Kaapjag does its thing in Heidelberg, in style!

By:  Matt Relihan
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Kaapjag's member engagement and participation were beautifully displayed during the Association's Annual Inter-Branch CHASA Gong Challenge and our 41st Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 12 April 2025, in Heidelberg, Western Cape. Safari Outdoor generously sponsored the day's performance with a sponsorship to the value of nearly R50 000. As guests of our newest branch in the Southern Cape, the Langeberg Branch treated the Association's members with wonderful hospitality and excellent preparations and presentation. Jaco Uys, the Langeberg Branch Chairman, and his team ensured every member had a pleasant experience.

Jaco and his team's dedication and hard work confirmed our decision to establish a branch in the Langeberg area (serving Swellendam, Witsand, Heidelberg, Barrydale, Ladismith, Riversdal and Still Bay), as an excellent choice!

The Annual Inter-Branch CHASA Gong Challenge

As if the weather had been specially ordered for us, we were greeted with the most beautiful day imaginable at the breathtaking Diepkloof Farm, on the Saturday morning of 4 April.  It would remain a pleasant day, although there was a breeze later during the morning.  Nine out of ten of the Cape Hunt (Kaapjag) Branches entered teams for the Inter-Branch Gong Challenge. Shooters came from as far away as the Boesmanland to test their skills against their fellow Kaapjag members.

Four ranges, each featuring five gongs, were set up from various challenging shooting positions, including sitting, standing, and two prone stations. Distances varied from 150 to 350 metres, with gongs ranging in size from 100mm to 200mm. The Langeberg Branch’s management team and their spouses went above and beyond to ensure the day was enjoyable for all shooters, providing ample shade, refreshments, and exceptional organisation throughout.

Throughout, representatives from our esteemed sponsor, Safari Outdoor, were present with their encouragement, gazebos for shade and flags to add colour to the day.

The day’s winners and top shooters

Team category

• 1st Place: Central Branch
• 2nd Place: Boesmanland
• 3rd Place: Koue Bokkeveld

Top shooters

• 1st Place: Evan Lategan
• 2nd Place: Wesley White
• 3rd Place: Johann Strauss
• Top Female Shooter: Maretha Thiart
• Top Junior Shooter: Henco du Preez

Watch the highlight reel

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Despite the perfect conditions, some targets still proved challenging for the shooters. Nothing was handed to them on a silver platter—and rightly so for an event of this nature. After the shooting concluded, everyone took a short break before the next part of the day’s proceedings got underway.

The 41st Kaapjag Annual General Meeting

The 41st Annual General Meeting of Kaapjag took place at 14:00 at the Heidelberg Golf Club. Proceedings kicked off with a delicious bread table, featuring several of the region’s tastiest jams and cheeses, just enough to silence any hunger pangs before the canapé dinner served after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the golf club’s bar was open for those who preferred something cool to drink. The AGM agenda was handled efficiently and professionally, accompanied by a beautifully prepared presentation from our administrator, Mimi Reyneke.

Highlights from the agenda included the ratification of the new executive team (EXCO), the approval of the financial statements, and the confirmation of membership fees for the coming year. Kaapjag is proud to have kept its membership fees unchanged for the 2025/2026 period - an admirable achievement in today’s climate of rising costs.

Another key highlight was the Safari Outdoor/Kaapjag Member Recruitment Draw. Safari Outdoor generously donates a firearm each year as the grand prize for this draw, along with gift cards for the runners-up. This year, Safari Outdoor once again donated a beautiful new CZ .22LR American Rifle as the top prize. With the popularity of rimfire shooting on the rise, this was truly a coveted reward.

Thirty percent of Kaapjag’s new members are referred by existing members. To encourage this, every member who introduces someone new to the Association earns an entry into the draw. The winner is then announced at the AGM. This year, the lucky recipient of the stunning new rifle was Andro du Preez from the Koue Bokkeveld Branch.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, guests were treated to a canapé dinner and enjoyed a relaxing drink on the golf club’s porch, overlooking the beautifully manicured greens.

Special mentions

Kaapjag’s EXCO would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to our sponsor, Safari Outdoor, for their support and generous sponsorship, and to the Langeberg Branch for their hard work and dedication in hosting this year’s AGM.

A special mention of thanks is also warranted towards:

• Central Branch, which made its trailer with equipment available to supplement equipment where needed.
• Christopher Cloete for the beautiful photography that captured the day so perfectly.  📷

May our Association continue to go from strength to strength in safeguarding everyone’s Freedom to Hunt.

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