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Early Beginnings
Johannes's passion for hunting began at a very young age. "My father took me hunting when I was five for the first time," he recalls. Growing up near Dornsberg Schützen e.V, the largest clay shooting facility in Europe, Johannes had ample opportunities to hone his skills. His father and later, Markus Leibinger, a ten-time German champion, played pivotal roles in his development as a shooter. On top of that, his uncle had a laser shooting cinema. “GAIM is light years ahead of that technology my uncle had, when I was a kid. But it still gave me great training."
Transition to Competitive Shooting
By the age of 14, Johannes had started competing in clay shooting. His dedication paid off when he won the German championship in the junior category in 2019. In 2024, he won the overall German championships in FITASC COMPAK. “The clay shooting helps me a lot during bird hunting, but it takes a lot of practice to be good at both shotgun and rifle shooting”.
Hunting and Shooting Techniques
Johannes differentiates between hunting and clay shooting, viewing hunting as a passion and clay shooting as a sport. He enjoys various types of hunting, including roe deer hunting in the summer and driven hunts for boar. His equipment includes a Blaser R8 gifted by his father when he got his hunting license and a Perazzi MX12 shotgun for competitions. “I grew up watching Franz Albrecht and was always impressed by not only his shooting, by sexing and sizing of the animal.” Johannes says.
The Aimpoint Academy Experience
In 2023, Johannes attended the Aimpoint Academy, an experience he describes as both nerve-wracking and rewarding. "I was very nervous with a cameraman following me for three days," he admits. “However, the academy provided valuable insights into rifle shooting, particularly the technique of holding with the back hand rather than the front.”
Johannes would end up winning the Aimpoint Academy. “It was a great experience that taught me a lot about shooting and myself”
Integrating Technology with Tradition
Johannes has embraced modern technology to enhance his shooting skills. He uses the GAIM simulator to practice during the off-season. "I use GAIM for about 30 minutes every day to get a feel for the lead and make smoother moves," he explains. This practice has significantly improved his performance in driven hunts. “GAIM helps me transition from the clay shooting season in the summer, into the driven hunt season of the fall. Clay shooting is very fast and GAIM teaches me to move more smooth and not lead as much as on the clays.” Johannes was one of the few GAIMers that scored several perfect results during the Hunting Lane Light Competition.
Long time GAIM user
Johannes first heard of GAIM in 2020 or 2021. “I thought, this might help my shooting and purchased it blindly. When I got it I was really impressed and showed it to all my friends. It really made me progress in my rifle shooting.”
Advice for Aspiring Shooters
When asked for advice for those looking to improve their shooting or hunting skills, Johannes emphasizes the importance of practice. "Practice, practice, practice," he says. He also advises pushing oneself during practice to understand one's limits, a lesson he has learned through his use of GAIM. “Know your limits and don’t exceed them when dealing with real animals.“
Looking Ahead
As we wrapped up the interview, Johannes shared his gratitude for the opportunities he has had and his excitement for the future of hunting and shooting. His journey from a young boy in southern Germany to a celebrated shooter is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.