Hi Everyone,

Got my real first taste of shooting when I jointed the Air Training Corps at the start of high school. First firearm I shot was a 303 at the old Okato rifle range just south of New Plymouth that is no longer operational. I still remember how much it kicked I must of been all of 40kg. ATC also did a couple of small bore shoots a year with the Lee-Enfield 22 trainers that the had but have since sold off and replaced with JW-15s. Got my FAL about 8 years ago and did a small amount of shooting. But the last 4 years been hunting quite heavily, then shot one of Simon Gillice's Field shoots and really enjoyed myself there. I have done 4 or 5 now including the 22 events' I think or a similar event is a must do for everyone, even just once. Through a friend I also got involved in Taranaki Long Range Shooters and have done all of the Gong shoots, learning a lot there but still plenty of room for improvement.

Being a "Townie" most of my hunts involve long walks in Doc land keeping the goat numbers down as much as possible. When I first started hunting I didn't even like touching something that was dead, even watching operations on tv was too much for me. Now I will usually take the legs and back-straps and sometimes even offal for my dogs if my pack isn't too heavy (mind you I still don't like watching operations). I really enjoy taking people out that haven't done any hunting before, most haven't even held a firearm. That experience they get from shooting for the first time, and shooting their first goats. Most of them are really keen to have a go at taking the legs off and trying the meat. Usually Ill curry it or mince it for burger patties. I now have a list that I have stopped adding names to that want to come out next time along with those that keep asking when can they come out again.

I read the forum fairly often so thought I should register and get involved in some of the discussions and get to know some more people.

Cheers,

Leigh