Winter Shooting Competition 2025 

Join us for a day of friendly competition, good yarns, and sharp shooting at our Winter Shooting Competition!

Whether you're a seasoned marksman, a weekend hunter, or just keen to give it a go, there's something here for everyone.

Join us for the Southern Lakes Winter Shooting Competition — a full day of classic NZDA-style events designed for hunters, target shooters, and newcomers alike. From positional rimfire matches to timed field shooting with your hunting rig, this is your chance to sharpen your aim and enjoy some friendly rivalry.

We’ll be running a mix of official NZDA competitions including:

• The JM Wilkinson Cup and Hawkes Bay Challenge – great for hunters and juniors alike

• The Taupō Interbranch Trophy format – fast-paced, time-limited shooting from multiple positions

• The Free Rifle Match – shoot from a field-rested position, no positional skills required

Whether you're aiming for the top score or just want to take part, you’ll be part of a fun, welcoming day on the range.

Did you know?
NZDA postal competitions date back over 70 years — a tradition that lets local hunters compete nationally without leaving their home range. You're not just entering an event — you're stepping into history.

The range will open at 10am for sighting in and competition verification.

Competition to start at 10.45am.

BYO BBQ lunch and snacks 1 pm.  (Southern Lakes will supply the BBQ - you supply what you want cooked.) 

Range closes at 4pm 

When you register you will be given the address details a few days before the event.

Format for the Day

Mandatory Sight-In (100m)
All shooters must sight in at 100 metres before competing.
Please arrive early and allow time to verify your setup and make any adjustments.

Competition Events

JM Wilkinson Cup & Hawkes Bay Challenge

Classic hunting-style competition using deer silhouette targets (no scoring rings).

• JM Wilkinson Cup – Open (Centrefire):

  • 5 shots each from prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing @ 100m

• JM Wilkinson Cup – Ladies & Juniors (Rimfire):

  • 5 shots each from sitting, kneeling, and standing @ 75m

• Hawkes Bay Challenge – Juniors (Centrefire):

• • 5 shots each from prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing @ 100m
    Scoring based on shot placement — no rings, just raw accuracy and grouping.

JM Wilkinson Cup

Hawkes Bay Challenge Cup

Taupō Interbranch Trophy Format

Timed, positional shooting that’s fast-paced and practical.

• Target: NZDA 200m Type 5 or 6

• Course of Fire (All @ 100m):

  • 3 shots prone – 3 minutes

  • 3 shots sitting – 40 seconds

  • 3 shots standing – 4 seconds per shot

• Scoring: Total points or team average (if team format used)

What to bring:-

• Rifle and bolt (have to use same one for ALL targets) - there are a few members who may lend one if you don't have a suitable rifle 
• Ammo (make sure you have enough rounds )
• Ear protection 
• Safety glasses (we have some club ones we can bring) 
• Spotting scope if you have one - we need spotters too 
• Chair (to sit on obviously!)
• Lunch and any BBQ food you want cooked
• Sunscreen - there is no shade there
• Winning attitude :-)

Cost:-

$25 for NZDA members and under 16's free. which covers the range fee, admin and competition costs. You will need to register via this link as we need information from you to be compliant with the current firearms laws and preregistration will speed up the start of the day. 

If you are entering family members over 16 years old for the competition please complete a second registration form under their name and put in the comments the relationship. 

Please pay online to make it easy. If you want to pay cash on the day please state in the comments section on the registration form 

Share Rides:-
Once registered, we can try and car pool