SSAA NSW

Getting to know Hay's Jan Jacka NSW Shooter: Do you remember the first time you NSW Shooter: What do you enjoy most about the picked up a firearm? How old were you and what do you remember about it? shooting sports? Jan: Probably when I was about 10. My family owned years, both with pistol and shotguns, I have travelled throughout NSW, VIC, ACT and New Zealand and I have found the shooters a welcoming bunch, especially if you are female. They have made me feel one of the team. a property 45km North of Hay, Dad lined up the tin cans and my two brothers and I tested our accuracy with his trusted .22 pump action rifle, I think I did ok. I don't remember too much about whether there was recoil but as it was only a .22 it wasn't loud. Jan: Definitely the friendships I have made over the The other thing is if you have a bad days shooting all you want to do, is go to the next shoot and do better, same as if you have a good day you look forward to the next shoot. NSW Shooter: What is your favourite discipline? Jan: My favourite discipline would have to be 5-Stand Clay Target because it's quick and you have to be on the ball the whole time NSW Shooter: What's the next big event for you on the shooting calendar? Jan: I have a few major events that I am going to attend over the next couple of months. Originally a pistol shooter Jan now prefers the fast paced action of 5 Stand Clay Target NSW Shooter: How did you learn about shooting, The first is the 2013 SSAA National Sporting Clays Championships that are being hosted by our local Branch on 17 - 18 August. Next it's onto Shepparton in September to defend my SSAA National 5 Stand Title and then I will be heading to New Zealand in November as a member of the Graded Australian 5 Stand Team to participate in the NZCTA Sporting Clays Championships. and what do you remember was the biggest/most important lesson you were taught? Jan: My Dad taught me to never point a gun at anybody and always treat it as loaded even if it isn't. We were always taught to be safe, as I was only allowed to load one bullet at a time whilst I was getting used to using the .22 rifle. Until I left home at 17 and met my husband who is a keen shooter I had never used a high power rifle, that was a new challenge for me as I wasn't used to the recoil and noise that came with firing a centrefire rifle. The first gun I purchased was a Smith & Wesson .22 handgun when I joined the Hay Pistol Club back in 1986 and I still have it. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Jan in action shooting for Australia 11

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