With Australian titles and team selection up for grabs at the National Trap Championships in Wagga this week, competition among the 550 shooters is serious.
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In some cases, the rivalries run right through families.
The Forner family, from Georges Hall in Sydney, admit that bragging rights matter.
“One hundred percent,” declared Vince Forner who is competing along with wife Sharon and their teenage sons Cameron and Jack.
“It’s not only these boys, it’s with all the families we catch up with.”
The Forners have been travelling to the event since taking up the sport four years ago (“We always look forward to Wagga,” Vince said). He wanted his boys to learn to be ‘gun-safe’. And then there’s the buzz.
“It’s the thrill of the chase, getting those birds,” Vince said.
Cameron, 16, was a national C grade champion two years ago and now shoots in A grade alongside Jack, 15.
“It’s definitely harder and there’s a lot more people to compete with,” he said.
The family is among the many competitors camping at the national ground Mum Sharon has also been bitten by the bug.
“I just love trying to get the clays, it’s just a thrill,” Sharon said.
“But the boys are better than me.
“It’s a real family event – we do it together, it’s great fun. And the people we meet along the way, we have a lot of fun.”
The championships continue through to Sunday.
As well as Australian titles, competitors are shooting for selection in the national team for next year’s World Down the Line Championships which will also be held at the Wagga venue.
