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    • 8 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Fairlight Range
    • 41
    Register

     Winter Shooting Competition 2025 

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

    We have prizes from Hunting and Fishing and special prizes for juniors from Swazi.  

    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

    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 (Centrefire & 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

    Shots Rifle Positions Distance
    Senior/Open 5x Centerfire
    • Prone
    • Sitting
    • Kneeling
    • Standing
    100m
    Junior & Ladies 5x Rimfire
    • Sitting
    • Kneeling
    • Standing
    75m

    Hawkes Bay Challenge Cup

    Shots Rifle Positions Distance
    Junior 5x Centerfire
    • Prone
    • Sitting
    • Kneeling
    • Standing
    100m


    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

      REGISTER HERE
      • 10 Jun 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
      • Arrowtown community centre (Rugby Club rooms) Jack Reid Park
      Registration is closed

      Learn the art of turning your wild game into gourmet sausages.

      Join club member Phil Galbraith for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the full sausage-making process—from meat prep and seasoning to casing and packing. Whether you're new to it or want to sharpen your skills, this is a great way to get more from your harvest.

      Workshops will be small to keep things practical, so spots are limited. 


      You will need

      1. Meat  Good slow cooking cuts e.g shoulder and shin (untrimmed) 2kg 
      2. Mixing Bowl 
      3. Knife 
      4. Chopping board
      5. Container for sausages



      • 17 Jun 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
      • Arrowtown community centre (Rugby Club rooms) Jack Reid Park
      Registration is closed

      Learn the art of turning your wild game into gourmet sausages.

      Join club member Phil Galbraith for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the full sausage-making process—from meat prep and seasoning to casing and packing. Whether you're new to it or want to sharpen your skills, this is a great way to get more from your harvest.

      Workshops will be small to keep things practical, so spots are limited. 


      You will need

      1. Meat  Good slow cooking cuts e.g shoulder and shin (untrimmed) 2kg 
      2. Mixing Bowl 
      3. Knife 
      4. Chopping board
      5. Container for sausages



      • 26 Jun 2025
      • 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
      • Arrowtown Bowling Club

      WHEN

      Last Thursday of the Month
      Bar opens at 6.30pm for social catch up
      Meeting starts at 7.30pm.

      WHERE

      Arrowtown Bowling Club, 6 Hertford St, Arrowtown (next to the Arrowtown Fire station) 

      THEME OF MEETING

      TBC

      NEW MEMBER?


      Come join us for social drinks before the club meeting and meet the members. New faces always welcome.

      ZOOM

      Alternatively join us via zoom (same link every meeting)

      https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82994024744?pwd=U2xObThpUVdkRjhQTUxTd3MyL0RPQT09


      • 28 Jun 2025
      • 8:30 AM
      • 30 Jun 2025
      • 5:00 PM
      • Upper Caples Hut
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      June Working Bee - Upper Caples Hut

      This is a great chance for members to come along and help out on this hut's next working bee.  Due to a lack of volunteers on the last one it was cancelled, so this is the revised dates over the school holidays.

      We are looking for at least 5 to 6 people who can help. If these days don't quite suit then let Dave know and we might be able to extend dates either side if needed.

      This will be to replenish firewood supplies, clean gutters, install additional solar panels and batteries, clean the Soak-pit and grease trap, complete the underfloor insulation, check smoke and monoxide alarm battery conditions, upgrade the water intake to make it more flood robust, undertake general Maintenace of the hut and surrounds.  

      As a working bee - work comes first - with an expectation of a minimum of 5 hours a day of assistance on the tasks.  We will be working, but we will also be playing as well. This is a great chance to get to know fellow club members over a whisky/beer/wine or juice round the table at night and explore the area.

      These working bees are always a popular and fun event and give back to the community.

      This working bee is within the Upper Caples RHA ballot and we do not have a hunting permit for this period, so at this stage no hunting is allowed. HOWEVER we have been in touch with Doc to ask about cancellations and obtaining a permit if available. We are awaiting DOC approval so will let you know if it is approved.  

      No firearms licence?
      No worries, at this stage no hunting within the RHA Ballot however there is some open hunting available on the tops in steel creek if you have the legs for it. You are more than welcome to come along too - these are perfect opportunities to learn more in a safe and professional environment in a relaxed learning setting.

      Work planned
      We plan to achieve the following during this working bee 

      • Splitting firewood and restocking the two firewood sheds
      • Complete the underfloor insulation installation.
      • add additional solar panels and batteries and charging ports.
      • Minor clearing the tracks either side of the hut- weeding and trimming grass, fix broken timber walks 
      • Clean out the soakpit and grease trap
      • Clean the toilets.
      • Clean the gutters.
      • upgrade the water supply intake in creek.
      • Check smoke alarm and monoxide battery conditions.
      • general hut clean up and maintenance 
      • Eat, drink and be merry.....(and hopefully some hunting!)

      It is pretty casual and we aim to make it social and its a great place to de-stress by working hard in the backcountry :-). 

      Accommodation:

      We will stay at the Upper Caples hut (16 beds), But plenty of tent room.

      Get on our website and look up our hut so you can see what is already there and the sleeping set ups etc.

      Getting there
      we will arrange for helicopter loads in and out to carry the gear and people- however you are welcome to walk in if you wish and we can fly your gear.   

      The club will cover the costs for heli flights as part of the load schedule, this is a working bee with no hunting opportunities at this stage. We can also co-ordinate additional passenger flights, i fyou are wishing to go outside the load schedules arranged, however the full cost of these will be passed on amongst those that do separate passenger trips to the load schedule. (typically $2000 return but TBC) This will be refined closer to the time.

      Heli flights would leave from the Glenorchy aerodrome just before you get into Glenorchy.

      Walking requires you to drive (additional 45 minutes) around or carpool and park at the Greenstone/Caples track carpark.

      CLUB MEMBERSHIP

      You must be a paid up current member of the club prior to attending the event. 

      New members/guests are welcome however they will need to join up as member of the club to get this pricing. If not then the cost of Heli flights is at full non discounted rate and a daily hut accommodation fee $30/day will apply and they will need to arrange and supply the certificates of their own general liability insurances prior to attending the event.  

      Normally flights will be determined based on when people are available as best possible so please let us know your flexibility for this in the registration form. 

      Suggestions of Helicopters heading in/out:- NOTE these are not confirmed and will be based on those attending and what works best.

      • either Late Friday afternoon 27th June (4.30pm) OR early Sat 28th June (8.30 am) based on numbers and availability
      • Return Late Monday 30th June (4.30pm)
      • other dates on demand if ample numbers - state your intentions in the registration form so we can see what can be arranged. and note flight costs will be fully charged for those on those flights

      What time does the Heli fly?
      Once we get closer to the time and have confirmed numbers, we will email the times of the helicopters and further details but it will be based on best situation for all so you will need to be flexible.

      What do I bring?
      Your boots, hut shoe/slippers, food for you, clothes, towel, toiletries, sleeping bag/under sheet, working gloves, overalls, tools (will be advised closer to the time). A willingness to have fun, get dirty and enjoy being in the bush with like-minded people.

      And if we get approval your hunting gear, gun security bits etc..

      If someone wants to come in and be camp mother/father who sorts the dinners/ lunches/breakfasts for the team so they can not worry about it then, that would be fabulous, and we would coordinate a communal food menu.

      So please book your leave with work now and register asap to secure your place on what will be another very fun and rewarding trip. it is also school holidays so kids are welcome if you need to look after them anyway.

      There will be a zoom briefing session on Tuesday 24th June at 7.30pm, if you can't make it please let Dave Rider know before hand.

      We will also have a whats app chat group set up so you can ask any questions/ coordinate carpooling etc etc. 
      REGISTER NOW 


      • 6 Sep 2025
      • Queenstown area
      • 6
      Register

      Hunter National Training Scheme


      Get started on your hunting journey with HUNTS

      The Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) is the perfect first step for aspiring hunters looking to gain confidence, competence, and practical skills in the field.

      Delivered by experienced instructors from the Southern Lakes NZDA, this comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to hunt safely and ethically below the snowline.

      Whether you're completely new to hunting or just want to strengthen your foundation, the HUNTS course offers an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

      No firearms licence is required—just a keen interest and a reasonable level of fitness.

      NOTE: Dates to be finalised - Please register your interest below.

      Experienced hunters may find value in some sections of the course. A Firearms licence is not necessary.

      This is ideal for anyone wishing to learn about hunting.

      Course Contents:

      • Hunting techniques
      • Species knowledge
      • Game utilisation (skinning, butchering, etc)
      • Firearm safety in a hunting context
      • Practical shooting and hunting ballistics
      • Essential bush skills
      • River safety

      Participants must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and access to personal tramping equipment.

      Cost per person $550.00 (Incl GST)

      Includes:

      • HUNTS Manual
      • Ammunition
      • Hunting trip & accommodation (food not included)
      • Membership

      Weekend 1

      Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am

      Location: Five Mile office space, 19 Grant Road, Frankton

      Welcome, housekeeping, and introductions. Bring a pen/pencil and paper for taking notes, and your lunch. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and manuals will be provided.

      Modules covered:

      • Ethics, Ecology & Regulations
      • Game Animal Species in New Zealand
      • Meat, Skins & Trophies
      • Hunting Techniques
      • Firearms Selection, Safety & Marksmanship

      Sunday, start time 8:30am (done by early afternoon)

      Location: Local hobby farm – details provided Saturday

      Hands-on butchery session and knife sharpening

      Weekend 2

      Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am

      Location: Five Mile office space, 19 Grant Road, Frankton

      Course modules covered:

      • Equipment & Food
      • Travel & Navigation
      • When Things Go Wrong (Emergency management)

      Sunday, most of the day, start time 8:30am

      Location: Fairlight Shooting Range – details provided Saturday

      • Full day using a range of different firearms
      • Firearms safety
      • Sighting in
      • Shooting positions and techniques
      • Firearms maintenance and cleaning


      Weekend 3

      Friday

      Meet at pre-arranged accommodation (within 2 hours from Queenstown) at 7:00pm. Bring all required gear—we’ll send out a gear list ahead of time.

      Saturday

      Full day hunt plus bushcraft and navigation skills.

      Sunday

      River safety and river crossing exercises — be prepared to get wet!

      Travel home in the afternoon.


      Graduation

      Successful participants will be invited to attend a Southern Lakes NZDA club meeting to receive their certificate of completion.

    Past events

    1 Jun 2025 Range Day at Fairlight
    30 May 2025 Tahr Trip - Kings Birthday
    29 May 2025 May Monthly Club Meeting (Pot Luck, Prizes, AGM and Trophy Scoring)
    23 May 2025 Twizel Family Fishing Trip – May 23–25, 2025
    14 May 2025 Sausage-Making Workshop with Phil Galbraith
    4 May 2025 Range Day at Fairlight
    24 Apr 2025 April Monthly Club Meeting
    24 Apr 2025 2025 Ladies Mavora Hunt
    1 Apr 2025 1-10 April - Mid Greenstone Working Bee
    27 Mar 2025 March Monthly Club Meeting
    28 Feb 2025 Greenstone/ Caples June to Sept RHA Ballots
    27 Feb 2025 Monthly Club Meeting
    16 Feb 2025 Range Day at Fairlight
    9 Feb 2025 Long Range Shooting Workshop
    2 Feb 2025 Range Day at Fairlight
    30 Jan 2025 Monthly Club Meeting
    12 Jan 2025 Family Range Day at Fairlight
    11 Jan 2025 A & P Show Lake Hayes
    15 Dec 2024 Xmas BBQ & family event
    1 Dec 2024 Steele Creek and Greenstone - Trap Monitoring - December
    28 Nov 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    22 Nov 2024 Family-Friendly 4x4 Adventure & Hunting Trip
    22 Nov 2024 Spring Club Tahr Hunt
    10 Nov 2024 Interclub Firearms Competition Shoot SLBNZDA v SNZDA
    8 Nov 2024 Fiordland Wapiti Blocks Close
    1 Nov 2024 Hooker-Landsborough and Adams winter tahr ballot
    31 Oct 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    25 Oct 2024 Club Tahr Hunt
    11 Oct 2024 2024 Ladies Tahr Hunt
    1 Oct 2024 Wanaka Ballot Applications
    30 Sep 2024 Haast Roar Block Ballot Closes
    26 Sep 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    20 Sep 2024 Greenstone Trapping & Working Bee - Sept.
    13 Sep 2024 Ladies Hunt Dunstan Downs Station
    1 Sep 2024 Club Range Day
    29 Aug 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    10 Aug 2024 2024 HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme)
    3 Aug 2024 Club Range Day
    2 Aug 2024 Fiordland Wapiti Foundation Roadshow
    25 Jul 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    7 Jul 2024 Club Range Day
    27 Jun 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    16 Jun 2024 Invercargill Range Invitational Club Shoot
    30 May 2024 Monthly Club Meeting & AGM
    19 May 2024 Range day invitation
    14 May 2024 Evening with Remi Warren
    25 Apr 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    25 Apr 2024 2024 Ladies Mavora Hunt
    28 Mar 2024 Greenstone Working Bee - Trapping
    26 Mar 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    29 Feb 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    19 Feb 2024 Greenstone/ Caples June to Sept RHA Ballots
    2 Feb 2024 Taieri Geese Cull
    1 Feb 2024 Trap Monitoring Volunteer - February
    26 Jan 2024 Caples Meat Recovery & Management Hunt
    25 Jan 2024 Monthly Club Meeting
    13 Jan 2024 A & P Show Lake Hayes
    10 Dec 2023 Xmas BBQ & family event
    30 Nov 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    26 Nov 2023 Goat Competition Last Entry Event
    18 Nov 2023 Goat Shoot - Mt Dewar
    10 Nov 2023 Goat Shoot - Coronet Peak Station, Macetown
    3 Nov 2023 2023 Ladies Tahr Hunt
    3 Nov 2023 Hooker-Landsborough and Adams winter tahr ballot
    3 Nov 2023 Wanaka Ballot Applications CLOSING SOON
    1 Nov 2023 Greenstone/ Caples April & May RHA Ballots
    30 Oct 2023 Fiordland Wapiti Blocks
    28 Oct 2023 Sika Show
    26 Oct 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    20 Oct 2023 Greenstone Survey Management Hunt
    20 Oct 2023 Intro to Tahr Hunting
    30 Sep 2023 Caples Working Bee & Hunting
    28 Sep 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    20 Sep 2023 Greenstone Working Bee & Hunting - Registration is now closed
    16 Sep 2023 2023 HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme)
    5 Sep 2023 Haast Roar Block Ballot Applications
    31 Aug 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    26 Aug 2023 Goat Shoot - Mt Dewar
    27 Jul 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    30 Jun 2023 Winter Wapiti Weekend
    29 Jun 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    6 Jun 2023 Lizard Diversity
    25 May 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    27 Apr 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    21 Apr 2023 2023 Ladies Mavora Hunt
    31 Mar 2023 Working Bee & Hunting April 2023
    30 Mar 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    2 Mar 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    24 Feb 2023 Greenstone Survey Management Hunt
    3 Feb 2023 Taieri Geese Cull
    26 Jan 2023 Monthly Club Meeting
    14 Jan 2023 A & P Show Lake Hayes
    11 Dec 2022 Xmas BBQ & family event
    11 Dec 2022 Clay Target Shoot - CANCELLED
    27 Nov 2022 Competition Shoot
    24 Nov 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    4 Nov 2022 2022 Ladies Tahr Hunt
    27 Oct 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    21 Oct 2022 Club Tahr Hunt
    7 Oct 2022 Caples Management Hunt
    7 Oct 2022 Family and Youth Hunt
    30 Sep 2022 Bow Hunting - Tahr
    29 Sep 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    23 Sep 2022 Lake Ohau - Tahr Management
    20 Sep 2022 Working Bee & Hunting Sept 2022
    17 Sep 2022 Kids Rabbit Shoot Weekend
    25 Aug 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    28 Jul 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    15 Jul 2022 Lake Ohau - Tahr Management
    2 Jul 2022 2022 HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme)
    30 Jun 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    3 Jun 2022 Tahr Hunt
    3 Jun 2022 Freeman Burn Hut Maintenance FINAL ONE!
    26 May 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    19 May 2022 Q&A with Remi Warren
    13 May 2022 Freeman Burn Hut Maintenance
    13 May 2022 Dobson 4WD hunting trip
    28 Apr 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    22 Apr 2022 Ladies Hunt
    22 Apr 2022 Dobson 4WD hunting trip
    1 Apr 2022 Working Bee & Hunting April 2021
    31 Mar 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    27 Feb 2022 Goat Shoot
    24 Feb 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    4 Feb 2022 Freeman Burn Hut Maintenance
    1 Feb 2022 Winter RHA applications open
    27 Jan 2022 Monthly Club Meeting
    12 Dec 2021 Xmas BBQ & family event
    10 Dec 2021 Goat Shoot - Coronet Peak Station
    25 Nov 2021 Nov Club Meeting
    5 Nov 2021 Ladies Tahr Hunt
    1 Nov 2021 RHA applications open
    29 Oct 2021 Tahr Hunt
    28 Oct 2021 Oct Club Meeting
    9 Oct 2021 Douglas Score Course
    1 Oct 2021 Wanaka Ballot applications open
    30 Sep 2021 Sept - Club Meeting
    29 Aug 2021 Club Range Day - POSTPONED
    26 Aug 2021 Aug - Club Meeting
    24 Aug 2021 Hunting & Fishing - POSTPONED
    15 Aug 2021 Club Range Day
    1 Aug 2021 Club Range Day
    29 Jul 2021 July - Club Meeting
    10 Jul 2021 HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme)
    24 Jun 2021 June - Club Meeting
    12 Jun 2021 NZDA Conference "Gala" Dinner
    12 Jun 2021 Wine & Sightseeing Tour
    11 Jun 2021 NZDA & Hunting and Fishing BBQ night
    6 Jun 2021 Club Range Day
    27 May 2021 May AGM & Club Meeting
    23 May 2021 Club Range Day
    14 May 2021 Blue Mountains Hunting
    9 May 2021 Club Range Day
    29 Apr 2021 April Club Meeting
    23 Apr 2021 Ladies Hunt
    11 Apr 2021 Club Range Day
    1 Apr 2021 Working Bee April 2021
    28 Mar 2021 Club Range Day
    25 Mar 2021 March Club Meeting
    18 Mar 2021 Range Officer Course
    14 Mar 2021 Club Range Day
    28 Feb 2021 Range Day
    25 Feb 2021 February Club Meeting
    28 Jan 2021 January Club Meeting
    3 Jan 2021 Range Day
    20 Dec 2020 Range Day
    12 Dec 2020 Xmas BBQ
    12 Dec 2020 Goat Shoot - Coronet Peak Station
    6 Dec 2020 Mark Salmons Memorial Shoot - Te Anau
    6 Dec 2020 Range Day
    4 Dec 2020 Haast Roar Ballots Close today
    30 Nov 2020 Caples and Greenstone RHA Ballots close
    26 Nov 2020 November Club Monthly Meeting
    22 Nov 2020 Range Day
    21 Nov 2020 Working Bee at the Range
    15 Nov 2020 Upper Clutha Interclub Competition Shoot
    8 Nov 2020 Range Day
    1 Nov 2020 RHA ballots Open
    29 Oct 2020 October Club Monthly Meeting
    25 Oct 2020 Range Day
    22 Oct 2020 Wanaka Ballots Close
    3 Oct 2020 Alpine Hunting Skills Course
    24 Sep 2020 Club Monthly Meeting
    22 Sep 2020 Working Bee Sept 2020

    Thanks to our supporters



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