Get Involved in Target Shooting with NZDA
Looking for a new challenge or a way to refine your shooting skills? NZDA’s target shooting events offer a great opportunity for everyone, from beginners to seasoned shooters. Whether you’re a hunter looking to improve your accuracy or someone simply interested in testing your precision, there's a shooting event for you.
From local branch shooting events to national competitions, we offer a range of events that cater to all skill levels and shooting styles. You don’t need to be a competitive shooter to participate – these events are designed to be fun, supportive, and a great way to meet other like-minded individuals.
Some events are based around real-world shooting situations, where you’ll challenge yourself to hit targets at various distances using different shooting positions. Whether you’re interested in using a .22 rimfire or a centrefire rifle, the thrill of hitting a target with precision is something every shooter can appreciate.
With regular events throughout the year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to jump in and have a go. Give it a try, and you might just surprise yourself!
Shooting Styles
| Styles |
Brief Description |
| Scoped Rifle |
This is an accessible discipline for hunters, as it can be done with a standard hunting rifle or a specialised target setup. Competitions are divided into Hunter Class, using regular hunting rifles with minimal gear, and Open Class, which allows for dedicated target rifles with higher magnification optics and specialised shooting attire. Matches involve shooting from prone, standing, kneeling, and sitting positions, with national and regional competitions held throughout the year. Whether you're looking to refine your accuracy or compete at a high level, scoped rifle shooting is a great way to build precision and marksmanship skills. Learn more. |
| National Sporting Rifle Shooting (NSRS) |
Hunters compete using their standard hunting rifles, no fancy gear or equipment. Designed to test your accuracy and versatility across different shooting positions and distances, events include rimfire (50m & 100m) and centrefire (100m & 200m, shot from four positions), along with a moving target event. The NSRS is an excellent way for hunters to refine their marksmanship in a competitive yet accessible environment. Learn more. |
| F - Class |
This is a precision-focused competition where you shoot from a prone position using a supported rifle rest. Designed for those who prefer a stable shooting platform over traditional position shooting, it accommodates both centrefire and .22LR rimfire hunting rifles. Competitions range from internal branch events to national-level matches, testing accuracy through multiple five-shot groups at distances of 100m and 200m. Scoring is based on precise shot placement, with specialised targets used at higher levels. F-Class is an excellent format for hunters and marksmen looking to refine their shooting skills under more controlled conditions. Learn more. |
| Benchrest |
The formula 1 of target shooting, benchrest shooting is all about extreme precision, with competitors aiming to place multiple shots into the smallest possible group at set distances. Using highly tuned rifles, specialised rests, and high-magnification optics, shooters focus on eliminating variables to achieve near-perfect consistency. Success in benchrest is measured in millimetres, making it one of the most technically demanding shooting disciplines. Most competitors opt for custom-built or heavily modified rifles to ensure maximum accuracy. Learn more. |
| Rimfire Metallic Silhouette |
This shooting discipline uses rifles to shoot metal targets in the shapes of chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams at various distances from 20 yards to 500 meters. |
Shooting Events Overview
Branch Facilitated National Competitions (AKA Postal Shoots)
J M Wilkinson Cup - learn more
Hawke's Bay Challenge Cup for Juniors - learn more
Taupo Interbranch Postal Shoot Trophy - learn more
Brown Trophy - Short F - learn more
Stand Alone Shooting Events
This encompasses all other events on the National Shooting calendar (below), both National and Branch level events
North and South Island Benchrest Champs
Benchrest Nationals
North Island Scoped Rifle
Scoped Rifle Nationals
R/F Silhouette Nationals
Short F Class Nationals
National Sporting Rifle Shoot
Upcoming Shooting Events
|
Date |
Time |
Event |
Location/Range |
Who To Contact |
Email Address |
|
Sunday 11th January |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Saturday 24th - Monday 26th January |
8:00am |
NZDA North Island Benchrest Champs
|
Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex, 205 Newall Rd, Tokoroa |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
Sunday 15th February |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Sunday 22nd February |
Northern Regional Scoped Rifle Championships |
North Auckland Deerstalkers Range, 848 Coatesville Riverhead Highway |
Bob McMillan |
b3o2b7m5c@gmail.com |
|
|
Friday 13th- Monday 16th March |
9:30am |
RF Silhouette Nationals & Scoped Rifle Nationals |
Malcolm Perry Range, 147B Mead Road |
Malcolm Perry |
mpmalcolmperry@gmail.com |
|
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th March |
|
National Sporting Rifle Shoot – RF & CF |
North Auckland Deerstalkers Range, 848 Coatesville Riverhead Highway |
Paul Carmine |
paulcarmine2000@gmail.com |
|
Friday 3rd - Monday 6th April [Easter] |
8:00am |
NZDA Benchrest Nationals |
Maitai Range Nelson |
Ian Owen |
ian6ppc@gmail.com |
|
Sunday 3rd May |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Saturday 30th May - Monday 1st June |
8:00am |
Zuppa Shoot - Benchrest Centerfire |
Maitai Range Nelson |
Ian Owen |
ian6ppc@gmail.com |
|
Friday July 10th – Sunday 12th July |
|
Matariki Rimfire Challenge |
Maitai Range Nelson |
Graeme Smith |
lvhvbr@gmail.com |
|
Saturday 25th July |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Sunday 9th August |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th August |
|
Regional Shoot |
Rotorua Branch (Malcolm Perry) Range |
Malcolm Perry |
mpmalcolmperry@gmail.com |
|
Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd August |
8:00am |
Tokoroa Classic-Benchrest Tournament |
Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
Friday 11th - Saturday 12th September |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Saturday 24th - Monday 26th October |
|
South Island Benchrest Champs |
Maitai Range Nelson |
Ian Owen |
ian6ppc@gmail.com |
|
Saturday 31st October |
|
Taupo Prize Shoot |
Taupo Range, 62 Mountain Road, Taupō |
Alan Bullick |
president@nzdataupo.org.nz |
|
Sunday 1st November |
8:30am |
NZDA-BOP, TECT Park Range, Whataroa Rd, Tauranga |
Baden Prentice |
Baden.Prentice@gmail.com |
|
|
Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd November |
|
North Island Scoped Rifle Champs |
Malcolm Perry Range, 147B Mead Road |
Malcolm Perry |
mpmalcolmperry@gmail.com |
NZDA Competition Shooting: All You Need To Know
Content coming soon.
Branch vs National Level
Content coming soon.
FAQ
Content coming soon.
More details on how to purchase official NZDA targets coming soon.
Do you or your branch need more help?
Paul Carmine, North Island Rep. (creator of the NZDA NSRS event, with over 30 NZDA national shooting titles and commonwealth games gold and bronze medals) is available to come to your branch and instruct your range officers on running a shoot at your range.
Paul also coaches hunters in shooting styles and also those interested in improving their shooting skills for hunting.
With the acquired knowledge of technique, practicing dry firing in the various positions and disciplines will improve your skill level.
Put your target shooting skills to practice by going out and bagging more deer!
