Melton teenager Phoebe Warren is hoping to be crowned under-15 champion at the Victorian field rifle rimfire championships this weekend.
The 14-year-old, who has been shooting only for the past year, has already won one state championship and is rated among the nation’s top 10 per cent of juniors.
Phoebe describes the sport as “disciplinary” and dismisses the suggestion that firearms are dangerous.
“A lot of people need to learn more about the safety, handling and technique of firearms,” she said.
“I think that rifles, in some aspects, can be dangerous when in the wrong hands. But when you’re instructed and taught properly, they’re not that bad.”
She said shooting had fostered growth in her social skills, which had encouraged her to pursue a career in the military.
She’s disappointed at the lack of women in the sport.
“When it comes to hunting, women are generally better because they have the persistence and patience,” she said.
On Saturday, she will compete at the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia’s Springvale range and hopes to add another trophy to her cabinet.
The field rifle rimfire category is designed to match the most commonly utilised hunting stances.
