The East Rand Air Rifle Club (ERAC), together with sister club Pretoria-Oos Luggeweer Klub, hosted this year’s South African Hunter Field Target Association (SAHFTA) nationals on October 11 and 12 at the Vinkvlei Venue, bringing together top shooters from across the country.

ERAC members who participated in a minimum of six league shoots this year qualified to take part in the event. Twelve ERAC members competed in the Hunter Field Target, with the top six at the nationals set to qualify for the Protea team and represent South Africa in the Czech Republic in 2026.

Hunter Field Target (HFT) is an outdoor 4.5 air rifle shooting sport. Forty targets are placed between 7m and 42m, and shooters score a point only if the target falls over. Participants are challenged by shooting from prone, kneeling, and standing positions.

Seven clubs took part, including three from Gauteng, two from the Western Cape, and two from the Eastern Cape. SAHFTA chairperson Ourens Streicher said the key to doing well in the sport is maintaining a good mindset.

“This sport requires focus. If you happen to miss a target, you should keep a steady mind, control your breathing, and most importantly, have fun,” he said.

Streicher, an experienced air rifle shooter with over 10 years in the sport, encouraged the community to get involved.

“This is a family sport – there are shooters as young as eight years old. Another amazing fact is that the sport is affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic and Paralympic Committee, so you can earn your Protea colours,” he said.

ERAC member Eckard Gresse said representing his club at the nationals was a major achievement and a testament to the growth of the sport.

“This is the highest pressure I have experienced since joining. There is a lot of competition in my age group, and I always strive to do my best. Being part of this event is a big deal and a great achievement,” he said.

Club founder Kelly Snibbe reflected on what hosting the nationals means for ERAC.

“This is a significant moment because we are only two years old. Hosting the nationals is a big deal for us and hopefully it will help our club grow,” she said.

Snibbe added that a lot of preparation and training went into getting ready for the nationals.

“We had special training days where we learned from one another. This will be the first time some of our members go to international competitions.

“My husband and I have qualified before, but we could not attend, so being able to do it now will be awesome,” she said.

U13 winners:
*Franco Wilken
*Ava Vermeulen
*Hanu Heyneke

U18 winners:
*Chantè van der Merwe
*Michael Snibbe
*Brendon Snibbe

Ladies winners:
*Zelda Bothwell
*Annette Janeke
*Kelly Snibbe

Open winners:
*Hein Snibbe
*Brett Bothwell
*Adriaan Moulder.