It will be the second time the club has hosted a national title event after previously staging the side-by-side titles in 2010.

The club expects about 150 of the top side-by-side shotgun marksmen in the country to attend, making it one of the biggest events in club history.

Side-by-side shotgun competition is differentiated from the more common over-under shotgun barrel configuration.

The titles will start at 9am on April 12 at the club.

Each competitor will receive 100 targets, split over an A course and a B course.

Competitors will shoot at 25 targets on both the A and B courses before repeating the process.

Club president Stuart McFarlane said the chance to host the titles for a second time was a great opportunity for the club and Natimuk.

“We’re most likely going to have some of the top shooting talent coming to the titles, so we’re pretty keen for shooters like that to be coming here,” he said.

“It’s pretty exciting for the club and it brings a lot of people into town as well.”

Former president Dale Russell said the club had worked hard to secure the titles again.

He said about 100 competitors shot at the titles in 2010, but there would likely be more entries this year.

“It’s a significant event for the Wimmera because we’re hosting a national championship and it’s something the club is very proud to be able to do again,” Mr Russell said.

“We’d be expecting shooters from right across the country to be coming here to compete.”

Mr Russell said the club would also host a Ray Scott Memorial Shoot on Sunday, April 13.

The shoot is named in honour of deceased club member Ray Scott.

Mr Russell said many of the shooters from the titles would stay for the Sunday competition.

“The club is expecting more than 100 again for that shoot and many people will come for the whole time and make a weekend of it for their families,” he said.

“That means overnight accommodation for all of them again along with meals, so it’s good for business in the area.”

The national titles will include more than $4000 in prizes and trophies, including prizes for high gun and first to third in all grades.

The door prize will be a Winchester CZ Ringneck side-by-side shotgun.

Entry is $50 for men, $40 for women and pensioners and $25 for children.

Mr McFarlane said those wanting more information could call him on 0427 522 182.