Club takes aim on 50 years

The Wagin Gun Club celebrated its 50th birthday on Saturday, inviting members from across the years to return to the club for a shoot.

Originally establishing themselves on a farm west of Wagin in 1968, the club then moved to council-owned land in 1971 before finally residing at its present home just north of Wagin airfield in 1974.

Formed by Englishman and duck shooter Tony Jackson, the club served as a place for both farmers and townspeople who enjoyed the sport of shooting.

In the 1960s and 70s the club allowed members to prepare for the duck shooting season, while also providing new shooters with the appropriate safety skills.

Now the club serves as a challenge, hosting annual competitions in February that average 90 participants from across the State.

The annual event even had as many as 137 people in the 90s and has attracted shooters from the Eastern States.

Numerous shooters have represented WA over the years including current member Sandra Moffatt, while Katanning’s Tim Cattling is the world veterans champion and a frequent visitor to the club.

Members insist shooting is a social sport that promotes camaraderie with some participants as young as 11 years old while others continue until they are 90.