Thread: NZHS Hunter Challenge and Long Range Day - 7/8 Sept; Sparrowhawk

Originally Posted by Bigash

Target locations and distance are "approximately" given.
You will need to range your own Target to be exact
No strict time limits have been given in the past, they have said keep it fair and reasonable,

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@Beetroot - come down and give it a go if you're able. It's a really fun shoot and the rules that are there are really only to keep it close to how hunting situations might be on average. Well for Canterbury anyway!

Initially I thought we needed to get setup and get our shots away quickly, but it soon became apparent that we were getting through our group more quickly than the two squads in front so there was no need to rush. It's a good idea to bring your binos and range finder as the animal targets aren't super obvious to the naked eye. Our squad worked together to estimate wind and confirm ranges. You still have to sort your dialling for elevation and wind and then decide where exactly the vitals gong is. And then execute the shot.

I used a combination of my hunting pack I often shoot off for prone shots and a Harris sitting length bipod for the steeper uphill shots. It is definitely better to dial for elevation for this shoot given the ranges. I would also dial for wind if you can as i didn't last time and it definitely cost me points. It's also a good idea to shoot reasonable size projectiles to get a solid hit on the gongs. It was blowing so hard in January that even with electronic earmuffs it was hard to hear the hits . A bubble level is a good idea too much like it is for any longer range shots. This might seem like it's 'target shooting' just at animal targets, but in reality that's how we often hunt around here (particularly picking off wallabies at longer ranges).

You can take it as seriously (or not) as you choose. But hitting things well is more fun right? Just bring a well zeroed rifle and a little knowledge of your load and you'll have a blast. If you've only got a short-barrelled 'bushpig' just load up some heavier higher BC bullets and have at it. And bring plenty of ammo for the Open Range Day on Sunday!