Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/581623
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 7 Blue Heeler Fly Shoot Shooters from around Australia converge on Wagga Wagga Sixty competitors from three states, including a strong contingent from Melbourne Benchrest Club, took part in the Blue Heeler Fly Shoot hosted by SSAA NSW Wagga Wagga Branch on the weekend of 29 and 30 August. Shooters take aim at a 'fl y' target no bigger than the size of a postage stamp from 300 and 500 metre distances. Many of Australia's best fl y shooters were present but local shooters were not outclassed with an encouraging number of local juniors bravely taking the fi eld. While the range and facilities were ideal, the shooting conditions were challenging. There were fog delays on both days while a light wind refused to settle long enough to get fi ve shots away. However the cream rose to the top and there were two new range records set over the weekend. Saturday's 300m competition was a tight affair with Nick Aagren fi nishing in outright fi rst place with a score of 289.09, it was a close fi ght for second and third. Cameron Starr came second on 287.09 just ahead of Barry Tucker on 287.06. The 500m event took place on Sunday in both light and heavy gun categories. Les Fraser set a range record of 276.02 to top the light gun well ahead of second placed Michael Bell on 255.02. In the heavy gun, Russell LeMaitre topped the group with a score of 259.03. Tracey Deehan became the fi rst woman to hold a national fl y record after shooting an impressive small grouping of 0.963 which was also a range record. Her husband Paul was also taking part in the shoot, however both parents were outshone by daughter Kira who fi nished above them in the 500m combined results. A full list of results can be found on the Fly Shooter website. Congratulations to all the participants involved and a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped over the two days. Tracey Deehan, winner of the smallest group, shot a new range record Shooters and supporters braved the fog and cold The fl y target