Mudgee Sporting Clays (MSC) are ready and waiting to host a collection of the state's top shooters in February as preparations begin for the first installment of the 2020 NSW State Shoot Selection.
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The club are no strangers to hosting an event of such calibre, having earned the status of the best ground in NSW and one of the top three Australia wide.
Shooters are encouraged to be sharp from the moment they load, with the ever occurring targets serving up a challenging start to the season.
"We are known for throwing challenging but fair targets that push shooters abilities and test their skill," MSC publicity officer, Melissa King said.
"You have to be on your A game from the very first target. There is no warmup in our sport, it's competition from the first shot. The state's best shooters are there so there's no room for error.
It's normally a very tight finish in each grade and category, so you snooze you lose.
- Mudgee Sporting Clays publicity officer, Melissa King
Any licenced shooter is welcome to attend with an individual's top three best state selection shoot results added to their ranking in their section which will form the method of the state team pickings, of whom will represent NSW at the National Championships in October.
"It's real purpose is for those wanting to push themselves, challenge their skills or vie for a place on the state team," King added.
"Especially as it's the first state selection for the year, it's important to get some solid runs on the board."
This event is one of six to be held throughout the year, with this one in particular doubling as a memorial shoot for one of the club's most influential figures, Jim Taylor.
"Jim was a founding member of Mudgee Sporting Clays back in the early 80s. The club originally shot on Jim's ground at the foot of Buckaroo opposite the Aerodrome," King said.
"Around the time of Jims' passing, we had an opportunity to move to the Windamere Complex which was specifically set up for various shooting disciplines, so the move was made.
Jim was a very successful shooter in his own right with many championship wins to his name. Since his passing we have run the Jim Taylor Memorial Shoot as a way to recognise his huge impact and involvement in the club.
Mudgee will have no shortage of entries at the two day event with Christmas shoot winner, Stephen Payne eyeing off a seniors and overall highgun crown, while 2019 NSW State team shooter Amy Buys looks to retain her place on team NSW.
Meanwhile, junior shooter Jack Roth is hoping to secure a position on the state team, as will open section shooters Jason Solomons and Craig Kurtz.
Members of the public are welcomed to watch, but are encouraged to wear eye and ear protection as well as closed in shoes.
The NSW State Selection Shoot and Jim Taylor Memorial Shoot will be held on February 8 and 9 at the Windamere Regional Shooting Complex, commencing at 9am.