WHFTA 2022 international team captains
The International Team event is always hotly contested. WHFTA 2022 promises to be just the same!
Here we catch up with some of the International Team Captains to see how they and their teams are preparing for WHFTA 2022. These HFT'ers are truly some of the world's finest HFT competitors and have years of shooting experience under their belts. There are some real diamond pieces of advice coming from these guys. So, if you are looking to climb to the dizzy heights of HFT stardom have put this on your reading list.
Here we catch up with some of the International Team Captains to see how they and their teams are preparing for WHFTA 2022. These HFT'ers are truly some of the world's finest HFT competitors and have years of shooting experience under their belts. There are some real diamond pieces of advice coming from these guys. So, if you are looking to climb to the dizzy heights of HFT stardom have put this on your reading list.
Team England
Name : Dave Ramshead Rifle: Steyr LG110
Country Representing: England Scope: Sightron SIII
Class: Open
Dave, you have been in my opinion the most consistent HFT shooter we have ever seen. What do you put that down to?
It's a really difficult thing to put your finger on one or two things and say hand on heart yeah, that's the thing. But I think in my case, it's down to taking the time & effort to learn how to maintain my own guns. Before HFT, I had the massive pleasure of doing the FT circuit during the relatively early days of PCP's. During this time, I was so lucky to meet some of the amazing engineers & gunsmiths who were at the very sharp end of race gun development, I'm talking about guys like Dave Welham & the late Mick Dawes. Over the years, Dave & Mick have given me so much guidance & time, basically taught me the art of good gun set up & transferred enough knowledge for me to be able to maintain my own kit, both of them must have seen I was keen to learn and stuck with it - even through some of the probably really annoying questions. Now transfer that knowledge over to some equipment that I tend not to swap and change much, as long as I don't do anything stupid, gives consistency, and its consistency that's the key for being a regular high end scoring shooter.
What does it mean to you be Team England Captain?
It's been a buzz!! Since 2010, being part of the England Team every year, plus the later years as Captain has given so many emotions, ranging from absolute pride in the 5 other people alongside you, to some anxiety at times - the lower points are usually linked to persuading sponsors to back the team, arranging the team kit etc.
2022 may be the last time I shoot for the team as I cannot commit to doing enough of the UKAHFT series to earning a place for next year's event, maybe the end of an era unless I get very lucky.
Once again you have a very strong team. How successful do you think Team England will be at WHFTA 2022 and who are your biggest rivals?
This year's team, Richard Woods, Theresa Reed, Phil Soper, James McLachlan, Simon Vant and I should (in theory) be a massively difficult team to beat if we all shoot to the best our abilities, but you never know, the Welsh boyo's may have been sticking in the range time and maybe taking part in that weird chanting in the woods.
What do you enjoy the most about WHFTA events?
Hard to put your finger on a single thing as usually i'm on auto pilot mode and try and concentrate on my game, being a bit of a typical man, multi-tasking isn't really high on my skillset, so I have to try and block things out to let me concentrate. It's a good opportunity now to apologise in advance if I don't pay people as much attention as maybe expected. I hope that the event follows a high standard expected of the occasion and the courses are remembered for being tough at the target and not a test of physical ability at the firing point.
As a sagely HFT shooter what advice would you give to those wanting to reach the top of their HFT game?
Stop changing your kit every 5 seconds, when you shoot something that is accurate, fits you well, learn how to look after it and it will usually serve you well. Learn the rules, get lots of range time & wind IS your friend. Good luck, keep safe and above all, enjoy!
Country Representing: England Scope: Sightron SIII
Class: Open
Dave, you have been in my opinion the most consistent HFT shooter we have ever seen. What do you put that down to?
It's a really difficult thing to put your finger on one or two things and say hand on heart yeah, that's the thing. But I think in my case, it's down to taking the time & effort to learn how to maintain my own guns. Before HFT, I had the massive pleasure of doing the FT circuit during the relatively early days of PCP's. During this time, I was so lucky to meet some of the amazing engineers & gunsmiths who were at the very sharp end of race gun development, I'm talking about guys like Dave Welham & the late Mick Dawes. Over the years, Dave & Mick have given me so much guidance & time, basically taught me the art of good gun set up & transferred enough knowledge for me to be able to maintain my own kit, both of them must have seen I was keen to learn and stuck with it - even through some of the probably really annoying questions. Now transfer that knowledge over to some equipment that I tend not to swap and change much, as long as I don't do anything stupid, gives consistency, and its consistency that's the key for being a regular high end scoring shooter.
What does it mean to you be Team England Captain?
It's been a buzz!! Since 2010, being part of the England Team every year, plus the later years as Captain has given so many emotions, ranging from absolute pride in the 5 other people alongside you, to some anxiety at times - the lower points are usually linked to persuading sponsors to back the team, arranging the team kit etc.
2022 may be the last time I shoot for the team as I cannot commit to doing enough of the UKAHFT series to earning a place for next year's event, maybe the end of an era unless I get very lucky.
Once again you have a very strong team. How successful do you think Team England will be at WHFTA 2022 and who are your biggest rivals?
This year's team, Richard Woods, Theresa Reed, Phil Soper, James McLachlan, Simon Vant and I should (in theory) be a massively difficult team to beat if we all shoot to the best our abilities, but you never know, the Welsh boyo's may have been sticking in the range time and maybe taking part in that weird chanting in the woods.
What do you enjoy the most about WHFTA events?
Hard to put your finger on a single thing as usually i'm on auto pilot mode and try and concentrate on my game, being a bit of a typical man, multi-tasking isn't really high on my skillset, so I have to try and block things out to let me concentrate. It's a good opportunity now to apologise in advance if I don't pay people as much attention as maybe expected. I hope that the event follows a high standard expected of the occasion and the courses are remembered for being tough at the target and not a test of physical ability at the firing point.
As a sagely HFT shooter what advice would you give to those wanting to reach the top of their HFT game?
Stop changing your kit every 5 seconds, when you shoot something that is accurate, fits you well, learn how to look after it and it will usually serve you well. Learn the rules, get lots of range time & wind IS your friend. Good luck, keep safe and above all, enjoy!
team italy
Name : Alessandro Pileri Rifle: Air Arms HFT500
Country Representing: Italy Scope: Optisan CP
Class: Open
What does it mean to you to be Team Italy Captain?
Being captain of the Italian team is a great privilege that requires seriousness, lots of work and commitment but, I am very happy to be it because I am a huge HFT enthusiast and I like working to spread the word about HFT.
How long have you been shooting HFT and what got you into HFT?
I’ve been shooting in HFT for around 6 years now. I have shot in various disciplines and a few years ago, while looking for a new discipline to do with my son, I discovered HFT which became my immediate passion.
Tell us a little bit about HFT in Italy, how do people get into it there and how is it growing?
In Italy, HFT has not been practiced for long, it is at the beginning and the number of those who practice it isn’t very big. There are different sporting federations that are working to spread HFT. I, together with friends from another Italian HFT club, am trying to unite the various HFT groups from the various federations under one single federation. People in Italy start HFT for various reasons: there are those who go from the Olympic C10 to HFT; there are those who change from FT to HFT; those who start HFT to try a new sport; there are those who are hunters who do HFT to maintain their training when the hunting has stopped or to have fun; and there are those who start HFT to play a sport in nature.
What makes travelling to WHFTA events worth it for you and your team mates?
Travelling for WHFTA events gives us the possibility to visit new places, to meet/make new friends who practice HFT and, most importantly, it gives us the possibility to compare our HFT technique with that of other shooters to learn new secrets of HFT.
Have you got any goals for WHFTA 2022?
My main goal is to have fun. Then, I hope to be able to learn lots from the other, more experienced shooters.
Country Representing: Italy Scope: Optisan CP
Class: Open
What does it mean to you to be Team Italy Captain?
Being captain of the Italian team is a great privilege that requires seriousness, lots of work and commitment but, I am very happy to be it because I am a huge HFT enthusiast and I like working to spread the word about HFT.
How long have you been shooting HFT and what got you into HFT?
I’ve been shooting in HFT for around 6 years now. I have shot in various disciplines and a few years ago, while looking for a new discipline to do with my son, I discovered HFT which became my immediate passion.
Tell us a little bit about HFT in Italy, how do people get into it there and how is it growing?
In Italy, HFT has not been practiced for long, it is at the beginning and the number of those who practice it isn’t very big. There are different sporting federations that are working to spread HFT. I, together with friends from another Italian HFT club, am trying to unite the various HFT groups from the various federations under one single federation. People in Italy start HFT for various reasons: there are those who go from the Olympic C10 to HFT; there are those who change from FT to HFT; those who start HFT to try a new sport; there are those who are hunters who do HFT to maintain their training when the hunting has stopped or to have fun; and there are those who start HFT to play a sport in nature.
What makes travelling to WHFTA events worth it for you and your team mates?
Travelling for WHFTA events gives us the possibility to visit new places, to meet/make new friends who practice HFT and, most importantly, it gives us the possibility to compare our HFT technique with that of other shooters to learn new secrets of HFT.
Have you got any goals for WHFTA 2022?
My main goal is to have fun. Then, I hope to be able to learn lots from the other, more experienced shooters.
team ireland
Name : Steve O'Mara Rifle: Air Arms FTP 900
Country Representing: Ireland Scope: Vortex PST Gen II
Class: Open
So how long have you been shooting HFT?
Going on 5 enjoyable years now.
This year is your first year as the team Captain, what does it mean to you be Team Ireland Captain?
It was an honour to be asked to take on the role but I feel we are more of a "collective" of like minded HFT shooters.
How do you think Team Ireland will fare at WHFTA 2022 and who is your biggest rivals?
We are still in our infancy as a team & our main aim is to represent Ireland in a positive manner & enjoy the event...we would like to give our Dutch & Polish friends a run for their money though!
Do you have a favourite HFT memory and what is it?
I have 2 - Being part of the Midland Hunter Series team winners in 2019/20 with some of my best HFT mates & my wife Karen taking the Ladies title in the 2021 UKAHFT National Series.
What do you enjoy the most about WHFTA events?
Seeing lots of like minded people from around the world getting together & enjoying themselves.
Can you give some advice to any people wanting to get to the top of their HFT game. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve had in the world of HFT?
I can be very talkative & at the end of one UKAHFT rounds a fellow shooter that day asked if I wanted a piece of advice that would gain me 3 or 4 points a shoot. Of course, I said yes. His advice - "Shut the **** up!" - thanks Rammy. (Dave Ramshead - Team England Captain).
Country Representing: Ireland Scope: Vortex PST Gen II
Class: Open
So how long have you been shooting HFT?
Going on 5 enjoyable years now.
This year is your first year as the team Captain, what does it mean to you be Team Ireland Captain?
It was an honour to be asked to take on the role but I feel we are more of a "collective" of like minded HFT shooters.
How do you think Team Ireland will fare at WHFTA 2022 and who is your biggest rivals?
We are still in our infancy as a team & our main aim is to represent Ireland in a positive manner & enjoy the event...we would like to give our Dutch & Polish friends a run for their money though!
Do you have a favourite HFT memory and what is it?
I have 2 - Being part of the Midland Hunter Series team winners in 2019/20 with some of my best HFT mates & my wife Karen taking the Ladies title in the 2021 UKAHFT National Series.
What do you enjoy the most about WHFTA events?
Seeing lots of like minded people from around the world getting together & enjoying themselves.
Can you give some advice to any people wanting to get to the top of their HFT game. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve had in the world of HFT?
I can be very talkative & at the end of one UKAHFT rounds a fellow shooter that day asked if I wanted a piece of advice that would gain me 3 or 4 points a shoot. Of course, I said yes. His advice - "Shut the **** up!" - thanks Rammy. (Dave Ramshead - Team England Captain).
Team scotland
Name : Greg Morss Rifle: Walther LG400
Country Representing: Scotland Scope: Nightforce NXS
Class: Open
Greg you are a former HFT World Champion, which is no mean feat. Tell us how did it feel to win that title?
I refused to believe it - there were many more shooters there better than me. It was gratifying to have the Scots cheer me though.
As the Team Scotland Captain who in your team is the stand out performer? You've got some very strong shooters this year.
The Scotland team won't be chosen until much nearer the shoot, but new potential stars could include David Anderson and young Liam Hamilton. I'd hope we would all be stand out performers as we need four very good scores to beat the other teams.
How successful do you think Team Scotland will be at WHFTA 2022 and who are your biggest rivals?
I suspect Wales will be the strongest again this year and it will be tough to beat them and England. Having a team jacket can be an extra pressure on shooters.
What do you enjoy the most about ‘the Worlds’ compared to other HFT events?
Having it as part of the country fair does give it a 'big event' feel which we don't have anywhere else. Of course I could just say winning £££s in the raffle...
Who is the greatest HFT shooter of all time and why?
Pete Sparkes has to get a mention here through sheer number of uk wins, but I would go for Pete Dutton as the first to win both UKAHFT league (x2) and WHFTA.
You have been one of the few HFT shooters that have stayed towards the top end of the field for many years. What advice would you give to those wanting to reach the top of their HFT game?
I think success in HFT needs 3 things - you have to have the ability to work stuff out for yourself, you have to have the confidence to believe you can get every target, and you have to have the desire to win to motivate you. Talent does form part of this but you also have to do your homework, you need to look for ways of improving your HFT technique and find what works for you. For many this doesn't mean trying every rifle or scope that's out there, but learning what yours does so it's 2nd nature.
Country Representing: Scotland Scope: Nightforce NXS
Class: Open
Greg you are a former HFT World Champion, which is no mean feat. Tell us how did it feel to win that title?
I refused to believe it - there were many more shooters there better than me. It was gratifying to have the Scots cheer me though.
As the Team Scotland Captain who in your team is the stand out performer? You've got some very strong shooters this year.
The Scotland team won't be chosen until much nearer the shoot, but new potential stars could include David Anderson and young Liam Hamilton. I'd hope we would all be stand out performers as we need four very good scores to beat the other teams.
How successful do you think Team Scotland will be at WHFTA 2022 and who are your biggest rivals?
I suspect Wales will be the strongest again this year and it will be tough to beat them and England. Having a team jacket can be an extra pressure on shooters.
What do you enjoy the most about ‘the Worlds’ compared to other HFT events?
Having it as part of the country fair does give it a 'big event' feel which we don't have anywhere else. Of course I could just say winning £££s in the raffle...
Who is the greatest HFT shooter of all time and why?
Pete Sparkes has to get a mention here through sheer number of uk wins, but I would go for Pete Dutton as the first to win both UKAHFT league (x2) and WHFTA.
You have been one of the few HFT shooters that have stayed towards the top end of the field for many years. What advice would you give to those wanting to reach the top of their HFT game?
I think success in HFT needs 3 things - you have to have the ability to work stuff out for yourself, you have to have the confidence to believe you can get every target, and you have to have the desire to win to motivate you. Talent does form part of this but you also have to do your homework, you need to look for ways of improving your HFT technique and find what works for you. For many this doesn't mean trying every rifle or scope that's out there, but learning what yours does so it's 2nd nature.
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