Why the growth of "Ground Hog" Matches?

[dreever]

Well, you've all seen the different controversies here and on different forums. I won't even go there you know what I'm talking about. That's a biggie reason right there for Ground Hog Matches. We don't have a governing organization, or have to pay $50 a year membership just to compete in matches. Sure the rules are just a bit different from club to club, but you adapt. You build your rifle (or even pistol) to fall within the rules of either the clubs you shoot, or to fit all the clubs rules. If not there still is a class for you to compete in. If your factory rifle dosen't conform to the rules it can shoot in a custom class. If your custom dosen't make weight for Light Custom (usually 17 pounds and under), you shoot it in heavy custom class. If you want to try your Tactical rifle, bring it out there's a class you can shoot it in. If you don't like one clubs rules you just don't shoot there. No hard feelings, nobody cares.
There are no National records, or Hall of Fame points, Individual range records are it. If you want to shoot in BIG matches well the Hickory Ground Hog Shoot is one, or there are others at different clubs. If competition isn't your bag there are Tuesday and Thursday fun matches here and there that you can shoot just for fun. Same rules and targets apply but with a more relaxed atmosphere with no time limits.
The best part is you don't have to shoot perfect at every yardage. You always have a chance because in this sport it really isn't over "Till the fat lady sings" untill the last shot is fired.
No money from the entry fees go back to some National organization, it all goes to the club and back to the shooters however each club sees fit to break it down.
Junior shooters usually shoot for free, or at a reduced rate so it eases the burden on the family's wallet. Not a small thing in these economic times and it also encourages young guys to get involved who don't have $4000 custom rifles or the money to buy them. There's always a class for everyone to compete in.
The best part is it's laid back, everyone gets along, there is no place for big ego's here. If not the offending party is asked to leave and not come back. END OF STORY PERIOD.
We who shoot the Ground Hog Matches don't begrudge the other organizations and shooting disiplines,, or those that shoot in them, heck some of us cross over and compete there too.
Lifes too short, live and let live is our motto so just come out and have fun!

Danny

 

[jghoghunter]

Well put sir.

 

[fdshuster]

Danny: Well said. I've been competing in our local BR g'hog matches for several years now, have introduced a number of others to them, and we all enjoy them and more importantly, continue to learn from them, much more so than just going out to "the club" and blowing holes in paper. Distances are as close as 100 yards, (with a 5/8" 10 ring) to as far as 500 meters. with a 2" 10 ring. Wind, mirage, bullet trajectories, all make them a challange, and unlike shooting for group, where the group can be anywhere on the paper, in this game they must be very small, but also in the 10 ring. With the different classes, Custom, Factory, Hunter, almost any rifle will fit in somewhere. And you're correct about the friendly attitude's. I've seen competitors go out of their way, and jeopardize their chances of winning, to help someone else who may have a problem on the line.

 

[6BRonwheels]

I also shoot groundhog matches. At the club I shoot, there is a big 2-day championship where 160 or more guns compete. That is a lot more than some of the "national" matches of the big organizations attract.

 

[dreever]

Another thing or two.
I forgot to mention there isn't a sea of wind flags to shoot over or to put up and take down. If the range has a couple of flags so much the better, but after all it is a Varmint match.
No pits to spot shots and slow things down either. If you can't see your hits thru your rifle scope or spotting scope well you are in the same boat as everybody else. That's what makes it interesting/ sometimes frustrating!
Calibers, I've seen everything from .223 to .338 Lapua and everything in between. Our range record is held by Bill Slattery who shot a 147 out of a possible 150 with a 22BR 13 months ago.
That's on a target with a 1.250 ten ring at 200/300/500 meters. That record will stand for awhile. Great shooting Wild Bill!

Danny

 

[chuckgreen]

Those matches sound like fun. I wonder if there are any in Arizona?

Chuck

 

[memilanuk]

Danny,

I've been thinking for a while that might be something fun to try around here. We've got the distances for it, it might draw a few folks out that perhaps don't want to do the extended strings of fire that an NRA match calls for... I'm looking around on the 'Net a bit for general rules and/or targets... any suggestions?

Monte

 

[SS427]

Good post Danny. I don't compete because of the reasons you stated. These sound like fun though and I will have to see if I can find one near me.

 

[tenring]

Big thumbs up on everything Danny said. I shot IBS for five years, and let me tell you, those guys get downright serious about their game. Yes, they are knowledgable, and good shooters. Short range and long range are two different animals. Wind and mirage are our enemies.

It would be great for someone to start a web site for groundhog match shooters. Danny??

 

[dreever]

For those of you that are looking for more info or rules:

www.shippensburgfishandgame.com/groundhog_shoots.html
www.stthomassportsmen.com/groundhog.php

If there isn't one in your area get a friend or two and start one. Tailor it to what you want and what yardages you have available. Target size, everything is up to you to do what you want the way you want.

At our club 50% of the entry fees go back to the shooters as prize money along with 1st/2nd/3rd place stickers for awards. The other 50% goes back to the club for expenses etc.
We also do a 50/50 drawing every match to generate a little more capital.
If any of you have any questions or need advice or help shoot me an e-mail/PM/ or give me a call. My phone number is on the above Shippensburg Fish and Game website.

Danny

 

[mikecockcroft]

Here in Texas our version of groundhog matches is shot at clay pigeons at 400 yds. We use 108, 90, and 60mm clay pigeons attached to target boards. At some of the matches we also shoot a 3 shot group on each of the 4 or 5 target boards shot during one match. You have 10 shots to break 8 clays in 7 minutes per round. We have developed a good following at these matches. In 2011, three of our matches will add up points and give a Shooter of the Year Award at the end of the third match. Matches are held in Utopia, San Angelo, and Huntsville.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/cockcroft/022.jpg

 

[40X Guy]

I would have to say upon finishing my first year ever of GH matches, that the average joe can grab his Swift, or his 25-06, or his 22-250 and go rip some holes in paper. And I will say that everybody is having a good time and its a gathering of like minded people who have all shot chucks at some point or another. Even if one does not win the match, look at your target and say- "darn that chuck target has 5 holes in him at 400 yards and he's dead " just as well as the next guy shooting a full blown custom bench style rifle. Everybody fits in and everybody is having fun 8 to 80! It just don't get no better!! It is addictive and will drive you to spend your hard earned fiat currency for sure! ;D

 

[dmg264]

We have a shoot here that has been going on for a couple of years and is growing. There are NO sighters. It is amazing how much this levels the playing field. 80% of the money goes back to the shooters. There are 2 shots fired at each target at varying distances from 200 to 500 yards. We have had anything from AR 15 to 50 pound heavy guns show up. No classes, shoot what ever you want. The only restriction is no BR style adjustable rests.

 

[ollie]

I have shot in g-hog matches for 7years now at the South Fork range here in PA. I used to shoot BR. matches but to many "secrets" not like a hog match. Everyone is friendly i have even seen people "lend" guns and scopes etc. to people. Very relaxing shoot.

 

[JoeDuke]

To elaborate a little bit on Mike Cockcroft's post. For the clay target shoots here in Texas, the rules are pretty simple. .30 caliber or under and no rail guns. Other than that, shoot what you brung. A great lunch is usually included in the entry fee. Good shooters show up and we have a great time. Not much organization to get in the way. If you don't exactly like how a match is organized or you want to shoot more, feel free to organize and put on a shoot in your area. Most of us will likely show up and shoot.

 

[Hoser]

I run one here in Colorado using life sized steel Prairie Dogs. No different sized targets. No wind flags. Targets are from 200-425 yards. You have 15 seconds to fire a single shot. Hit or miss.

They have become really popular and have turned into a real match.

http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6763

We get anywhere from 18-30 shooters and to run everyone through all 10 targets 4 times takes about 3 hours. Lots of shooting and lots of time to hang out and BS with your buddies.

I think our match has grown because of the ease of shooting it and the low cost of entering. And even if you dont have a 18 pound suppressed 260 shooting 142 Matchkings at the speed of heat, you can still hit the close ones and not feel like you got beat that bad. And the shooting is fast enough that you dont have time to dwell on a miss, just fix it and move on.

 

[memilanuk]

That's kind of a cool twist... I know some of our practical/tactical guys around here have been going to all-steel matches to simplify scoring and keep the matches moving (no cease-fires to collect fired targets, etc.). A steel rockchuck with a small round center 'flag' target would really make things interesting - no 'edge' hits! More parts seems to equal more breakage though, so maybe not as great an improvement over one-piece steel after all...

 

[Moderator]

Check out our story on the Ojai and Pala California Varmint Silhouette Matches. In Ojai you start with Paper targets at 600, then shift to banks of ten, half-sized silhouettes at 590.

At Pala, you should 5 different yardage, from 200 to 600, with different steel animal shapes at each yards. You really have to know your come-ups at Pala because, to even things out, you move back and forth from short to long distance. That way no one gets an unfair advantage. If you start at 600 when the air is calm, then you go back to 200 so you'll probably be shooting 500 in windy conditions.

http://www.6mmbr.com/varmintsilhouette.html

If you East coasters are thinking of starting a match like this you should definitely see how the Pala match is run. They do a great job, running the match very efficently.