Bermuda’s target shooters are hoping that the authorities will make it possible for them to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and other upcoming regional and international competitions.They made a good showing in the recently concluded Island Games, held here in Bermuda — picking up four medals — although firearms licences were issued to the locals only two weeks before the competition.Coral Reefs Rifle and Pistol Club president David Dumont said the Police Commissioner had issued 30-day licences, which expired on Wednesday, despite having the discretion to award 12-month licences.Earlier this year, Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley sponsored amendments to the Firearms Act which allowed for licences up to 12 months, saying local target shooters who wanted to enter international competitions were disadvantaged by the previous regime which limited licences to two months.Legislators passed the amendments which were specifically designed to accommodate the Island Games, and other “sanctioned” shooting competitions.But the target shooting community became anxious when, two weeks before the Games, licences had not been issued. And it is now unclear whether the law allows for issuing licences for international competitions.Following a story in this newspaper on June 28, the target shooters were asked to submit more documentation in order to receive their licences.“We were a bit surprised that we weren’t given a 12-month permit,” said Mr Dumont.“We were told they would only be for 30 days. We said what about the Commonwealth Games and we were told that the Police Commissioner can only sanction events taking place inside Bermuda.”He said: “We are looking for clarification because we want to practise for the Commonwealth Games, world championships and various regional competitions.”At least 12 locals are hoping to compete in shooting events in the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland next summer, but the number could be as high as 20, said Mr Dumont.“While extremely appreciative to both the Minister and Commissioner of Police that we were given the opportunity to practise/compete in the various pistol events during the Island Games in Bermuda, it is imperative for us to be able to practise on a more frequent and sustained basis in order to qualify for upcoming events such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympics,” Mr Dumont said.“The Bermuda pistol team felt they performed as well as could be expected given that overseas teams have practised several times a week for the past two years in order to prepare for the Bermuda games.”The Island Games local medallists were Ris Smith (Gold in 50m prone rifle women’s), Carl Reid and Ross Roberts (Silver in 50m prone rifle men’s pairs), and Ross Roberts (Bronze in the 50m prone rifle men’s).Bermuda narrowly missed out on medals by Sharon Johnson in the 25m sport pistol women’s, Dwaynette Smith in the 50m prone rifle women’s and Anthony Rabain in the 25m standard pistol.On Wednesday, we asked both the Police Commissioner and the Public Safety Minister for comments, but none were provided by press time last night.