The East Rand Air Rifle Club (ERAC), together with sister club Pretoria Oos Luggeweer Klub, will host this year’s South African Hunter Field Target Association 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 qualify to take part in the event. The top six competitors at the nationals will qualify for the Protea team and earn the opportunity to represent South Africa in the Czech Republic in 2026.

“Twelve of our club members have qualified to participate, and we are looking forward to competing against the best in the country,” said club founder Kelly Snibbe.

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“We have been holding training and practice sessions to help our members prepare for the nationals. Those who have competed at nationals and world events before are keen to share their knowledge with fellow club members.”

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

“ERAC welcomes people to come and support us at the nationals and see what the sport is all about,” she said.