HOHENFELS, Germany -- Members of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center and the Federal Forest Office Hohenfels put their long-range hunting skills to the test in the first "German / American Friendship Shoot," here, Oct. 23.
The two organizations work closely together, with the Federal Forest Office responsible for maintaining the training area for sustainable use by JMRC.
"This competition gives us a chance to connect outside our duty activities and talk about sports, personal things or whatever," said Dr. Markus Perpeet, Federal Forest chief.
Fielding a total of 17 competitors, the teams shot in 3 rounds with only the highest scorers advancing. Targets were set at 300 meters with a final target at 400 meters in case of a tie. Only hunting rifles with a maximum barrel length of 65 centimeters were allowed and hunting caliber ammunition was used.
"Everybody here is a hunter, so using the rigs that we will actually use this fall in the drive hunts was important," said Col. John Pirog, JMRC deputy commander of operations group.
Pirog said the Forest Office has been very supportive of American hunters over the years, but that practicing for hunts has always been difficult.
"Here in Germany, finding a range that goes beyond 100 meters is very challenging," he said.
With Perpeet's help, a safe long-distance range was identified in the training area, and the two groups began practicing together. Soon after, a friendly competition was proposed.
"There's a lot of quality shooters here," Pirog said. "Nerves will play a big part in this."
Seven prizes were awarded to the top shooters and ranged from meat plates to free hunts, with the top prize being a beautiful plate trophy featuring a German stag.
Of the seven prizes, four were claimed by JMRC, with first place going to Jens Breuer of the Federal Forest Office, and Craig Willey and Col. Pirog of JMRC rounding out the top three.
"The main purpose was to have fun and build camaraderie," said Pirog and as the competitors gathered for a grilled lunch and awards presentation, that goal was clearly accomplished.
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