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FIELD and GAME FEDERATION of AUSTRALIA Inc. |
Volume 4
Issue 3
September 2004
From the National President:
Would someone please explain where this year has gone? Here it is September
already and the Nationals are fast approaching. Are you planning on attending?
It is the most amazing time on the shooting calendar and I know the Brisbane
crew will make you feel very welcome.
On the Monday after the Nationals, the Annual General Meeting will be held. The opportunity always exists for some changes in faces around the table. Despite there having been some significant changes in the way we undertake our role our busy lives tend to mean that too few people have the time to commit to being on the National Executive. Fortunately the members of the Executive embraced the idea of streamlining the meeting to one day rather than three days and we now have a fairly efficient process, which coupled with the Nationals, means minimal time off work. It can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your shooting career so give it some thought to gain a seat on the National Executive, if not this year then certainly next.
I have been privileged to be the National President now since 1999. If I am not re-elected this year, this will be my last opportunity to thank you for being members of the Federation. Your dedication to our organisation is very much appreciated.
I am also indebted to the members of the Executive for making this organisation the success that it is and for making my role so easy.
See you at the Nationals…..
Cheryl Arnol
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
FITASC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
SIGNES - FRANCE - 2004
The final venue at Signes in France for this years World Championships as
unexpected, from the initial reports indicated last year that the event
for 2004 was to be held in Portugal.
The outfall from the FITASC re-elections last year caused an upset with
a few of the Federations refusing to accept the French courts decision to
overturn the previous election results & allow a new election to be
carried out.
One of the casualties at this time happened to be Portugal. This caused
Portugal the problem of being unable to meet their commitments to FITASC
& in turn unable to host the World Championships in 2004.This hiccup
has since been resolved & Portugal are once again participating with
FITASC.
This World Championship event set over 8 Parcours would be capable of catering
for 950 plus competitors. For some reason this event only attracted 749
from 24 Countries. At the last event held in France at Thiers the attendance
figure was at maximum numbers. The World problem still overflowing from
the political climate still appeared to be taking it's toll with some competitors
preferring to stay at home rather than risk travelling.
That said, Australia had one of it's strongest attendance at a World title
outside of the Oceania region with 31 Australian Federation members at this
event.
The Signes Shooting Club certainly had the terrain to conduct these Championships
& with the varying ground available, put on an entertaining display.
The task of selecting the Parcour's & target trajectories fell to Patrick
Russo. The French Federation chose to conduct the competition with eight
Parcour's ensuring that the Competitors did not revisit a Parcour twice
during these championships. The Club had three Parcour's set up on their
standard grounds & with five Parcour's set up in virgin areas. A Championship
with eight separate
Parcour's has it's good & not so good points. In the negative mode is
the problem in setting targets that are to difficult. Once you fire at the
first competition target, that's it, no going back to adjust if things have
been overcooked. Some competitors thought this was the case here in France
with the targets set too difficult, with the same repeated theme in presentation
& with a few to many set at extreme speed & angle.
From my observations, apart from five targets out of the two hundred total,
you had two clean shots at the birds with only two one shot targets &
maybe three targets that should have been black in the sky rather than fluro.
The Laporte traps being used had a fair turn of speed, going flat out with
what would appear to be the Laporte red springs, something which in Australia
we do not see to this degree.
The French Federation had held the French National Championships at Signes
a month before the World Championships on these same Parcours. Some competitors
commented on them having an unfair advantage over the rest of us. To the
World Championship organisation's credit all competitors had access to all
but two of the Parcour's to practise upon. The two Parcours unavailable
for practise were to be used for the Handi-sport competition, otherwise
I am sure access would have been available to these as well. Is this unfair?
I know of two World FITASC Championships in America that used the grounds
for their Championships prior to the World FITASC titles but did not allow
visiting competitors access to the same competition grounds, this is what
I would call unfair !!!
The targets set on the Handi-sport Parcour's did not present any surprises
once you had tasted the other layouts & in reality these Parcours were
slightly easier in set up than the others, unless that is you hit Browning
ground in the wind.. The targets & stand positions did not change much
from practise to the final competition & with this in reality the unfairness
comments really did not carry much weight.
The final reality is that everyone has travelled to France to compete in
the World FITASC event & if this is the style of target these guys shoot
then you have to get on with the job at hand & break as many clays as
you can.
I personally did not have a problem with the majority of the targets set
for this competition & the 2004 titles was certainly far better in target
selection than some of the other World events that I have competed in.
Everyone went through the usual pre-competition ritual of sampling the cartridges
available with a few rounds of practise on the Parcour's available. The
Cartridge selection available rotated around three brands, R.C, Mary Arm,
F.O.B. Cartridge selection is always a problem when travelling to foreign
shores when you are unfamiliar with the cartridges on offer & you cannot
guarantee your usual choice of selection. Most of the European shells are
more than capable & many ended up with the 32grm RC4. This cartridge
came close to the Winchester black Supreme cartridges available in Australia
with slightly less felt recoil. The FOB & Mary Arm Shells had a little
to much punch in the heat to be shot comfortably all day, although the 34grm
FOB load proved useful on the longer range birds.
Australia fielded a full team for 2004 with each of the classes (apart from Super Veterans) having a presence from our Australian Field & Game Federation.
OPEN
Socratese Pilipasidis
John Younger
Damien Birgan
Peter Tobin
LADIES
Cherie Neilsen
Marie Birgan
Renae Birgan
JUNIORS
James McKenzie
Brenton Irons
Chris Brown
VETERANS
John Torresen
Barry Jane
Rod Evans
Day1:
The weather remained perfect without rain or wind to generate any target
problems.
With the Championships in the south of France, the weather at this time of year was similar to Spring in Queensland, sunshine, blue skies, but without the humidity. The following details scores from the first day with team positions & individual positions in (brackets).
Open (3rd )
Peter Tobin 45/50 (6)
John Younger 43/50 (27)
Damien Birgan 43/50 (27)
Socratese Pilipasidis 41/50 (69)
Ladies (1st)
Maree Birgan 42/50 (1)
Renae Birgan 36/50 (9)
Cherie Neilsen 33/50 (14)
Juniors (3rd)
Chris Brown 47/50 (1) Brenton Irons 38/50 (12)
James McKenzie 34/50 (28)
Veterans (8th)
Rod Evans 36/50 (38)
John Torresen 34/50 (53)
Barry Jane 29/50 (98)
A good first day with some fine individual performances notably,
Chris Brown (1st Junior )
Maree Birgan (1st Lady)
Peter Tobin (6th Open)
All helping to place the teams in a good O/A position.
Day2:
The second day’s weather forecast remained exactly the same as day one.
The team placings in the Open & Juniors slipped back one placing the
Veterans & Ladies stayed the same position as day one. The Ladies could
not
improve their position, leading the second place Italian Ladies team by
nine targets.
Open (4th )
Day 2: Score
42/50 Peter Tobin 87/100(11)
43/50 Damien Birgan 86/100(14)
39/50 Sox Pilipasidis 80/100(66)
38/50 John Younger 81/100(81)
Ladies (1st)
32/50 Maree Birgan 74/100(5)
35/50 Renae Birgan 71/100(9)
34/50 Cherie Neilsen 67/100(15)
Juniors (4th)
39/50 Chris Brown 86/100(2)
40/50 Brenton Irons 78/100(9)
34/50 James McKenzie 68/100(31)
Veterans (8th)
28/50 Rod Evans 64/100(68)
30/50 John Torresen 64/100(68)
28/50 Barry Jane 57/100(102)
At the half way stage the positions are beginning to settle with some coming up the table & some slipping a little. How ever well we shot, a cold beer at the end of any shooting session always goes down well & the French ale was a worthy drop, almost as cold as Aussie beer.
Day3:
Weather report, again as the previous two days although the "Minstrel"(wind)
from North Africa which had been promised from day one to blow across the
Mediterranean Sea began to ruffle the Signes landscape. This did not effect
the targets greatly (not yet!).
Open (3rd )
Day 3 Total
Score Score
48/50 Peter Tobin 135/150
43/50 Damien Birgan 129/150
43/50 John Younger 124/150
38/50 Sox Pilipasidis 118/150
Ladies (1st)
37/50 Renae Birgan 108/150
33/50 Maree Birgan 107/150
29/50 Cherie Neilsen 96/150
Juniors (4th)
43/50 Brenton Irons 121/150
33/50 Chris Brown 119/150
36/50 James McKenzie 104/150
Veterans (8th)
33/50 John Torresen 97/150
30/50 Rod Evans 94/150
24/50 Barry Jane 81/150
FITASC held their AGM on the third night of the competition & the score
sheets with positions & placings did not get released. This proved impossible
to detail individual positions (apart from the top positions).
With Peter Tobin shooting a fantastic 48/50 on this third day the only position
he could have been in the Open was leader. This position was also shared
with the American Junior,
Greg Wolfe. A brilliant result from Peter, to drop just two targets for
the day & be leading the World titles, what more could you ask of him.
He was in great position to pull off an upset at this years World Titles
making him a contender of the World Champion crown.
The Ladies combined efforts allowed them to hold onto their first team position
that had been in their grip since the first day, with the other countries
teams unable to make a dent in their combined lead. The Open & Junior
teams were also in touch with the medal positions, lying 3rd & 4th respectively.
Day4 - Final Day:
The final day of competition had arrived & so had the "Minstrel"
from North Africa. This wind is apparently common at this time of year &
the locals had been expecting it from day one. Thank goodness it only arrived
on the last day. This distraction affected some of the more exposed Parcour's
to the extent that some targets did not come closer than the trap position,
the wind picking them up & taking them away as soon as they left the
trap. Everyone had to contend with it, you just hoped your last two ranges
had a little cover to protect the target flight, either that or try &
time your call with a slight let up in the gusts. We've all been in this
position before with the weather & wind, again you have to get over
it & come to acceptance terms real quick or the zero's soon fill the
score card.
FINAL SCORES
Ladies (1st)
Day 4
Score
32/50 Renae Birgan 140/200(6)
31/50 Maree Birgan 138/200(9)
40/50 Cherie Neilsen 136/200(11)
Open (3rd)
39/50 Peter Tobin 174/200(4)
42/50 Damien Birgan171/200(11)
41/50 John Younger 165/200(30)
38/50 Socratese Pilipasidis
156/200(79)
Juniors (4th)
43/50 Chris Brown 163/200(4)
31/50 Brenton Irons 152/200(13)
38/50 James McKenzie
142/200(25)
Veterans (8th)
35/50 Barry Jane 116/200(98)
32/50 Rod Evans 126/200(71)
32/50 JohnTorresen
129/200(62)
Peter's first round of 16/25 put paid to his World Championship bid, but
his comeback on the last round 23/25 put paid to a collapse. So near to
clinching the coveted World title event a small glitch cost Peter the title.
Whether it was the pressure of
the moment or the Minstrel
playing it's tune you will have
to ask Peter what the problem was. Credit where it is due, any No:1 leading
score at this level of competition is worthy indeed & with his comeback
23/25 round after a 16/25 penultimate score. To achieve a final 4th O/A
position in the Open category.
Chris Brown who gave the Juniors a stir up on day one & two & with
a final position also 4th O/A.
Maree Birgan for leading the Ladies score board on the first day also.
Renae Birgan for her 6th O/A position in the Ladies placings.
The other consistent member of the Open team, Damien Birgan, his daily scores
of three rounds of 43/50 & one of 42/50, again, brilliant shooting.
I do not want to say "I told you so"...... but I will. Cast your memories back to the results from the last World Championships in America. I made the bold statement in that report that our Ladies had the necessary skills & determination to take the Gold medal team title from the rest of the competition, providing we could get them all together at a World title event...............Enough said ??.
The Final presentations had not finished yet for Australia with the results
of the World Cup still to come & again our players had not finished
beating a path to the podium.
Our Juniors led the way with Chris Brown taking Gold & Brenton Irons
Silver
The Ladies continued in their medal run, Cherie Neilsen taking Gold , Maree
Birgan Bronze.
In the Open section Damien Birgan picked up Bronze.
We also had a ring-in travelling with us from New South Wales, Daniel Baskerville
who is also worthy of a mention in despatches.
One for putting up with my wife's abysmal map reading skills
The only person I know who can get us lost & return us back to the same
lost position after a half hours driving. Spooky stuff, just like the Twighlight
Zone. Mind you that does not say much for the other two cars who followed
us around the mountain. It's easy to barrack from the peanut gallery. That's
married life I suppose if were lost, were lost together. Two, my left hand
driving. Three for his shooting skills. Daniel's final score of 158/200
placed him 7th in the Juniors, very creditable in the company that makes
up the International Juniors these days.
The final was not without contraversy. A shoot off for High gun between
the
American Junior, Greg Wolfe & The Englishman, Ben Husthwaite was let
down by a bad decision from a referee with a set of doubles on the first
peg .
A set of Doubles that should have been on report was released as a simultaneous
pair for Greg Wolfe. To his credit hit hit the pair, not easy for sure.
The referee did not notice this pair until he had finished shooting, he
then made Greg repeat the Double in the correct format "on report".
This is where the problem arose, Greg Wolfe I am told missed the first target
of the new report double. The referee unfortunately made a serious gaff
in his call & scored the first target as killed assuming from the first
Simultaneous double. Any Referees out there knows this basic ruling that
no score can be established with two birds in the air at the same time (unless
it is designed as a simultaneous pair of course). This obvious mistake resulted
in a genuine protest by Ben Husthwaite to the Jury. There was discussion
about scrapping the shoot off & starting again. This course of action
was not possible. The only targets in question out of the 25 shoot off targets
set was the report Double by Greg Wolfe. This was unfortunate because both
competitors were involved in a decision that was out of their control. At
this stage the problem was that if the double scored by Greg Wolfe stands,
Greg wins by one target. The only course of action the Jury could take was
to make Greg Wolfe shoot the double on report again to establish the score
of both targets. When you consider that the shooting had been held up for
half an hour & the pressure to hold focus & break both targets with
all the negative bull going on around must have been immense. To his credit
the targets were both killed spectaculary. A worthy sportsman who is still
a Junior (?) & now the World Champion.
Bad Refereeing is inexcusable. In this instance it would be too easy to
solely blame this Referee. But consider that this Referee had just spent
four days of continuous decision making. It would have been preferable that
the Chief Referee of the competition had conducted the shoot off, or at
the very least been in attendance to quickly defuse this type of situation.
Something I am sure will be dealt with in FITASC to stop a repeat situation.
I suppose we can all be wiser after an event.
It is not only a World Championship at stake, it is also the lucrative sponsorship
deals that follow the success of being a World Champion. Sponsorship in
Europe & America is big dollars compared to the sponsorship deals (?)
on offer in Australia.
That just about wraps up another year in Federation's history. What a success
it has been again & all credit must go to the Team members that represented
us at these World Titles. The Australian's generally work as a team, this
shows in the team success & as the man said
"There's no"I" in team.
Until next Time
Glen Rider
Team Manager 2004
From the newsletter desk:
In the June newsletter I wrote that Maree Birgan had won the Ladies World
Cup. Sadly my information was wrong but I’m please to congratulate Cherie
Neilsen on a great win in the Ladies World Cup with Maree Birgan placed
third. I’m sorry ladies that I received and printed the wrong information.
WEBSITE
www.sportingclays.com.au
has been updated regularly and the most recent being the results of the
FITASC World Championships 2004 plus more photos of our successful team.
The New FITASC Rules for Compak are also now available along with the Australian
Sporting Clays Rules 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 a link to the FITASC new website has been added but has
not been updated from January 2004 but keep checking it out for changes.
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
WANTED
A member that is willing to service the FGFA website.
We need someone who can create a new fresher looking site from material that we have on file.
Contact: Mark Farrow
0404 024 220
msfarrow@bigpond.net.au
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
As form 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 visitors on a shooting /hunting trip or professional hunters.
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.
For more information on this cover or if you wish to lodge a claim please
contact
Glen Rider
Federation Secretary
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 cover 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 contact
Glen Rider
HUNTING and HABITAT
By Peter A Teakle
(Incorporating Hunting, Fishing, Conservation & Research)
Despite the last two years being drought declared in areas of most states with restrictive bag limits imposed, reports indicate that the 2004 duck-hunting season went well, although Victoria suffered the ridiculous two bird bag limit, above average rains in the South Australian states’ south east, seen many of their keen shooters visit usual SA hot spots. Good rains have fallen over most areas apart from some in QLD and NSW, 2005 season looks good.
Utilizing the values of modern technology for future duck hunting:
Modern technology can be a valuable asset for the sustainable annual harvest
of wild duck.
No doubt this is enhanced by the recent satellite-tracking project by David
Roshier of where the inland habitats are to support ducks. Stakeholders
welcome an integrated and comprehensive approach by the SA department in
the assessment of wild duck abundance and wetland condition decision-making
process for the 2005 duck-hunting season.
Modern technology permits the capability to further refine ground based
survey methodology in assessment of wetland quality for wild duck refuge
and breeding on at least 100 wetland sites across South Australia and to
assess species abundance at selected sites, population numbers, and densities
of duck species across eastern Australia in aerial survey during November
2004.
$84,000 has being applied for from the Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF).
Online learning aid for WIT:
Andrew Hulley is to be complimented on developing the concept of an online
learning aid for Waterfowl Identification (WIT), the site format has been
greatly improved and now online in the trial instance set up at www.fud.com.au/cgi-bin/wit.cgi?fgf.
A direct button is also on the FGFA website.
The format includes,
- Information buttons to help users during tests (these describe each of
the 4 options available),
- Expanded library information on all species (available under species page),
- Expanded species page that includes all descriptions, images and sound
clips in an easy to read
format,
- All scores options in the Record Section top show the best times overall,
- Format & State selections now loaded from the Home Page,
- Improved Sound and Handbook sources (the Sound Tests are a real challenge)
- Improved Menu Bar format and options (including Format & State selections),
- All Test images are pre-loaded before the test starts (to avoid download
delays during the test)
- And expanded on line help in the Help Guide page.
The purpose of this approach is two-fold. Expand Online WITs to the widest
possible audience to get as many duck shooters WIT endorsed as possible
and to increase the size of the Library as much as possible.
NOTE; THIS IS A TRAINING AID ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE THE OFFICIAL
NPWS WIT OF ANY STATE.
.
Some of the photographs may appear to be rather dark; so next time when
out duck shooting take your camera. Any contributions to the library are
greatly appreciated, any feedback on training content, format and possible
contributors is also greatly valued, please contact Andrew direct -
Andrew Hulley
P.O. Box 481
Wangaratta
Victoria. Australia. 3676
Pn 03-5765-2454,
Fax: 03-5765-2456
Mb: 041-282-0600,
Email: ahulley@fud.com.au
For the decoy site visit www.fud.com.au
Victorian issue of concern:
Ned’s Corner Station Community Consultation Workshop
During June, a two-day community consultation workshop at Ned’s Corner Station
on the Victorian side of the River Murray. In order to facilitate preparation
of a Management Plan for the 64,000-acre property. Ned’s Corner, (between
lock 7 & 8) has been acquired by the Trust for Nature Foundation, Ned’s
has been a popular spot for fishing and camping since time immemorial. It
adjoins the Murray Sunset National Park and has many kilometres of river
frontage. The concerning issue is that Ned’s is listed as an International
Union of Conservation & Nature (IUCN) Category IV site, ‘where recreation
is neither encouraged nor activity provided for’
There are 6 IUCN categories; most National Parks in Australia are category
2.
Trust for Nature, has certain obligations through an agreement with the
Commonwealth Government following part funding of the acquisition through
the National Reserve System (NRS) program of the National Heritage Trust.
A workshop report will be available shortly:
SA Fishery issues:
King George Whiting
The state government has moved to protect one of South Australia’s icons,
the King George Whiting. Minister for Fisheries Rory McEwen said changes
to the state’s Fisheries regulations were needed to stop overfishing of
the species within Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.
The changes will include new size and bag limits applying to recreational
fishers. A new minimum size limit of 31 centimetres will apply for all King
George whiting caught east of the line longitude 1360 (near Cape Catastrophe,
south of Port Lincoln). The current minimum size limit of 30 centimetres
will still apply to King George whiting caught west of the line from October
1st this year.
A possession limit of 36 (or three times the daily bag limit) will be introduced.
There’ll also be a reduction of the daily King George whiting bag limit
from 20 to 12 and the boat limit from 60 to 36 to reduce recreational fishing
effort.
The states’ 400.00 recreational fishers as well as 50,000 boaties are not
happy with the KGW restrictions proposed by the present Labor Government
and see this as a tip of an iceberg for other species and restrictive bag
limits.
KGW size limits also apply to the commercial sector, catch limit is not
affected!
FAVOURITE RECIPE
GOAT CURRY
Ingredients:
Approx. 1 1/2 kilo Goat meat cubed tomato paste
1 dessertspoon Cardoman 3 cloves garlic
3 dessertspoons Curry Paste beef cube
fresh ginger 3 onions
1 dessertspoon Coriander coconut cream
fresh chillies (optional)
tomato paste
3 cloves garlic
beef cube
3 onions
coconut cream
Method:
Brown goat pieces in heavy pan in oil. Put aside when browned. Add spices, chopped onion, square inch of grated ginger, chopped garlic. Cook in oil until onions clarify. Stir in curry paste with a little water, add tomato paste and beef cube.
Add the goat meat and sufficient water to make a thin mixture.
Add as many chillies as you like or can take. Simmer until meat is tender and make sure it does not simmer dry. You may need to add water.
Allow sauce to thicken and add coconut cream to smooth and thicken. Adjust
with additional tomato paste or beef cube to taste.
Serve with rice, pappadums and hot lime pickle and Cold Beer. It is better
next day as the spices will have been absorbed by the meat.
ROAST LEG OF GOAT WITH CITRUS FRUIT
Ingredients:
1 leg of goat (approx. 1.5kg)
2 oranges, peeled and sliced thinly
1 lemon, peeled and sliced thinly
25g sugar
seasoning
600ml water or vegetable stock
50g butter
oil
50g flour
Method:
Place the meat in a roasting dish, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cover evenly with the slices of lemon and orange. Sprinkle with oil and sugar.
Add water or vegetable stock to the roasting dish and cover with foil. Roast in moderate oven for approximately 40 minutes. When cooked, remove leg from baking dish and keep warm.
For the sauce ? melt butter in saucepan and add flour. Cook for a few minutes then allow to cool before adding the juices from the roasting dish. Stir in briskly to avoid lumps, bring to the boil, season to taste and if necessary thin with water. Serve.
ROSSY'S ROO STEW.
Ingredients:
Approx. 500 gms of diced fillet taken from back of young roo 2 large rashers
of bacon (diced) 2 diced carrots 4 onions 1 tin tomatoes 1 tin peas 2 diced
potatoes 1 Us soy sauce or tabasco to taste
Method:
Dust diced roo with flour and place in hot camp oven with diced onion and bacon. Some cooking oil may be required. Cook until roo is brown all over. Add diced carrots, potatoes and tins of tomatoes and peas and cook. If thickening is required add instant noodles. Stir in soy sauce or tabasco to taste. Serve with bottle of Yalumba Hermitage.
NATIONALS 2004
These events could not happen without support of our sponsors and once again the Field and Game Federation of Australia thanks Winchester Aust, Beretta Aust and Rio Oceania for there continuing support of our National Championships. Thanks to SSAA Insurance, The Outdoor Sportsman, Highland Sports and Exide batteries for there support for the 3 day event.
There will be a practise trap available on Thursday and a pool shoot available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If the practise trap is to busy the Brisbane Gun Club and Brisbane SSAA will be open from 9.00am for Skeet and Trap. Both clubs are located on the same road as Brisbane Sporting Clays.
The your ammunition requirements the official supplier will be:
GEORGE SCKAF
Phone: 07 5597 3220
Mobile: 0418 780300
George will be on site from Thursday 7th October.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME!
NATIONAL’S SHIRT
2004 How many years have you gone to a Nationals and didn’t make the grade
and came home empty handed? Starting from this year Federation will produce
a National’s Shirt. This year the logo for Brisbane will be:
The shirts will be available at the shoot for a cost of $40.00 or you can
order them by sending your name, address, shirt size and money ($40.00 +
$5.00 postage) to
Field and Game Federation of Australia, PO Box 42, Helensvale, Qld. 4212.
STATE NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Well here we are just days away from the Nationals and soon it will be over for another year Good Luck everyone.
Brisbane have once again broken the backs of their members achieving a super effect by all. This event will leave all competitors dumb-founded and amazed in what can be done in such a small area with a great team.
The Brisbane team of Glen Rider, Dennis Bullimore and Max Whiting who have designed and built the three required layouts, Lyell Pettman catering, Ian Grant sponsors and many more helpers have to be congratulated on their effects.
Thanks must also given to three Brisbane members that kindly donated half the cost of a 12KVA Generator installed at the range. These members are Carl Law, Bob Whiting and John Bonnor, thanks guys your contribution will be advertised.
It’s times like this that really beings the best out in clubs and members. If you want your club to jump ahead my suggestion would be run a Nationals it’s the best working you will ever have.
Those members who will not be attending the Nationals this is what you
will miss out on.
20 metres high, traps on both sides
Brisbane must thanks sister associations for there help in staging this
event. To present three layouts with 15 traps on each layout and only having
23 auto traps in the club you must go knocking. We thank SSAA Qld, Toowoomba
Gun Club, Carboolture Gun Club, City of Brisbane Pistol Club, Metro Pistol
Club, SSAA Brisbane and Brisbane Gun Club. How refreshing is it to see such
support among these Clubs.
Mark Farrow
QSC President
STATE TITLES 2004
The set up for the competition went very easy this time with a host of members
turning up on Friday to lend a helping hand in placing traps & targets.
Before I go any further I would like to give recognition to these members
who give up much of their free time in helping to make the sport in Queensland
a success for the majority of our members who attend our events.
Max Whiting, Denis Bullimore, Paul McDonald, Shane Mills, Mark Farrow,
Wayne Atkins, Dale Whiting, Denis Dinte & last but not least Kerrod
Kay.
Also all of the silent helping hands that hang around after the event to
help put away all of the equipment which was spread over half the range.
This makes for a successful club & atmosphere.
Ian Grant, Clayton Petersen, Ian Grant & Carl Law for the effort in getting the other side of the high tower up & running in time for the Nationals in October.
Thankyou gentlemen, Brisbane & Queensland Sporting Clays owes you a debt of gratitude. These are the people that make our sport successful & grow.
After months of drought the heavens opened up midweek before the event
but in true Queensland weather the clouds parted for a dry Friday for set
up & over the weekend. This wet spell helped settle the grounds with
a green tinge showing through the drought damage.
The wind picked up strongly for Sunday afternoon, but the targets generally
behaved themselves giving everyone a fair go.
So there we have it, another season coming to an end with the selection
of the winners & the final team for the Nationals.
Results:
State Champion 2004
M. Birgan 132/150
Greg Mitchell –Winchester (left)
Mike Birgan State Champion 2004
AA
Craig Brown 131/150
Denis Dinte 110/150
A
John Lucas 124/150
Les Power 117/150 s/o
John Winnal 117/150 s/o
B
Kris Dowie 109/150
Anthony Searle 100/150
Leo Cao 99/150
C
Steve Blake 74/150
Garth Krumins 59/150
Vets
Kerrod Kay 102/150
Bob Ross 91/150
Ian Clisdell 84/150
Ladies
Renae Birgan 115/150
Jnr
Tyrone Power 95/150
STATE TEAM 2004
Open: Damien Birgan,
Craig Brown,Les Power
Mike Birgan
Lady: Renae Birgan
Veteran: Kerrod Kay
Junior: Tyrone Power
We hope to see you all at the Nationals in Brisbane over the 8 to10 October. If you have not done so already, get your Noms in----- now.
Glen Rider
Brisbane
Annual General Meeting
To all members
Venue: Brisbane Range
Date: Saturday 30th October 2004
Time: 12:30 pm
Nominations for the following positions will be accepted in writing and
sent to the Secretary, 115 Panorama Dr, Thornlands Q. 4164.
Nomination must be received by 15th October 2004
President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer
Committee member
Each nomination must nominated and seconded by a financial member and signed by the nominee.
If no nominations are received then nominations will be taken from the floor of the meeting.
Brisbane President report
Fellow members I do believe that the time has come for me to step aside and ask you the members to elect a new President. The club has reached its 21st year and of those 21 years I have been president for 17 enjoyable years. However I feel the club needs new leadership that may well push more members to get involved in its running. I would hope that the new committee would find more members to help out with the many jobs that need to be done to make the club run as smoothly as possible.
I will still be available to advise the committee if they wish or help
out on range duty.
After 21 years of non-stop range duty it looks like I may have to stop in
the near future. My doctor has informed me that l’m looking down the barrel
of a shoulder
replacement. If I don’t stop doing as much as I do the replacement will happen now not later.
There are other members that need to have a break from range duty as well so I hope that more members will put up their hand and help out.
As I am not standing for any positions on the committee I feel it is not fair to ask my wife Sue to stand for the Treasurers position as well. If there is a member that knows MYOB and is willing to take on the Treasurer job please step forward and let someone know.
I’d like to thank the many members that have supported me over the past 17 years your help and support was the main reason why I’ve kept going for so many years.
I wish the new committee the greatest success. You will have the facilities and equipment better to none in Australia so use them well but don’t forget your members.
Best regards
Mark Farrow
NEW SOUTH WALES
Where do we start?
Apology
The high Gun for the Cooma Easter Friday 20g shoot was Steve Newcombe sorry
this was omitted from our pervious report
On behalf of the committee and members of NSWF&G, I wish to extend
our condolences to the family and friends of Ron Wollaston who passed away
after a lengthy illness.
Ron was an active F&G member for many years; serving on the State Committee
Ron always had plenty of time and encouragement for novice and young shooters.
Originally, a Sydney member Ron formed a branch at Bathurst on the family
farm Glen Eagle (named after the wedge tails that often flew overhead) Many
State shoots were held on this ground, which was a popular venue amongst
competition shooters despite the fact it was situated on a step hill.
Good news
Welcome to our newest branch Ardlethan-Beckom Sporting Clays, situated between
West Wyalong, Temora and Leeton with approximately forty members with more
to come. Congratulations to Paul & Tanya Hackney, Errol & Glad Foster
for their efforts so far. For more information, contact Paul & Tanya
on 6978 2454
Sydney State Championship 14th/15th August Report
An outstanding turnout of approximately 78 shooters were in attendance,
this is the best showing for many years, competitors from Bermagui, Dubbo,
Mudgee, Sydney, Temora, Goulburn and a few from QLD.
The weather was perfect on Saturday with two virgin courses to greet the
competitors and with only one spot secured in the state team the pressure
was on.
A range: Stand 1, a looper from a cherry picker was the first target
Stand 2 a high midi also from the cherry picker
B range: Stand 3 a slow rabbit was ruining Ken Moore’s day and giving his
squad plenty of laughs
Stand 4 a pretty innocuous looking teal was causing havoc on the score sheets
It was very interesting to listen to the comments around the ground they
ranged from relentless, impossible to I can’t believe I just smashed that
one and from the current NSW state champion I never thought I’d see targets
like that thrown at Sydney!!!!.
Sunday’s targets were eased off a little due to the prediction of high winds
that didn’t arrive. Only one possible was shoot over the weekend on the
5th round by D Baskerville .
Thanks to our welder J Drabble, Hydrolics expert R Johnston and all the
Sydney branch members who helped stage this event.
Special thanks to Matt Leighton for organising guest speakers on both days.
Saturday the Hon Charlie Lynn MLC upper house NSW parliament and Sunday
Pat Farmer federal member for Macarthur and ultra marathon runner It’s good
for our sport to expose people of this calibre to the positive aspects of
firearm ownership. Both guests put themselves out to attend on the weekend,
this was greatly appreciated by all those in attendance.
Thanks to our sponsors
NSW Shooting Association, NSW Firearms Safety & Training Council, Express
Cartridges, Safari firearms and the NSWF&G.
Results
We will start with the Adrian Hayes teams event tied were Mudgee and QLD
unfortunately this was decided bye the toss of a coin with QLD winning (seems
the only way to beat the Mudgee boys) this didn’t stop Mudgee from once
again taking the annual crown congratulations to all involved
HG D Ball 170
AA
S Payne 167
C Brown (QLD) 165
D Dinte (QLD) 162
P Miller 158
L Redfern 154
A
R Christian 159
G Georgiou 154
S O’Brien 152
C Kurtz 147
L Cunningham 146
B
R Morganti 145
D Loucas 143
B Robinson 142
B Hall 138
M Daniel 133
C
M Leighton 116
P Marshall 115
D Webb 109
M Tilley 106
A Binaggia 104
Jnr
D Baskerville 167
(25 round 5)
D Sutcliffe 136
C Ryan 103
Sub Jnr
C Tunbridge 108
E Tunbridge 105
A Muscat 62
Vet
K Moore 152
M Kavanagh 146
D Coaker 145
N Nichols 145
G Clark 125
Lady
J Nichols 148
J Redman 92
STATE TEAM 2004
Steve Payne
Darren Ball
Ross Christians
Lee Cunningham
Res: Laurie Redfern
Vet: Ken Moore
Lady: Jenny Nichols
Junior: Daniel Baskerville
Federation L/J training camp 17th/18th July Geelong
Denial Baskerville Damien Sutcliffe were the NSWF&G representatives
to attend this event, both the boys conducted themselves as expected throughout
the weekend a credit to them and the state. 28gr loads were used exclusively
over the weekend (thanks Mal Tilley and Express cartridges for there assistance).
Damien was quite surprised that he could brake long-range targets with 28gr
loads and fell little recoil, for those who have never shot at Geelong I
do mean LONG. Shooting at Geelong is always an education this year it was
the first time the NSW contingent had shot in sleet,hail,snow or what ever
the locals call it (normal Geelong weather) Sunday lunch Colin Johns gave
a very interesting lecture on performance and anxiety levels and there affects
on shooters. Rod gave a run down on the importance of gun fit.
Thanks to all the coaches, range setter’s, canteen ladies, sponsors and
Ray McFarlane for a great weekend. See you next year
NSWF&G CTD
Paul Smidt
VICTORIA
The 2004 VSCA State Championships were held at Laang SSAA sporting Clay
Range on 28th and 29th August.
130 competitors took part with good representation from SAF&G Members.
A Nine Stand Course was set up to shoot 75 targets per day, using the 38 and 37 target concept.
Round 1 was 38 targets and then substantial variations were made to the target trajectories and the 2nd round consisted of 37 targets.
On day 2 more variations to targets were introduced with a number of the traps being moved to new positions to provide a wide variety of trajectories.
Great use was made of towers during the event with three travel towers being used in addition to the 4 fixed towers that exist on the range.
Saturday fine and calm and perfect for good scores
At the completion of shooting on the Saturday John Younger, Colin MacPherson
and Brenton Irons finished on 70/75, Anthony Panetta 69/70, Craig MacPherson
68/70.
Juniors Brenton Irons 70/75, Chris Brown 67/65.
Ladies 59/75.
Veterans Max Kavanagh 61/75, Barry Jane 60/70, John Torresan 59/75.
Sunday and the weather forecast did not look good, fortunately the rain did not appear and the day was again calm and perfect for shooting.
Many changes were made to the Course ie traps shifted to new positions, travel tower rotated 180 degrees to throw over a different stand and many other trajectories altered.
Younger with 71/75 proved to be once again the master and increased his
lead from the first day.
Brenton Irons with 138/150 finished four targets in front of Chris Brown.
Barry Jane 121/150 finished four targets clear of the fast finishing Keith
Cruickshank and Cherie Neilson with 119/150 was well clear in the Ladies.
Sub/Juniors was the outstanding Category at this event Blake Nankervis with
a score of 132/150 which put him in 6th place overall was the winner from
an even younger Robert Hall 119/150.
The Pool Shoot was very popular with 244 entries over the two days. It
was shot to a handicap format. AA were on zero, A Grade Hcp.of 1, B Grade
Hcp of 2 and C Grade a Hcp. of 3.
Score plus handicap to a maximum of 12 ensured that all competitors had
a even chance of winning. Saturday winners each won $144, Craig Leach A
grade, Andrew Northam A Grade.
Sunday winners $75 each Colin MacPherson and Peter Tobin both AA Grade.
Once again the Laang SSAA Club put on a brilliant State Championships and
thanks must go to both Steve Chilton and Brian Cockayne for the effort they
put in to ensure that this was a memorable event.
Great targets, great organisation, the only losers were those that did not
attend
Results
Open State Champion:-
John Younger 141/150, 2nd Craig Mac Pherson 138/150, 3rd Anthony Panetta
137/150
Veterans
Barry Jane 121/150, 2nd Keith Cruickshank 117/150, 3rd rod Brain 116/150
Ladies
Cherie Neilson 119/150, 2nd Natasha Lonsdale 108/150, 3rd Tania Scicluna
104/150
Juniors
Brenton Irons 138/150, 2nd Chris Brown 134/150, 3rd James Clancy 126/150
Sub Junior
Blake Nankervis 132/150, 2nd Robert Hall 119/150, Jarrod Smith 107/150
A Grade
Grant Baum 121/150, 2nd Alan Backman 120/150, 3rd Phil donahue 120/150
B Grade
Dwayne Pannell 110/150, 2nd Kelvin Tardrew 109/150, 3rd Ewen McKenzie 106/150
C Grade
Graham Kemp 94/150, 2nd Karoly Kovacs 89/150, 3rd Malcolm Price 84/150
VSCA State Team
Open: John Younger, Craig MacPherson, Brenton Irons, Colin MacPherson
Lady: Cherie Neilson,
Veteran: Barry Jane,
Junior: Chris Brown
Ray McFarlane
VSCA President
TASMANIA
Branch News
Bagdad Field & Game
Work on “Shene” has been slowly progressing on setting up the ranges. This
has mainly involved moving the tower from Collinsvale, and other associated
equipment. We recently received our range approvals, so hopefully we will
be in a position to start having some shoots soon.
The monthly clay target and wallaby shoots have been going well. For further details, members should turn up to the monthly meeting, held at 8.00pm on the last Wednesday of the month, at the Hobart Gun Club, Shene Rd, Mangalore.
The AGM was held on Wednesday 28th July. At the meeting, Bill Barrow was voted in as a Life Member of the Bagdad Field & Game for his work and commitment over all the years. The ladies are thanked for their help in organizing the catering.
The club is saddened by the passing of one of its long time members, Trevor Dingle. Trevor was an active member for a number of years. Condolences are passed onto this family.
Robert Anders
Secretary
Northern Midlands News
Since the last newsletter the branch has been reasonably busy. Apart from
our normal monthly shoots we have held a “Thank you” day for all our sponsors
and those who helped in any way at last year’s Nationals. This was well
attended and a very enjoyable day was had by all.
The weekend of 7 & 8 August we had Colin McPherson over to run a coaching clinic. This was well attended by members of Northern Midlands, other clubs and even a couple of non-Field and Game members who showed interested in getting involved. This then led to the State Championships at Derwent Valley the following weekend. Colin stayed in the state working for the week and joined 6 other ‘north islanders’ in attending. The weather was not very pleasant with snow peaks all around and mud up to our knees but this did not deter the 50 or so shooters who attended. Daniel Johnson was successful in defending his title from last year and Neville Johnson, Terry and Tania Scicluna all took home prizes. Although comments to the contrary by some may indicate that we do not like mainland competition, this is far from the case for most shooters and especially the Northern Midlands members who welcome those who make the effort to come here.
The results were as follows:
AA & State Champion
1st Daniel Johnson 129
2nd Alex Grodski 127
3rd Terry Scicluna 126
A
1st Neville Johnson 120
2nd Alex Eiszele 120
3rd Gary Harper 119
B
1st Arthur Carter 105
2nd David Collins 103
3rd Eddy Allan 100
C
1st Peter Page 96
2nd Jye Davis 92
3rd Richard Pearce 80
JUN
1st Joshua Cables 93
2nd Callum Broomhall 86
VET
1st Roger Manton 100
2nd Ron Moses 95
LADIES
1st Tania Scicluna 110
2nd Sally Ridgway 84
We now have our second tower operational and can throw a wider variety of targets. The planning for filling in the veranda is underway with offers of help from non-members who are local to the area. This all augers well for an even bigger and better year in 2005.
Next month we plan to hold a day to thank the property owners. They will bring along a few neighbours and friends to see what our sport is about and have a BBQ lunch with club members. This should be very pleasant. We have a lot to thank them for.
In November we are holding Tasmania’s first major Old Style FITASC event over the weekend of 27th and 28th. Postal noms are being taken. If anyone is interested please contact Ken and Judy Triffitt on 03 6362 3868. The prizes will total $1800.00 and numbers are limited so if you are keen to attend please get in early.
Meanwhile best wishes to all attending their own state championships and then the Nationals in Brisbane. Hope to see you there.
Stumpy.
South East Branch Report
There has been plenty happening down our way of late despite having one
of the coldest and wettest winters for a long time.
Our clay target shoots have been a great success; well attended and thankfully the weather has been kind to us on shoot days. We have a range that puts up some very testing targets and along with a very laid back atmosphere around the clubhouse, perhaps this is the reason that shooter numbers are steadily increasing. October will see the club championships run and won, this is always a good fun day and we would expect a good turn up. We are also looking to purchase a couple of second hand auto traps. If your club can help us out I would love to hear from you. I can be contacted on 0419899500.
Our field shoots have been a bit patchy this year with wallaby numbers
down on previous years. These shoots are always well attended and it is
great to see a few new faces turning up. We are working on getting access
to a couple of new properties that look very promising for next season so
we will have a busy year coming up.
Until next time, stay safe.
South East Branch
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
News from Central
Our main business is providing a shooting venue. The shoot attendance has
been from about 50 to about 80. We would like to see more attend and would
be interested in hearing suggestions as to what we might do better.
The setting of the course has been largely done by Craig in the past. A break from this task would have two benefits. Less work for Craig and an increase in the number of people who can do this task. We need to develop these skills in as many members as possible. If you are interested in trying your hand at this, put your name down on the sheet on the whiteboard.
The turn out to working bees has been ok but more people mean the task is a bit lighter for those who attend.
Another automatic trap has been purchased, this one being capable of throwing midis. The august shoot saw this in use for the first time.
Our two day shoot in august was a bit different to previous years as it
was not a novelty event. The overnight camp-in was retained and Pam Gagnon
put on a great feast for those present. We have decided to hold the novelty
event later when the prospect of great weather is better. As it was, the
weather smiled upon us for that weekend.
A bonus was that the Coopers car rally went past the grounds and we were
able to observe the cars do some mad things as they went over the closed
section.
Central has been active in conservation tasks as well as shooting.
We have now completed the second direct seeding project on our grounds.
The previous project was completed in 1999 and as you can see the forest
that resulted is quite impressive.
The scrub is so thick that it is difficult to get through. The plants have already produced seed which was harvested for use in the district.
The second direct seeding project generated a great deal of enthusiasm by quite a few members. The main task involved moving the original fence to a location further down the hill. This was done over a couple of working bees and new fencing was constructed on the other side of the property. .
Recycled ring lock was used for most of that and the boys did an impressive
job. The fencing is needed to protect the seeded areas from damage by sheep
which are put in by our neighbour. The sheep help us to reduce fire danger
and keep the grass down. This is what it already looks like after only a
few months.
Well that's all for now. Hope to see you at Hannafords Reef soon. KG
Southern Branch News
The year is slipping away, duck season has closed and the clay shooting
season is in full swing. By the time this newsletter is out our State Titles
and the Nationals will be over for another year. The Southern committee
has been looking at funding options to build a new clubroom and we are investigating
the sale of a portion of the property excess to our requirements. We feel
this will give the club enough funds to build a reasonable club house and
improve the shooting facilities.
We have settled in well on course setting this year and getting a few more
favourable comments on target selection. Our shooter numbers have stabilised
at a little over 50 average.
You should have seen the one that got away
O.K. so I am back from Broome and fished out.
I spent a couple of weeks with two of my brothers fighting fish around the
20 K.G. mark (Cobia, Spanish Mackerel and Barra (couta) but a Giant Trevally
some-where between 15-20 K.G. and about 1300 long really tested my tackle.
I got it in after about twenty minutes and gave it the Rex Hunt release
(without the kiss) so if you are heading to Broome I will give you the G.P.S
marks on a spot we have named The Valley of the Giants. And you can have
a crack at him.
Steve Ragless
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The weekend of the 14th and 15th August saw the conclusion of our State Selection Series and State Championship at Wannamal Branch. The event was well supported from a WA perspective with close to 70 shooters participating, and the weather was kind to us.
I take this opportunity to thank our loyal sponsors. Roy Alexander & Sons / Winchester. DSR West Australia and Lotterywest. Without you we would struggle.
The weekend was run over two courses for the 2 x 100 target events. The shooting positions between rounds 1 & 2 were moved significantly (10m approximately) to provide a good variety of targets. With all traps and trap settings being adjusted after the first 100 targets.
The second ground used in this shoot was a new hill ground that has never been shot before which provided excellent elevated, driven and dropping targets.
The targets were set with an increased level of difficulty, not dissimilar to National targets. Surprisingly with exception to a few die hard “Bush Skeet” Stalwarts the vast majority of feedback on the harder targets was very favourable, even from new and novice shooters, and particularly from shooters intending to go to the Nationals.
It is my personal belief that throwing Bush Skeet targets at State Shoots and even Major Branch shoots is doing a major disservice to anyone entering the sport or competing Nationally.
It is also my view that we have got ourselves into a situation by throwing soft and repetitious Bush Skeet targets that our shooters handicap status is approximately 5 targets per round higher than it should be, or would be on real National standard targets.
The resultant effect of this handicap anomaly brought about by the Bush Skeet is that most of the competitors that go to the Nationals will be competing in a grade higher and possibly two grades higher than what they should realistically be in, and newcomers to the sport get used to the soft targets and find it hard to adjust to the more demanding targets.
I believe that we need to do everything possible to emulate the National standard targets in all our State competitions and as many Branch competitions as possible to overcome this anomaly.
Should I be asked to retain the position of Target Director for another year, this is the direction I intend to follow for the benefit of the sport and our serious competitive shooters both new and experienced.
5th STATE SELECTION SHOOT 2004 WANNAMAL 14 AUGUST
HG
Damon Brown
AA
Wayne Whitcroft
Dave Williams
Tony Trainor
A
Stephen Lyne
Neil Joslin
Mick Thomas
B
Brendon Howard
Mal Tapper
Gary Stipinovich
C
Steve Howe
David Walker
Maurie Goldman
LADIES
Michelle Bowles
Sarah Linn
Helen Godfrey
VET
Brian Brady
John Farrell
JNR
Rhys Howard
Todd Bastow
SUB/JNR
Andrew Mansfield
Aaron Howe
Braiden Purdy
2004 SELECTION SERIES RESULTS OVER 500 TARGETS
HG
Tony Trainor
AA
John Dyas
Damon Brown
Dave Williams
A
Vern Godfrey
Paul Bowles
Norm Hancock
B
Kevin Dodd
Brendon Howard
Steve Bastow
C
Steve Howe
David Walker
Matte Stipinovich
LADIES
Sarah Linn
Helen Godfrey
VET
Roy Mayo
John Farrell
JNR
Rhys Howard
Todd Bastow
SUB/JNR
Braiden Purdy
Aaron Howe
WA SELECTION SERIES TOP TEN (OPEN)
Tony Trainor
John Dyas
Damon Brown
Vern Godfrey
Dave Williams
Paul Bowles
Kevin Dodd
Norm Hancock
Brendon Howard
Mick Thomas