The Chaz Forsyth Memorial Hunter Match 2026

Sparrowhawk and the Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) present the annual Chaz Forsyth Memorial Hunter Match 2026. Doctor Chaz Forsyth was a founding member of SSANZ and COLFO, as well as a major driving force within the NZDA. A regular hunter at Sparrowhawk, Chaz placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of hunter education and training to make effective and ethical hunters. This match is designed with hunter education and training at its core, to help develop shooting skills, and allow competitors to diagnose limitations in their equipment.
Engage steel target vital zones on game animal silhouettes in realistic scenarios around the hills of Sparrowhawk. Sharp angles, long distances, multi-target stages, different shooting positions, and an unpredictable environment will test hunters and target shooters alike. This match is not one that people should expect to hit every target on (nobody did last year), and will be a fun and unique challenge for shooters to diagnose where their skill and equipment need improvements.
If you are not already a SSANZ member, you will receive a membership for the rest of the year as part of entering the match.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Minimum Round Count: 40
Average Target Distance: 300m (Approximately)
Maximum Time Per Stage: 60 Seconds
Other Notes: We recommend that you bring a set of binoculars and/or spotting scope if possible. Using rangefinders is permitted, and each stage card will have a line of sight distance noted for each target.
MATCH RESTRICTIONS
No tripods, shooting sticks, shooting bags, or any other shooting aids that would not be carried with you on a hunting trip is permitted to be used for this match. Get creative with your shooting aids and pack for a full day on the hill.
The match is situated on a circuit which is several kilometers in length, and includes steep hills to navigate up and down, with very limited shade. A moderate degree of fitness is recommended for all participants in this match.
Due to the terrain on the course, you need to be able to carry it with you for the full day alongside other equipment you choose to bring, leave your F-Class and PRS rigs at home and dust off the hunting rifle.
Rifle muzzle velocity cannot exceed 3000fps and the caliber limit is 338 Lapua Magnum
COMPETITION DIVISIONS
The scoring is based on the target being hit, with a weighting for the base score of the hit based on the target distance. Scoring is then modified by the below division rule sets:
1) Open Division
The score for the hit on the target is divided by the number of shots taken to hit the target.
2) Trophy Hunter Division
Only targets that are hit on the first shot are counted towards winning the Chaz Forsyth Memorial Trophy.
CAMP ACCESS & OTHER INFO
The shoot will run on the 28th of November however the camp site will open up on the 27th of November, and close on the 29th for those who wish to camp at the site. There will be a basic zero/chronograph range set up near the campsite for last-minute zeroing on the 28th if required.