Black powder shooters hit Taumarunui

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 299, 11 August 1989, Page 17

Black powder shooters

hit Taumarunui

Taumarunui will be hosting a major 'black powder' shoot later this month and members of the public are invited to attend. The Taumarunui Black Powder Club (which prefers to be known as the 'Muzzle Loaders') is holding it's 7th Annual Shoot over the weekend 26-27 August. Last year about seventy shooters attended and competed in various events including: running bear, tuming target, gongs, muzzle and breech-loading weapons, long-range shoots, flintlocks, team, and children's trophies. Competitors came from all over the North Island - Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Taranaki, Waiouru, Taihape, Waitara, Rotorua, Otaki and the King Country - and even more are expected this year as the popularity of the sport grows. Competitors have to supply their own accommodation and meals and many out of town 'addicts' will be pitching their tents on site at Phillip Newell's Hikumutu property. Action starts on Saturday morning at 9.30 as coon-skin hatted, moccasin-footed, buck-skin clad competitors load their weapons with black powder and ball shot to aim at a variety of static and moving targets.

The action is repeated on Sunday before competitors return home to their respective clubs and enthralled spectators are left wondering where or how they can join or form a similar local group of muzzle-loaders. The Taumarunui Muzzle Loader's Club grew out of the biggest such national event held at Waiouru each year over the Christmas/New Year period. This event, run by the Waiouru Rod and Gun Club, has proved so popular with competitors and families alike that it has spawned several other similar organisations all over the country. Last year the Waiouru event, held near the Desert Road summit, attracted a total of about 400 people from all j walks of life. Those readers wishing to attend the Taumarunui shoot at the end of this month should either: take the route to the Hikumutu range over Taumarunui^ Victory Bridge or turn sharp left at the bottom of the Piri- j aka Hill and follow the signs to the "Muzzleloader's| Range" which will be in place by then. For further information about this weekend shoot contactj either John Stuart or Peter Corbet in Taumarunui or W/O Dave Fitzwater at the QEII Army Museum in Waiouru. '