HFT DIary: World Interest

Yes, the scramble for places in the World Hunter Field Target Championships does indeed get more frantic every year, and this time round, unprecedented interest has pretty well seen the entry book come and go in a matter of weeks!

Bear in mind that the entry list was opened in late September via the WHFTA (World Hunter Field Target Association) website, and that around 340 of the 360 places were already taken up less than a month later, and it’s clear to see that the sport’s popularity is seriously on the up. In fact, by the time this article sees publication, I suspect entries to the Worlds will be full and closed, and that really is quite staggering, considering that the event doesn’t take place until next Easter!

Looks familiar

In much the same way as Field Target has now gone fully global, with over 33 countries taking part, so HFT is showing all the sign of gaining a similar foothold. Of course in our technological age, the internet helps spread the word, and with a healthy network of clubs, forums, magazines, and dedicated outlets, interest in airguns in general is propagated like never before! OK; admittedly the entry list is still dominated by UK-based shooters, but the number from the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and even Australia, is encouraging to say the least.

European HFT championships 2016 - Lodz, Poland

Mid September saw the inaugural European Championships, held in Poland, and whilst I couldn’t make the trip, it was by all accounts a major success. Plenty of Brits did join the 185 entrants, and with some incredible hot weather and interesting terrain to navigate, it was enjoyed by all.

What added to the excitement was the way that shooters were sent out with other competitors with similar scores on the second day; with the result that the final stages almost become a head to head match play. Simon Vant cleared the course on day one, and so got to shoot round with Richard Woods, who’d only dropped one, making for a nail-biting finale. Yet who would bet against Mr Woods this season?

When the dust had settled, the top ten looked rather interesting- and one thing’s for sure- shooters from outside the UK are now posing a serious threat. Congratulations to Richard though, for dropping just one target all weekend!

Results:

Top 10 country day1 day2 total
1st Richard Woods UK 59 60 119 CHAMPION
2nd Vaclav Sejpka Czech 58 59 117
3rd Tomasz Kocemba Poland 57 59 116
4th Andy Hope UK 56 58 114
5th Lucasz Radaj Czech 59 55 114
6th Dusan Mandat Czech 56 58 114
7th Vladimir Kvapil Czech 57 57 114
8th Krzsztof Siuda Poland 57 57 114
9th Damian Orzol Poland 58 56 114
10th Jakub Vicher Czech 55 58 113

UKAHFT natonal rounds 8 - Emley Moor

Sponsored by flopover targets

Emley Moor has some truly superb woodland at their disposal, and so it’s always a pleasure to make the journey to their Yorkshire venue. Back to back events meant a sociable weekend was on the cards too, and come Saturday, we were all ready for action, with dry and fairly windless conditions in the offing. Given the near perfect weather, scores were admittedly on the high side, but with only three shooters posting perfect rounds, I reckon the course builders had done a great job.

Keeping it together over 30-targets is the name of the game, and whilst I had only missed one in the first 18, a mess up on a super near target, proved to be my undoing, as a loss of concentration, and a bout of self loathing followed! Dave Ramshead kept a cool head, and after a 3-way shoot off , sealed the deal. No more the bridesmaid, Dave has found winning ways indeed, leaving top shots Chris Cundey and Alex Larkin, to lick their wounds and rue what might have been.

Other notable scores included young Tom Willingham posting an excellent 57, but shot of the day just had to be Nick Hopkinson, who posted a truly fantastic 59ex60 using a .22! Anyone who has shot the heavier calibre knows how you need to be very accurate indeed with range finding, and for Nick to miss just one target is simply incredible shooting.

Results:

Open Class: 1st Dave Ramshead 60, 2nd Chris Cundey 60,3rd Alex Larkin 60
Juniors 9-13: 1st Connor McSherry 56
Juniors 14-16: 1st Tom Willingham 57
Ladies: 1st Theressa Reed 57
Veteran: 1st Mike Burgess 54
Recoiling: 1st Casey Handby 51
.22 Class: 1st Nick Hopkinson 59
Club Team Winner: 1st M.A.D.
Manufacturers: Team 1st Steyr

UKAHFT natonal rounds 9 - Emley Moor

Sponsored by sureshot airguns

Sunday duly arrived, and the forecast was grim indeed for anyone shooting in the morning. Thunderous rain, bang on cue at around 0915, put a dampener on proceedings, yet several shooters held their nerve and showed their class. Dave Ramshead, shooting consistently well of late, banged in an excellent 59, but this time round, Justin Grice, himself no stranger to the rostrum, took top honours, after edging Dave in a head to head shoot-off. Well done chaps. Brilliant shooting in the circumstances.

Results:

Open Class: 1st Justin Grice 59, 2nd Dave Ramshead 59, 3rd Gavyn Jones 58
Juniors 9-13: 1st Ewen Pantling 51
Juniors 14-16: 1st Tom Willingham 58
Ladies: 1st Liz Osman 54
Veteran: 1st Graham Cole 56
Recoiling: 1st Rex Bennett 46
.22 Class: 1st Nick Hopkinson 49
Club Team Winner: 1st M.A.D.
Manufacturers: Team 1st Steyr

Going…going…

And so, as another year zaps past in a haze, we’re left with the final HFT Masters shoot, switched to Maldon at the last minute, and then the end of season Gathering; the shoot for which we have to qualify, by coming amongst the top 10 competitors at any of the UKAHFT National rounds throughout the year. I scraped in for the Gathering at Emley, but it’s time to up my game. Back to the gym!

UKAHFT national series dates remaining

The Gathering 20th November Furnace Mill

For pre-booking application forms and downloads regarding established UKAHFT events (where bookings are still possible), and all the latest information on anything connected with Hunter Field Target shooting, take a look at the following websites: https://sites.google.com/site/ukahft/ and www.shooting-the-breeze.com https://sites.google.com/site/whfta1/

In addition, details of the new HFT Masters events can be seen at www.hftmasters.net