Target Sports

SHOOTING HOLIDAYS: JEWEL OF THE CARIBBEAN

Created on 14th May 2009

Want to take a Caribbean shooting break? ANDREW HORTON sums up where to go and what to do in Trinidad and Tobago

Why Trinidad?

THERE'S SO much to do in Trinidad and Tobago that you might find yourself forgetting you went there to shoot! Hiking through rain forests, cycling through verdant countryside, turtle watching and kayaking past wildlife filled forests - you can choose an active break or, if you are more inclined to just chill and relax, Trinidadians are an authority on that too. Carnivals and steel bands are to the islands what football and theatre are to us Brits (and don't forget the rum).

It is also wonderfully picturesque: as some of the most southerly Caribbean islands they have a décor similar to South America. There are over 450 bird species, 108 types of mammals, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 620 types of butterflies all showing off their majestic colours and character. With an abundance of game fish, it is perfect for anyone who fancies swapping the rifle for the rod. Fed by the rich outflow of the Orinoco River, Trinidad's waters attract the likes of tuna fish and sharks (on second thoughts, maybe you should keep the gun on hand!)

Snapshot of shooting

All types of shooting in Trinidad are governed by the Trinidad Rifle Association (TRA). It was founded in 1879 and so celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. That is, of course, one year before our NRA marks a similar milestone (150 years). There are no fullbore ranges on Tobago, so we will leave this smaller island aside for the remainder of this guide.

The TRA is affiliated to and has very good and strong links to the NRA. There are about 900 to 1,000 members on the island, although not all are active shooters. Shooting takes place all year round on the modest, but enchanting Tucker Valley range.

The National Championships for Target Rifle are held in either late October or early November over a three day weekend, starting on a Friday. The Nationals are open to competitors from all parts of the globe and of any standard. There is no long distance shooting though, and events take place at traditional ‘short' ranges of 300, 500 and 600yd.

If you have an eye for some nice silverware, and you are able to hold your nerve, then you could be walking away with The Angostura trophy (of Angostura bitter fame); this is for the person who scoops the Grand Aggregate. The Queen's Prize equivalent is The Sir Solomon Hochoy (he was the last Governor General). This is a separate shoot, not included in the Grand Aggregate, and is shot at the end of the last day - two sighters and 15 to count at 600yd. You will find a very similar selection of rifles in Trinidad to those in the UK, including Swings, RPAs and Barnards. There are also close links between the shooters and gunsmiths in UK.

In case you were wondering, there isn't ‘official' provision for F-Class, but during the last LMRA Tour in 2008 there was one F-Class shooter that took part - so where there is interest there is a welcome. It is an example of the typical good-natured Trinidadian hospitality, taking in the moving times.

Ranges

Tucker Valley is the only range on the island on the North Western Peninsula, in the Chaguaremas area. It sits on the site of a former World War II American naval base. At 600yd in length, it has 10 targets. A fairly straightforward range, in a valley, it is among one of the largest expanses of naturally growing bamboo on the island. So if your objective is to get away, you will certainly feel you are thousands of miles from the UK! The shooting conditions are generally stable, with little variance of condition (about 0 to 2 angle minutes of wind at 600yd). The real challenge is the high humidity; expect temperatures around 80 to 90°F, and sometimes intense mirage. So even though winds may be steady, the climate can play on the mental strength of the shooter. Avoiding complacency is as much a challenge as keeping that steady, metronomical rhythm.

Legal and safety: There are very tight gun laws in Trinidad, and many shooters don't think the government understands what is needed to encourage the sport. For example, although there is a healthy cadet system, you can't get a firearm certificate until you are 25 years old. This means many young people lose interest and find their time filled with too many distractions. But for those visiting from overseas it is surprisingly easy to do some shooting here. Members of the TRA will help you to get your permits, and assist with storing your firearms at the appropriate police station (a 10 minute drive from Tucker Valley). You just have to make sure you bring your UK firearms certificate and take the same common sense safety precautions with your rifles as you would anywhere in the world.

First steps

Decide when you want to go to Trinidad. October time would be good so you can take part in the National Championships, but you will get a very warm welcome whatever time of year you decide to visit. You may also wish to consider shooting on some of the other Caribbean islands.

Contact the TRA at sectec@trinidad.net to tell them you, or your club, are interesting in visiting.

The TRA will correspond with you to prepare your export and import permits for your firearms

With thanks to Michael Perez, Public Relations Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Rifle Association. Photo credits: Andrea L B Lee Kim (TRA) and David Hossack (North London Rifle Club)