to take quail.
9. Currently lead shot can still be used in DMP's(Damage Mitigation Permits). This irregularity will be addressed by the Dept in the near future.
10. On the spot fines of $300.00 for using lead shot to take ducks in a recreational harvest season, with penalties ranging up to $9000.00 for the same offence.
11. If a hunter has successfully applied for either a duck or quail permit in the past 5 (five) years after their last duck or quail ID test, they will not be required to sit the test again inside that 5 (five) year period.
12. QNPWS have approved the quail ID test (Primarily formulated by Don Nicol CCC), and will be formally implemented prior to season 2004.
13. Recent legislative changes have been made to the subordinate legislation
to the Nature Conservation Act. (Please don't quote me) but my
Interpretation is that "No person less than 17 years old may take duck
or quail either under the auspices of a recreational harvest permit (Duck
and Quail), or a commercial harvest permit (kangaroos), or a damage mitigation
permit, may use a weapon to take that particular animal". In other
words your son or daughter must be 17 years old before they can legally
hunt duck or quail. I will get further clarification on this issue.
The information can be found under legislative amendments at
www.legislation.qld.gov.au
We appear to live and shoot another year in QLD!!!!.
Thanks again to our pro hunting associates on the committee
David Carter SSAA
Don Nicol CCC
Peter Ryan F&G Aust
Steve Matthews
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The 2004 Season is underway and WA is having their 1st State Team Selection
Shoot at the Wanneroo Range on the 7th of February. We have a fairly full
on few months ahead of us, 3 state shoots from now to Easter, and another
Level one Coaching course in May. Any WA members who wish to be involved
in the Coaching Course should contact me before Anzac Day (25.04.04) so
that catering and handouts can be organized.
Phone 0412 484 048 after 5.30 week nights
WA Field and Game would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department
of Sport and Recreation for their continued support in the past and hopefully
well into the Future; they are helping us with planning our re-structure
and bringing us up to date with current business practices and promotion
of our sport.
WA Field and Game has quite a few sponsors and they will be acknowledged in further issues of the Magazine, in this issue I would like to thank Roy Alexander and Sons for their continued support over the Years.
Roy Alexander & Sons
44 Eighth Ave, Maylands 6051
PO Box 88 Maylands 6051
Ph. 9272 2205** 9272 4205
Fax. 9272 2427
Guns, Ammo, Rifles, Accessories
Gunsmithing
Murray and Ian have been good supporters of Field and Game. I know that lots of our members buy guns and ammo from them and have done for many years. Murray has a very good knowledge of all things involving shooting and is very willing to share that knowledge if he has the time and also if you have it as well.
There are negotiations underway at this very moment regarding sponsorship for the State Team selection series and also the State Team travelling to the East for the Nationals, more info as it comes to hand.
Tony Butler
INTERNATIONAL FORUM
The following interview/article recently appeared in the American magazine: Clay Shooting USA
Sporting clays has international appeal and each year the number of offshore visitors that attend our major championships continues to grow and not just from England. One such Australian shooter to have made his mark in the US is Socrates Pilipasidis – known to his friends as Sox. Call me Sox!
Most recently he achieved a fourth placing at the 2003 World FITASC Championship at Claythorne, but perhaps he’ll be best remembered for his top spot at the 2002 US Nationals and HOA of the FITASC event at the same Championship.
“Sadly I finished my last pair on the last station of the 2002 Nationals with zero-zero,” says Sox, “and so ended up tying with Andy Duffy. Because the rules didn’t allow shoot-offs between Internationals and Americans we never did find out who really won that shoot! But in my mind, win or lose, Andy-as a US citizen-was fully entitled to be named the 2002 USA National Champion.”
To those that know Sox, his strong showing in the US during 2002 and 2003 came as no surprise. He’s made the Australian sporting clays team eight times and in 2003 was the Australian 5-Stand Sporting Champion, FITASC Grand Prix Champion and Victoria State Sporting Champion – as well as achieving many honours in trap and double rise.
Now 37 years old, Sox first took up sporting clays in 1990 and has been hooked on it ever since. Interestingly he’s never had any formal coaching.
“The real challenge is that in sporting clays you don’t know what targets are going to be presented at a championship until you actually walk on to the station. I can’t think of any other sport with the same unknowns”.
The more technical the targets, the more he enjoys it.
“We are fortunate that our target setters in Australia don’t mind throwing difficult targets. This has produced a handful of top shooters from a very small pool that are able to mix it with the best in the world. We do have a promising future with our current juniors who aren’t quite at the level of the outstanding American Juniors – but they will get there. The standard of target presentations in Australia is good – and so I feel confident in competing in the USA and Europe and will continue to do so.”
It’s a sure bet that Socrates will be in town for one or other of the top Championships in 2004 – so Clay Shooting USA took the opportunity to find out a little more about this top Australian competitor.
What gun and cartridge combination have you settled on for next season and why?
I will continue to shoot a Browning 525 30” that I have had for over a year now but might give a 32” a run. I have used Browning O/Us since the start of 2000 and have always used Australian-made Winchester ammunition except when overseas and then I use the locally made Winchester ammo.
What sporting shot do you find the hardest and how have you learned to cope with this particular target?
There is no particular target that I find the hardest. If I did have, I wouldn’t tell you, just in case my target setters are reading this article!
Who do you admire among contemporary shooters and what is it you admire?
There are two contempory shooters that I admire. Colin Johns in Australia
and Will Fennell in the USA. Basically, anyone who sets high standards for
themselves, never gives up and are still regarded as a good guy at the end
of it all deserve respect.
What is the most memorable shoot you have competed in?
Definitely the 2000 World FITASC Championship in Belgium. Australia won
its first medal after sending teams to 20 World Championships. We came from
nowhere and ended up winning by nine targets after setting the record for
the highest team total for a single day. I think it still stands at 188.
If you are going to win your first medal, it might as well be Gold. Apart
from being a member of the team, I also placed 13th overall, which until
that time fulfilled my ultimate goal in sporting – a top 20 finish.
Which are your favourite championships to attend each year?
Without any shadow of a doubt my favourite is the World FITASC Championships. You have to remember that back home we have nothing that even comes close to the major shoots held in Europe or the USA. It is also a great opportunity to see other parts of the world and to meet other people from all over the globe who have similar interests.
Number one ambition?
To be as good at sporting clays as I can possibly be, whilst coming across good friends, good guns and good times along the way.
Do you have any superstitions and if so what are they?
I am not superstitious in any way, although I believe bad luck does cross my path from time to time. Then again, I believe you also make your own good luck.
What advice would you give a newcomer to the sport?
My advice would be to concentrate on the basics such as set-up, mount and swing. Equipment is a distant second. Also just as important, is to enjoy your shooting. I believe it is the most rewarding shotgun discipline on the planet.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about the sport?
I’d bring all the major shoots around the globe closer to Australia. (We
don’t really like 24 to 36+hours in planes and airports much). Then the
world would see more Aussies in contention at big shoots!
Membership
Have all your shooting buddies paid their annual fees. Be a good mate and remind them.
Dates for rest of 2004
FIELD & GAME FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA.
April
Fri 9 – Sun 12, FITASC Championship of Oceania
Little River, Victoria
May
Sat 29,Sun 30, COMPAK Nationals, Geelong
June
Thu 17 – Sun, 20 FITASC World Championships, Signes, France
October
Fri 8, 7th ENGLISH SPORTING NATIONALS, Brisbane
Sat 9, Sun 10, 28th AUST. SPORTING NATIONALS, Brisbane
SS = State Team Selection shoot
QUEENSLAND
April
Sun 4, Fraser Coast 75t, SS
June
Sun 13, Brisbane 75t, SS
July
Sun 4, Bris Australian Shooting Games Compak Sun 11, Bris Australian Shooting
Games Sporting Sun 18, Gympie 75t, SS
September
Sat 13/14 Brisbane State Championships 150t
NEW SOUTH WALES
April
Sat 17, Sun 18, Milparinka 150t, SS
May
Sat 8, Windamere, 100t, SS
Sat 9, Windamere, 100t, SS
August
Sat 14/15, Sydney State Championship 200tgt
VICTORIA
April
Sat 3, Daylesford 75t, SS
Fri 9 – Sun 12, Little River Oceania, 200t
May
Sun 2, Laang 100t, SS
Sat 29/30, Geelong Compak Nationals 200t
July
Sat 17 Geelong 75t, SS
Sat 25 Little River 75t, SS
August
Sat 28/29 Laang State Championships 150t
TASMANIA
April
Sun 4, West Tamar 75t, SS
May
Sun 16, Kentish 75t, SS
June
Sun 6, South East 75t, SS
July
Sun 25, Northern Midlands 75t, SS
August
Sat 14/15 Derwent Valley State Championships 150t
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
April
Sun 18, Loxton 50t, SS
May
Sun 23, South East 50t, SS
June
Mon 14, Renmark 75t, SS
Sun 20, Southern 50t, SS
July
Sun 11, Waikerie 75t, SS
August
Sun 1, Central 75t, SS
Sun 15, Lake Bonney 50t, SS
September
Sat 25/26, Loxton State Championships 150t
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
April
Sun 11, Three Springs, SS
June
Sun 13, Harvey, SS
August
Sun 14 Wannamal, SS
Sun 15 Wannamal State Championships
For a the full shoot calendars for each state please check out the website
for