Shooters Fishers and Farmers representatives, Stephen Bowler and John Preston at the Sir George Hotel in Jugiong on Thursday.

The SFF are taking aim at the Seat of Cootamundra in the up coming by-election, which looks set to occur in November this year.

Party members are scouring the countryside looking for possible candidates and are welcoming residents to send their resumes in, or join the party.

The SFF have been buoyed by the success of Orange candidate Phil Donato, who claimed the State Seat from the National Party, after nearly 70 years of continuous government.

Mr Donato won the seat despite receiving only about 23 per cent of first preferences.

The SFF and Labor teamed up in a preference deal which saw the former Police Prosecutor take the reigns in November of last year.

The Baird Government’s proposed ban on greyhound racing — which it has since backed down on — and council amalgamations were seen as key issues that contributed to the massive swing against the Nationals, who say they will spend the next three years trying to reconnect with voters in the area.

Alan Jones and Ray Hadley were very vocal during the Orange election and that attention looks set to continue for the Coota seat, which will be vacated by veteran politician Katrina Hodgkinson at the end of August. Hodgkinson shocked her constituents and her party by announcing her resignation on Monday.

Both Bowler and Preston  traveled to Tumbarumba later that evening to attend the town meeting against the forced amalgamation with Tumut. They have been seeking a candidate for Cootamundra with both men agreeing they will be doing their best to take the seat from the National Party.

The SFF are quickly becoming the alternative party for traditional Nationals voters with farming a high priority for the party which was founded in 1992

Their main state policies revolve around the following issues: Firearms, fishing, primary industries and farming, safeguarding the environment, outdoor recreation and access, 4wd and camping, society and service delivery and local government,

To find out more about the SFF head to their website

http://www.shootersfishersandfarmers.org.au