The Summer biathlon season at Pemigewassett Valley Fish and Gam

. A seemingly unlikely combination of events – one is an aerobic activity (skiing or running) which requires strength, speed and endurance; the other is a passive activity (shooting) which requires concentration and a steady hand (difficult after you’ve been skiing, running or walking all out!).

After a great beginning last year, we are ready to begin Pemigewasset Valley Fish and Game Club’s second season of Biathlon with four events this summer (2008).

The Summer biathlon season at Pemigewassett Valley Fish and Game Club will get started on June 7. This also starts the second annual season of the Harvard and Pemigewasset Biathlon League between MA and NH. Each team may have up to 13 members (at 14 the team is divided in two) with the best 4 results counted for each event for each team. There will be teams registered as “Match Teams” or as “Sport Teams”. The “Sport Team” is designed for novices/beginners and they will shoot at the larger targets prone as well as offhand and may run/walk shorter distances. There will be 6 events over the course of the Summer, and the best 3 of 6 team scores will be used to determine league team. . Everyone also gets an individual score with the best 3 of 6 for the season

The earliest known reference to hunting from skis goes back to Norwegian cave paintings dated 2000 years ago. The first known biathlon with firearms was held in Scandanavia in the mid 1700’s. Biathlon was adopted as an Olympic sport in 1955. Well-known local competitive skier, Jack Armstrong, visited the club last year and told us about being on the United States team in the first World Biathlon Championships held in Saalfelden, Austria in 1958. This was the US introduction to winter biathlon competition and the training ground for the US participation in the first Olympic Biathlon which was held in Squaw Valley, California in 1960. Olympic Biathlons use the same caliber rifles on the same-sized targets at the same distances as we will be using here at the Pemi competitions

Summer Biathlon grew naturally out of Winter Biathlon as a means of keeping in shape for the whole season. Cross-country running is the most popular form of Summer Biathlon in the U.S.A. and Canada, however there is a Walker Class, a Beginner (Sport) Class and a Youth Class where the same or alternative distances are walked or run. This allows everyone to take part in this sport!

There are 2 shooting positions: prone and standing (offhand), using 45mm (1.77 inch) and 115mm (4.53 inch) diameter “bullseyes” of steel targets. Both however present black bullseyes that are 115mm diameter, and both positions are shot from 50m (54 yds. 2 feet). The Pemi recently purchased 10 of the official steel targets, thereby eliminating the frustrations with the paper targets we experienced last year! This purchase was underwritten by a grant from the NRA Foundation.

Men will run 4 km (about 2-1/2 miles) and women will run 3.5 km. Both men and women will shoot 20 shots and run an additional 100m (109 yards) per missed shot. All rifles must be bolt-action (or Fortner) with iron sights and either single-feed or four 5-shot clips. All ammunition must be 0.22 LR lead only and sub-sonic (below 1150 f.p.s.) Rifles will be stored in a rack between shooting bouts. The winner is the participant with the shortest total elapsed time. The clock keeps running continuously from start to finish.

If 5 finish the winner of a race gets 5 points, second-place gets 4 points, etc., match teams taking their points first, then everyone else (Match and Sport). Races are held rain or shine, but will be cancelled if thunder is heard from the property during a race. Rifles may be protected from rain by clear plastic garbage bags, if necessary.

Also, on September 20 there will be “Fun Shoot” at the Pemi in Holderness: introductory instruction, some shortened courses of fire, and just a fun, family time!

Registration for the Pemi events will take place at the clubhouse from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m on the day of the event. The safety & range briefing and the sight-in period will be at the range starting at 10 a.m. The events in Massachusetts will be held at Harvard Sportsmen’s Club and New Hampshire events at the Pemi ranges in Holderness. All events are open to the public, ages 12-99. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult parent or legal guardian.

Some club rifles may be available: best to request one at least 2 days in advance. Also, eye/ear protection is required. If loaners are needed please request these at least 2 days prior to an event. Races are held rain or shine, but will be cancelled if thunder is heard from the property during a race. Rifles may be protected from rain by clear plastic garbage bags, if necessary.

What to bring: Rifle, ammo, spotting scope (if available), shooting mat (if available), water, bug dope, sunscreen, clear plastic garbage bag for rifle and a raincoat.