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An idea for realistic "hunting" target competition

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Willie14228

Willie14228

Member
Jul 16, 2015
1,648
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TX, United States
I mentioned this in another topic but think it would be best to separate out the idea and post it in the right place. First I am not taking credit for this idea as its basics are based on a bow competition, but I think it could be carried over into air gun competition fairly easy and at least in my eyes be a blast. I wanted to see what others think and perhaps see if some would channel the idea to those that host air gun competitions. The basic idea is to put the shooter in real life hunting situations that challenges the shooter to shoot outside his comfort zone. Further instead of bull's eye you are shooting kill zone score, head, lung, double lung , heart, ETC Many of the targets are placed so that when the shooter is in the shooting square parts of the animal and or kill zones are shielded by brush or trees. The shooter is shooting range unknown that is to say they cannot use a range finder and have to use their best judgment. The shooter has a time limit to identify his targets in the lane and knock them down by killzone shots, they can choose not to shoot at a target but if they take the shot and hit a non vital zone of the target they get points deducted from there score. In the bow competition there is only one target in each lane but for air gun I would say three to four placed through the lane at different yardages and angles partially hidden or shielded by cover would make for some real challenged shooting. The shots are made off hand or can only use existing rest at the sqaure ( trees or side of building or such) and the shooter cannot see the lanes until it's his turn to shoot the lane. They may shoot from any position as long as they shoot from the square
 
I think the 3D archery format could be used. Instead of dense foam targets, use paper animal-shaped targets with kill zones lightly marked so they can only be seen up close. Have a stack of targets so a guy shoots and takes a clean target down to post when he removes his shot one.

All the fun of range estimation, weird terrain, odd-position and obstructed shots are part of the game.

A lot like FT, but targets allow more scoring options.
 
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I agree, and the win win of this is it will level the field. I have seen your average bow Hunter with his trusty field bow compete in similar competitions and just wipe the floor with competition shooters with three grand bows and hundred dollar arrows.
The end result is a competition like this will bring in more shooters and open the arena for a wider audience which in turn open the potential advertising market to not just target shooters but also hunters and everyday shooters.
Targets doesn't necessarily need to be large although I would love to see a big bore class with shots like a bedded down deer, or hog, and long distance shots out in the 100 yard range
 
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I like this idea. One of the things we have incorporated in our FT matches is something similar to what you are saying. We purposely place the targets in different areas, so that you have to "find" the position that works best to take the shot. Not every animal is perfectly clear in the "usual" position. I like the thought of the game of risk and chance. That adds some strategy. not just plop, sit, aim, shoot.
 
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I actually found myself in this very real situation Saturday while hunting feral hogs. I had a 250 pound sow that was off in the brush but through the scope I could get a clean line of sight on her head and decided to take the shot I was zoomed in way to much and so missed the fact that a cross branch was in the way of the ballistic curve
I discovered a unique way of trimming branches and the sow got the piss scared out of her when the deflected bullet slapped the tree beside her.
 
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For an airgun woods walk, you could use targets like these for just about any pellet shooter downwards of .357 (shooting solids at them would probably tear them up):
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-Traps-and-Targets-40988-.22-Single-Spinner-Target/26963901

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lot-of-1-Laser-Cut-AR500-Steel-6-x-3-8-Shooting-Target-Gong/129859356

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-Target-Champion-Small-.22-Rimfire-Spinner-Target-40864/31176934

They might look plenty big until you try hitting them offhand! :) And of course, you can adjust the range to make them challenging, hang them between trees....you know, all the normal tricks. :) 

Then there are the classic treats, like using a 2x4 to hold a line of suckers that you have to hit, or charcoal on a string. I have a small 4" iron skillet I got at christmas with cookie mix in it. (man, the stuff people sell at christmas...). I'm going to hang it from a pot holder and use it for a swinger. :)
 
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Ironic, isn't it? Same thing as with 3-D archery, the sport started out to more closely replicate the hunting experience, both for quality practice and for fun. But over the years the methods and equipment evolved into its own highly specialized category. I knew 3-D archery had lost its mind when I saw a pro shooting in a tournament with his assistant holding an umbrella to block the wind. 

"I would like to shoot a squirrel in a tree, Perhaps, could I get one of you gents to hold my umbrella whilst I zoom and range my 72x scope? "
 
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I have to agree with mobilemail on that one, I will tell of one competition that was a lot of fun and that was when everyone was given a cheap barebone bow and had to shoot targets with it. 

Don't misunderstand me, I get it if a person is competing they are doing so to win. I watched some of the recorded field shoots and had to shake my head in disgust sorry but that is the word, The top ranking and so on shooters are using Olympic Style Leather Shooting support vests and hand supports and god know what the gun and attachments costs to shoot field targets.
Just exactly what does that have to do with "hunting" maybe they should do like most dirt track racing do and have a buy out clause the rules for each class of car has a set limit on the motor and anyone can walk up to the owner of the car and buy that motor for that price tends to put a stop to folks putting a 8 grand crate motor in a car when they know someone can buy it out from under them for 500 bucks.


I personally think that something that is set to be realistic hunting like field target is supposed to be, should have the simple rule that if it isn't used in hunting it cant be used in the field competition.

 
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I want to understand why you dislike FT as it is. Is it because you can't afford the equipment to be competitive, or don't want to spend the money? Have you had the expensive gear and not done well in competition? If it is because you don't want to buy more guns and gear and use what you have, there should still be a place for you in the AAFTA ranks.

Hunter class FT in America allows 20fpe up to .22cal with a 12x scope. Very challenging to range find with the scope, I usually use my eyes when shooting that class. The 'Money spent' classes are WFTF and Open.

If you are dead set on rules and equipment that AAFTA does not allow, and targets that are not in the rules then please do start your own matches to meet your needs. If they are popular and draw a good crowd I will be happy to put together a rig per your rules and attend a match.

John
 
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Speaking for myself, I think "dislike" is too strong a word. Heck, I haven't even been to an FT match because they are hours from where I live, so I may be talking out of the incorrect orifice. So my remarks are from seeing shooters on youtube videos, etc and forum discussions around particular equipment, etc. When I look at what guys spend on highly specialized equipment like high power, optically pure scopes with custom sidewheels, and rifles with crane-like supports and specialty butthooks, and I compare that to my humble hunting guns, there is a great chasm in between. 

But don't mistake my observations for animosity. if a man has the motivation, means and opportunity to enjoy the sport, have fun! (the "golf" of airguns :) )
 
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As for dislike being a strong word, No. It is about the weakest of words that can be used to disagree or cast opposition. Another word on it's level is distaste when used in context.
I happen to like Willy and the majority of his posts. This one being an exception.
Anyways my reply was for the Op, but I'm open for conversation so here goes.

Take the time and come to an airgun match. Most ranges hold NRA silhouette matches that use air rifles/pistols. Field Target is a bit scattered but if you can work even watching a match into other travel plans you should try to do it. Airgun Bench Rest is still very young. So shooting in that sport is mostly regional. I have been lucky enough to have these and more opportunities to shoot my airguns in a competition and fun shoot format.

I will say though that these events I shoot at were started by guys who just wanted to shoot and have fun. I'm working on setting up an airgun club and getting matches going were I am. It's not easy most gun clubs aren't interested but I'm not going to stop until it gets done.

 
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I just think a club and it's sponsors would find that the potential customer pool would increase greatly by setting limits down to stock gun and equipment for some of those contest. I mean really think about the idea of sponsors it's to advertise your products right? So what Hunter of any kind small or big game is going to be using the kind of equipment that is being currently used by the sponsored pro class shooters.
It's equalivant to a car dealer using NASCAR to compare there street car to others it just don't add up.
It's not disgust at the shooters it's at the slant of what the field competition is supposed to represent, when I look at videos and news about these competitions the pro sponsored shooters with all that expensive equipment will get the majority of the time slot while those classes that are shooting what the average shooter would be using very little.
 
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That is Ray Apelles. He and his father have been shooting field target for almost thirty years. For a time they helped crosman with pcp designs but were never officialy sponsored by them, I think. The gun you see there is his custom made RWS54 12fpe bullpup. He paid Hector Medina to tune the gun, and made the stock himself, electronic trigger and all. I can guarantee he does not get any sponsorship money or discounts the resat of us don't get. I've had the pleasure of shooting with him many times and can say he is a good guy with a wealth of AG knowledge covering most power plants.

Tyler Patner works for pyramyd air, and team pyramyd is a title more than anything, a way to promote airguns. All the patches pins and stickers you see on gear and guns are put there by the owners but do not denote any type of sponsorship. Greg Souve is a retired teacher, so he has all the time in the world to practice and attend matches. He practices 3 times a day, and as I've said pays for all his own gear, travel and match fees.

As I stated it is a Hobby sport. As with all hobbies each person supports it with their own money. And yes, I know that at the PA Cup they give away guns and gear as prizes, but it's the only event I know of that does this. It's extra incentive to get more people to attend that might not otherwise.
 
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At one time I spent every weekend taking my son and a lot of other kids all over the midwest to bow shoots. These boys started going when they were 8 to 10 years old. We went untill they didn't want to go anymore. They are all middle aged men now and still talk about the old times at the early bow shoots. They all talk about how fun the early shoots were compaired to the newest ones. The early ones where set up just like Willie is talking about doing with airguns. I know this kind of shoot will help get the young people into the sport. And some of us older shooters will have a good time pretending we are on the big hunt.
I'm going to set up a course and give it a go next month. I will let you know how well it goes, and how the shooters liked it. The only way to find out is to try it.

Jimmy
 
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