The Herbert River Ingham Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) is a sports club located in Hinchinbrook Shire, Queensland. As a part of the SSAA Queensland, it is the largest and most prominent shooting organisation in the state and serves as the peak body for the sport of shooting.
The club welcomes members from all backgrounds and ages, including juniors starting from 11 years old. They offer a specific programme catering to junior members, making shooting an inclusive family sport. In addition to competition shooting, the club also encourages and supports hunting, which is a popular pastime in Queensland and one of the primary reasons to own a firearm.
Members of the club can also explore the discipline of air rifle shooting. Unlike traditional rifles, modern air rifles are accurate and specialised. The club provides opportunities for members to participate in air rifle shooting and develop their skills in this area.
For those interested in historical firearms and reenactments, the club offers the Rendezvous discipline. This discipline allows members to experience and recreate the lifestyle and firearms of the Muzzleloading Golden Age from 1500 to 1865.
The Herbert River Ingham Branch is part of the larger SSAA Queensland, which was established in 1948 to promote shooting sports and protect the interests of firearms owners. With over 68,000 members, SSAA Queensland is the leading organisation representing licenced firearms owners in Queensland.
The club also actively supports hunting and has pioneered the successful Farmer Assist programme, which has now been implemented throughout Australia. It provides assistance to farmers in pest management and crop protection, highlighting the responsible use of firearms and the important role shooters play in conservation efforts.
The club's website offers a directory service to help members find their local club or shooting range. They also provide information on current legislation and the legal responsibilities of firearms owners. The website encourages members to get involved by joining their local branch and volunteering their time to support the club's activities.
To ensure safety among its members and promote responsible firearm use, the club follows “The Ten Commandments of Safety. ” These commandments include treating every gun with respect, carrying only empty guns, always ensuring the barrel and action are clear of obstructions, controlling the direction of the muzzle, and being sure of the target before pulling the trigger.
Overall, the Herbert River Ingham Branch of the SSAA is a dedicated sports club that promotes the shooting sports, supports hunting, and emphasises responsible firearm use. They provide opportunities for members to participate in various disciplines, engage in recreational activities, and contribute to the community through volunteering.