Cobram’s Craig Hunt has returned victorious from a shooting adventure in New Zealand.
Mr Hunt and his son Dale were on the Australian shooting team for the Trans-Tasman Cup.
For Mr Hunt, the competition was an opportunity to show off years of practice with a Browning 725, a 12-gauge under-and-over shotgun.
“I have been actively involved in clay target shooting for seven years,” Mr Hunt said.
Those years of training paid off in New Zealand, with Mr Hunt winning his division by 13 shots.
It would seem the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as his son Dale won his event by two shots.
Their victories men they are now New Zealand national champions.
For Mr Hunt, the event and the score were a dream come true, especially as he hit two personal bests.
“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to represent my country internationally,” Mr Hunt said.
The idea that he would represent Australia in an international shooting event never occurred to Mr Hunt.
“To my surprise, after entering a two-weekend competition, sheer luck was on my side, and I managed to secure a spot beside my son on the Australian team,” he said.
According to Mr Hunt, the opportunity to compete with his son made the whole experience even more special.
Though personally victorious, the event didn’t go in Australia’s way, with New Zealand beating its Australian counterparts.
Still, for Mr Hunt, there are no hard feelings.
“The Kiwi competitors were very welcoming and enthusiastic to have us Aussies along to compete at their national event,” he said.